Enjoy the best of the Tuscany region of Italy by electric bike! Visit Florence, Siena, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano and Bagno Vignoni. You stay in stunning hotels and enjoy superb meals, wine tastings, and walking tours of Florence and Siena.
Start - End: Florence - Chiusi
Total trip: 8 days
Average group size: 12 people
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This tour brings you the best of the Tuscany region of Italy … and now you can do it with ease … by electric bike! Visit Florence, Siena, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano and Bagno Vignoni. You stay in absolutely stunning accommodations and enjoy superb meals, wine tastings, and personalized walking tours of Florence and Siena. You will be led by talented and experienced bilingual Italian guides, whose intimate knowledge of Italy will assure that your vacation is a visual, culinary, and cultural delight.
The riding is spectacular, with rolling terrain, gorgeous views and some advanced hills … all a breeze on an e-bike. This tour has been refined over more than 15 years and offers you the full pleasures of the enchanting Tuscan countryside and a delightful collection of small villages and towns.
You travel through vineyards, past olive groves, and along narrow ancient roads lined with cypress. Wander the narrow alleyways of tiny medieval villages like Murlo, Montisi, and Castlemuzio; listen as the monks chant at Sant’Antimo; relive movie scenes from “The English Patient” as you stroll the grounds of Santa Anna in Caprena; delight in a visit to the elegant Castello Banfi Estate and vineyards; and spoil yourself on your last night … at the 5-star spa hotel, Fonteverde.
Abundant regional produce, wild game, local mushrooms, olive oil, pecorino cheese, local truffles, and homemade pastas, all complemented with the finest local wines (and a superb wine tasting event!) assures that you will be treated to the finest regional cuisine imaginable.
The hotels are quite exquisite. Each was carefully selected … not only for its superior quality but also to ensure that you are always staying within the city walls so you can stroll the narrow streets, visit the shops, see the sights at your leisure, and immerse yourself in all the day-to-day Italian experiences that make this a true adventure.
Please see map below for the route you'll take on our incredible Tuscan cycling tour.
You start your vacation with a walking tour of the amazing Renaissance city of Florence with an expert guide. You end at the Academia museum that houses Michelangelo's famous "David" statue. Then stay at the delightful boutique Hotel Cellai!
This morning you are on your own to explore Florence before we transfer to Siena. We arrive in Siena to enjoy a walking tour of this spectacular historic city. You are then fitted for your bike. In the evening, we are treated to a great dinner at Osteria Nonna Gina, a popular local restaurant.
After breakfast, we will have a meeting to discuss the details of the tour, safe cycling, and other issues, and you receive your tour maps and directions. You will then be transported outside of the city where your cycling begins. Lunch is at a beautiful villa overlooking the ancient village of Murlo. We have designated two good places to end the day’s ride. The first is in Buonconvento. Here you can enjoy a stroll on Via Roma and visit a café before taking the 15-minute van shuttle up to Montalcino. You can also cycle a bit further or continue up the steep climb up to Montalcino. You are on your own for dinner this evening, and we will give you a variety of superb suggestions as to where to dine.
Biking: 34.6 miles (55.7 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,384 feet (1,031 meters) ascent, 2,546 feet (776 meters) descent
Terrain: Intermediate
Today you ride through some of Montalcino’s finest vineyards, home to the famous Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino, and we visit the spectacular Castello Banfi. You then ride up to San Angelo in Colle where you can select from three fine trattorias for lunch. After lunch, enjoy a tour and wine tasting at the famous Villa Barbi vineyard before cycling back to Montalcino. Dinner is at Alle Logge di Piazza, an excellent restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, including their renowned cacio e pepe and a generous cold cuts board.
Biking: 27.6 miles (44.4 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,003 feet (915 meters) ascent, 3,016 feet (919 meters) descent
Terrain: Intermediate
Today you ride through Torrenieri and then continue with easy cycling along the River Asso to the beautiful medieval villages of Montisi and Castlemuzio where you have lunch. Then ride to the lovely medieval monastery at Sant’Anna in Camprena (made famous by the movie “The English Patient”). From Sant’Anna, ride into the walled Renaissance “city” of Pienza. In the evening you enjoy dinner and local wine at a delightful local trattoria (Ristorante la Terrazza della Val d'Orcia).
