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Cycling
Overview
 GuidedSelfGuided
Cycling in:
Europe
Canada
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Florence, Siena and the Chianti
Tuscany
Italy
Discover Tuscany
- a Self guided cycling tour
FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE CHIANTI
Tuscany is one of the better known regions of Italy. It was here that Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci created their best works of art. The countless palazzos, triumphal arches, mosaics and frescos now serve as signposts for the cycle route taking you into the breathtaking beauty of Florence, Siena and San Gimignano. The mild Tuscany climate in spring and autumn is ideal for a cycling vacation.
Cycling: Heavy, with sloping landscapes dot-ted with steeper
inclines, but not overwhelmingly so. Average daily distance is about 40
kilometers. Though the daily routes are not too long, they can be
strenuous, so we do recommend being in reasonably good physical
condition for this tour.
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Biking Tour
Meeting:
Siena
Airport:
Florence, Pisa
Transfer:
from Florence by train (not included)
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights hotel accommodation with 2 nights in Florence, free fenced parking place, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, 7-days Hotline service.
| A | 2013 | 8 days, B&B | 8d / 7n | €698 | $907 |
| B | 2013 | 8 days, B&B- variation | 8d / 7n | €648 | $842 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Siena
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€
0
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$0
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2013
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Single supplement
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€
195
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$254
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| A |
2013
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04/13
- 10/05
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8d / 7n
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8 days, B&B
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2
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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04/13
- 10/05
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8d / 7n
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8 days, B&B- variation
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2
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Reserve
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Available every Saturday from April 7th to October 13th, 2012
Rates do not include:
Local hotel taxes, to be paid on the spot.. The cost of the train transfer from Florence to Certaldo
(variation) is not included in the tour price (approx. 50 min. Euro 7,50 per person + bike).
* Half board: 6 dinners (3-course meals), beverages not included and to be paid on the spot. The restaurants are mostly in the city centres and very
rarely in the hotels.
Day 1 : Siena
Arrival in Siena. You can also stay in Pisa and take a train (90 min - dep. at 08.30 a.m.) to Siena the following day.
Day 2 : Siena - Radda in Chianti (45 km)
From Siena you start to head north towards the beautiful village of Radda in Chianti. The remains of its ancient walls testimony to the historical significance that this town had in the competition between Florence and Siena.
Day 3 : Radda in Chianti -Greve (40 km)
Today the route brings you to Greve over the rounded Tuscan hills with beautiful views.
Day 4 : Greve - Florence (40 km)
Florence, capital of the region of Tuscany, spreads on the banks of the Arno between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. Two of the many artists associated with Florence are Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo Buonarroti.
Day 5 : Florence
A full day to spend visiting Florence. The city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its magnificent art and architecture.
Day 6 : Florence - Colle Val D'Elsa (40km by train + 25km)
In the morning a short train transfer will bring you to Certaldo. From here you will then cycle further up to Colle Val D'Elsa.
Day 7 : Colle Val d'Elsa - Siena (35 km)
From Colle Val d'Elsa you will cycle to the beautiful town of Siena, which is not only one of the most fascinating towns in Tuscany but is also in a particularly beautiful position, with lovely environs.
Day 8 : Siena Departure.
VARIATION with only 1 day in Florence
Day 5 Florence–Tavarnelle (45 km).
The village of Tavarnelle Val di Pisa has Roman origins; it is named after the ancient taverns offering accommodation and refreshment located along the road which linked Florence to Siena and thence Rome.
Day 6 Tavarnelle–Colle Val D’Elsa (45 km).
From Tavarnelle you cycle to Colle di Val d'Elsa, which lies in the heart of Tuscany, in a strategically favourable position near the towns of Siena and Florence. It is situated on the via Francigena that connects Rome with the North. On the way you pass Certaldo, whose upper part has remained as it was in the Middle Ages. Further on you come across San Gimignano, which rises on a hill dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers.
Day 7 Colle Val D’Elsa–Siena (35 km).
Standard tour.
Day 8 Siena
Departure.
Tour Level:
Heavy, with sloping landscapes dot-ted with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly so. Average daily distance is about 40 kilometers. Though the daily routes are not too long, they can be strenuous, so we do recommend being in reasonably good physical condition for this tour.
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Meeting:
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Siena
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Airport:
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Florence, Pisa
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Transfer:
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from Florence by train (not included)
Siena is well connected (70-115 min.) with the following airports: Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA).
Siena: free parking in fenced parking place at approx. 1 km from the hotel, booking is compulsory.
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Level:
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 Moderate
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Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted
with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly
so. Average daily distance
is about 40 kilometres.
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Participants:
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Min
2
participants
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We have carefully chosen our bicycles and accessories in order to be able to satisfy the requests and wishes of our customers. In this page we illustrate some of the available types of bicycles.
DETAILS
1. Gel saddle 2. Adjustable lug
3. Shimano Deore 27 gear 4. Rapid-fire 4bis. Grip shift gear
5. 28'' tires 6. Luggage rack
7. Shimano v-brake 8. Anti-slip pedal
We supply
you with some useful material to help you follow the itinerary as well
as some tourist information about places and cities you will meet in
your holiday.
1.Roadbook
2.Maps
3.Small bag
4.Brochures
5.Booklet/Guide Book
Mechanical problems
During the tour, if the bicycles should have any type of technical problem that prevents you from continuing, please contact us at the emergency numbers and try to describe the occurred issue. We’ll try to solve as soon as possible the problem. In relation to your location and to the damage of the bike Girolibero can:
- ask you to wait there in order to provide a change of the bike
- Send you to a mechanical shop nearby. Girolibero will estimate the damage with the mechanic. The charge will be refunded only after autorizathion of Girolibero and on presentation of the receipt.
