Our http://dkarim.com/wp.php Travel Services are will provide you with all the general info you need to know before you go…
Sign up for our newsletter and be one of the first to hear about our special offers …
Top 5 Bike Tour Destinations in Italy
Renaissance glory days, art + frescoes, medieval fortresses, mosaics, museums, vineyards, romanesque jewel
Premier biking in Italy’s best destinations: Tuscany, Sardinia, a natural paradise; Puglia in southern Italy; Piedmont’s north wine region as well as our amazing cycling and cooking tours; and Sicily, whyever not?!
Remnants of medieval civilisations sit side by side with cosmopolitan hustle and bustle. Hidden gems and Renaissance glory days are the highlights of any trip – Italy is a destination for lovers of art, of food and wine, of life!
From medieval splendours to the finest Chiantis, from culinary delights to artisan markets, from the the sun bleached heel of Puglia, biking in Italy is a feast for the senses!
We offer unique cycling vacations that are Guided, Self guided or Private departures and we are proud of assisting you discover the best of Italy, pedaling on state-of-the–art top quality race and road bikes!
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Contact us @ tours@cyclewest.com for more details.
Beautiful Tuscany
Our Beautiful Tuscany Bike tour is a luxury, guided bike tour that captures the essence of glorious Tuscany and features some of the best scenery in the region. A stylish and unique experience!
Montepulciano ~ Pienza ~ Val d’Orcia
7 Day / 6 Night, Guided Tour
This tour has captured the essence of glorious Tuscany and features some of the best scenery in the region. Starting at the beautiful Villa Marsili, in Cortona, this tour lets you discover Montepulciano, Pienza and Val d’Orcia through a landscape of sculpted curves created over the centuries by wind, rain, and man. The mystique of this land lies not only in its landscape, but also in its nature, its vineyards and its history: oak woods, olive groves and vineyards overlook enchanting hillsides, medieval villages and historical monuments. Each day you rise, enjoy excellent coffee, cycle for five or six hours in the fresh air and spend the night in a warm, welcoming inn. The tour ends on a high note in the magnificent city of Siena.
Day 1: Cortona
Nice to meet you! Transfer from Chiusi station to the charming Villa Marsili where your bike fitting and tour introductions take place. Explore this delightful hill town, made famous by Frances Mayes in her bestselling novel ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’. Stroll through the winding narrow (and steep! ) medieval streets, then enjoy a fabulous welcome dinner at Le Loggette in main square.
Day 2: Lake Trasimeno and Val di Pierle
Your bike tour to Trasimeno lake begins with cycling to Val di Pierle and its splendid castle or “Rocca”. The castle was built prior to the 10th century and belonged to the marquises of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina. Then enjoy an uphill cycle to the top of Cima di Tuoro from where you will be able to enjoy a stunning view of the Lake and its islands before beginning your welcome descent. Distance 52 km/32.5 miles.
Day 3: Pienza and Montepulciano
Today you bike to Montepulciano and explore rolling hills before climbing to Pienza. Ride from Cortona to Montepulciano, a jewel in southern Tuscany and stop in the village of Monticchiello, the quintessential Tuscan hill town. Bold cypress trees line our route to the Orcia valley where you bike through the fields that inspired Renaissance painters. Distance 50 km/ 31 miles…
Day 4: Val d’Orcia and Radicofani
Enjoy a loop bike tour in the Orcia valley and a climb to Radicofani, a medieval and enchanting village with ‘Rocca’ dating to 1200. Then head downhill to Contignano. On the way back have a “pecorino” – sheep milk cheese tasting – at Pianporcino organic farm. Distance 66 km/41 miles.
Day5: Montalcino and Brunello wine
Cycle downhill to the fairy-tale like Bagno Vignoni, a miniature spa and unique town, then push on to the monastery of Sant’Antimo. The famed wine town of Montalcino is a highlight: from its fortress see a breathtaking view of the entire valley you’ve just biked. Once back in the saddle you are on your way to a winery where you will enjoy the local brunello. Distance 45 km/28 miles.
