The Heart of Tuscany Cycling Tour 10-Night
Dates: Your pick! We offer tours in Tuscany as early as March and as late as October and into November.
Length: 11 days, 10 nights
Service: Supported, Private, “Self Guided” tour. GPS Guidance! But your first day is FULLY GUIDED with a local guide riding with you! For more about how our Self Guided tours work CLICK HERE.
Type of riding: Rolling & hilly terrain.
Bikes suggested: Road bikes, e-bikes, or hybrids
Average daily riding: 55km
Start city: Florence
Finish city: Florence
Suggested transport: Fly in to Florence (FLR) or by train from anywhere.
Day 1
Florence to Panzano – 49km/30mi
Meet your guide in the heart of Florence, a city renowned for its art and architecture. After getting properly fitted for your rental bike, your guide will lead you through the bustling streets of Florence, navigating traffic while sharing insights into the city’s history. Soon, you’ll leave the city behind and start your scenic ride into the Chianti region. The 49 km route will take you through rolling hills and picturesque vineyards to reach Panzano, a charming hilltop town. After checking into your hotel, enjoy some relaxation time by the pool or explore the town. Your luggage will already be waiting for you, so you can enjoy the famous Chianti wine before your included dinner.
Day 2
Panzano to San Gimignano – 41km/25mi
Today’s ride takes you along small, rolling backroads, winding through olive groves and vineyards, to San Gimignano, known as the “City of Towers.” The town’s medieval architecture and iconic skyline will transport you back in time. You’ll be able to stroll through narrow streets, explore shops selling local goods, and take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Your hotel will be in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage town, and you’ll have time to explore before enjoying your included dinner.
Day 3
Rest Day or Volterra Loop – 60km/37mi
Take a well-deserved rest day in San Gimignano, where you can wander through the cobblestone streets, shop for local souvenirs, or relax in one of the town’s charming cafes. Alternatively, if you’re up for more cycling, enjoy a 60km loop ride to Volterra, another historic hilltop town filled with Roman ruins, Etruscan artifacts, and lovely shops. Dinner is on your own tonight, so you can explore the local culinary scene and choose your favorite spot.
Day 4
San Gimignano to Siena – 61km/38mi (shorter 41km/25mi option available)
Today’s ride will take you through picturesque Tuscan landscapes along traffic-free backcountry roads, leading you to the beautiful city of Siena. As one of the most famous cities in Tuscany, Siena offers stunning medieval architecture and rich history. You have the option of taking a shorter 41km route if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Once in Siena, check in to your hotel, located just inside the town gates. Spend the rest of the day exploring Siena’s historic landmarks, including the Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral. Dinner is on your own tonight—take your time to discover the many excellent restaurants in the area.
Day 5
Siena Exploration
Enjoy a day off the bike to explore Siena at your leisure. Take in the medieval architecture, do some shopping in the quaint shops, or relax in one of the town’s beautiful piazzas. Siena is famous for its culinary delights, so you might also want to sample some traditional Tuscan dishes. Dinner is again on your own tonight—ask your guide for recommendations or try one of the many local trattorias.
Day 6
Siena to Montalcino – 53km/33mi
Leave Siena behind as you ride on small backroads with incredible views of the Tuscan countryside. Pedal through the rolling hills toward Montalcino, a hilltop town known worldwide for producing Brunello di Montalcino wine. After checking in to your hotel, take time to explore the town and enjoy its quaint streets, then choose from the many fine wine bars or restaurants for dinner. This area is perfect for wine lovers, so indulge in a glass of the local Brunello paired with a delicious meal.
Day 7
Montalcino to Montepulciano – 40km/25mi
Today’s ride takes you from Montalcino to Montepulciano, a 40km journey through the rolling hills of Tuscany. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are options to extend the ride with a few extra hills, giving you a chance to experience more of the scenic countryside. On your way, you’ll pass through Pienza, a lovely town perfect for a lunch stop and some exploration. Dinner is on your own tonight—explore the town and choose from a variety of local eateries.
Day 8
Montepulciano Exploration
Spend the day exploring Montepulciano, wandering through its narrow streets and historic palaces. Cycle or walk into town for shopping, sightseeing, or wine tasting. Dinner is on your own, with the option to join a Tuscan cooking class at your hotel.
Day 9
Montepulciano to Cortona via Castiglione del Lago – 53km/33mi
Today, you’ll head into Umbria, cycling towards Lake Trasimeno. Your ride takes you downhill to the beautiful village of Castiglione del Lago, where you can stop for a lovely lunch overlooking the lake. From there, continue to Cortona, a hilltop town famous for its Etruscan history and stunning views. After checking into your hotel, spend your last evening in Tuscany exploring the charming streets of Cortona. For a special treat, consider dining at Il Falconiere, a Michelin-starred restaurant just outside the town. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 10
Cortona Exploration or Monte Petrano Ride
Spend the day exploring Cortona’s medieval streets and museums, or opt for an optional ride to Monte Petrano, a famous Giro d’Italia climb. Enjoy your final night in Tuscany with a memorable dinner. We will pick up your rental bikes later in the day.
