TUSCANY

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Italy / Cortona Transfer and Welcome Dinner.
Welcome to Italy! We will meet you at the Florence Airport between 11 am - 12 noon or the Camucia Train Station at 2:00 pm and arrange the transfer to the village of Cortona. This iconic Tuscan medieval town is famous worldwide because of the book and film “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Life is Beautiful” (La Vita è Bella). Following check-in at our four-star villa hotel, build up your bike with the assistance of our professional mechanics before exploring the cobblestone streets lined with cafés and boutiques. This evening, we’ll relax and enjoy our “Welcome Meeting and Dinner” at our villa!

Day Two: Lake Trasimeno Tour.
Following breakfast on the hotel’s terrace with its stunning views, our ride for today will begin with a descent before cycling to Castiglion del Lago, a lovely ancient village overlooking Trasimeno Lake. After our visit and a cappuccino overlooking the lake, we'll ride to the Baldetti Winery to visit the wine cellar and enjoy a light lunch overlooking the vineyards. Afterwards, we’ll pedal back to Cortona where the rest of the day is free for exploring this charming village. This evening, explore the local “trattorias” for dinner on your own. Ride: 99 km with 980 meters of climbing.

Day Three: Cortona to Bagno Vignoni.
Begin your day with a relaxing downhill spin before enjoying the ride into the quiet countryside of Tuscany to the spa village of Bagno Vignoni. Along the way, we'll visit one of the most famous places in Tuscany, the village of Montepulciano! This lovely medieval and Renaissance town is surrounded by its original protective wall and the Montepulciano Vino Nobile is considered by many as one of Italy’s best and most popular red wines. Following our arrival at Bagno Vignoni, check-in to our five-star hotel for the next two nights before enjoying the pool or massage (at your own expense) this afternoon. Your day will conclude with dinner at the hotel this evening. Ride: 60 km with 827 meters of climbing.

Day Four: The Val d’Orcia and Mount Amiata.
Savor the views of the Tuscan countryside over breakfast before getting ready to ride through the Val d’Orcia on our way to Mount Amiata, the highest point on mainland Italy at 5695 feet. We’ll celebrate your accomplishment at the summit with lunch while enjoying the views that go on forever. Choose to ride back to the hotel or take the sag van…it’s your vacation so you can do what you like. This afternoon, enjoy a massage and the thermal pools before dinner this evening! Ride: 78 km with 720 meters of climbing.

Day Five: Bagno Vignoni to Siena.
Today is like Disneyland on the bike! Leaving Bagno Vignoni following breakfast, get ready to ride some through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery Tuscany has to offer! We’ll begin by riding into the hilltop village of Montalcino, home of the famous Brunello wine and some of the best views of the tour. After savoring a cappuccino at a local cafe, we’ll ride into the stunning Crete Senesi with its cypress-lined roads, ancient villas, and vineyards as we make our way to magical Siena! Following check-in at our deluxe hotel, feel free to explore this lively town and enjoy dinner on your own! Ride: 71 km with 1284 meters of climbing.

Day Six: Siena to Castagneto Carducci.
We’ll enjoy breakfast at our hotel and relax with a morning coffee in the Piazza del Campo before enjoying a short van-transfer to the medieval village of San Gimingnano. Famous for its towers that revealed the builders wealth, we’ll spend some time here before starting our day’s ride to the Maremma province and the Tuscan coast! Our route for today is undulating but soon you will enjoy the salt air and the beach! Following check-in for the next two nights at our private four-star villa located just outside Castagneto Carducci, enjoy a swim in the pool or enjoy a walk along the beach before our group dinner this evening. Ride: 95 km with 1560 meters of climbing.

Day Seven: Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri Loop.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at our private villa near the coast before embarking on a stunning loop ride featuring the “Viale dei Cipressi” (Italian for “Cypress Avenue”) along with the villages of Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, with its stunning 12th Century castle. Along the way, we’ll sample the coffee while overlooking the beach and the crystalline waters of the Etruscan Coast. This evening, we’ll enjoy a festive “Farewell Dinner” at our private villa to celebrate our past week in Tuscany! Ride: 78 km with 1117 meters of climbing.

Day Eight: Transfer Day.
Spend your final morning on the Etruscan Coast with breakfast before checking out at 12 noon. Afterwards, transfer to the train station at Donoratico or arrange a transfer to Florence Airport to extend your trip in Europe or fly home. Estimated time of arrival at the Florence Airport is 12 noon. Please let us know what your plans are and we will get you all organized with our travel professionals at AAA Travel.