Day 6: Monte Oliveto Abbey & Siena
Enjoy the downhill ride from Montalcino, stop at Giovanni d’asso, an ancient borgo (burough) famous worldwide for its valuable white truffle, is rich with farms, hamlets and castles, reminiscent of the colours of the paintings of the Renaissance. Afterwards, you’ll travel through the fascinating area called Le Crete, Tuscany’s answer to the Badlands. Distance 55 km/34 miles.
Day 7: Siena
Arrivederci! Your bike tour has ended – explore Siena on your own before leaving by train for your next destination in Italy.
Mediterranean Flavours of Puglia
Our Mediterranean Flavours of Puglia Bike tour is a journey that reflects all that is authentic, culturally rich, sustainable and superlative in the world of travel today.
Alberobello ~ Ostuni~ Lecce
7 Day/ 6 Night, Guided Tour
From Euro 2950.00 per person sharing.
This southern corner of Italy’s ‘heel’ is an exotic and unique region due to its historic interaction with Greek, Norman and Arab cultures . These blended influences can still be seen today, most notably in the surviving vernacular architecture – with its Romanesque churches Baroque towns and charming Trulli, squat houses of whitewashed stone and unusual conical roofs. This culturally rich and authentic heritage has led in part to Puglia being named one of National Geographic’s Best of the World travel experiences. This trip takes you along coastal roads through Adriatic fishing ports then inland past olive groves, vineyards and grazing sheep. It also offers you the chance to enjoy the region’s exceptional cuisine with its abundant seafood, fresh vegetables, homemade pasta and outstanding bread.
Day 1: Welcome to Puglia!
We meet at Bari station at 12.00 and Transfer to Matera. For millennia, inhabitants of this region have carved dwellings directly into ravines and gullies made of tuff (or tufa), a characteristic honey-colored soft stone. These houses are called “Sassi” and are today a World Heritage site. Check into your rooms at our hotel in the historical center. This afternoon you meet your guides and have a bike-fitting session followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Alberobello & Trulli &
From Matera pedal through groves of olive trees to follow rolling country roads lines with ancient stone walls through the fertile Valle d’Itria. Our goal is to reach Alberobello, a world heritage site and known for nearly conical shaped white 1,000 Trulli dating back to the 13th century. This vernacular houses are painted with symbols on their roofs and are framed by rich, green farmland. Once at Alberobello an historic local guide will welcome us, introducing the trulli world – after you will be free to wander in this magical town.
Distance 70 km/44 miles
Day 3: Ostuni
Today you will cycle to Ostuni. This mornings bike ride from Alberobello is amazing: you reach the coastal panoramic road and you will skirt the seaside until the last uphill to Ostuni. On the coast road we pass by Torre egnazia, Savelletri and Torre Canne. We arrive at Ostuni, a charming hamlet whose whitewashed arches and houses are neatly piled like sugar cubes with beautiful examples of Baroque and renaissance architecture.
Distance 50 km/36 miles
Day 4: Martina Franca & olive oil tasting
Your highlight today is a loop bike ride to the picturesque Martina Franca. This historic walled hill town is reached following a ride along roads dotted with olive groves, vineyards, maquis shrub and ancient oak trees to Carovigno and Ceglie Messapica, and is a must-see town for its marvelously intact historic center, Baroque architecture, and stunning palazzo. This region is famous for the quality of its olive oil, which you will get to sample following a ride to Frantoio d’amico, for a tasting and lunch. Return to Ostuni for dinner at Taverna della gelosia.
Distance 62 km /38 miles.
Day 5: Winery Liveli & Lecce
We could not let you spend a week with us in Puglia without sampling one of its most sensational and up-and-coming products – wine! Our destination is Lecce, the capital of the Salento Province for an tour of the incomparable baroque architecture.
