Cycling Tours in italy

Cycling South of Siena

*  Biking Through Vineyards, Forests, Fortified Villages and Hilltowns of Southern Tuscany

*  Wind Your Way Through a Medieval Painting

*  Wine Tasting and Roman Baths

As the interest in Tuscany continues to grow unabated this pleasant cycle tour takes you to the South of the ancient city state of Siena, this should appeal particularly to those who are looking for cycling a little more off the beaten tourist trails and through slightly more challenging terrain. There is a good mix of forests, vineyards, fortified villages and hilltowns such as Montalcino and Montepulciano which offer you a taste of great local wines.

From the friendly bustle of mediaeval Siena we pedal out into undulating, green Tuscany. From the Chianti hills a visit is made to the Etruscan village of Asciano and along the rolling ochre ridge of the ‘Crete Sensei’ and on to the Benedictine monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore where you should have enough time to look around the Frescoes and treasures that adorn the complex. After a night’s rest at Buonconvento, it is time to storm the fortifications of Montalcino! The route passes through the great wine estates that are home to Brunello, one of the finest wines in Italy. There will be scope for wine tasting, but mind how you go, you need some legs left to climb up into Montalcino! 

Continuing the ecclesiastical theme the ride takes you via the Romanesque Abbey of San Antimo to the hot springs in Bagno Vignoni where you can soothe muscular aches in the company of the ghosts of Popes and Medicis. There is a whole day spent here to luxuriate in the sulphurous surroundings, but there is also an optional ride to reach the fortifications of Rocca d’Orcia and its church, San Quircio. There follows perhaps the best day’s riding to Montepulciano via the Renaissance jewel of Pienza, providing many photo opportunitites, and then through the village of Monticchiello to climb to our night’s stop. The final day’s ride is fairly easy leading past Montepulciano Lago (lake) and onto Lago Trasimeno. There is an extra ride available should you want to extend your stay, visiting the most beautiful Italian Lakes. This is a tour for the reasonably fit cyclist who likes a bit of a challenge and is at home in hilly terrain and is accustomed to cycling around 50km a day. Some off road sections are possible on this tour, and you will be pleased to know that good quality mountain bikes with front suspension are available for this purpose.

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