Tuscany Cycle Siena & Chianti

Fly to Pisa; transfer to San Quirico D'Orcia (approx. 2hrs 30 mins).
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Day 2

Today we head towards Pienza, a charming town full of history and culture.
From here we cycle to the beautifully situated wine centre of Montepulciano,
famous for its Vino Nobile. We then head towards the mediaeval village of
Monticchiello and on to the well known thermal bath of Bagno Vignoni, before
making our way back to the hotel.

Day 3

A classic day's riding, showing Tuscany at its most picturesque. Following
back roads, we head out of San Quirico with a first stop at Montalcino. We
then descend on the road to Buonconvento and ride back up to Murlo passing
by Bibbiano. From here we ascend the short but steep Rospatoio Pass and take
a lovely road section via Ville di Corsano, as we approach the splendid
gothic city of Siena.

Day 4

Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns with one of the world's
most gracious squares, the Campo. There is plenty to see in Siena and its
sights are best explored on foot as the town is compact but hilly. There are
many museums and buildings of interest to visit, such as the impressive
Duomo. Alternatively you may choose to head out for an unguided ride. On the
June 30th departure you will get the chance to be in Siena during the 'Palio
Horse Race', one of Italy's most famous annual sporting events and experience
the thrilling atmosphere around it. Held in honour of the Virgin Mary, ten
of the city’s seventeen contrade, or districts, are represented by a horse
and jockey in each race and will compete against each other during this
event. It has been held in Siena’s civic hub, Piazza del Campo, since 1644
and local people get involved to a level that it is still common for
‘mixed-marriage’ couples to separate for the days leading up to and
including the race if the contrada of the husband and wife both have a horse
in contention.

Day 5

From Siena we head directly into the heart of Chianti. Our picturesque route
takes us via some lovely small villages and hamlets, as well as some
spectacular vineyards and castles, such as that of Castello di Brolio. Here
there is the option to taste some of the area's finest wines. We then cycle
on to Gaiole for lunch and after a gelato stop in Radda, we follow our final
section to Castellina in Chianti, where we stay for two nights.

Day 6

From Castellina, we ride through rolling countryside before taking an
amazingly scenic descent into the lower valley. From Poggibonsi we head
towards the distant towers of San Gimignano, nestled between the hills and
small hamlets. The Unesco town is one of the most visited and interesting
sights in Tuscany; famous for its towers, Vernaccia wine & Safron. We spend
a few hours enjoying the atmosphere, walking by the walls and admiring the
town's high towers. Our return route involves a long but beautiful climb
before reaching Castellina and enjoying a well deserved gelato. 

Day 7

Our final spectacular ride passes through Panzano in Chianti towards the
market town of Greve in Chianti. This is described as one of the most scenic
roads which links Florence with Siena through the Chianti hills. Here we have
time to admire the triangular piazza which hosts the famous Chianti wine
festival before heading towards Strada and Impruneta, known for their local
terracotta production. In Impruneta we stop for our lunch. We finish by
taking a panoramic road towards Florence, cycling all the way to Piazzale
Michelangelo for a final group shot. We will arrive in Florence in the early
afternoon, giving you time to start exploring this wonderful city of the
Renaissance including the Cathedral and Baptistry – the oldest building in
the city. Also see the Ponte Vecchio, the superb bridge over the river Arno,
lined with goldsmiths and the most famous symbol of the City.

Day 8

Transfer to Pisa; fly to London (approx. 1hr 15 mins).

Please note that at times, especially during summer months, the inbound
flight can be late in the evening. In this instance you will have additional
time to spend in Pisa. Leader will take care of all arrangements in terms of
transport from/to the airport and the city centre and luggage storage. It may
also happen that, for logistical reasons, on return we will have to be at the
airport earlier than normally scheduled. This will mean a longer waiting time
before checking in.