Bike ride from the Ostuni to Cellino San Marco at our favourite winery, the cycling is easy, all flat, all secondary road. Cappuccino Espresso stop could be in Carovigno. Continue to Mesagneand enter in Salento area with all wineyards around – Liveli is one of Puglia’s most renowned wineries. After a fascinating tour with the vineyard’s expert oenologist, we will be treated to a private lunch and wine tasting in a dining room overlooking the ageing barrels of wine. After lunch transfer to Lecce, the pink city, the Florence of the Baroque, the gleaming gem of Apulia.
Distance 60 km/ 38 miles
Day 6: Santa Cesarea & Zinzalusa
Todat we cycle alongside the striking coaslinet to arrive in Otranto: the old town center. This is the our first stop, to explore and discover the beautiful town highlights and views, especially the southern aspect of the houses, painted in bright colors and enclosed within the wall fortifications overlooking the south bank of the harbor. We pass Santa Cesarea hot spring and Grotta Zinzalusa, a fantastic grotto on the seaside, with its panoramic views. You will love the tiny roads that sometimes seem like bike paths. Farewell dinner at Osteria degli Spiriti, celebrating with authentic local food.
Distance 65 km / 40 miles
Day 7: Arrivederci ancora!
After a farewell breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in the beautiful baroque town of Lecce.
2023s departures:
May 19-25
september 15-21
October 13-19
CONTACT US FOR PRIVATE TOURS.
Please contact us at tours@cyclewest.com to book this tour.
Treasures of Tuscany
Renaissance glory days, art + frescoes, medieval fortresses, mosaics, museums, vineyards, romanesque jewel
There is still time to book your bike trip in Tuscany. Experience the true essence of medieval Tuscany, where history and beauty fill the heart.
Spin through rolling vineyards, savor pecorino cheese, homemade pasta pici, fruity olive oils and sip local Brunello and Nobile wines. Read more >
Short Escape Tuscany Wine Tour
Short Escape Tuscany Wine Tour, a luxury, self guided bike tour
Itinerary
Our Beautiful Tuscany Wine Country Bike Tour offers a sunny Mediterranean ambiance and a spirited flair for hospitality. Tuscany nourishes the soul and leads you to rejoice in the earthly pleasures of daily life!
Itinerary
Self Guided Tour, 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Explore Tuscany Wine Country on this short escape. This is a shorter (5 day/4 night) version on our most popular Tuscany Biking trip – offering 3 full days of cycling and 2 half days. So saddle up for a great trip in Tuscan Wine Country…
Tour Departures: Any date between 15th March to end of October
Pienza ~ Montalcino ~ Chianti
Definitely our best selling bike tour in Italy, this memorable cycling tour lets you experience the region’s world famous wine culture. Bike along tranquil country lanes, tracing the expanses between farmland crowned with walled villages, ancient monasteries in secluded valleys and medieval forts. Staying in Pienza, Montalcino, Siena and heart of Chianti, you are sure to experience the true essence of Tuscany, where history, beauty and, of course, wine abound.
Day 1: Pienza
Meet & Greet in Pienza, widely known as the “ideal city of the Renaissance” for your welcome, orientation and bike fitting. Pienza exemplifies Take a stroll through the beautiful cobblestone streets ~ the town streets are full of small charming shops selling typical local products, such as fine wines, pecorino, spices, pici (handmade pasta) and so on. We recommend stopping and tasting! Optional test ride to San Quirico d’Orcia. Distance 20km /12.5 miles.
Day 2: Montepulciano & Vino Nobile
Today’s bike ride takes you on a looped ride to Castelmuzio, Montichiello and Montepulciano ~ the jewel of Southern Tuscany. Stop along the way to visit the convent where parts of The English Patient were filmed, and in the enchanting hamlet of Castelmuzio. Arrive in Montepulciano for lunch before returning to Pienza with a stop in the village of Monticchiello. Distance 55km/34 miles.