Day 11
Departure from Cortona
After breakfast, depart from Cortona’s train station to your next destination. We’re happy to help coordinate your travels.
Location: Panzano in Chianti
Hotel: Villa Le Barone
Location: San Gimignano
Hotel: Hotel Relais Santa Chiara
Location: Siena
Hotel: Hotel Athena
Location: Montalcino
Hotel: Hotel Vecchia Oliviera
Location: Montepulciano
Hotel: Relais Ortaglia
Location: Cortona
Hotel: Hotel Villa Marsili
Road Bikes
Full Carbon Road Bikes
Sizes: 50, 53, 55, 58, 61
Mixture of Shimano components with a compact double crankset.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL
Mixture of Shimano road and mountain components with a triple crankset.
eBikes
eBike
Sizes: S, M, L
Mixture of eBike components and Shimano Altus.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- All hotel accommodations – mostly 3 and 4 star but ask for custom accommodation requests.
- An OBT cycling jersey!
- Detailed route notes, maps, and tourist information. This includes standard cue sheet, and RideWithGPS routes to upload to your own GPS device or use the RideWithGPS app.
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel.
- Meals as explained in the tour itinerary pages. Usually this means all breakfasts, no lunches, and some dinners.
- Access to your personal guide/concierge (See Guides/Concierge tab).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Transportation to start location and from finish location.
- Bikes, but we have rental bikes available.
- Travel and Health Insurance.
- Admission to sightseeing venues, unless explicitly mentioned as included.
Tour Cost Per Person:
Double Occupancy
US$4,445.00
Single Occupancy
US$4,993.00 (from single room occupancy on multiple person tours)
Solo Tour
Bike Rental Per Person:
Road Bike
US$425.00
eBike
US$425.00
Hybrid
US$325.00
What’s Next? Registering for your tour!
Questions: First, please feel free to ask us any questions about the tour. Click the “Contact Us With Questions” button above. We are happy to help clarify any details.
Registration: Once you are ready to register, please click on the “Book Now” above and complete the registration form. EACH tour participant will need to be included in the registration. At the end of the registration for you will be asked for a US$1,000 deposit. Once we have all registrations, we will secure all of the details of your tour – hotels, bikes, etc.
Final Payment: All payments are due 60 days prior to your tour.
Tour Packet Delivery: Once the balance is paid and approximately 30 days before your tour, we will send you a complete tour packet containing all details of your tour – accommodation information, detailed routing, a suggested packing list, maps, tourist guide, and much more! For more information on our Terms & Conditions, please CLICK HERE.
Experience the best of Tuscany on two wheels with this self-guided cycling adventure through rolling vineyards, charming medieval villages, and breathtaking countryside. Our Tuscany bike tours offer the perfect blend of scenic cycling, cultural exploration, and Italian cuisine. Whether you’re savoring Chianti wines, discovering Renaissance history, or soaking in the Tuscan sun, this journey is the ultimate way to experience cycling in Tuscany at your own pace.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Tuscany’s Most Beautiful Towns: Explore Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Cortona, and Arezzo.
- Indulge in Italian Cuisine & Wine: Taste world-class Chianti, Brunello, and Vino Nobile wines while enjoying authentic Tuscan dishes.
- Scenic Cycling Through Iconic Landscapes: Ride quiet country roads, pass rolling vineyards, and take in breathtaking hilltop views.
- Rest Days for Exploration: Enjoy rest days in Siena, San Gimignano, and Cortona for sightseeing and relaxation.
- Stay in Unique Accommodations: Relax in carefully selected boutique hotels and historic farmhouses throughout Tuscany.
Who Is This Tour For?
- Cyclists Who Love Scenic Rides: Perfect for those who enjoy rolling hills, gentle climbs, and low-traffic roads.
- Wine & Food Enthusiasts: Ideal for travelers eager to taste Tuscany’s finest wines and savor traditional Italian cuisine.
- History & Culture Lovers: Experience medieval towns, Renaissance cities, and Etruscan heritage sites.
- Couples and Small Groups – Whether you’re looking for a romantic cycling getaway or an adventure with friends, this tour offers a mix of independence and guided support.
- Active Travelers Who Love Europe: Whether you’re new to Tuscany bike tours or a seasoned rider, this self-guided journey is perfect for experiencing cycling in Tuscany at your own pace.