Biking: 36.2 miles (58.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,081 feet (939 meters) ascent, 3,180 feet (969 meters) descent
Terrain: Intermediate
Today’s ride takes us from Pienza to the beautiful walled hill town of Montepulciano. Here you wind your way through narrow cobbled streets and past magnificent palaces to Piazza Grande with its 13th century tower. Perhaps stop here for a leisurely lunch with a glass of the world famous Vino Nobile, and visit the many boutiques and shops. Then leave Montepulciano, passing the picturesque Temple of San Biagio, and then cycle to the charming and unpretentious village of Montichiello where a short stroll will reward you with great views over the countryside, a visit to an exquisite small 13th century church, and a pleasant sense of rural Italian life.
Another highlight of the day is your ride to Bagno Vignoni. This magnificent small resort town is known for its curative hot springs and for the huge ancient pool in the central square which is surrounded by picturesque medieval buildings (most having been built by the Medici family).
Dinner this evening is on your own in Pienza. We will give you a variety of superb suggestions as to where to dine.
Biking: 29.8 miles (47.9 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,434 feet (742 meters) ascent, 2,419 feet (737 meters) descent
Terrain: Intermediate
Today you ride on a long gentle downhill, passing huge pine trees that arch over the road, followed by some modest climbs through beautiful Tuscan countryside. This area is known for its local olives, cheeses, and wines. Arrive in San Casciano dei Bagni, famous for nearby thermal spas. Take full advantage of this opportunity by staying your last night as a guest of the luxurious Five Star Fonteverde Hotel, a spectacular property beautifully situated around a Medici villa and ancient thermal baths. Dinner is at Fonteverde.
Biking: 33.9 miles (54.9 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,268 feet (996 meters) ascent, 3,138 feet (956 meters) descent
Terrain: Intermediate
In the morning we will transport you to the train station in Chiusi. Trains to Rome and Florence stop here several times each day. Our leaders will assist you in making all your train reservations for your departure.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Inns
Hotel Cellai
Hotel Cellai is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, surrounded by monuments, churches and buildings of extraordinary beauty. All the most interesting and evocative city sites are within a short walking distance, passing through little streets full of charm and mystery.
Hotel Athena
Perched above the city, Hotel Athena welcomes you with genuine hospitality and a relaxed, romantic feel. You’ll enjoy comfortable rooms, a lovely terrace with sweeping views, and peaceful spaces to unwind. It’s an inviting place to slow down, reflect on the day’s ride, and savor the atmosphere of your surroundings.
Hotel Veccia Oliviera
This is a 3-star hotel in the historic center of Montalcino with a breathtaking terrace and a swimming pool surrounded by a peaceful garden. The 11 rooms, many of which enjoy a splendid view of the Val d’Orcia, are furnished in Tuscan style and equipped with all comforts.
Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort
Built in the 17th century above ancient thermal springs, Fonteverde is a serene retreat rooted in history and wellness. You’ll soak in natural hot waters, enjoy expansive spa facilities and therapeutic pools, and savor exceptional cuisine in one of Tuscany’s most restorative settings.
A440 in Tuscany
Set among rolling vineyards and olive groves, A440 is a contemporary Tuscan retreat with a deep connection to the land. You’ll savor quiet luxury, panoramic views, and exceptional local flavors. You'll love this unforgettable place to slow down and truly experience Tuscany.
From where the trip starts to what to pack, check out our Frequently Asked Questions about this tour.
On the first day of the tour please meet at Hotel Cellai at 3pm. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Florence, though you must make your own way to Hotel Cellai at the pre-designated time.
Your tour ends with a drop-off at the Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Train Station at 9:15am, where trains to Rome stop several times each day. Your leaders will assist you in making train reservations for your departure.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Florence at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.
Departure: We recommend departing from Rome or Florence the day after your tour ends.
You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this tour. By far the best way to get in shape for riding a bicycle is by riding a bicycle! Build up gradually by riding more each time and be regular in your schedule. Practice using the low (easiest pedalling) gears on your bicycle and keep your legs moving quickly (a pace of 70-90 rpm is recommended). This is called “spinning,” and it takes much of the pressure off your knees, while still being the best exercise for conditioning and strengthening. Stationary bikes, rowing machines, NordicTrack-type exercisers, aerobics, and jogging are all excellent ways to get in condition as well. And don’t forget to stretch before and after your workouts.
You are allowed one piece of luggage on your tour, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You may also like to bring along a small camelbak to carry your water in and a layer of clothing for when you're on the bike trail.
Limited time offer: Book with flexible dates and save 10% on your trip. Use code: FLEX10 Learn more