Day 3: Montalcino Brunello Country
Ride from Pienza to Montalcino, with a pause in the fairy-tale like Bagno Vignoni, a miniature spa town. Lunch in Castiglione d’Orcia, then push on to the monastery of Sant’Antimo before heading on to your destination Montalcino, a town renowned for its wine. Visit the 14th century fortress to see a breathtaking view of the entire valley you’ve just biked. Distance 46 km/ 28,5 miles
Day 4: Siena
Today you start your bike ride with a 10 km descent and pass through Buonconvento, heading northbound to Siena. In Murlo visit a fascinating Etruscan Museum. Continue to Ville di Corsano, end up at the arch gate San Marco. You’ll have time to take a leisurely stroll around this art city and explore the wonderful Torre del Mangia, Duomo and Piazza del Campo. Option A: 60 km/37.5miles – Option B: 52 km/31 miles
Day 4: Chianti Hills
End of bike tour – optional bike ride in chianti to Castello di Brolio, a beautiful bike ride on Chiantigiana road. Distance 50 km /31 miles
What’s Included?
Four nights in excellent three-star superior hotels
Four breakfasts
Route notes, maps, elevation gain and city map
Sightseeing, restaurant and shopping suggestions in handbook
All Baggage transfers
Pick-up of bikes and gear in Siena
Sales taxes
Tour Departures: Any date between 15th March to end of October
Piemonte Wine Lover’s Paradise
Luxury 7 day, 6 nights Luxury Guided Bike Tour
From alpine splendor to undiscovered villages and fortified castles, this unique bike tour combines the best of Italian and French cuisine and wine with scenic pedaling through rolling hills dotted with vineyards and castles. Enjoy robust wines and sophisticated delicacies, including white and black truffles, fragrant cheeses, exquisite pastries and fine chocolates. In spite of the renown of its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, Piemonte is relatively undiscovered.
Day 1: Arrive in Saluzzo, Italy
Today we will toast your arrival with a traditional Asti Spumante followed by a bike fitting, safety talk, and map review. Celebrate with a traditional Piedmontese dinner at our favourite restaurant La Gallotta di Pellico
Day 2: Monviso: Pian del re
Loop bike tour in the Alps, Monviso. Our route takes us to the base of the mountain today; those who want a challenge can to Crissolo or as high up as the Po River spring, Pian del Re, 6,000 foot climb into the Alps! Returning, we can stop at Staffarda Abbey, built by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. Distance: your choice 65km/40 miles or 86 km/ 53,5 miles
Day 3: Racconingi castle
Today we head east across the Po River valley today and you’ll enjoy a ride through pasture lands, corn fields, and poplar groves. Continue on through the Roero region to Pollenzo, a small village, now the center of the world’s first University of Gastronomic Sciences in association with Slow Food movement. Distance: 70 km/48 miles totally flat. Special event: wine tasting
Day 4: White truffles, soft fresh cheeses and hazelnuts
Loop bike trip in Roero . Today you will cycle across those famous hills, lands of excellent wines and valuable truffles. Follow corkscrew roads into the hills of the rural Roero, a gourmet’s paradise known for its soft fresh cheeses and hazelnuts. Dinner tonight with local cuisine in complete tune with the Slow Food philosophy. Total distance 65 km/40 miles
Day5: Langhe & Nebbiolo grapes: Barolo wine
Today we explore Langhe and Barolo. . This ride takes us through the vineyards of the nebbiolo grape. Along our route you’ll pass through the stunning landscape of La Morra, as well as vineyards around Barolo, Monforte d’Alba, Grinzane Cavour. Private wine tasting: learn all about passion, viticoltori & grapes! A total distance 62 km or 80 km rolling hills and some climbs
Day 6: Canelli cellars
Today we take a bike tour of Canelli ~ rolling hills and climbs. You will get to know the gracious medieval towns before reaching Canelli, where you will visit the unique underground cellars – the “cathedrals” – where the wine rests and ages in order to grant that special quality, which is appreciated worldwide. Gourmet dinner at la Rei, Boscareto. Total distance 63 km/39 miles,
Day 7: Arrivederci al prossimo bike tour
Farewell breakfast all together. Enjoy the luxury hotel and spa, immersed in vineyards.