In case of puncture no intervention or assistance is forseen. Customers will be given a proper puncture reparation kit, which will enable them to intervene directly and solve the problem.
Bicycle return
Bikes must be taken back at the same shop where you took them at the beginning of your tour: shop “Cicli Rossi” (via Camollia, 206 – Tel: +39057748306). Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30-12.30/15.30-19.00, Sat 9.30-12.30/17.00-19.00.
Your own bikes
If you want to take the tour with your own bike, before you depart we suggest you to verify that all parts of the bike are functioning properly. A cycle computer is necessary to follow the road book. We also highly recommend you to bring a repair kit because the emergency number in case of breakdown cannot be used if you are using your own bike. Don’t forget to bring a padlock and always lock your bike.
Trains with bike transportation
In Italy there is a good train service offering bicycle transport. This low-cost option will allow you to reach the next city in the case of rain or bad weather, or if you prefer to visit a city at your own pace instead of cycling. Trains with bicycle compartments are all regional trains and are indicated with a bicycle symbol on the carriage and also on the timetables on display in the station. The cost of the ticket for a passenger varies according to the distance covered, whereas for the bike it is always € 3.50 (valid for 24 hours on the entire Italian network). Tickets can be bought directly at the railway station or at a “Tabacchi” shop, asking for a “fascia chilometrica” (per kilometre) ticket, plus a ticket for the bike. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult www.trenitalia.com.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport Note(a) Italy is. more
In Tuscany the climate varies from zone to zone. It is mainly influenced by the sea off the west coast of the region and also by the Appenine ridge which limits the territory to the north and east.
Inland on the plain, annual average temperatures are just a little lower than the average coastal temperatures. This is due to the increasing continental influence and the annual and daily thermal ranges. The
average temperatures in January are generally between 4° C and 7° C, whereas in July they are generally between 24° C and 26° C.
Clothing
We advise you to wear comfortable shoes and various layers of practical clothing to be prepared for sudden changes of climate and temperature; don’t forget a K-Way or a poncho, both indispensable in the event of rain, besides a light jacket for cold days and evenings. Sunglasses, a light-coloured hat, protective suntan cream and insect repellent sprays are important, especially in summer. During the tour you will have the chance to visit various religious institutions, such as churches and convents, where you must be appropriately dressed (covered shoulders, shoes or sandals, etc...). Helmet: Italian law does not require cyclists to wear a helmet, but we consider it important to wear one for safer travelling. Also remember to bring a first aid kit with you.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation is in nice and cozy 2/3-star hotels, b&b or agriturismo.
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Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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--
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Pace:
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Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted
with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly
so. Average daily distance
is about 40 kilometres.
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
2
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We have carefully chosen our bicycles and accessories in order to be able to satisfy the requests and wishes of our customers. In this page we illustrate some of the available types of bicycles.
DETAILS
1. Gel saddle 2. Adjustable lug
3. Shimano Deore 27 gear 4. Rapid-fire 4bis. Grip shift gear
5. 28'' tires 6. Luggage rack
7. Shimano v-brake 8. Anti-slip pedal
We supply
you with some useful material to help you follow the itinerary as well
as some tourist information about places and cities you will meet in
your holiday.
1.Roadbook
2.Maps
3.Small bag
4.Brochures
5.Booklet/Guide Book
Mechanical problems
During the tour, if the bicycles should have any type of technical problem that prevents you from continuing, please contact us at the emergency numbers and try to describe the occurred issue. We’ll try to solve as soon as possible the problem. In relation to your location and to the damage of the bike Girolibero can:
- ask you to wait there in order to provide a change of the bike
- Send you to a mechanical shop nearby. Girolibero will estimate the damage with the mechanic. The charge will be refunded only after autorizathion of Girolibero and on presentation of the receipt.
In case of puncture no intervention or assistance is forseen. Customers will be given a proper puncture reparation kit, which will enable them to intervene directly and solve the problem.
Bicycle return
Bikes must be taken back at the same shop where you took them at the beginning of your tour: shop “Cicli Rossi” (via Camollia, 206 – Tel: +39057748306). Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30-12.30/15.30-19.00, Sat 9.30-12.30/17.00-19.00.
Your own bikes
If you want to take the tour with your own bike, before you depart we suggest you to verify that all parts of the bike are functioning properly. A cycle computer is necessary to follow the road book. We also highly recommend you to bring a repair kit because the emergency number in case of breakdown cannot be used if you are using your own bike. Don’t forget to bring a padlock and always lock your bike.
Trains with bike transportation
In Italy there is a good train service offering bicycle transport. This low-cost option will allow you to reach the next city in the case of rain or bad weather, or if you prefer to visit a city at your own pace instead of cycling. Trains with bicycle compartments are all regional trains and are indicated with a bicycle symbol on the carriage and also on the timetables on display in the station. The cost of the ticket for a passenger varies according to the distance covered, whereas for the bike it is always € 3.50 (valid for 24 hours on the entire Italian network). Tickets can be bought directly at the railway station or at a “Tabacchi” shop, asking for a “fascia chilometrica” (per kilometre) ticket, plus a ticket for the bike. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult www.trenitalia.com.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
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Florence, Siena and the Chianti
Tour Code:
ZZ-BK-GL02
8 days /
7 nights
~$907.00
Dates: March to Oct
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Florence, Pisa
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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