Enjoy la dolce vita! Tuscany is the classic Italian destination, and this adventure offers you famous sights and unusual discoveries. Travel at your own pace and take time to experience the best of Tuscan living. Explore winding walkways in Sienna and ride through hilltop villages in the heart of Chianti, San Gigminano, Castellina, Monterrigioni, Asciano, Pienza,and Montepulciano.
Location
Siena
Siena, Province of Siena, Italy
Day 1
Castellina-in-Chianti
Castellina-in-Chianti
Day 2+3
Sovicille
Sovicille, Province of Siena, Italy
Day 4
Asciano
Asciano, Province of Siena, Italy
Days 5
Pienza
Pienza, Province of Siena, Italy
Day 6+8
Montepulciano
Montepulciano, Province of Siena, Italy
Day 7
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Start any date from April 15 to November 15
We recommend to start this tour on a Thursday to see the market in Sinalunga held every Tuesday.
We recommend to start this tour on a Thursday to see the market in Sinalunga held every Tuesday.
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights with at 6 days of cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Siena / Pienza
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate+ with challenging options
TERRAIN
Most of the hill grades average 4-5%. You can do it.
COST
Classic Accommodation : US $2,500
Single Supplement: US $625
Luxe Accommodation : US $2,950
Single Supplement : US $740
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$320
E-Bikes: US$560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Getting There
Our trip starts from Siena. If coming via London, Air UK flies direct into Florence from Stanstead airport. From Florence, the easiest way to reach Siena is via bus (it takes less than 1 hour). If you are flying into Rome or Milan or Pisa, you can reach Siena by train. The journey from Rome takes about 3 hours.
1
Day 1
Siena
Arrival in Siena, one of the most enchanting cities in Italy. Take some time to visit the medieval centre with majestic buildings, such as the Palazzo Comunal on Piazza del Campo and a profusion of churches and small museums rich in artworks. This trip includes a 1-2 hour walking tour with a local guide whose knowledge of the history of this region will astound you.
2
Day 2
Castellina in Chianti
Starting from Siena, cycle north through fields and vineyards, stopping in San Sano at a favorite restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, you can visit Radda on your way to Castellina. An add-on option takes you past Castello di Brolio, which has belonged to the Ricasoli family for nearly 800 years. Just opposite is a cool cafe with memorabilia from the L’Eroica bike race which is held each fall on some of these same roads.
Ride Distance: 46 km, 900 m or 75 km; 1335 m gain.*
3
Day 3
Castellina in Chianti
Today choose between routes through the surrounding countryside with a visit to Castle Meleto and then time in Gaoile in Chianti. Back in Castellina, opportunities are many for wine tasting at one of the enotecas in town. Your hotel in Castellina, formerly a palace is now a charming hotel with swimming pool and stunning common rooms.
Ride Distance: 49 km, elevation gain 850 m or 62 km, gain 1055 m or 66 km; 1250 m.*
4
Day 4
Sovicille
Begin the day with a long descent to the valley before reaching Monterrigioni; with its perfectly preserved walls and cobbled streets you will find the charm immediate and an ideal place to enjoy morning coffee to fuel your climb to lunch at a local trattoria. There are add-on options that include one to San Gigminano, encircled by 13th-century walls and towers that, together with its hilltop setting make it compelling to visit. The hotel today is located in the country-side with pool and surrounded by gardens and vineyards will be a welcome treat. You can walk to dinner nearby. Ride Distance: 56 km; 700 m or 95 km; 1450 m or 110 km; 1630 *
5
Day 5
Asciano
This will be a favorite day of riding as you pedal through rolling countryside lined with cypress trees and beautiful vistas. Asciano is full of museums and monuments, and is also a perfect base to reach the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where monks still produce wine, honey, olive oil and a cure-all herb liquor. Art lovers will not want to miss the frescoes painted by Sodoma and Signorelli that have been preserved here since the 15th century. We stay just east of Asciano in a property with an idyllic setting and swimming pool. Ride Distance: 56 km; 930 m gain or 78 km; 1365 m gain.
6
Day 6
Pienza
Visit the tiny and utterly charming villages of Petroio and Castelmuzio and then stop to visit the monastery of Santa Anna, where the English Patient was filmed. An add-on option takes you to Montisi, yet another exceptional medieval hilltop village with tempting cafes. Arrive to Pienza, perhaps the most perfect hill-hill town in all of Tuscany. Treat yourself by staying at Il Chiostro, a former convent, now a 4-star hotel located in the very center of town and boasting pleasant gardens and pool. The restaurant options are many and we’ll recommend our favourites. Ride Distance: 32 km, elevation gain 700 m or 50 km; 1065 m*
7
Day 7
Pienza
On your final day or riding, you’ll ride to Montepulciano, riding through a ‘photographers’s paradise’. Montepulciano is the biggest and highest of Tuscany’s hill towns at 655 meters with medieval alleyways and lots of Renaissance palaces and churches (and a wonderful wine tasting enoteca, we will share with you).The surrounding countryside produces a wine called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and has been doing so since the 8th century. After a corkscrew descent down a dreamy road, enjoy lunch in the village of Monticchiello. There are add-on options, but most return to Pienza in time to enjoy the afternoon there.
Ride Distance: 37 km, elevation gain 740 m or 82 km, gain 1530 m.*
8
Day 8
Departure day. Be sure to spend a final few moments enjoying the delights of Pienza before you catch your train to your next destination.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Palazzo di Valli, Siena
This charming 3-star hotel is a favourite in Sienna. Boasting a beautiful view over the countryside and a 10 minute walk to the historical center, its location is also ideal for cycling out of town on Day 2. The rooms feature high ceilings and the breakfast is superb.
