-
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
-
-
-
Included:
-
- 1 or 2 English speaking MTB guides, depending on the size of the group
- At least one guide qualified in First Aid
- Accommodation (shared twin / double en-suite rooms)
- Breakfast, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
- Support vehicle and luggage transfers
- Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Pisa airport
- Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Pisa airport (PSA)
Add-ons:
-
- Bike rental (front suspension) — $275
- Single supplement — $410
Not included:
-
- Flights and charges for traveling with your bike
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
- Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en-route
- Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
- Guide gratuities — optional
- Travel and medical insurance — recommended
-
-
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:
-
- Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, moisture wicking or synthetic material
- Everyday clothes for sightseeing and dinners
- Sneakers or sport shoes
- Breathable outside layer or jacket
- Biking gloves
- Sunglasses
- Helmet (can be rented)
- Backpack
- Daypack with snacks
- Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Camera
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:
-
- The group size for these group tours are usually between 6 and 16 participants and 1 to 2 guides, depending on the size of the group.
- It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate.
- The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Mountain biking in Tuscany can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
-
- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
-
-
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!
-
