Guided Group Bike Tour of Southern Tuscany, Italy

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The Iron Donkey guided tour of Southern Tuscany is a great way to experience and enjoy the magic of this most Italian of all Italian regions. With the convenience and security of sag support, the knowledge and expertise of a local guide and plenty of flexibility in the daily cycling routes, the tour is suitable for cyclists of all levels. Built into the itinerary are great routes, wonderful accommodations, challenges for the more ambitious, culture in abundance, wonderful food …. in fact just about all the ingredients for a perfect bicycle tour itinerary.

The beautiful road that runs from Monte San Savino to the Etruscan town of Cortona is the main gateway into the heart of Central Italy. No other region conjures up such classic Italian images – this is a region of. hamlets and hilltowns, of terracotta rooftops, of cypresses and oaks, of vineyards and olive groves, of blue lakes and golden valleys that all contribute to produce stunning landscapes. The roads that meander through the Tuscan countryside offer superb cycling, with only the occasional car to disturb the peace and tranquillity. This is bicycle touring at its very best! There are hills to contend with, it is true, but every climb is amply rewarded by yet another stunning vista. The geometry of the Tuscan scenery is itself a work of art in a region that has nurtured and provided the inspiration for some of the world’s greatest artists.

There is much in Tuscany that harps back to a bygone age when the pace of life was a bit less frenetic than it is today. In the afternoons the locals gather in front of the piazza cafes for a glass of wine or a coffee and in the evening they stroll along the corso, greeting friends and enjoying the simple pleasures of animated conversation, beautiful surroundings and wonderful food.

Sport and culture coexist in perfect harmony here and Tuscany is the ideal destination for those who love to combine the exhilaration of superb riding with the opportunity for immersion in rich and fascinating cultures. Frequent stops are needed to take it all in – the towns and villages en route will simply take your breath away – even if the riding doesn’t! After a perfect day spent pedalling past rolling green wheat fields and grape-heavy vineyards, zigzagging through lines of cypress and climbing to medieval hill towns, you can relax in the evening and enjoy the flavours and tastes of the region - pecorino cheese, fruity olive oils, wild boar, homemade pasta and the famous Tuscan wines – plus the genuine warmth of Tuscan hospitality.

Outline itinerary:

• Day 1 – Arrival and transfer to Monte San Savino
  On arrival at Arezzo Railway Station you will be met by a representative of the Iron Donkey and transferred to your first night’s accommodation in Monte San Savino. After checking in, there will be an introductory talk on the itinerary. Then there is a warm-up ride to the fabulous Castle of Gargonza, with an ascent to the castle, a descent to the valley on a dirt road and a level ride back to Monte San Savino. Drinks and dinner are in a local “Osteria” with a mouth-watering array of typical Tuscan fare on offer. After dinner you can soak up the true Tuscan atmosphere with a stroll through the historic town.
  Accommodation: Logge dei Mercanti
  
  
• Day 2 – Monte San Savino to Cortona
  Today’s ride is on generally easy terrain with some gentle rolling hills – and there are short sections on the white strade bianche so typical of rural Tuscany. The route offers magical views of the Val di Chiana and visits the beautiful town of Castiglion Fiorentino which occupies the site of an ancient Etruscan settlement. At the end of the route there is a stiff climb to the impressive heights of the town of Cortona, of “Under the Tuscan Sun” fame. The town is a paradise of arcade-lined squares, narrow alleys, fine mansions and and steep paved streets.
  Accommodation: Italia
  
  
• Day 3 – Cortona to Montepulciano
  The day starts with an exhilerating descent from Cortona back to the valley floor, the prelude to some glorious riding through typically enchanting Tuscan countryside. The destination, Montepulciano, is one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in Italy. The town, which provides the accommodation for the next two nights, produces the famed ruby-red Vino Nobile, one of Italy’s finest wines. A visit to one of the wineries is a must on the list of things to do and see. There is a route extension available for those looking for an extra challenge in the hills around the town.
  Accommodation: Duomo
  
  
• Day 4 - Montepulciano Loop
  The ride is a circular route from Montepulciano,taking you thropugh beautiful vineyrds and olive groves. There are visits to Monticchiello, a medieval walled village, and Pienza, the Utopian town designed byPope Pius II, where you can shop for ceramics and sample the delectable local pecorino cheese. A section of this ride is on strade bianche. An optional extension takes you to Bagno Vignoni where you can have a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
  Accommodation: Duomo
  
  
• Day 5 - Montepulciano to Montalcino
  Leaving Montepulciano, we ride west along one of the most beautiful of Tuscany’s strade bianche, undulating gently through vineyards and olive groves. En route lies the parish of Sant’Anna, a14th century Olivetan monastery with frescoes by Sodoma. The location features extensively in the film of “The English Patient”. The day’s destination is Montalcino. This hillside town, which still has part of its 13th century walls and its fortress, is known throughout Italy for its excellent red wine, Brunello, a particularly high quality vintage from a restricted wine-growing area. Every autumn during the Thrush Festival, the four districts of the town recall the past with a parade in medieval costume and an archery contest.. There is an extension ride available today.
  Accommodation: Giglio
  
  
• Day 6 – Montalcino Loop
  The last day of riding is another glorious circular route with more exhilarating sections on the white roads. The far point of the ride is the honey-stoned medieval abbey of Sant’ Antimo. Lying at the foot of the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate the abbey has preserved its solitude and peace in the depths of the delightful Tuscan landscape. An inspiration to painters and poets over the centuries, it is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. The lovely road back to Montalcino offers a final chance to revel in cycling through the special beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
  Accommodation: Giglio
  
  
• Day 7 – Transfer and departure
  After breakfast there is a transfer to Arezzo Railway Station (en route we can have a stop in Buonconvento and the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore) to catch a train to your departure airport, or on to another part of the country to continue your vacation.
  
  

Getting to and from the tour

The tour starts at Arezzo Railway Station where you will be met and transferred to the first night’s accommodation in Monte San Savino.

The tour finishes with a transfer from Montalcino back to Arezzo Railway Station.

The closest International Airports are Florence, Pisa and Rome. There are frequent trains between Florence and Arezzo, with fast intercity services covering the route in around 30 minutes. Regional services take around an hour and a half for the journey. There are frequent services between Pisa Airport and Florence via Pisa.

Between Rome Termini and Arezzo there are connections approximately every hour. Some services require a change in Chiusi. Intercity trains take around two hours, regional trains approximately 3 hours. For more detailed information visit www.trenitalia.it

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