8 Days & 7 Nights

4.8

Cycling Tuscany: Florence to Montepulciano

Cycle Tuscany’s classic hills and winelands of Chianti & Montepulciano
Explore the cultural cities of Siena and Florence
Quintessential hilltop towns and villages amidst vineyards and farmland
Fresh Tuscan organic produce —olive oil, pasta, cheeses & wines
Hand-picked accommodations all in enchanting locations

Tuscany is one of the most romantic regions in Europe, with cypress tree-lined roads, olive groves, vineyards, and ancient hilltop towns and cities. Take on our cycling tour of Tuscany, from Florence through to the world-class winelands of Chianti and Montepulciano. Ride the rolling Chiantigiana to Radda in Chianti and Tuscany’s largest collection of wine, ‘Casa del Chianti’. Follow stages of Giro d’Italia to the towers of San Gimignano and the buzz of Siena’s Piazza del Campo (perfect for a post-ride vino rosso!) Ride the exquisite Val d’Orica and round off your tour with a glass of the reputed Vino di Nobile in medieval Montepulciano. Need some extra power for the Tuscan hills? Opt for an E-bike, allowing you more time for a dip in the pool once you arrive at your hotels.

From £1,459.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Florence

On arrival into Florence your centrally located accommodation is only a few minutes walk from the must sees of The Renaissance Gardens, Ponte Vecchio Bridge and the glorious Duomo. Depending on your arrival time you can have a bike fitting today, or alternatively, assemble your own bike ready for a quick afternoon spin and stretch of the legs.

Overnight Florence

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Casa Tintori | Bed and breakfast

Casa dei Tintori is a restored 13th century family guest house is only a few minutes’ walk of Florence’s major sights, cafes and bars. Situated within 400 metres of Palazzo Vecchio and 700 metres of Ponte Vecchio, B&B La Casa dei Tintori has city and inner courtyard views, and is 500 metres from Piazza della Signoria. The property is 400 metres from Uffizi Gallery, and within 700 metres of the city centre.

Hotel David | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel David is situated at the start of Viale Michelangiolo, which leads to a panoramic hilltop view from the square of the same name. The hotel was a 19th century mansion converted into a hotel around 1950, and it has been run by the Cecioni family since then.

Day 2 Cycle to Radda in Chianti 29 miles / 47 km

Ride into the heart of Chianti via the local and pro’s favourite route, the Via Chiantgiana. Leaving Florence visit the museum of Tour de France and Italian cycling legend, Gino Bartali. Roll south through cafe filled piazza’s of Greve and Panzano in Chianti. Your last stop of the day is the charming, historic wine town of Radda in Chianti where you will be spend the next 2 nights.

Ascent/Descent: 847m/365m

Overnight Radda in Chianti

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Relais Vignale | 4 Star | Hotel

A beautifully renovated manor house dating from the 1700s, Relais Vignale is the perfect place to relax after a long day in the saddle. The hotel has a lounge with fireplace, garden, outdoor heated swimming pool, enoteca, and restaurant with panoramic terrace.

Palazzo Leopoldo | 4 Star | Hotel

Nestled in the expanses of the vineyards of Chianti, Palazzo Leopoldo is set in an enchanting building originally built in the 1300’s. It retains its original structure both inside and out, where the modern furniture is complemented by antiques. Elegant and spacious bedrooms are furnished with original terracotta floor tiles and some with ceiling beams.

Day 3 Optional Chianti Winelands Loop Ride 19 miles / 30 km

Take in a loop ride through the Chianti wine lands. Tap out a steady rhythm on the climb to Giaole in Chianti, home to 12th-century Brolio Castle, the region's largest vineyard. A rapid descent heads through Castelnuovo dei Sabionni before a rolling route returns you to the pool and gardens of your hotel. Later, why not visit the Casa del Chianti Classico. This former 15th-century convent houses the largest collection of Chianti labels ready for sampling under expert guidance. There is also the option to shorten this ride to 30km.

Ascent/Descent: 630m/631m

Longer ride option: distance 50km and ascent/descent 1150m/1152m

Overnight Radda in Chianti

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Relais Vignale | 4 Star | Hotel

Palazzo Leopoldo | 4 Star | Hotel

Day 4 Cycle to Siena 35 miles / 57 km

Leaving Radda, cycle sections of the Giro d’Italia stage as you head west to the hilltop town of San Gimignano famed for its 14 towers (and the world’s best gelato shop!). On leaving San Gimignano, the route passes through the old town streets of Monteriggioni and into the grandeur of Siena’s old town centre piece, the Piazza del Camp. The perfect spot for a post-ride beer!

Ascent/Descent: 510m/705m

Longer ride option: distance 74km 57km and ascent/descent 815m/1012m

Overnight Siena

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

La Chicca B&B | Bed and breakfast

La Chicca B&B is run by the Garavini family. The accommodation is situated in an old villa in the San Prospero area, just outside of the historic Siena’s walls. Offering a garden and a terrace, La Chicca Siena is located in Siena, a 5 mins walk from the Piazza Campo and a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral.

