Tuscany – Cycling in Val D'orcia

Tuscany – Cycling in Val d’Orcia Self Guided Individual Cycling Tour Self Guided Individual Cy BIKE THROUGH THE BRUNELLO AND MONTEPULCIANO WINE REGION Trip difficulty 1 2 3 4 Hotel Comfort level 1 2 3 4 The Tuscan landscape of the Val d’Orcia will warm your heart like a classic photograph as you penetrate its natural beauty. You are in for a thrilling rides along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and the legendary “badlands” eroded clay slopes. Mountain bike by picturesque farmhouses nestled amidst olive groves, vineyards and fig trees on your way to the hot spring hamlet of Bagno Vignoni and the heavenly Renaissance city of Pienza. You shall visit captivating palaces, Romanesque churches, thermal baths, and prestigious wineries serving the divine local red “Brunello”. Soaring up high on invigorating hilltop towns, you’ll revel in delight. For More Information Email: Marco@GustoCycling.com Or Call: +44 1142620734 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS Stay in a quintessential Tuscan Estate with onsite wellness resort and organic food production. The restaurant serves entrees prepared primarily with their own local produce. Visit the natural, artistic and cultural treasures of the Val d’Orcia, on the UNESCO heritage list Wonderful landscapes, wide open fields, cypress lined hills and vineyards Incredibly well preserved medieval and renaissance villages and hilltop towns Peaceful country roads, friendly Tuscans and delicious regional culinary specialties For More Information Email: Marco@GustoCycling.com Or Call: +44 1142620734 8 day Day by day Program Day Itinerary km Mt 1 Arrival in Buonconvento Buonconvento - - 2 Buonconvento to Murlo and La Befa round tour Buonconvento 31.0 550 3 Buonconvento to Montalcino round tour Buonconvento 38.9 600 4 Buonconvento to Pienza Pienza 38.0 700 5 Pienza to Bagno Vignoni round tour Pienza 24.0 300 6 Pienza to Montepulciano round tour Pienza 33.0 750 7 Pienza to Buonconvento via San Quirico d’Orcia Buonconvento 34.0 350 8 Depart from Buonconvento Day 1 Arrive in Buonconvento Buonconvento on HB basis Upon arrival in the charming medieval town of Buonconvento, rich in history and architecture with 700-year old walls, a transfer will take you to the agriturismo (farm house) where you will stay for the next four nights. A delicious Tuscan dinner awaits you! If you have rented bikes with us, they will be waiting for you at the accommodation. Day 2 Buonconvento to Murlo and La Befa round tour Buonconvento on HB basis Ride through the bountiful, uncontaminated countryside on the characteristic and well kept dirt roads to Murlo and 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. Day 3 Buonconvento to Montalcino round tour Buonconvento on HB basis 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. For More Information Email: Marco@GustoCycling.com Or Call: +44 1142620734 Day 4 Buonconvento to Pienza Pienza on BB basis 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 to 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. Day 5 Pienza to Bagno Vignoni round tour Pienza on BB basis 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 and embrace the essence of Southern Tuscany. Day 6 Pienza to Montepulciano round tour Pienza on BB basis From Pienza, travel along an immensely panoramic roads past the medieval stone-built hamlet of Monticchiello. Ride up a remarkable limestone ridge and enjoy breathtaking 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. Head back down happy and giddy towards Pienza. Day 7 Pienza to Buonconvento via San Quirico d’Orcia Buonconvento on HB basis Day 7 offers you a brilliant medieval experience. Follow an ancient pilgrimage route to the fortified town of San Quirico d’Orcia. Promenade its narrow streets full of well-preserved history and visit a 16th century Italian garden. After a ride across an arched medieval bridge and past the Tuoma stream, the road climbs and opens, revealing enchanting 360° views of Southern Tuscany’s majestic landscape. Day 8 Arrivederci Val d’Orcia! After breakfast a short transfer takes you down to Buonconvento (arrange the time with the reception in advance), where you can catch the local bus or train to the airport, unless you have booked a transfer or extra services with us. For More Information Email: Marco@GustoCycling.com Or Call: +44 1142620734 INCLUDED IN THE 8 DAYS PROGRAM: 4 nights on HB basis (drinks excluded) in an organic estate near Buonconvento 3 nights on B&B basis in a centrally located hotel with swimming pool in Pienza Arrival and departure transfer from Buonconvento to the Fattoria Pieve a Salti Estate Luggage transfer on day 4 and 7 24-hour telephone assistance (simple puncture not covered) Detailed road book and maps in English 5 day Day by day Program The 5 days program includes day 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 of the 8 days program Day Itinerary km Mt 1 Arrival in Buonconvento Buonconvento - - 2 Buonconvento to Murlo and La Befa round tour Buonconvento 31.0 550 3 Buonconvento to Montalcino round tour Buonconvento 38.9 600 Transfer to Pienza and ride to Buonconvento via 4 Buonconvento 34.0 350 San Quirico d’Orcia 5 Depart from Buonconvento INCLUDED IN THE 5 DAYS PROGRAM: 4 nights on HB basis (drinks excluded) in an organic estate near Buonconvento Arrival and departure transfer from Buonconvento to the Estate Client + bike Transfer to Pienza on day 4 24-hour telephone assistance (simple puncture not covered) Detailed road book and maps in English WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE PROGRAMS: 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet (puncture repair kit, pump, lock) Flights and public transportation Travel insurance (mandatory) Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon) Tips and gratuities Personal extras and expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, etc. Any items that have not been mentioned in the program Possible CITY TAX to be paid in cash on the spot (it varies depending on the city and on the hotel’s category) OPTIONAL SERVICES for EITHER PROGRAMS (to be booked in advance): 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet (puncture repair kit, pump, map holder, lock) Additional nights in Florence, Siena or at either hotels or elsewhere in Italy Airport arrival and departure transfer Beauty treatments at the Fattoria Pieve a Salti Estate Guided tour of Siena or any other town on the trip with a local private city guide For More Information Email: Marco@GustoCycling.com Or Call: +44 1142620734 PRACTICAL INFORMATION Group Size Minimum 1 person Moderate trip on hilly terrain, very little shade on roads (Daily Activity characteristics: climb 350 to 750 mt.). The rides follow mostly well asphalted country lanes and smooth turf roads (approx. 35% of the time) with very little traffic. More traffic near larger towns. Best arrival & departure airport: Florence, Pisa or Bologna Best arrival & departure stations: Siena or Buonconvento train stations Trip availability: Any day from 22/03 to 31/10 Level of Difficulty With a certain athletic attitude, the majority of the tours are not really demanding. You’ll be in a position to fully enjoy the exhilarating sections through unspoilt country and nature areas. Four days you make circular tours, during these days you can eventually intercalate a resting day. Several days you can lengthen or shorten the rides. Getting there and away Florence, Pisa and Bologna airports are flown to by both major and low cost international carriers. All three airports can be easily reached by local transport, which is affordable and offers a frequent service. From Florence airport take the local bus to the train station located downtown and then take the train to Buonconvento. There are several trains during the day, with change in Siena and in Empoli. Travel time is approximately 1.5 – 3 hours (depending on the kind of solution you prefer). Accommodation & Meals The accommodation in Buonconvento is a true 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. It has cosy rooms located in the main building where you find the reception, the restaurant and the large open swimming pool. Another set of rooms and apartments are located in the other building 1 km distant where you also find the wellness area with indoor heated pool and the horse stables.

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