Tuscany Cycle Siena & Chianti
Tuscany Cycle Siena & Chianti
8 Days Starting in San Quirico and ending in Florence
Visiting: San Quirico, Montepulciano, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Province of Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Florence, Greve in Chianti
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MWI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3073
$2925
Operator discount: -$148
NB: Prices correct on 02-Jun-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
The Tuscan landscape is one of the most evocative and romantic in Europe with cypress trees lining the roads, olive groves, vineyards, ancient hill-top towns and, of course, classic Renaissance cities. Our group cycling tour is carefully planned to take in the best of Tuscany without feeling rushed: part of the joy of the Italian lifestyle is sitting and watching the world go by with a glass of wine in your hand! During the week we ride through diverse areas of Tuscany, such as the hills of Chianti and the beautiful countryside around Montepulciano. Riding north, we enter 'Le Crete', a wonderfully scenic region that's home to some of Tuscany's best towns and villages. We then enjoy Siena's magnificent Campo before biking past the towers of San Gimignano and onto our final destination in Florence. Following country roads wherever possible, we mix point-to-point and circular rides to make a perfect cycle tour of this region.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start San Quirico.
Location: San Quirico
Meals Included: No Meals
Start in the hilltop town of San Quirico D'Orcia, one of the most beautiful
and charming medieval towns of the Orcia Valley.
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Day 2 : Circular Ride Through Classic Tuscan Countryside Via Pienza, The Wine Town Of Montepulciano And Thermal Spa Village Of Bagno Vignoni.
Location: Montepulciano, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we head towards Pienza, a charming town full of history and culture.
From here we cycle to the beautifully situated wine centre of Montepulciano,
famous for its Vino Nobile. We then head towards the mediaeval village of
Monticchiello and on to the well known thermal bath of Bagno Vignoni, before
making our way back to the hotel.
Day 3 : Ride Through Vineyards And The Walled Town Of Murlo To Siena.
Location: Province of Siena, Province of Siena
Meals Included: Breakfast
A classic day's riding, showing Tuscany at its most picturesque. Following
back roads, we head out of San Quirico with a first stop at Montalcino. We
then descend on the road to Buonconvento and ride back up to Murlo passing
by Bibbiano. From here we ascend the short but steep Rospatoio Pass and take
a lovely road section via Ville di Corsano, as we approach the splendid
gothic city of Siena.
Day 4 : Free Day In Siena To Explore Or Relax.
Location: Province of Siena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns with one of the world's
most gracious squares, the Campo. There is plenty to see in Siena and its
sights are best explored on foot as the town is compact but hilly. There are
many museums and buildings of interest to visit, such as the impressive
Duomo. Alternatively you may choose to head out for an unguided ride. On the
June 30th departure you will get the chance to be in Siena during the 'Palio
Horse Race', one of Italy's most famous annual sporting events and experience
the thrilling atmosphere around it. Held in honour of the Virgin Mary, ten
of the city’s seventeen contrade, or districts, are represented by a horse
and jockey in each race and will compete against each other during this
event. It has been held in Siena’s civic hub, Piazza del Campo, since 1644
and local people get involved to a level that it is still common for
‘mixed-marriage’ couples to separate for the days leading up to and
including the race if the contrada of the husband and wife both have a horse
in contention.
Day 5 : Ride Via Gaiole And Radda To Castellina In Chianti.
Location: Chianti, Chianti
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Siena we head directly into the heart of Chianti. Our picturesque route
takes us via some lovely small villages and hamlets, as well as some
spectacular vineyards and castles, such as that of Castello di Brolio. Here
there is the option to taste some of the area's finest wines. We then cycle
on to Gaiole for lunch and after a gelato stop in Radda, we follow our final
section to Castellina in Chianti, where we stay for two nights.
Day 6 : Circular Ride Through The Chianti Hills Via Towers Of San Gimignano And Monteriggioni.
Location: San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Monteriggioni
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Castellina, we ride through rolling countryside before taking an
amazingly scenic descent into the lower valley. From Poggibonsi we head
towards the distant towers of San Gimignano, nestled between the hills and
small hamlets. The Unesco town is one of the most visited and interesting
sights in Tuscany; famous for its towers, Vernaccia wine & Safron. We spend
a few hours enjoying the atmosphere, walking by the walls and admiring the
town's high towers. Our return route involves a long but beautiful climb
before reaching Castellina and enjoying a well deserved gelato.Â
Day 7 : Cycle To Florence Via Panzano And Greve In Chianti.
Location: Florence, Greve in Chianti
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final spectacular ride passes through Panzano in Chianti towards the
market town of Greve in Chianti. This is described as one of the most scenic
roads which links Florence with Siena through the Chianti hills. Here we have
time to admire the triangular piazza which hosts the famous Chianti wine
festival before heading towards Strada and Impruneta, known for their local
terracotta production. In Impruneta we stop for our lunch. We finish by
taking a panoramic road towards Florence, cycling all the way to Piazzale
Michelangelo for a final group shot. We will arrive in Florence in the early
afternoon, giving you time to start exploring this wonderful city of the
Renaissance including the Cathedral and Baptistry – the oldest building in
the city. Also see the Ponte Vecchio, the superb bridge over the river Arno,
lined with goldsmiths and the most famous symbol of the City.
Day 8 : End Florence.
Location: Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
End in Florence. Please speak to our sales team if you would like to book
extra nights in this magnificent city.
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What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners.
* All breakfasts
* All accommodation (see below)
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
* Local bike hire
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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/Local taxes (approx. EUR 20 per person, see Trip Notes)/
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Visas or vaccinations
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
All breakfasts are included and are Continental in style, consisting of
coffee or tea, cereals, cheese and cold meat, bread, pastries, yoghurt, jam
and/or honey.
Italy’s cuisine is hearty, satisfying and full of flavour. Inspired by the
kitchens of the nonna, Tuscany’s food is authentic and surprising – pizza
and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array
of unforgettable food you’ll find on this trip. Starters include antipasti
of cured meats or a crustini di fegato made from toasted slices of bread with
a chicken liver pate. Soups options are the zuppa di fagioli, with beans, or
ribollita, a deliciously hearty vegetable and bread soup. The tagliatelle al
tartufo brings the delicious flavors of truffles into a rich, luscious pasta
dish whether the bistecca florentina, a mouth-watering t-bone steak takes
centre stage for main course. End your meal with cantucci biscuits, dipped
into a glass of vin santo, sweet dessert wine for a true taste of Tuscany.
Vegetarians are well catered for in Italy. Please inform us of any dietary
requirements at the time of booking.
Accommodation
You will spend seven nights in family-run and comfortable three-star hotels. All accommodations have been carefully selected for their welcoming atmosphere and all rooms have en suite facilities. Some hotels have a swimming pool where we can relax after the long cycling days.
Examples of hotels used are:
Orcia Valley: Hotel Palazzuolo, Residence Casanova or Il Chiostro di Pienza
Siena: Hotel Minerva
Castellina in Chianti: Hotel Il Colombaio or Hotel Casafrassi
Florence: Hotel Classic
We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip (subject to availability). Please check with your sales representative for availability and prices.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Dates & Availability
Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.