Il Colombaio, Castellina in Chianti
This charming hotel has comfortable rooms, and a lovely swimming pool. Located close enough to walk (150 m) to restaurants in Castellina-in-Chianti.
Casale Il Colombaio di Toiano, Sovicille
This property is from the 1300s and beautifully restored with lovely and congenial hosts, Giuseppina and Paolo. The rooms are comfortable and the gardens sublime.
Hotel Podere Alberese, Asciano
This property is our newest discovery; this family-owned 17th century property is surrounded by vineyards (the family makes outstanding wines), olive trees and organic gardens. There is a heated swimming pool to enjoy on the property. There isn’t a restaurant on the property but there are two good options, one right next door and another 900 m away.
Hotel San Gregorio, Pienza
This hotel has very large rooms and swimming pool and is conveniently located steps to the historical district of Pienza. Breakfast is served in an adjoining restaurant.
Luxe
Hotel Santa Caterina, Siena
This 18th century villa has been converted into a cozy hotel. Guest rooms overlook the valley. It is steps away from the medieval city gates with lots of restaurants to choose from a short stroll way.
Palazzo Squaricialupi, Castellina in Chianti
This palazzo boasts a superb location, right in the historic center of Castellina, with spacious lounges and bar, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Friendly and professional management.
Relais Borgo di Toiano, Sovicille
This 4-star Tuscan villa boasts panoramic views over vineyards, with a pleasant swimming pool in a very quiet setting. Breakfast is served on the terrace overlooking the
rolling valley.
Hotel Borgo Casabianca, Asciano
This 18th century property is one of the most magnificent 4-star hotels in Tuscany. There is a large swimming pool, a hydro-massage bath tub, and tennis-courts, all surrounded by amazing landscapes. There is a great restaurant on site.
Hotel Il Chiostro, Pienza
Formerly a Franciscan convent, this 4-star charming hotel boasts comfortable rooms, outdoor swimming pool and a fine restaurant with terrace overlooking the stunning Val d’Orcia valley.
Trip Reviews
“The routes were beautiful, and we enjoyed them. We love the surprise of cycling into a new town, checking out a new hotel, etc. We loved the e-bikes for zooming up into the Tuscan hill towns. Our group loved the Tuscan countryside. I especially loved the Pienza region.”
“The responsiveness to our needs made our bike ride an enjoyable worry-free experience. The hotel accommodations were all excellent. The staff was fantastic in responding and getting locals involved.”
“The information packet was very well put together. The directions were excellent as were the accommodations. All the information i.e. book suggestions, clothing, insurance, equipment, weather was excellent.”
“The proprietors were all lovely, helpful people. Nice to meet. Tour was just right. If people are actually there for a athletic endeavor than they might want more. But for us, and our sightseeing and casual interests the pace and distances were just right. No hurry. No worry. We had an amazing time and was blessed with great weather and the energy that was necessary to keep on the move. The biking tours with Randonnee were the highlight of the trip and it would have be nice if we had done more days in both France (Loire Valley) and Italy (Tuscany). For sure the next time we will consider more biking. The countryside with the vineyards, sunflower fields and all the sites were picture worthy. It was a great experience. All the people we met along the way in the different hotels were exceptional and the hotels/B&B’s that Randonnee selected were very well chosen to provide the local flavor of the countries. I want to thank our Travel Advisor and your company Randonnee for your help and for planning a wonderful biking experiences for John and myself.”
“We are fairly fit so the hills didn’t bother us, they were good challenges. Mileage was great, would not want to ride too much more as we felt this was a bike tour to see Italy, not just a “bike trip”.”
“The homepage looks very organized and we received answers to all our questions. We had a very good time – enjoyed the scenery and the experience. Your restaurant suggestions were appreciated and helped us to eat some good food. “
“All four of us enjoyed the trip very much! We confess – we walked up some of the hills but that’s ok. At our present age 76, the distances were long, 15 years ago they would have been too short!”
“We had a great time on the bike tour! Loved all the little hotels we were in The hotel Squarcialupi in Castelina di Chianti was superb! Our upgrade to Relais il chiostro in Pienza was also great. The hills provide the great scenic views and the downhills are great.”
“All towns were interesting and different from each other. The area manager was very pleasant and helpful”
“Your area manager was delightful. I really appreciated his knowledge of the area and his willingness to be contacted at any time if a problem arose. I loved Italy and I would certainly go back on your other tours in this area. I hope you continue to expand your offerings in a wide range of locations.”
“Your Area Manager goes above and beyond. He is just amazing. He gave us many valuable tips about places to go, where to eat, etc. I loved the trip. I am ready to sign up for another one!”
“Overall, we were very pleased with our decision of choosing Randonnee Tours. Your Tour Details ‘Orientation To Italy’ package was good and helpful. Everything was well coordinated and the trip went smoothly. Accommodations were good and the hosts were welcoming. And we even appreciated making dinner for ourselves during the ‘cooking class’. It was a fun bonus!”
“I was looking for a challenging trip and Tuscany provided that. I enjoyed the elevation and distances. The scenery was spectacular.”
“Our overall experience was fantastic. Our area manager was fabulous and we felt we were in good hands should something come up…fortunately all went well. Bikes, accommodation, directions with lunch stop options – great. Will highly recommend to friends and will forward photos soon as would love to be able to do another tour 😉 Thanks again to Randonnée for making our trip fantastico !!!!!!!!!!”
“We had a fabulous trip! The weather was perfect and the scenery never censed to be breathtaking. The bike routes were challenging in terms of hills but very pleasant because of the lack of traffic and the never-ending views. The accommodations were all good and got progressively better as we went. Same for the meals. It was an unforgettable trip.”
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