A Taste of Tuscany Cycling

A Taste of Tuscany Cycling

169 Views
8 Days From

$2105

$2005

A Taste of Tuscany Cycling

8 Days Starting and ending in Chianciano Terme

Visiting: Italy

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07ST

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

13-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling, Shopping, Sightseeing

From: $2105 $2005 Travel Club discount: -$100

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This is not just a cycling holiday it is an immersion into local Tuscan life, from a cookery class to hot thermal spa baths and the chance to taste local wines and olive oils. Sample the Vino Nobile of Monepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.

Highlights

  • Exhilarating cycling across the UNESCO Val d'Orcia

  • Delicious classic Tuscan cuisine and cookery class

  • Warm and welcoming agriturismo with a passionate owner - the best of Italian hospitality

  • Visit the wine and cheese towns of Montepulciano and Pienza

  • Fabulous insight into traditional Tuscan life: the food, the wine, the culture

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Chianciano Terme

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia and enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many home cooked dinners. (Staying at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia for 7 nights, Half Board)

Day 2 : The Lakes Circuit

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the week with mountain views and forest tracks as you head to the small town of Montallese and on to Lake Chiusi. After a lunch-break take the long distance path of Sentiero della Bonifica to the Lake of Montepulciano, a nature reserve ideal for bird-watching before heading back to the agristurismo in time for dinner.

Day 3 : Radicofani

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You will be transferred to Radicofani, the highest point in the Val d'Orca, for incredible views. From here cycle to Contignano, famous for its pecorino cheese and a perfect spot for lunch before a downhill stretch through the forest and past the beautiful private gardens of La Foce. The back to the Agriturismo in time for wine and local produce tasting in the old town before dinner.

Day 4 : Sarteano Loop

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Descend along country tracks passing a truffle-growing area before crossing the Astrone stream. Cycle through beautiful valleys to the medieval town of Sarteano before carrying on to Cetona, then climb to Mondo X where you can find one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Frateria - a beautiful convent started by St Francis in 1212. Head back to your hotel in time for your dinner.

Day 5 : Free Day

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day relaxing, enjoy an olive oil tasting at the agriturismo or walk into Chianciano Vecchia to see the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme. On your way back to the hotel you could use your thermal spa voucher and relax in the healing waters.

Day 6 : Montepulciano Circle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle through acres of vineyards on your way to Montepulciano and stop to take in views of the famous Mount Amiata. Explore Montepulciano's winding medieval streets before cycling back to Chianciano.

Day 7 : Pienza And Bagno Vignoni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a short transfer to Pienza take time to explore the town - it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy - and its beautiful medieval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy Pecorino. The ride takes you downhill to cross one of the stunning plains of the Val d'Orcia, and a short detour takes you to Roman Bagno Vignoni with its roman baths and sulphur springs. Follow a long straight Roman road then cross the valley and climb up and down into Chianciano.

Day 8 : Leave Chianciano Terme

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Chianciano Terme.

What's Included

  • High quality bikes

  • One spa entrance

  • Management by local hotelier

  • Cookery class

  • All accommodation

  • All buffet breakfasts and 4-course evening meals

  • GPS route directions and maps

  • /RideWithGPS/ navigation app

  • Wine and olive oil tasting

What's Not Included

  • Single accommodation (available on request)  - compulsory supplement

  • Arrival & departure transfers (available on request)

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food


Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of 'cucina povera' (poor cooking);
simple inexpensive meals that can be made for large groups. Whilst this was
once dictated by the economy and expense of the produce, the tradition has
remained. The cuisine of this region doesn't use complicated seasonings or
elaborate recipes, and instead focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients
that allow the natural flavours in each dish to shine through. Typical dishes
include fagioli con salsiccia (cannellini beans with sausage), tagliatelle al
tartufo (pasta in a truffle sauce) bistecca Fiorentina (a T-bone steak often
large enough to share!), pici (a fat, handmade spaghetti, often served with
tomato and garlic sauce or game meat). Don't miss the local cacio and
pecorino cheeses, and sample the famous wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and
Brunello di Montalcino.

Accommodation

Your base for the week is the modest but comfortable Agriturismo La Pietricca, which stands on a hill with great views of Chianciano Vecchia. Stefano who runs the agriturismo will welcome you with his enthusiasm for everything to do with nature in the surrounding area and will also teach you all about the artisan products in the local area. The hotel produces 65% of what it serves on your table, and is surrounded by its own farm and orchards. There is a lovely terrace and swimming pool and lovely shady grassy area that looks out across the valley, where in the heat of summer you can take your dinner outside.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 13 Years old people can go on this tour.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    comfortable

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International Flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    This tour is self-guided; there is no tour leader.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    T

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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