A bicycle tour from Siena to Sansepolcro (7d-6n)
TOUR DETAILS
The curvaceous roads that run from Siena to the Val d’Orcia and from Montepulciano towards Cortona and Val di Chiana is the main gateway into the heart of Central Italy. No other region of Italy conjures up such classic Italian images … the hamlets and hilltop towns, terracotta rooftops, swaying cypress and golden valleys. The roads both paved and dirt are pretty much surrounded by silence, yes …ok … there are hills to climb…but your efforts will be well rewarded by the simply perfect views, the scenery in every season and with any weather seems to be a work of art.
In each of the towns you will stay, the locals gather, just like in old times, in the piazza every afternoon for a walk in their “corso”(old town’s main road) looking for a stroll with friends or a good “espresso.” This simple way of life is the Italy’s best kept secret. Sport and culture can be found on the same roads here and are suited for cycle tourists who love to ride in the shadow of ancient civilizations. Here travelling requires frequent stops in order to take it all in, there are towns and villages that will take your breath away.
After a ride through rolling green wheat fields, vineyards, zig-zaging through lines of cypress, you will taste the true flavours of this land… pecorino cheese, fruity olive oils, the famous Tuscan wines, and the warmth of our hospitality each evening.
Day 1:BENVENUTI!
Welcome to Siena – Bike Fitting
Our representative will meet you in Siena
– Special Event of the day: A walk in Siena, the best preserved Medieval town of the world also called “Medieval Pompeii” , the Campo square, its narrow alleys
Day 2: SIENA – BUONCONVENTO-MONTALCINO
Highlights of the day: Epic ride across the hills South of Siena, the Etruscan territories of Murlo and Vescovado, the village of Buonconvento and the nearby Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore (extension) with masterpieces of Renaissance painting.
Ride details: level: MODERATE – approx 50 km rolling hills
– longer route and optional roads available
– Special Event of the day: a stroll in the historic centre of Montalcino
Day 3: MONTALCINO – PIENZA – MONTEPULCIANO
Highlights of the day: Views of Tuscan towns and countryside, Pienza the dream town of Pope Pius II place of architectural masterpieces, shop for ceramics and sample delectable pecorino cheese, the small hamlets of the Val d’Orcia
Ride details: level: MODERATE – approx 40 km rolling hills
– longer routes (+70 km) and options available
– Special Event of the day: Visit of the town of Pienza or the small villages of the valley, some of the local wineries, olive mills and ewe cheese producers.
Day 4: MONTEPULCIANO – MONTICCHIELLO – PIENZA-MONTEPULCIANO
Highlights of the day: Views of Tuscan towns and countryside , a stroll in Montepulciano one of the most beautiful hilltop towns of Italy, an alternative ride Pienza or the ride to the hot springs of Bagno Vignoni
Ride details: level: MODERATE – approx 40 km rolling hills
– longer route available
– Special Event of the day: Visit of the town of Pienza
Day 5: MONTEPULCIANO – CORTONA
Highlights of the day: Views of Tuscan towns and countryside , the Montepulciano wine area and Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake of the Peninsula
Ride details: level: MODERATE – approx 40 km rolling hills
– longer route available
– Special Event of the day: Fantastic undulating ride with final climb to Cortona with vistas on Lake Trasimeno and Chiana. A glass of local wine in the Wine bar on Cortona’s Corso
Day 6: CORTONA – SANSEPOLCRO
Highlights of the day: Views of the Northern Umbria woodlands and rural areas, easy riding in the Tiber river Valley surrounded by the Apennine Mountains.
Ride details: level: MODERATE –approx 70 km starting from the very beginning with the only climb of the day
– longer route available
– Special Event of the day: Do not miss the frescoes by Piero della Francesca in Sansepolcro
Day 7: Ciao Ciao!
End of tour after breakfast. Departure: Bus available to reach Arezzo train station connected to Rome, Milan and Florence.
Taxi transfer from Sansepolcro available.
