Escape the ordinary and embark on an MTB adventure along the sacred routes of Tuscany, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge to create an unforgettable experience. Tuscany’s long history of trade and agriculture has resulted in an extensive network of trails — from thrilling forest singletrack to scenic country lanes. Follow the legendary Via Francigena pilgrimage, picturesque Montagnola trails, and the exhilarating Eroica roads, discovering the essence of Tuscany in every pedal stroke. Immerse yourself in the Renaissance splendor of hilltop towns and pause to savor traditional delicacies paired with magnificent wines of the region.
Pair traditional delicacies with the best wines of Chianti, Montepulciano and Montalcino
Ride down the Crete Senesi on a roller-coaster ridge ride and visit famous hilltop towns
Stay in lovely Tuscan accommodation overlooking stunning landscapes
What you get on this adventure:
Mountain bike and helmet rentals are available for an added fee. Please let us know if you need to rent any gear upon checkout.
What’s not included:
Tuscany’s technical terrain, complete with loose, steep single tracks is one of its strongest selling points. That said, even the most experienced among the group can count on it to push their limits. You’ll need to be able to bike 25-50 miles / 40-80 km per day.
You will be biking on a mix of chalky double track or “Strade Bianche”. The wider tracks will be alternated with some fun, flowing narrower trails that can be rocky and with roots in sections. Sections of singletrack can be a bit rocky with limestone making the trails a bit tricky in places. You will have to manage a few steep, and a few long climbs (followed by fantastic downhills), so fitness is more important than off-road riding skills.
This tour is perfect for mountain bikers with some experience of singletrack and steeper terrain. If you’re generally fit and manage to ride regularly this could be the level for you.
As this tour is aimed at regular cyclists who have a degree of off-road experience, singletrack and steeper terrain, it is not suitable for mountain biking beginners.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Your guides allow one main piece of luggage per person, other than your bike and a small day pack. Your main luggage should preferably be either a backpack or ‘sports bag’ so as to assist in transportation. The day pack may be useful for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing, camera and snacks.
You will be able to leave extra gear or spare kit in the support vehicle during the day, meaning there is no need to carry any equipment other than that carried on your normal day ride. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired bikers as well, allowing the chance of a well-earned break if needed.
If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have hardtail bikes available to rent. These bikes typically feature front suspension, disc brakes and good quality components. You can also rent a helmet and all necessary spare parts.
If you are bringing your own bike, a mountain bike with off-road tyres is the best choice. Best options is a front suspension or full suspension mountain bike with a wide range of gears and tyres with an appropriate level of tread for this trip. Keep in mind that the vast majority of airlines will charge you to transport your bike. Please contact your airline for specific details.
In case you’re renting a bike, you are welcome to bring your own saddle with you or SPD/clipless pedals.
The majority of accommodation will be in a shared twin or double room with an ensuite bathroom. You’ll stay in 3 star guest houses, agriturismi (immersive farm stays) or hotels. An Italian agriturismo will usually serve guests food that was prepared from raw materials produced on the farm or from other local merchants. Occasionally accommodation will include a swimming pool. The fabulous hospitality will be one of the highlights of your week!
Tuscan cuisine is primarily about simplicity. Breakfasts will typically consist of a range of breads, jams and cakes. Lunch will be served as a buffet of fresh local treats often supplemented with a pasta dish. Dinners will be at a local restaurant or your accommodation. Generally speaking these consist of antipasti (a selection of appetizers), a pasta course, a main course of meat or seasonal vegetables finished off with a sweet dish, fruit, coffee and liqueurs, all washed down with the great local wine.
Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements can generally be catered for. Please indicate at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Late spring and early autumn are probably the best months to cycle in Tuscany as the temperatures are very pleasant without being too hot. Expect temperatures around 20-25°C / 68-77°F, but some days may be as warm as 30-35°C / 86-95°F.
It can get chilly at night so make sure you bring something warmer as well. Occasional rain showers can be expected, especially in the hillier areas.
Group sizes and prices:
Mountain biking in Tuscany can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
Secure your place with a $250 deposit due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. If you book less than 60 days before departure full payment is due on booking. Depending on how far in advance you cancel you will be entitled to the following refund:
If you need to transfer a booking to another person, or change a person on the booking, you will need to write an email with details, at least seven (7) days before your trip. There may be an administration charge to cover the cost of this transfer or change.
Your guides reserve the right to change the itinerary or cancel the trip if they feel it would be unsafe to operate it or under any other circumstances beyond their control. They may also have to cancel your trip if the trip doesn’t reach the minimum number of participants. If this is the case, they will let you know 4-8 weeks before departure, but certainly no later than 20 days in advance.
To get to Pisa where your adventure begins, most people fly into Pisa International Airport. Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday and both the arrival and return transfers from Pisa airport will be coordinated with the group flight schedule.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best arrival time and place to meet, usually at the airport. The tour starts in San Gimignano and finishes in Pienza.
Please note that if you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.
Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Tuscany, Italy please refer to the official pages of the Italian Government.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