Treasures of Tuscany
Pienza~Montalcino~Val d’Orcia~Sorano~Sovano
7 Day/ 6 Nights Guided Tour, from Euro 2590.00 per person sharing
One of the top ten bike tours of Italy, our Treasures of Tuscany introduces you to the treasures of southern Tuscany, such as Montalcino and Pienza and then ride into a vastly unknown, wild and remote tuscan region: Maremma, the Wild West of Tuscany. Here we introduce you the famous Brunello and the Morellino wines of Tuscany.
Day 1: Pienza
We meet at Chiusi and transfer to your hotel in Pienza, the purest renaissance town in the world, welcoming meet and greet and bike fitting. Your hotel occupies a 15th-century convent in the center of town. Meet your guides and get to know the rest of the group for the bike tour. Overnight at La Bandita Townhouse, a luxury hotel tucked inside the hostoric centre of Pienza. Dinner at la Bandita restaurant.
Day 2: Montalcino & Brunello Wine
Start the bike trip on a long descent into the rolling green pastures of the Val d’Orcia, followed by a hearty uphill stretch that takes us to picturesque Bagno Vignoni, the main square is actually a thermal pool! Continue on to secluded country Sant’Antimo Abbey, pedaling through the fortress walls into Montalcino. Distance: 70 km/43 miles. Dinner at la foce Dopolavoro ~ excellent!
Day 4: Orcia Valley and San Casciano dei Bagni Hot Springs
Today is a rustic and rural bike ride ~ for the first 15 km your bike tour is downhill and after easy gentle rolling hills. We ride to Radicofani, an old little town on a top of a hill that overlooks the Orcia Valley and it is situated along the ancient Francigena road. The Orcia Valley is listed on UNESCO World Heritage for its well-preserved landscapes. After lunch at the hill town continue to Celle sul Rigo we visit the San Casciano Bagni hot spring. Dinner at local restaurant ‘da Daniela.’ Overnight at San Casciano’s Fonteverde resort, an exclusive 17th century property. Distance: 53 km/ 33 miles
Day 5: Sorano & Sovana
This morning brings a lovely bike ride through tiny villages and borgos. The highlight today is Sorano, a collection of small and ancient homes gathered around a fortress erected in the 16th century by the Orsini family. The castle is one of the best surviving examples of Tuscan military architecture. Overnight in Sovano, at the Sovano Resort, an elegant and intimate hotel. Distance: 51 km/31 miles
Day 6: Scansano & Pitigliano
Today we visit Pitigliano~ a pristine warren of elegant palaces and surprisingly broad cobble stoned streets, nicknamed Tuscany’s Little Jerusalem in honor of the vibrant Jewish community. Back on your saddle and continue to Scansano which is set in a scenic location between Saturnia and the sea. Most famous for Morellino, a ruby red wine with a full bodied bouquet. We visit the wine cellars at the Erik Banti Winery. Return to Sovano for our farewell dinner. Distance 45km/28 miles
Day 6: Farewell!
After a farewell breakfast all together we arrange transfer to train station
Contact us at tours@cyclewest.com for more details or to book this trip.
Zig-zagging Sardinia Island
Alghero ~Bosa ~ Arbatax ~ Baia di Chia
Guided Tour, 8 Days/ 7 Nights
An ancient land with an ancient language, Sardinia is a uniquely fascinating place, forged by many centuries of culture and history in its strategic position at the center of Mediterranean. Higlhlights include the enigmatic Nuraghes; prehistoric round fortresses standing silently and ever-present across the island. Physical history combines with the breathtakingly beautiful and varied natural environment to create a truly special place for a bike tour adventure. Fabulous food, lovely wine such as Cannonau, spectacular beaches, archeological treasures, an isolated rugged interior and people renowned for hospitality…so many reason to join this trip!