Hotel Minerva | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Minerva is one of the most historic 3-star hotels in the city of Siena. The hotel is located within the ancient city walls of Siena, in the north of the city, just a few steps away from Piazza Campo: the heart of the historic city center, famous throughout the world as the City of the Palio.

Hotel Alma Domus | Hotel

Set in a 13th-century building, Hotel Alma Domus offers rooms in the historic centre of Siena, a 2-minute walk from Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico Church. Many of the rooms have balconies offering city views and they are all stylishly decorated.

Day 5 Optional Siena loop ride in the Montagnola hills 36 miles / 57 km

Cycle the Montagnola Hills west of Siena. Take a spin to the fortified town of Sovicille. Roll through the hills of Poggio al Pero and through the villages of Maggiano and Lucerena. On the final descent to Siena take a rustic Toscana lunch in Carpineta. Back in Siena further explore the art-filled streets and the lure of entoneca’s packed with local pecorino cheese and salamis.

Ascent/Descent: 1000m/1000

Overnight Siena

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

La Chicca B&B | Bed and breakfast

Hotel Minerva | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Alma Domus | Hotel

Day 6 Siena to Montepulciano 38 miles / 61 km

Ride to the world-class wine region of Montepulciano. An easier spin on the legs today heads through lands rich in wine, olive and sunflower production. On arrival into Montepulciano the steeps streets of medieval Montepulciano offer countless and extensive views over the spectacular Val d’Orica and Val di Chaina.

Ascent/Descent: 850m/700m

Overnight Montepulciano

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Albergo il Rondo | Hotel

A 10-minute walk from the centre of Montepulciano, this 18th century property is decorated with antique furniture and classical décor in keeping with its historic charm, whilst having modern amenities like WiFi access and air conditioning. This small hotel has a bar and peaceful gardens.

Albergo San Biagio | 3 Star

Hotel San Biagio is set in Montepulciano in the heart of Tuscany. It features a heated swimming pool with whirlpool and a bar.

With a balcony, air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV, safe and private bathroom with free toiletries.

The San Biagio is a perfect base for trekking and cycling excursions in the Tuscan countryside. The on-site pool is open for May until November.

Day 7 Optional Montepulciano loop ride 34.2 miles / 55.1 km

Before being lured by the countless wine tasting experiences, there are a choice of two rides today. A long but punchy route heads through the sensational Val d’Orica region and via the hilltop town of Montalcino. Alternatively, shortening the loop to 50km leaves ample time for a lazy afternoon lunch with a generous glass (or two) of the revered Vino Nobile.

Ascent/Descent: 1400m/1400m

Overnight Montepulciano

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Albergo il Rondo | Hotel

Albergo San Biagio | 3 Star

Hotel San Biagio is set in Montepulciano in the heart of Tuscany. It features a heated swimming pool with whirlpool and a bar.

With a balcony, air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV, safe and private bathroom with free toiletries.

The San Biagio is a perfect base for trekking and cycling excursions in the Tuscan countryside. The on-site pool is open for May until November.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 16kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 16kg is equivalent to 6.5 packets of British butter. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Tuscany is well known for its rolling roads and is a firm favourite with the pro's. At the end of each ride soak up Italian life in the buzz of a piazza with rustic regional dishes and a large glass of Chianti or Montepulciano!

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie, Wine

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Grade & Terrain

This cycling tour is graded moderate to strenuous. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some rides may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. The route is mainly on quiet country roads wherever possible but there will be busier stretches as you approach and exit towns. The cycling in this region follows well surfaced roads through towns, villages and minor country routes. Make sure to always be mindful of other road users, especially on roads shared with traffic. Although the riding is not technical you must feel comfortable with rapid and sometimes narrow hairpin descents and be equipped to deal with a change in weather and road conditions.

Experience & Fitness

This cycling tour is suitable for regular cyclists looking for a sense of achievement at the end of the day, who are comfortable with longer distances and hilly terrain with occasional steep ascents and descents. Each day ride includes hill climbs between 5-8km with gradients of up to 12% in places. Please note that the optional loop ride on Day 7 has a higher grade (strenuous), with challenging ascents and descents. Not only is the ride 90km, but the total elevation gain and loss for that day is 1434 metres ascent and 1434 metres descent. We do however offer a shorter 50km ride for this, whcih can be followed via our route notes - this shorter option is not yet available as a GPX track in our app.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 nights in B&B's, guesthouses and hotels
All Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Information pack and route notes
Access to detailed maps and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Siena / from Montepulciano
Bike hire (standard or E-bike)
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire (standard or E-bike)

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

All bike tours are unescorted. The distances listed are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, cycle clothing and personal medications, etc.

Equipment

We recognise the importance of being at one with your bike, which is why we have partnered with a preferred road bike supplier in Tuscany.

Focus Cayo 5.0 carbon bikes are available to hire in a number of sizes. All bikes come with a spare tube, pump, levers and a cycle computer.

E-bikes are also available for hire should you want assistance with the elevations.

Your hire bike will be delivered to your hotel in Florence and can be set up with flat, Look or Shimano spd pedals.

If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride, along with any other specific requests you may have. We’re always happy to answer any questions regarding hire bikes.

If you would bring your own road bike please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate road bike for this trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.