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Italy

Tuscany - Val D'Orcia short break

Food and Wine
Cultural trip
Cycling
Independent, Self Guided
  • Stay in a quintessential Tuscan Estate with onsite wellness resort and organic food production. The restaurant serves entrees prepared primarily with their own local produce.
  • Visit the natural, artistic and cultural treasures of the Val d'Orcia, on the UNESCO heritage list
  • Wonderful landscapes, wide open fields, cypress lined hills and vineyards
  • Incredibly well preserved medieval and renaissance villages and hilltop towns
  • Peaceful country roads, friendly Tuscans and delicious regional culinary specialties

From: 415 €

Tripcode: ITSB055

3.5 Comfort

 

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

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2 Difficulty

 

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

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Duration: 5 days

Book now

 

Details

Cycling Southern Tuscany

The Tuscan landscape of the Val d'Orcia will warm your heart like a classic photograph as you cycle the waves of undulating green hills, captured in time as if the Etruscans just rode through. Glance at the picturesque farmhouses nestled amidst the olive groves and vineyards. Pass walnut and fig trees on your way to the hot spring town of Bagno Vignoni, and then explore the phenomenal labyrinth streets and artisan workshops of Montepulciano. You shall visit Renaissance palaces, Romanesque churches, thermal baths, and prestigious wineries serving the divine local red "Brunello". Soaring up high to fascinating hilltop towns, you will revel in delight

Itinerary

Expand itinerary Collapse itinerary
 
Day 1: Arrive in Buonconvento

Upon arrival in the charming medieval town of Buonconvento, rich in history and architecture with 700-year old walls, a transfer will take you to the agriturismo (farm house) where you will stay for the next four nights. A delicious Tuscan dinner awaits you! If you have rented bikes with us, they will be waiting for you at the accommodation.

Villages along the way: Buonconvento

Day 2: Murlo and La Befa round tour 

Ride through the bountiful, uncontaminated countryside to Murlo and immerse yourself in the dense woods as you ride by the Crevole River. Continue past steep cliffs to the sweet smell of bright yellow flowers and through an enchanting oak tree forest to La Befa. A short part of the trail is too narrow or rocky to cycle (about 300m) however the exhilarating views are more than worth the effort.

Challenge: 31.0 km 550 climb

Villages along the way: Buonconvento, Murlo & La Befa

Day 3: Montalcino Land of Brunello wine round trip

Pedal through vibrant fields of sunflowers past Buonconvento to the heart of the Brunello wine district. The Monte Amiata volcano lures above as the surrounding countryside transforms into endless olive groves and vineyards. Ride steeply up to the fortified city of Montalcino where you can visit its magnificent 14th century fortress and Palazzo Comunale, then return to Buonconvento along remote back roads.

Challenge: 38.9 km; 600 climb

Villages along the way: Montalcino & Buonconvento

Day 4: Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi

A transfer takes you to the charming town of Pienza where todays medieval experience starts. Follow an ancient pilgrimage route to the fortified town of San Quirico dOrcia. Promenade its narrow streets full of well-preserved history and visit a 16th century Italian garden. After a ride across an arched medieval bridge and past the Tuoma stream, the road climbs and opens, revealing enchanting 360° views of Southern Tuscanys majestic landscape.

Challenge: 34.0 km; 350 climb

Villages along the way: Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia

Day 5: Arrivederci Val d'Orcia

After breakfast a short transfer takes you down to Buonconvento where you can catch the local bus or train to the airport, unless you have booked a transfer or extra services with us.

Villages along the way: Buonconvento

Practical info

Included:

  • 4 nights accommodation, rooms with private en-suite bathrooms; 4 nights in organic farmhouse with wellness center, spa, horse riding center, superb restaurant and both outdoor and indoor pool. 
  • 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners at the Fattoria Pieve a Salti (drinks excluded)
  • Arrival and departure transfer from Buonconvento to the accommodation 
  • Transfer from Buonconvento to Pienza
  • 24-hour telephone assistance (simple puncture not covered)
  • Detailed road book and maps in English

Not Included:

  • Flights and public transportation
  • Bike rental
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal extras and expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, etc.
  • Any items that has not been mentioned in the programme

Optional Services:

  • 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet (puncture repair kit, pump, lock, map holder) Bike is picked up and dropped off at 1st and last hotel.
  • Airport Arrival and departure transfers
  • Beauty treatments at the Fattoria Pieve a Salti Estate
  • Guided tour of Siena or any other town on the trip with a local private city guide

Extra Overnight:

Additional nights in Florence, Siena or any other destination in Italy

Getting there and away:

Florence airport has regular international flights. Several low cost carriers serve Pisa and Bologna.
www.trenitalia.it ; www.trainspa.it ; www.terravision.it/

  • Florence: Take the bus to Santa Maria Novella train station and then the train to Buonconvento. Change in Siena. Travel time approx. 2.5h
  • Pisa: From the airport take the train to Buonconvento, you have to change at Pisa Centrale, Empoli and Siena. Travel time approx 3h. 
  • Bologna: Take the bus to Bologna Centrale train station then the train to Buonconveto. Change in Florence and in Siena. Travel time approx. 3.5h
    On departure take the train and bus to the airport of departure.

Reviews

Start: Buonconvento

Finish: Buonconvento

 

Dates & prices

Trip availability: Starting any day from 01 April to 31 October

Departures
March 22, 2013 - October 31, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 415 €/person
twin room: 455 €/person
double room: 455 €/person
single room: 540 €/person
solo, single room: 620 €/person

Other prices

January 01, 2013 - January 31, 2014
Dates of the trip Price
hybrid Bike: 85 €/person
Mountain Bike: 85 €/person
January 02, 2013 - February 01, 2014
Dates of the trip Price
luggage and people transfer from Pieve a Salti to Florence city centre: 165 €
luggage and people transfer from Pieve a Salti to Florence airport: 165 €
luggage and people transfer from Florence airport to Pieve a Salti: 165 €