What better way to explore Italy than a bicycle tour through Tuscany?! Food, Wine, Culture, and Romance in Tuscany…What else could be on your wish list for a cycling tour? Every town has its own rich history and secrets for you and your loved ones to discover. And the food… oh the food! Even the most low-key restaurants have amazing, delectable food. Check out our Tuscany bike tours for all the information you’ll need. We’ve put together five of our favorite sites to explore along the way!
- Florence – This is the perfect city to explore before or after your tour. Florence is a popular tourist destination because of its history, museums, art, and architecture. Make sure to plan ahead if visiting some of the more popular museums are on your agenda. You will want to buy tickets in advance if your plans include a visit to the highly trafficked museums such as the Uffizi or Accademia. It is a great opportunity to see work from Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo and so much more! Put your walking shoes on and explore a well-known Piazza (town squares) or two such as Piazza del Duomo or Piazza della Signoria. What better place to catch a musical performance than the place where opera came to life in the 16th century? Florence is home to the Opera di Firenze which hosts plenty of concert options.
- Castellina in Chianti – This quaint village, which dates back centuries, is a great place to relax and enjoy Tuscany. With a population of under 3,000, sit back and enjoy the views of the countryside. You can’t miss the Rocca, part of a 14th-century fortress that offers great views of the village and surrounding area. Make sure to walk through the Via delle Volte, an underground tunnel integrated into the ancient walls which now offers an assortment of shops and cafes. Don’t leave Castellina in Chianti without visiting a winery or two to taste the local Chianti wine.
- Medieval Village of Ama – Similar to Castellina in Chianti is another picturesque village resting on top of a hill in the countryside. This is home to the renowned winery, Castello di Ama. Where better to enjoy the wine than straight from the source surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards? Additionally, the owners have made an effort to collect and display an assortment of art so the winery is a must-see. The town itself dates back to the 18th century with a lot of stone architecture that suits the aesthetic of the landscape. Make sure to book tours and tastings at the winery in advance of your visit.
- Siena – A nice change of pace from the rural countryside is this busy hilltop city with lots to do, see, eat & drink. The Siena Cathedral is a masterpiece in Gothic architecture with the original building dating back to the 12th century. There are numerous other churches to see in Siena as well. The Piazza del Campo is a large public square in the city center worth exploring. Take in medieval architecture on your stroll through town. If you happen to be passing through at the right time of summer, you can enjoy the Palio di Siena, a horse race that circumnavigates the piazza.
- San Gimignano – There’s no better way to cap off your time in Tuscany than a visit to San Gimignano, a town boasting numerous medieval towers which create a unique skyline. There is a beautiful mix of Romanesque and Medieval architecture to see in town. While exploring, you could drop by the Museum Centre Santa Chiara, Church of San Lorenzo in Ponte as well as the two primary town squares, the Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza Duomo. There are also multiple churches worth visiting to appreciate the architecture, artwork and historical significance.
Cityscape panorama of Arno river, towers and cathedrals of Florence
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just want to get out for a pleasant ride in the countryside, Tuscany offers something for everyone. The history, food, culture, architecture, wine and beautiful landscapes are all reasons to check out Tuscany. Check out our Tuscany bike tours for an unforgettable experience!
