Epic Tour of Tuscany

Begin your Tuscan adventure with a warm welcome in the historic city of Lucca. After your arrival at Pisa or Florence airport, a scenic transfer will bring you to this ancient city, where you’ll check into your hotel. Your first evening in Tuscany will be marked by an opening dinner in Lucca, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights and setting the tone for the days ahead.

Embrace the quintessential Tuscan cycling experience with a 105 km loop that showcases the beauty and challenge of the region. Starting from Lucca, the journey takes you northward to the charming village of Fiano, offering splendid views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ascend to the Passo Sella, nestled in the heart of the Apuan Alps Regional Park, before descending to Fornoli for a delightful light lunch. The adventure continues with a climb to the Passo del Trebbio, followed by a thrilling descent back towards Lucca. Experience the ‘mangia e bevi’ – a term cyclists use to describe a terrain of short, rolling hills – as you ride along the Serchio river and return through Lucca’s majestic walls.

Today’s journey of 137 km leads us from Lucca to the enchanting city of Siena, tracing the historic Via Francigena. The ride begins with a passage through San Miniato, celebrated for its exquisite wine and white truffles. As we ascend towards San Gimignano, prepare to be captivated by this medieval town, renowned for its towering skyline. Here, a traditional Italian picnic awaits, offering a moment of relaxation before we delve into the heart of Tuscany’s ‘strade bianche’. These iconic white gravel roads will challenge and thrill, leading us through Colle Val D’Elsa and the fortified Monteriggioni, culminating in Siena, the city famed for the Palio horse race.

Embark on a 104 km journey that encircles the heart of Tuscany’s esteemed wine region, Chianti. Departing Siena towards the east, the landscape unfurls into a picturesque tapestry of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, particularly of the renowned Sangiovese grape. The route winds through medieval villages that once formed the Lega del Chianti, a historic alliance safeguarding Florence, and now stand as guardians of the revered Chianti Classico Wine Consortium. Marvel at the timeless beauty and the commitment to vinicultural excellence in Gaiole, Radda, and Castellina, enchanting towns nestled within the hills. The ride, though demanding, rewards with breathtaking vistas and the thrill of a descent towards Castellina. The day’s adventure concludes with a visit to Monteriggioni, showcasing its impeccable medieval fortifications.

Embark on a 113 km journey from the historic city of Siena, venturing into the heart of the Val d’Orcia. The path meanders through dense oak forests, emerging onto the expansive vistas of golden wheat fields, framed by the iconic clay hills of the Crete Senesi. Asciano serves as a pivotal point in our journey, leading us towards Chiusure for a captivating visit to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto, celebrated for its stunning frescoes by Luca Signorelli. The route veers eastward, skirting through Trequanda and Montisi, climaxing with the challenging ascent towards Montepulciano for a well-earned lunch. The afternoon descent ushers us through the Orcia Valley, graced by the UNESCO sites of Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia, culminating in the wine lover’s haven, Montalcino.

Today’s 102 km circuit celebrates Monte Amiata, the reigning peak of the Val d’Orcia. Setting aside Tuscany’s signature short climbs, we tackle the mountain head-on. Departing from Montalcino towards the Passo del Lume Spento, we’re greeted by a series of gentle undulations as a prelude to the day’s main event. Castel del Piano marks the start of our ascent: a 14 km climb at a 7% average gradient, leading us through a verdant tapestry ranging from olive groves to beech and chestnut forests, culminating at the summit of this ancient volcano at 1738 meters. At the peak, we take a moment to revel in the triumph and the breathtaking panorama before our descent through Seggiano and Castelnuovo dell’Abate, circling back to Montalcino.

Embarking on a 108 km journey from Montalcino to Orvieto, we traverse the breathtaking landscapes of three Italian regions in a single day. Departing the picturesque Val d’Orcia, we ascend to Celle sul Rigo. The afternoon ride skirts the fringes of Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve, transitioning from lush oak woodlands to the characteristic Mediterranean scrub of Lazio. Acquapendente marks our passage through one of the Via Francigena’s pivotal waypoints, heralding our venture into Umbria. A serene descent ushers us into Orvieto, a city celebrated for its medieval cultural and architectural treasures.

As our Tuscan cycling odyssey concludes, we bid farewell to the rolling hills, historic towns, and vine-clad landscapes that have been our companions. Though the journey ends, the memories of pedal-powered adventures and the warmth of Italian hospitality will linger, beckoning us back to this enchanting land.