Bike Tour: Tuscany: Val d'Orcia white roads - 8 days

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.

 

Ride through the bountiful, uncontaminated countryside on the characteristic and well kept dirt roads 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: 33 km, 584m ascent, 675m descent 

 

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: 24/42 km, 588/1177m ascent, 588/1177m descent

 

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 Sant’Anna in Camprena monastery. Admire the frescos then finish your day in the lovely town of Pienza.

Challenge: 37.7 km, 1000m ascent, 756m descent

 

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 thermal waters, enjoyed by the 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: 27.7 km, 674m ascent, 674m descent 

 

From Pienza, travel along an immensely panoramic roads past the medieval stone-built hamlet of Monticchiello. Ride up a remarkable limestone ridge and enjoy breath-taking views of the Val d’Orcia. 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: 34 km, 1000m ascent, 1000m descent

 

The ride today is mostly on gravel road, gentle rolling hills in the most beautiful countryside of the Orcia valley. Half way you can stop in Lucignano d'Asso, a tiny village on the L'eroica cycle route. Then you ride back to the organic farm of Pieve a Salti where you stay tonight.

Challenge: 24 km, 400m ascent, 650m descent 

 

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