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Tuscany-South: through the Val D'Orcia
- 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: 600 €
Tripcode: ITSB050
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: 8 days
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 itineraryDay 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: Monasteries of Val d'Orcia onthe way to Pienza
Climb uphill to the renowned monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore with its delightful frescos and botanical garden. After replenishing your soul, follow a winding route past isolated villages to until you reach a row of hundreds of cypress trees, inviting you to visit the stunning SantAnna in Camprena monastery where "The English Patient" was filmed. Admire the frescos then finish your day in the lovely town of Pienza, another UNESCO heritage site
Challenge: 38.0 km; 700 climb
Villages along the way: Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Chiusure, San Giovanni d'Asso, S. Anna in Camprena & Pienza
Day 5: The Hot springs of Bagno Vignoni
Today is a relaxing day in which you will travel on smooth country roads to the medieval hamlet of Bagno Vignoni where you can rest and swim in its healing hot thermal waters, enjoyed by the Anceint Romans and home to the legendary water nymphs. Ride back to Pienza along gently undulating hills through unspoiled countryside and embrace the essence of Southern Tuscany.
Challenge: 24.0 km 300 climb
Villages along the way: Bagno Vignoni
Day 6: The "Strada Panoramica" to Monticchiello and Montepulciano
From Pienza, travel along an immensely panoramic road past the medieval stone-built hamlet of Monticchiello. Ride up a remarkable limestone ridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the Val dOrcia. Gather your strength as you make the climb up to Montepulciano. Upon arrival, celebrate with a glass of the famous local Vino Nobile wine. Head back down happy and giddy towards Pienza !
Challenge: 33.0 km 750 climb
Villages along the way: Monticchiello & Montepulciano
Day 7: San Quirico d'Orcia and the Crete Senesi
Day 7 offers you a brilliant medieval experience. 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: San Quirico d'Orcia
Day 8: 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:
- 7 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. Then 3 nights in comfortable rustic rooms in a very nice B&B with swimming pool.
- 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners at the Fattoria Pieve a Salti (drinks excluded)
- Arrival and departure transfer from Buonconvento to the Fattoria Pieve a Salti Estate
- Luggage transfer on day 4 and 7
- 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
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 600 €/person |
| twin room: | 660 €/person |
| double room: | 660 €/person |
| single room: | 815 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 895 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 620 €/person |
| twin room: | 680 €/person |
| double room: | 680 €/person |
| single room: | 815 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 895 €/person |
Other prices
Bike rental (6 days). 95€
Other prices
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| mountain bike: | 100 €/person |
| hybrid Bike: | 100 €/person |