Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
1. Join tour in Florence; transfer to Florence hotel
We begin the trip in Florence where you will be met at the airport by the More Adventure team and transferred to our first hotel in the city. Here we have a group briefing and prepare for the follow day’s sightseeing.
Day 2: Florence sightseeing
Our first full day in Tuscany will be spent sightseeing around the stunning city of Florence. There’s plenty to see in Florence which is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance and is also the capital of the Tuscany region. You’ll have a full day exploring some of the finest architectural sites in Europe including the Palazzo Vecchio, the domed cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Ponte Vecchio. We’ll have our second group meal together in the city before retiring to our overnight hotel.
Day 3: Florence to San Gimignano (45 miles & ↑3900 feet)
Today we begin cycling! After breakfast in our hotel, we’ll leave Florence and begin cycling south west into the Tuscan countryside. We’ll stop off at a few towns along the way where we’ll soak up the laid-back Italian atmosphere and maybe have time for coffee. From here our route continues south west to the understandably popular San Gimignano. This hilltop town is famous for its’ towers and ancient cobbled streets. Here we’ll have our first wine tasting experience, the highlight of which is the Vernaccia di San Gimignano which Michelangelo described as the wine that “kisses, licks, bites, heats and stings”.
Day 4: San Gimignano loop (39 miles & ↑4100 feet)
Today we have an optional (but highly recommended!) circular route to the west of San Gimignano. We ride towards the ancient hilltop town of Volterra for lunch, climbing high up above the valleys and vineyards below, before looping back around to overnight again in San Gimignano. There are plenty of walks in the area if you’d prefer to explore this wonderful region on foot, or simply relax in the picturesque town.
Day 5: San Gimignano – Castellina in Chianti – Siena (35 miles & ↑3200 feet)
From San Gimignano we skirt around Poggibonsi and ride east to Castellina in Chianti. This area is famous for the world-renowned Chianti wine which we may have the chance to sample over a relaxed lunch in the town. From here our route heads south to the beautiful city of Siena, the medieval centre of which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Each year, hundreds of people gather on the Piazza del Campo for Il Palio, a thrilling and colourful horse race that is held every summer.
Day 6: Siena – Montalcino – Montepulciano (51 miles & ↑4000 feet)
Our third cycling day heads south towards as we enter the Val D’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique valley boasts medieval castles, charming farmhouses, endless cypress-lined roads and rows of picturesque vineyards. Our first stop is the hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for Brunello di Montalcino, a superb and unique red wine produced in the area. After coffee we continue east, stopping briefly at the beautiful town of San Quirico d’Orcia before reaching Pienza, another UNESCO Heritage site which has been dubbed the “touchstone of Renaissance urbanism”. Our overnight stop is Montepulciano, a medieval town high on a limestone ridge above the countless valleys below.
Day 7: Montepulciano – Siena transfer to Pisa (40 miles & ↑2800 feet)
Our final cycling day heads northwest from Montepulciano to the hilltop town of Asciano, home to an 11th century Romanesque basilica of Sant’Agata. We climb an absolutely stunning cycling road up to the small town of Vescona where we’ll stop for photographs at an unmissable viewpoint overlooking the vineyards below before a thrilling descent to the valley below. From here we continue northwest to Siena train station where we’ll get a train back to Pisa for our final evening meal together.
Day 8: Pisa
Today our trip ends. After breakfast you may have time to visit the infamous leaning tower of Pisa before being transferred to Pisa airport where we say our goodbyes and the trip ends.
The trip starts in Florence and ends in Pisa.
You will need to purchase flights to Florence. British Airways offer these for between £80‐£200. You can also fly to Pisa with Ryanair, Easyjet then catch a train across to Florence, please get in touch for further information about this option. Return flights from Pisa are offered by Ryanair, Easyjet or British Airways. Please only book flights once the trip has been confirmed.
We will be offering a door-to-door bicycle/luggage transfer on this trip, please get in touch if you require this service.
If you require a single room, the single room supplement is £375, this can be added to your final invoice.
FAQs
Is it possible to hire a bicycle for this trip?
Yes, good quality road bikes are available to hire from Florence - please contact us for further information and current prices.
I'd like to stay on to explore Tuscany further, is this possible?
Of course! If you wish to stay on in Tuscany for longer, it's not a problem at all. The trip officially ends back in Florence after being transferred from Siena so it's entirely up to you whether you want to return home then, or stay on to explore more of this incredible region of the world.
Do you offer a door-to-door bicycle transfer service for this trip?
Yes we do. Please contact us for further details.
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