Day 1: Welcome to Alghero
Meet at Alghero airport before transferring to your lodging by the sea for check in and your bike fitting. Alghero is a lively and pretty city where welcome dinner at ai Tuguri restaurant
Day 2: Bosa and Castle
Take a bike tour to Bosa via the commune of Villanova Monteleone and back along the stunning coastline . On your way, travel through a cork oak forest and admire the murals in Monteresta a fortified town dating back to about 1000 AD. Distance 105 km/65,5 miles
Day 3: Foresta di Burgo and Oliena
Cycle to Oliena via the communes of Ittiri, Thiesi, Bono and Nuoro, and the beautiful Foresta di Burgos. Ride through fields of artichokes and forests after pausing for a cappuccino in Thiesi before getting back in the saddle and riding through foresta di burgos. Pause for lunch and then head on to your hotel. Distance: 95 km/59 miles to Bono or 140 km/87,5 miles
Day 4: Dorgali Baunei and Arbatax
Your goal today is Arbatax, a small harbour in the Ogliastra territory. The centre of this small town rises at the bottom of Cape Bellavista – territory enriched with the green coloured Meditteranean scrub and famous for its characteristic red rocks and the masses of poephyritic grantie located close to the harbour. Afterwards enjoy an up and down to Bauneri. This seaside village has elements of a mountain settlement, despite its location near the sea and beautiful beaches. The vast inland area in this region is also extremely beautiful espeically the Golgo, a wild and empty calcareous plateau lying above the town. Enjoy a pleasent downhill to S.M. Navarrese on unspoilt coastline before reaching your hotel for a deserved gourmet dinner. Distance 90 km/ 55 miles.
Day 5: Barumini and Nuraghes
Today your biking will take you to commune of Barumini via Perdasdefogu, Nurri. The former is famous for its archaeological remains, which are the best knwon on the island. Sardinia is well-known not only for its natural beauties but also for Nuraghe, unusual buildings almost unique to this area which first appearing during the Bronze Age and have come to be seen as a symbol of the island. Visit the nuraghic complex in Barumini before grabbing your bike and continuing to the town of Guspini and enjoying a gourmet dinner at Hotel Tarhtesh. Distance 88km/ 55 miles.
Day 6: Portixeddu and Pan di Zucchero
Take a gentle downhill to the modern town of Carbonia along coastal roads and through the communes of Bugerru and Fontanamare. Begin the uphill to Arbus through the prickly pears characteristic of Sardinia. Admire the “pan di Zucchero” an outcropping rock 133 meters high with two natural arches, and the little fish village of Bugerru. Finish off your day of cycling at Fontanamare, before a short transfer to Cantine mura or cantine Mesa for wine tasting and visit cellars. After your wine tasting, transfer to Pula for check in at your charming and elegant hotel, Il Morus, complete with private beach! Distance 95 km/59 miles
Day 7 : Circular bike ride on the coastal Domus de Maria, Teluada, Chia
We will ride inland to Domus de Maria, Teulada, Chia. Enjoy the up & downs along Baia Chia coastal road. This is a fantastic seaside spot: the white sandy beaches, the high sand dunes and the crystalline water have a Caribbean feel. It is only the Mediterranean vegetation and in particular the juniper trees typical of this region that remind you of this fantastic island’s true location. Distance 66 km/ 41 miles
Day 8: Farewell breakfast and Pula
This morning after breakfast enjoy Pula’s beaches and coves, Roman excavations and blindingly white sand dunes. Consider a visit to the beach of Nora and a large Roman amphitheatre that lies directly on the sea before taking bus, taxi or private transfer to Cagliari – Arrivederci!
Short Escape Tuscany Wine Tour
Our Beautiful Tuscany Wine Country Bike Tour offers a sunny Mediterranean ambiance and a spirited flair for hospitality. Tuscany nourishes the soul and leads you to rejoice in the earthly pleasures of daily life!
Itinerary
Self Guided Tour, 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Explore Tuscany Wine Country on this short escape. This is a shorter (5 day/4 night) version on our most popular Tuscany Biking trip – offering 3 full days of cycling and 2 half days. So saddle up for a great trip in Tuscan Wine Country…
Tour Departures: Any date between 15th March to end of October
Pienza ~ Montalcino ~ Chianti
Definitely our best selling bike tour in Italy, this memorable cycling tour lets you experience the region’s world famous wine culture. Bike along tranquil country lanes, tracing the expanses between farmland crowned with walled villages, ancient monasteries in secluded valleys and medieval forts. Staying in Pienza, Montalcino, Siena and heart of Chianti, you are sure to experience the true essence of Tuscany, where history, beauty and, of course, wine abound.
