San Gimignano is a treasure on the hill and jewel of Tuscany, wonderful for cycling and exploring. With its thirteen outstanding medieval towers, it is clear why the town is on the UNESCO world heritage list. Riding under the Tuscan sun you will pedal on quiet cypress-lined country roads passed sunflower fields, olive groves and vineyards; producing some of the world’s finest olive oil and wine by. Savour the flavour of these ingredients and that of the local produce in the outstanding local cuisine. Then cycle to the former Etruscan centre of Volterra, a unique hilltop town with its own history and charisma. Get pinched, this is the real thing.
The village of Montecatini is located in the hills of the Val di Cecina, a few kilometres from the city of Volterra.
Arrive at hotel in San Gimignano and unwind. Breathe in the wonderful country air and take a stroll along the classic green rolling hills, marvelling at the breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside.
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity.
Today, you will leave San Gimignano behind and cycle to the ancient Etruscan town of Volterra. Through a patchwork-like landscape dotted with wheat fields, olive groves and villas, you reach the base of the imposing hill upon which the town is set. One more solid climb before you arrive at your marvellous hotel, a former convent set inside in the gates of the old city centre.
Challenge: 36km, ascent 922m, descent 650m
An easy yet very scenic ride today in the surroundings of Volterra. Erosion caused by rain water have artistically sculpted the landscape creating cracks and gullies of a majestic beauty. After descending from Volterra you will venture off the beaten track on unpaved tracks to then return on the very panoramic Strada del Cornocchio.
Challenge: 37km, ascent 920m, descent 920m
After an exhilarating downhill ride into the valley, you cycle through the lovely Val d’Era and over stretches of ‘strade bianche’, typical Tuscan white roads. The itinerary winds through the landscape filled with remote farmsteads and villas, and hills covered with vines and olive groves. Grand views on the vast infinitely undulating terrain will accompany you throughout the entire day.
Challenge: 25km, ascent 400m, descent 840m
The last bike ride offers a blend of Tuscany’s rolling hills, picturesque villages, and coastal landscapes.The route winds gently toward the coastal plains, leading you to Cecina, a lively town near the Tyrrhenian Sea. Enjoy the flat roads as you approach Cecina, where you can pause for a coffee or explore the town's bustling atmosphere. If time permits, consider a detour to Cecina Mare to breathe in the sea air and enjoy the coastline. Leaving Cecina, you'll head north toward Bolgheri, following the renowned "Viale dei Cipressi," a long, straight road flanked by iconic cypress trees. This stretch is a highlight of the tour, offering a quintessential Tuscan experience. Expect some uphill stretches as you ascend back toward Montecatini, but the effort is rewarded by panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Challenge: 53km, ascent 700m, descent 700m
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or other supplementary services.
Nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Available on request
Front and rear lights included
Padlock included
1 rear bag, 1 phone holder and 1 odometer included
Repair kit included
Wilier Triestina GTR
Tandem Cannondale Touring
Winora Y420.X Yamaha
Cube Touring One
5 nights included
3 Star Hotels
Breakfast included
Tourist information on all the places of interest
Bike rental available
7-days a week service-hotline
Luggage transport included
Poggibonsi/San Gimignano & Cecina Train station
Medical and luggage travel insurance
Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA) and Bologna (BLQ) Airports are served by major and low cost international flight carriers.
Rome Airport (FCO) is a bit farther away.
Arrival in San Gimignano
From any airport, reach Florence Santa Maria Novella train station by either train or bus.
From there, you can reach Poggibonsi by either bus or train. From Poggibonsi, take a direct bus to San Gimignano.
You can find more information about timetables and train tickets here: trenitalia.it