Via Francigena (Tuscany to Rome) - Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

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Italy - Via Francigena (Tuscany to Rome) - Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Turkode Destinasjoner Turen starter 42559 Italia Pisa

Turen destinasjon Reisen er levert av 9 dager Rome Fra : NOK

Oversikt

Join us on this guided cycling holiday in Italy where we'll be tracing the steps of the Via Francigena, an ancient route packed full of historical gems and idyllic Italian countryside.

Reiserute

Day 1: Arrival into Pisa Airport - Transfer to San Gimignano Day 2: San Gimignano to Siena Day 3: Siena to San Quirico Day 4: San Quirico to Radicofani Day 5: Radicofani to Bolsena Day 6: Bolsena to Vetralla Day 7: Vetralla to Campagnano Day 8: Campagnano to Rome Day 9: Departure from Rome - Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Starting just outside of the enthralling San Gimignano, you’ll have the chance to explore this unique UNESCO treasure and admire its many medieval towers. Here you’ll get a great introduction to Tuscan way of life, a landscape famed for its idyllic cypress lined horizons, endless ﬁelds of golden corn and medieval hilltop towns. We’ll then head south following the Via Francigena on a range of quiet country lanes, ancient Roman roads, over rolling hills, through woodland and passing through ancient towns. This route joins up some of the major Tuscan highlights, including Siena, Montiriggioni and San Quirico.

Our journey has two distinct halves and as we leave Tuscany and enter Lazio, the landscape changes as well as the feel of the towns, a change which only adds to the sense of journey. Heading ever south, we’ll cycle through varying scenery and changing terrain, eventually pedallin’ into the outskirts of Rome where our own pilgrimage comes to a dramatic end, riding into St. Peter's Square. Along the way we’ll stay in a range of good quality local hotels and agriturismi, which enable you to experience true Italian hospitality and of course indulge in some delicious local cuisine.

We also have a mountain biking version of this trip available which follows alternative, oﬀ road routes along the Via Francigena.

Day 1: Arrival into Pisa Airport - Transfer to San Gimignano You will be met at Pisa airport and transferred to San Gimignano, where we’ll stay in an agriturismo set in the outskirts of the famous town. There is also the chance to explore San Gimignano and immerse yourself in Tuscan culture right away. With a plunge into the inﬁnity pool overlooking gorgeous vineyards, your holiday begins! (Transfer approx. 1.5 hours)

Day 2: San Gimignano to Siena (B, L) We’ll journey south along the Via Francigena, following quiet, country lanes through woods and over hills, through a constantly changing, rolling Tuscan landscape. The ﬁrst section will partly be on well-maintained farm gravel routes alternating with country lanes, with little traﬃc. We’ll pass through today’s highlight, Monteriggioni on our way to our destination, Siena. After stopping in the impressive Palio square for a well deserved beer, we’ll move on to our accommodation.

Approx. distance: 31 Miles / 50 Kms

Day 3: Siena to San Quirico (B, L) We’ll leave Siena through the ancient town gates and continue our journey south on the Via Francigena and into the beautiful Crete Sienesi with a roller coaster ride through classic Tuscan landscape.

Picking up the Via again, we’ll head to Buonconvento were we’ll have time to stop for a refreshing break and, if inclined, visit the fortiﬁed walls. The next section will lead us, over rolling hills, to San Quirico, a medieval hamlet with a quaint centre where we’ll stop for the night.

Approx. distance: 34 Miles / 55 Kms

Day 4: San Quirico to Radicofani (B, L) From San Quirico, we’ll head towards the Orcia valley and we’ll descend quiet lanes to the medieval hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, with its healing baths – home to the legendary water nymphs! After resting and taking time to explore the hot water springs, we’ll head right into the centre of the UNESCO heritage site of Valle D‘Orcia, a natural paradise that cannot fail to stir the soul. From here we’ll start a steady climb towards Radicofani.

Depending on the time it takes to get to this medieval hilltop village, you will be able to take in a tour of the sights or relax at your accommodation for the rest of the day.

Approx. distance: 22 Miles / 36 Kms

Day 5: Radicofani to Bolsena (B, L) Leaving the hamlet behind we’ll bike along the old Via Cassia, the Roman route to Rome, now a cobbled road, surrounded by stunning scenery and dominated by Monte Amiata. We’ll take a break in Acquapedente, famous for the Romanesque crypt beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro where, according to tradition, some stones bathed in the blood of Christ are thought to have been kept. Getting back in the saddle we’ll continue riding towards Lazio and the stunning Lake Bolsena.

The view of the lake will open up as we descend, a great way to ﬁnish a day in the saddle amongst the thick woods and meadows scattered with olive trees, until we reach Bolsena itself. There will be time in the evening to explore its fortress and narrow streets.

Approx. distance: 34 Miles / 55 Kms

Day 6: Bolsena to Vetralla (B, L) Today’s ride starts with a stunning route through woods and olive groves as we make our way around Lake Bolsena and onto the region of Lazio.

As we descend into the lower plains, we’ll cross an area famous for the production of extra virgin olive oil, before arriving in Monteﬁascone were we’ll take time in one of the Piazzas to have yet another cappuccino break!

