The Heart of Tuscany 6 Night

Don’t have much time in Tuscany?  This tour is a perfect option for you.  We can even shorten this a day for a 5 night option.  Sip cappuccino in the morning, then sample the finest Chianti in the afternoon, plus savor fine Italian food all day long.  Oh, and pedal along some of the most beautiful and scenic roads in the world.  What better combination for a romantic getaway or family vacation?  This tour offers the best that Tuscany has to offer. We offer the best Tuscany bike tours.

The photos you see on this page and our other Tuscany itineraries are not random images that we found online. Nearly all of them are taken by our local guides, Bruno Baldini and Suzanna Bottai, while on their own adventures across the region they call home. The widely said natural beauty and romantic scenes of Tuscany are not over-stated. It is all true. Come and discover for yourself!

Day 1:  Florence to Panzano
Our guide, Bruno, will meet you at in the morning at our the bike rental shop in the heart of Florence*.  After he ensures your rental bike is fit properly you will hit the road! You will ride with Bruno, navigating through the busy Florence streets, on the first leg of your tour – a lovely 49km to ride Panzano. Once at the hotel you will have time to explore the town.  Your luggage will be there when you arrive, so enjoy the pool and try the local Chianti before dinner.  Dinner is included tonight.

Day 2: Panzano to San Gimignano
Your day will include a 50km ride to San Gimignano, the city of towers, along small rolling back-roads.  There is a 20km+ add on possible as well.  Our historic hotel is right in the middle of the old town.  Dinner is included tonight.

Day 3:  San Gimignano to Siena
You have 70km of traffic free back-country roads to Siena today.  Siena is the heart of the region and a beautiful small city.  You eat tonight so enjoy exploring the old city and all the culinary delights Siena can offer.  Our hotel is inside the town gates and perfectly located for easy exploration of Siena and the surrounding areas.

Day 4:  Siena to Montalpulciano via Montalcino
We exit Siena the way we came in on small back roads with grand views of the city.  You head South toward another beautiful small historic hilltop town, Montalcino, the home of the famous Brunello wines. It is 60km of rolling roads to Montalcino and then another 40km to Montalpuchiano.  The beautiful farmhouse you are staying in has been wonderfully restored by the owners, who are wine exporters and experts.  They are always willing to provide you with special tours and tasting if you desire.  They can also teach you how to cook an authentic Tuscan meal!  The outstanding chef will teach you to cook the meal that will end up being your dinner!  We recommend dinner here both nights.  The cooking school is not included in the price – so let us know in advance if you want the option to ensure that it is arranged.  Otherwise you are on your own for dinner, and there are many fine options to select from.

Day 5:  Montalpulciano and Pienza loop
If you did not spend time in Pienza yesterday, you can do that today as well.  There is a lovely loop ride option in Blue. It is a 34km round trip and hilly.  The loop includes Monticchiello, another special hill top village.  It is a perfect route if you want time to explore Pienza and Montalpulciano today, or just want a good ride.

Day 6:  Montalpulciano to Castiglione del Lago
Today you head into Umbria to Lake Trasimeno, and stay in the lovely village of Castiglione del Lago.  It is perched perched on a promontory, overlooking the lake.  The 44km ride is easy and quick, which allows more time in either your start or finish town.  The hotel is in the historic part of Castigliano, which is full of interesting sites and shopping.  Dinner is included.

Day 7:  Castiglione del Lago to Florence
You depart for Florence by cycling to the train depot and catching the 10:00am train**.  The Florence train station is within a few blocks of our bike rental shop where the tour ends. Earlier trains are available and it would be possible to catch an evening flight.  Also, we have several recommendations for hotels near the bike shop and at the airport.

To find out more about how our Self Guided Tours operate, what is included, and what is not, click HERE.

* – We have suggestions for hotels near the bike shop for nights prior to and after the tour.  You will need to spend the night before day 1 in Florence to be at the bike shop early enough to complete the Day 1 itinerary.
** – Not included in the tour price.  Please purchase on your own at the station.