BIKE TRAILS of SOUTHERN TUSCANY October 11-14, 2018 (4 days/ 3 nights)
What makes Southern Tuscany unique? An incredible combination of amazing landscapes, history and traditions, great food, excellent wine and ancient roots that you will discover during your stay in Valdichiana Senese. We will ride on some of the most ancient paths of Southern Tuscany, Siena Province, through hills and vineyard to get a real insight of Tuscany atmosphere. Visiting Montepulciano, Pienza, Chiusi, Sarteano and other beautiful locations of Valdichiana Senese area, we will learn its history, from the Etruscans, through Romans, to Renaissance and modern history. Traditional Tuscan cuisine will be a must during our stay: we will try some of the famous local specialties such as Chianina meat (the White Giant of Valdichiana Senese), salami made from Cinta Senese, Pici (hand-made pasta), Pienza Pecorino Cheese, the Extravirgin Olive Oil, Cantucci e Vinsanto (liqueur dessert with biscuits). We will enjoy excellent Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG in one of the local wineries, to discover how the wine has been produced through the centuries.
Discovering southern Tuscany by bike will surprise you!
Highlights of the trip: ● 4 day cycling by bike or by e-bike on Tuscany roads; ● Montepulciano, Pienza, Chiusi and Sarteano visits with stop in panoramic points, visit of Etruscan, Romans, renaissance sites; ● Taste local specialties such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Pienza Pecorino Cheese
Itinerary Difficulty Rating: ❏ (3) Moderate (Good physical fitness required; ~4-6 hours activity/day) VALDICHIANA LIVING Piazza Grande, 7 - 53045 Montepulciano (Siena) T.+39 0578 717484 - F. +39 0578 752749 [email protected] – [email protected]
ITINERARY Arrive in Montecatini on October 10.
Day 1 - October 11 Departure from Montecatini at 10 a.m. Arrival in Hotel or in Agriturismo in Chianciano Terme Bike path on “Sentiero della Bonifica” around 16 km path from Chiusi Lake to Montepulciano Lake, lacustrine basin in the Valdichiana Senese and Protected Natural Area. We will ride on a section of the Cycle and Pedestrian Path, 62 Km long, joining Chiusi to the Arezzo town, the ancient road used for both canal and lock maintenance is a natural track without any height or level of differences which makes it particularly suitable for family sport tourism and can be ideally combined with the railway line serving the Valdichiana Senese area.
Biking: 16 km; unpaved path, mostly flat terrain.
Day 2 - October 12 Tour continue on “Sentiero del Nobile” (18 km) path from Montepulciano Lake up to Montepulciano old town centre, owns its name to the exquisite Designation of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG) red wine produced only in the territory of Montepulciano. The trail reaches the San Biagio Temple, one of the most representative buildings of Montepulciano, and the Church of Our Lady in the Oak (Madonna della Querce), passing through Argiano area, one of the undiscovered treasures of Valdichiana Senese. At the end of the path we will continuo with a visit of the town and of an underground wine cellar with final tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and local products. In the afternoon visit of a winey producing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and tasting of wine.
Biking: 18 km; unpaved path; Elevation gain: 501 meters/1643’.
Day 3 - October 13 Bike path of 32 km on Monte Cetona, with departure from Sarteano, passing through the ancient Abbazia di Spineto (XI° sec.). From the main piazza in Sarteano we will take the road towards San Casciano dei Bagni, with its various ups and down goes past the Il Biancheto area, reaching Grotta Lattaia, a magnificent natural cave, which can be visited if arranged in advance with the Cetona Museum, the Belverde Natural Archaeological Park Services Centre, an interesting archaeological site, and reaches the Cancelli pass along a mostly uphill road. Lunch with typical local products. Visit of Sarteano Castle and Etruscan Museum.
Biking 32km unpaved path; Elevation gain and loss 510 meters; 1,673’ VALDICHIANA LIVING Piazza Grande, 7 - 53045 Montepulciano (Siena) T.+39 0578 717484 - F. +39 0578 752749 [email protected] – [email protected]
Day 4 - October 14 Cycle on “Sentiero della Barlettaia” cycling path departing from San Biagio Temple in Montepulciano towards Monticchiello, the Buca del Beato, an evocative rock hermitage with its still intact grottoes, the beautiful Pieve di Corsignano, a parish church, and finally the Spedaletto Castle, located along the route of the ancient Via Francigena and Pienza, Unesco World Heritage Site, designed in the late 15th century by Pope Pius II, through the marvellous Tuscany hills. Visit of a Pecorino cheese factory and tasting of Pecorino di Pienza cheese.
Biking 20 km upaved path; Elevation gain and loss 536 meters; 1,758’.
Departure for Montecatini
STAY PROPOSAL INCLUDES: ● 3 night stay in Hotel or Agriturismo in Chianciano Terme - BB ● Bike rental for 4 days (4 hours per day) – mountain bikes and e bikes available ○ Bike rental includes including helmets, reparation kit, lock. Notes: Personal pedals and seats are admitted. ● Experienced bilingual Tour leaders ● 3 dinners with Tuscan Typical products ● Packed lunches ● Visit of an old wine cellars in Montepulciano Old town ● 1 Visit in a winery with tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG red wine. ● 1 Visit of a Pecorino Cheese farm with tasting of cheese. ● 1 Visit of the Castel and Etruscan Museum of Sarteano ● Transportation as described in the itinerary ● A support vehicle is available
Price per person Double Occupancy € 899 Single Supplement € 150
Payment: 30 days before arrival Method of Payment: by credit card or via bank transfer. Cancellation Policy: Cancellation arrived from 30 days prior to date of arrival no refunds will be given
NOTES Price valid for a minimum number of 4 participants and a maximum number of 15 participants. Price does not include supplements, extras, additional drinks at meals, tips or gratuities and any activity not specified in the program.
VALDICHIANA LIVING Piazza Grande, 7 - 53045 Montepulciano (Siena) T.+39 0578 717484 - F. +39 0578 752749 [email protected] – [email protected]