The next section leading into Viterbo is across cultivated countryside, with the option of stopping oﬀ at the thermal waters of Bagnaccio for a quick dip in the open air pools, where pilgrims would also stop before proceeding towards Viterbo. In Viterbo, we’ll allow time to admire the splendid Palazzo dei Papi and the Longobard cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova. We’ll then carry on to Vetralla, our home for the night.

Approx. distance: 29 Miles / 48 Kms

Day 7: Vetralla to Campagnano (B, L) We’ll continue our journey south, ﬁrst riding through a dense forest and then open countryside, through ﬁelds of hazelnuts.

We’ll come across the Torri d‘Orlando, the ruins of an abandoned monastery, on our way to Sutri, a fascinating little town with dwellings carved out of the tuﬀ. We’ll stop for a short visit to the Roman amphitheatre which dates back to Emperor Augustus and which is completely carved out of the hill. Moving on, the ride heads into the hills and we’ll pass the waterfalls of Mount Gelato, an ideal location for a refreshing stop!

A short sharp climb will lead you onto your accommodation for the evening at Campagnano.

Approx. distance: 29 Miles / 47 Kms

Day 8: Campagnano to Rome (B, L) Leaving Campagnano we’ll enter the regional Park of Veio. We’ll stop to rest in the village of Formello with its ﬁne medieval buildings. As we approach Rome, the roads get busier and we’ll make our way to the cycle path alongside the River Tevere, enjoying the ﬁnal ride along its banks, leading us to the gates of the Vatican City.

As we enter St. Peter’s Square, with its grandiose architecture, our cycling journey of the Via Francigena will come to a celebratory end!

Approx. distance: 31 Miles / 50 Kms

Day 9: Departure from Rome - Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport (B) Time for one last delicious breakfast, before transferring to the airport for ﬂights home. Ciao! (Transfer approx 1 hour.)

Do let us know if you’d like to extend for a couple of days in Rome, and we’d be happy to help organise some extra nights.

Viktig Informasjon What's Included:

Accommodation (shared twin / double rooms) in hotels / agriturismi Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides Unless stated, at least one leader qualiﬁed in ﬁrst aid Support vehicle and luggage transfers Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Pisa airport (PSA) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Rome Fiumicino airport (FCO)

What's Not Included:

Bike hire (available if required, from GBP 260 - Electric bike from GBP 360) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable) Single room (available if required, from GBP 235) Travel insurance Meals not stated in the itinerary Personal clothing and equipment Personal expenditure (bar bills, hotel facilities etc.) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

Other useful travel information: Vaccinations: We recommend you have a dental and medical check-up before the holiday Passport: A full passport is required for visiting this destination. Baggage: Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person, other than your bike and a small day pack. Meals: Breakfast are typically Italian, lunch is a tasty buffet, dinner are either taken at a local restaurant or your accommodation. Travel Insurance: It is a condition of your trip that you are covered by a medical and personal accident insurance policy that includes repatriation to your home country and cover for all planned activities. Grade: 4 Active, For those who cycle frequently. Will include some long and / or steep climbs, often over varying terrain (some sections may see you cycling over uneven, unpaved or loose ground). Distances generally between 30 – 50 miles per day / 48 – 80 kms per day. Airport Transfers: Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. To join the airport transfer on arrival, you’ll need to arrive into Pisa airport (PSA) before 12.30, for a 13.00 transfer. At the end of the tour, we will transfer the group to Rome Fiumicino airport (FCO) with an estimated arrival time of 09.00. Please note – If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the time windows there may be an additional charge for individual transfers. Terrain: This journey follows the Via Francigena pilgrimage route as closely as possible throughout the week. The route makes its way south on a multitude of different surfaces but for this holiday we’ve mostly selected the back roads, strade bianche, country lanes, a few rough dirt tracks so you must be confident riding on gravel tracks. You’ll encounter a few cheeky climbs (quite steep in places!) so it’s not a bad idea to get a bit of training in pre-trip. Roads can get busier closer to the bigger towns so you may encounter traffic in these areas. We recommend using mountain bikes however some hybrids may be suitable – please contact our office for more details. Bike Hire: If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to hire. These bikes are typically 29 inch front suspended Focus Black Forest mountain bikes. Hire bikes will be provided with a front handle pannier and tyres will be suitable for gravel roads. We also have electric mountain bikes available to hire on request. It may take us a day or so to confirm availability so please let us know as soon as possible if you’d like to take this option. Vehicle Support: At strategic points (where access allows), you have the security of our support vehicle. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired bikers, allowing the chance of a well-earned break if needed. You will also be able to leave extra gear or spare kit here during the day meaning there is no need to carry any equipment other than that you would carry on a normal day ride. Priser / Datoer

Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen Tilgjengelige datoer Pris (1 voksen) Pris (1 barn) Status reise

Vi vil komme tilbake til deg med et tilbud på den forespurte reisen/pakken I løpet av 48 timer. Alle tilbud er uforpliktende og er vanligvis gyldige i 7 dager. Vi gjør oppmerksom på at reserverte tjenester kan bli kansellert innenfor disse 7 dagene og at pris kan endres inntil en endelig bestilling er mottatt.