Cycle the Wine Regions of Tuscany

You will be collected from Buonconvento train station and dropped off at Pieve a Salti (this is included and you must contact your accommodation in advance to inform them of your arrival time). For your 3 nights, you will be staying at an organic farmhouse (agriturismo) nestled amidst the magnificent rolling countryside of the Crete hills south of Siena. This large Tuscan estate produces olive oil, organic cereals and pasta that are used to prepare the typical regional dishes you will enjoy at their restaurant.

A great first ride through the countryside on well kept dirt roads to Murlo. Immerse yourself in the dense woods as you ride by the Crevole River. Continue past steep cliffs to the sweet smell of bright yellow flowers and through an enchanting oak tree forest to La Befa. A short part of the trail is too narrow or rocky to cycle (about 300m) however the exhilarating views are more than worth the effort. Return to Buonconvento. Ascent: 402m / Descent: 483m

Pedal through vibrant fields of sunflowers past Buonconvento to the heart of the Brunello wine district. The Monte Amiata volcano lures above as the surrounding countryside transforms into endless olive groves and vineyards. Ride steeply up to the fortified city of Montalcino where you can visit its magnificent 14th century fortress and Palazzo Comunale, then return to Buonconvento along remote back roads. Ascent: 654m / Descent: 735m

Climb uphill to the renowned monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore with its delightful frescos and botanical garden. After replenishing your soul, follow a winding route past isolated villages until you reach a row of hundreds of cypress trees, inviting you to visit the stunning Sant’Anna in Camprena monastery. Admire the frescos then finish your day in the lovely town of Pienza where you will be spending your next 3 nights. Ascent: 714m / Descent: 638m

Today is a relaxing day in which you will travel on smooth country roads to the medieval hamlet of Bagno Vignoni where you can rest and swim in its healing thermal waters, enjoyed by the Romans and home to the legendary water nymphs. Ride back to Pienza along gently undulating hills through unspoiled countryside embracing the essence of Southern Tuscany. Ascent: 504m / Descent: 503m

From Pienza, travel along immensely panoramic roads past the medieval stone-built hamlet of Monticchiello. Ride up a remarkable limestone ridge and enjoy breath-taking views of the Val d’Orcia. Gather your strength as you make the climb up to Montepulciano. Upon arrival, celebrate with a glass of the famous local Vino Nobile wine before freewheeling back to Pienza. Ascent: 739m / Descent: 751m

The ride today is mostly on gravel road, gentle rolling hills in the most beautiful countryside of the Orcia valley. Half way you can stop in Lucignano d'Asso, a tiny village on the L'eroica cycle route. Then you ride back to the organic farm of Pieve a Salti where you spend your last evening (restaurant is 1km from accommodation - they provide shuttle service to/from the restaurant). Ascent: 266m / Descent: 528m