Florence & Tuscany by Bike

Arrive into Florence airport and we will be on hand to take you to your hotel in Florence. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital of Tuscany and take an evening stroll on the Ponte Vecchio. If it’s romance you’re after, there are an abundance of restaurants sitting on the banks of the Ponte Vecchio, where you can wine and dine by the reflecting sunset.

Today is a chance to immerse yourself in Florence and discover Renaissance art, spectacular architecture, and the best gelato in the city. Marco Ottaviano Il Gelato on Via Matteo Palmieri is the place to go as they use seasonal fruits and not too much sugar. Spend some time visiting Michelangelo's David, wonder in the magnificence of the Duomo and watch life go by in this extraordinary city.

Today's route is a beautiful 50km taking in some climbing and some descents through this undulating and hilly countryside. You will make your way to Radda in Chianti, a beautiful medieval town, perched on a hill with stunning views. Deep tasting, spicy and peppery olive oil, is a feature of Chianti and you will notice colour and texture changes as you ride through the region. From there, you will cycle through the Cypress tree lined roads of Greve in Chianti and Panzano until you reach your hotel just outside of Gaiole in Chianti.

Today is one of our favourite Tuscan routes. You will head west through quiet Chianti countryside towards Poggibonsi. Then it's a climb to San Gimignano, a sight for any seasoned traveler, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encircled by its medieval walls and with its hilltop views, 12th century skyscrapers loom over the Piazza della Cisterna. We recommend a plate of Pappardelle, a favourite in Tuscany, in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes in the town. Your overnight stay will be just outside the walls of this famous city.

We love San Gimignano so much that this experience spends an extra day in the area. Explore one of our 3 loop rides ranging from 35 to 50km, with between 700 and 1,000m of climbing. Our favourite of these routes circles the Castelvecchio Nature Reserve. You will be guaranteed spectacular scenery and you will once again pass San Gimignano. Although there is a fair bit of ascent, you will find plenty of Tuscan towns to hop off the saddle to rest, eat and drink coffee. Gambassi Terme boasts quaint alleyways that create a maze within the town. The middle part of your route travels through the tranquil nature reserve’s rolling hills, so have your camera to hand.

Today's ride takes you further into the heart of Tuscany on your way to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Piazza del Campo is the highlight with its open square featuring the Mangia Tower. If you happen to be in Siena on 2 July and 16 August, one of the most thrilling Tuscan experiences is Palio di Siena. The horse race has been run since the 14th century and the Piazza del Campo is turned from a square with people milling about, to a horse track featuring bareback riders being thrown from their mounts in ever tightening turns.

Head out into the rural countryside surrounding Siena, passing through small villages that encapsulate what Tuscan living is all about. We have loop rides to suit you. Explore Rosia’s religious landmarks, including the beautifully structured Abbazia di Torri, or ride west into the heart of the Val d’Orcia. After your loop ride, say goodbye to Siena as you travel back to Florence airport via private transfer or if you’d like to spend more time in Tuscany, choose to extend your stay. If you’re after rural consider our alternative loop ride, which takes you into the quiet hills.

Today we bid you arrivederci and will organise for your transfer back to Florence. Remember all of our trips can be tailored so if you want to spend longer in the stunning Tuscan countryside, we can organise that for you.