Day 1
Chianti Countryside, Honey, Wine and Olive Oil

Be ready to ride as a short transfer from the busy streets of Florence is the start of our first ride following the quiet country paths into the wondrous Chianti countryside. One moderate climb allows us to fully enjoy the wonderful views of this famed wine region as well as explore the nearby Abbey and enoteca. Our destination is a beautifully restored farmhouse winery located near an ancient market town in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Here we get a chance to relax and explore the grounds with a welcome glass of Chianti/Rose or laze around the farms impressive vanishing edge pool before we sit down for a memorable Tuscan feast--Florentine T-bones anyone?

• Lodgings for two nights at a family run farm/winery offering us the unique experience associated with the agriturismo.
• Dinner: Our farmstead has one of the finest kitchens in Tuscany--a favorite amongst locals

Day 2
The Chianti Alliance

From our farmstead we complete our exploration of the famed Chianti wine region. You’ll experience an up-close look at the scenery that has made Tuscany synonymous with that “Taste of Tuscany” everyone expects to see. Along quiet country roads and trails lined by oak groves, vineyards and farmlands you ride between the 3 main villages that formed the “Chianti Alliance” centuries ago, Radda, Gaiole and Castellina in Chianti with an optional visit to nearby Greve. Along the way you tour of the ancient Abbey of Coltibuono, where the art of wine, honey and olive oil production has been refined for centuries. We not only taste the goods here, but also enjoy an Andiamo gourmet picnic lunch featuring assorted local specialties within the setting of spectacular views over the eastern edge of the Val d’Arno. Our loop takes back into heart of the wine region and begs us to stop for a tasting or even better a gelato that you are sure to associate with everything Italian. On our return we enjoy a private tour & tasting at the winery of our host.

• Lodgings same as previous night.
• Dinner: Another locals favorite serving excellent Tuscan cuisine & offering outstanding wines.

Day 3
Etruscan Legacy & Medieval Towers

The soft colorful landscapes of fine lines formed by the numerous vineyards, gently rolling hills and fields of sunflowers are unforgettable within this idyllic cycling route of the Chianti that includes a stop at the important Etruscan tombs of 700 BC. We then tour the charming Castellina in Chianti before gliding downhill along a 20-km gently sloped route that embraces everything fun about biking and wonderful about Tuscany. We end the ride with a backdoor approach to the “medieval skyscrapers" of San Gimignano and shift gears from the rugged mountainous terrain of red grapes and into the more rolling countryside of white grapes offer that cruises through the medieval gate on the quiet side of town and leading into the heart of the town we stay.

• Lodgings are in a 3-star albergo within the medieval walls. The atmosphere and hotel views are magical & there are lots of fun cafés and romantic quaint squares.
• Dinner: Excellent trattoria specializing in local favorites like saffron sauces & wild boar

Day 4 - 5
Italy’s Most Beautiful Square, Wheat Fields & Goat Farmers

This day’s ride is one of my favorite rides from any tour. Our route takes us to Siena, ancient archrival of Florence, along a route that moves away from the vineyards and through a land of wheat fields, orchards and goat farms. Early on there are plenty of photo-ops looking back on the towers of San Gimignano and later Voltera. The road continues along a quiet country road to Isola d’Abazzia (island abbey) which we will explore before reaching the completely walled multi-towered medieval outpost, Monteriggione.

In these times no soldier of rank lived within the walls, but it was an important fortress for the Sienese foot-soldier during their battles with Florence. Once Siena was conquered, the Florentines considered the fortress insignificant. We take time to explore the grounds that until 1960, when it was slowly brought back to life, it was populated by fewer than 20 people. Everyone has the option to shuttle a short distance into Siena or add another 10 miles of country riding to the outskirts of Siena.

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Transportation Logistics

The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.

*Meeting your tour by train if not staying in Florence:
Trains from Rome to Firenze/Florence (tour start): ~1.5 hours
#9310 Roma Termini -9:00am--arrival Firenze S. M. Novella ---10:37am

From Pisa: ~1 hour
#3110 Pisa Centrale -10:27 am--arrival Firenze S. M. Novella ---12:45 pm

From Milan: ~3.5 hours
#9433 Milano Centrale -10:00am-- arrival Firenze S. M. Novella ---12:45

Day by day summary of highlights & mileages walked
All the towns & lodgings we stay are highlights in themselves. Other highlights are as follows:

• Day 1: Ride 29 km / 18.5 miles—lots of downhill, end with uphill.
  Highlights: visit of Badia Passingano & Chianti Classico wine tasting at farmhouse/winery we stay.
• Day 2: Ride 62 km/41 miles—Chianti Classico loop some climbs.
  Highlights: visit Badia Coltibuono, gourmet lunch, sample wine and honey & visit famous Chianti Alliance townships & tiny hamlets.
• Day 3: Ride 48 km/ 30 miles two uphill climbs & one 12-mile long downhill. Highlights: Etruscan tombs, visit market town & tour San Gimignano.
• Day 4: Ride 43/64km / 27/42 miles—easy early short climbs or moderate ride starts with long climb then long downhill. Highlights: Visit multi-towered medieval outpost, Monteriggioni & Island abbey.
• Day 5: Departure day…Siena train station as pre-arranged.