Bike Tour: Tuscany: San Gimignano & Volterra - 8 days

Arrive at Relais hotel in San Gimignano and unwind, as this shall be your comfortable Tuscan home for the next few days. Breathe in the wonderful country air and take a stroll along the classic green rolling hills, marvelling at the breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity.

Today you will cycle through prestigious vineyards towards Ulignano and the charming hilltop village of Certaldo, hometown of the renowned Italian writer Boccaccio. The ascent to Certaldo is either by funicular or by a very steep climb. After visiting its ceramic-decorated main square and stunning churches, you can choose an extended ride to Barberino and Tavernelle in the Chianti Classico area, offering magnificent views.

Challenge: 4/5 hours, 35/60 km, 736/1221m ascent, 736/1438m descent

oday you can choose the ride that best suits you. Morning transfer to Colle Val d’Elsa. Cycle along the undulating hills of the Val d’Elsa to the perfectly preserved medieval hamlet of Monteriggioni. Continue uphill, past abundant vineyards and stimulating woods, either towards Lilliano or directly up to Castellina in Chianti, where the views are spellbinding. Afternoon transfer from Colle Val d’Elsa back to the accommodation.

Challenge: 3 hours, 40 km, 226m ascent, 106m descent, optional extention to Castellina 12 km, 2 hours

Morning transfer to Colle Val d’Elsa. Cycle along the undulating hills of the Val d’Elsa to the perfectly preserved medieval hamlet of Monteriggioni. Continue uphill, past abundant vineyards and stimulating woods, either towards Lilliano or directly up to Castellina in Chianti, where the views are spellbinding. Afternoon transfer from Colle Val d’Elsa back to the accommodation.

Challenge: 3 hours, 40 km, 226m ascent, 106m descent, optional extention to Castellina 12 km, 2 hours

Today, you will leave San Gimignano behind and cycle to the ancient Etruscan town of Volterra. Through a patchwork-like landscape dotted with wheat fields, olive groves and villas, you reach the base of the imposing hill upon which the town is set. One more solid climb before you arrive at your marvellous hotel, a former convent set inside in the gates of the old city centre.

Challenge: 4 hours, 35.9 km, 922m ascent, 649m descent

After an exhilarating downhill ride into the valley, you cycle through the lovely Val d’Era and over stretches of ‘strade bianche’, typical Tuscan white roads. The itinerary winds through the landscape filled with remote farmsteads and villas, and hills covered with vines and olive groves. Grand views on the vast infinitely undulating terrain will accompany you throughout the entire day.

Challenge: 3 hours, 38.3 km, 692m ascent, 805m descent

An easy yet very scenic ride today in the surroundings of Volterra. Erosion caused by rain water have artistically sculpted the landscape creating cracks and gullies of a majestic beauty. After descending from Volterra you will venture off the beaten track on unpaved tracks to then return on the very panoramic Strada del Cornocchio.

Challenge: 3.5 hours, 37 km, 924m ascent, 1101m descent