Day 1: Pienza
Meet & Greet in Pienza, widely known as the “ideal city of the Renaissance” for your welcome, orientation and bike fitting. Pienza exemplifies Take a stroll through the beautiful cobblestone streets ~ the town streets are full of small charming shops selling typical local products, such as fine wines, pecorino, spices, pici (handmade pasta) and so on. We recommend stopping and tasting! Optional test ride to San Quirico d’Orcia. Distance 20km /12.5 miles.
Day 2: Montepulciano & Vino Nobile
Today’s bike ride takes you on a looped ride to Castelmuzio, Montichiello and Montepulciano ~ the jewel of Southern Tuscany. Stop along the way to visit the convent where parts of The English Patient were filmed, and in the enchanting hamlet of Castelmuzio. Arrive in Montepulciano for lunch before returning to Pienza with a stop in the village of Monticchiello. Distance 55km/34 miles.
Day 3: Montalcino Brunello Country
Ride from Pienza to Montalcino, with a pause in the fairy-tale like Bagno Vignoni, a miniature spa town. Lunch in Castiglione d’Orcia, then push on to the monastery of Sant’Antimo before heading on to your destination Montalcino, a town renowned for its wine. Visit the 14th century fortress to see a breathtaking view of the entire valley you’ve just biked. Distance 46 km/ 28,5 miles
Day 4: Siena
Today you start your bike ride with a 10 km descent and pass through Buonconvento, heading northbound to Siena. In Murlo visit a fascinating Etruscan Museum. Continue to Ville di Corsano, end up at the arch gate San Marco. You’ll have time to take a leisurely stroll around this art city and explore the wonderful Torre del Mangia, Duomo and Piazza del Campo. Option A: 60 km/37.5miles – Option B: 52 km/31 miles
Day 4: Chianti Hills
End of bike tour – optional bike ride in chianti to Castello di Brolio, a beautiful bike ride on Chiantigiana road. Distance 50 km /31 miles
Villa Boscarello
Villa Boscarello is private villa ideally located for visiting the most famous art and historical cities in Tuscany including Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Cortona as well as the Chianti wine towns of Castellina, Radda and Greve.
The Villa is a great example of a large traditional Tuscan Villa dating back to the 1700’s. it is situated in the area of the Crete Senesi, 35 km south east of Siena, on the top of a hill commanding extensive views over the surrounding Tuscan countryside to the towns of Montalcino, Radicofani, the cathedral of S.Anna in Camprena, Montisi, Trequanda, the Gallico castle, Serre di Rapolano, the Mount Amiata and Siena.
The villa is part of a large wine producing estate but is completely independent and private. The surrounding land is organically farmed and guests staying at Villa Boscarello are welcome to take part in wine and olive oil tastings and tours of the estate. Moreover, for those interested in truffles, this is an area where the precious and rare “white truffle” grows naturally. Morning truffle hunting in private truffle fields can also be arranged.
Cooking courses can be organised. Participants can learn how to prepare simple, tasty dishes with seasonal local ingredients. Recipes are explained step by step with a translation in English upon request so guests can get ‘hands on’ experience of preparing a complete Tuscan meal from the starters to the dessert. At the end of the cooking course guests are treated to a delicious dinner where they can taste all the dishes they have made.
The medieval village of Trequanda, with its ruined castle dating back to 1200, is just a few minutes drive. The village, with a restaurant, shops, small supermarket and petrol station, is picturesque on its hill surrounded by woods, vineyards and olive groves.
A large private garden surrounds the property. The swimming pool is private to this property and along with fabulous views, has plenty of poolside furniture including loungers and umbrellas.
The villa can be rented out to a maximum of 16 people or the villa plus Bellaria to a maximum of 20 people. Please contact us at tours@cyclewest.com for more details.
