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.
Explore famous sights of Tuscany on this 7-day mountain biking adventure. Make your way through woodlands, vineyards, hills and valleys along great tracks and routes that link famous hilltop towns such as San Gimignano, Siena and Pienza.
After arriving in Pisa, your guides will drive you through the beautiful Tuscan Landscape, arriving at the first accommodation set in the outskirts of the famous town—in the countryside of San Gimignano. You’ll stay in a stunning agriturismo, where your host will prepare your first Tuscan dinner. With a plunge in the pool overlooking the vineyards, your holiday can officially start!
Driving: 90 minutes
Meals: Dinner
Set off the day with a fun off-road section into the valley before looping back towards San Gimignano. Journey south following a mix of dirt roads and trails through woods, over hills and crossing streams, through a constantly changing rolling Tuscan landscape. Most climbs will be on farm or forest gravel routes, which lead onto sections through vineyards and fields, trails and paths used mostly by local people and farmers. Your destination for today is Strove, a small hamlet not far from Abbadia Isola and Monteriggioni. After stopping in the square for a well-deserved beer, reach your accommodation, where you can enjoy a dip in the pool before heading out for dinner.
Distance: 22 miles / 35 km
Ascent: 600 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Your first stop for today is the quaint medieval hamlet of Monteriggioni, with time to explore the castle walls and narrow streets. Leaving the fortified village, you’ll continue with a steady off-road climb through the Montagnola range, an area well known for the Gran Fondo Sienese MTB race. Explore the network of dirt tracks leading into the hillside forests, looping on fun rolling singletracks towards little hamlets and twisting down over rolling fields. A final fun section of singletrack winding through forests will lead you to the outskirts of Siena. Spend some time wandering through the town and visit the Palio Square and Duomo, before heading out to dinner.
Distance: 22 miles / 35 km
Ascent: 750 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Leave Siena and continue your journey south on the Eroica route and into the Crete Senesi. Arriving near the ancient Etruscan hamlet of Murlo, enjoy a fun ride on narrow trails by the Crevole River and up a former mining railway track. Head to Buonconvento, where you’ll stop for a refreshing break and, if inclined, visit the fortified walls. Your accommodation is right in the center of town, so enjoy some downtime and join the locals for aperitivo!
Distance: 28 miles / 45 km
Ascent: 500 m
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Your mountain bike pilgrimage continues! Head towards Pienza, right in the heart of the UNESCO heritage site of Valle d‘Orcia. The route takes you along the ridge lines, offering 360 degree views. The trails are a mix of farm tracks and dirt roads, with steep sections which will get you out of the saddle. Today is a tougher day in terms of ascent, and after joining a section of the Eroica, you’ll reach your accommodation in the heart of Pienza– the perfect base for two nights allowing you to explore some cultural and historical sites as well as small Tuscan shops, wine bars and restaurants.
Distance: 26 miles / 42 km
Ascent: 1000 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Your group can choose between different options for today’s ride depending on the preferred terrain—all the trails lead to San Quirico d‘Orcia. Descend quite steadily on a fast gravel track into the Orcia valley and loop back through fields, dense woods and past castle hamlets, until you reach the medieval hamlet of Bagno Vignoni with its healing baths and home to the legendary water nymphs. After resting, head to the center of Valle D‘Orcia and start a steady climb towards Pienza. Absorb and visit the local sites before indulging in another delicious Tuscan meal at one of the carefully selected local restaurants.
Distance: 25 miles / 40 km
Ascent: 900 m
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, your guides will take you back to Pisa to say your farewells and savor the memories of a fantastic week on your bike!
Driving: 2h 45min
Meals: Breakfast
Excellent riding – Hard to single out one day. The mix of technical and fitness was great and I particularly enjoyed the climbing (I know, I am weird). Great planning by the guides when the original route was not suitable due to the weather – we had a great day around Montalcino.
All the scenery was stunning, so all days were enjoyable. The last day in particular as it was the only real day with any singletrack was most enjoyable in terms of MTB riding.
Included:
Add-ons:
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:
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.
Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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.
What an opportunity to see the Tuscan countryside in such an intimate way as cycling / mountain biking. How else could we get a guided tour – the best trails, lodging and meals all figured out for us?
When one guest lacked stamina the first day, Skedaddle got him an e-bike and for the rest of the days he did great. When another guest needed stitches a guide took her to the hospital in the van right away. These are examples of good service.