|
Cycling
Overview
 GuidedSelfGuided
Cycling in:
Europe
Canada
|
|
|
|
|
|
Florence, Siena and the Chianti
Tuscany
Italy
Discover Tuscany - FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE CHIANTI
The landscape of Tuscany is one of the most beautiful and evocative in Europe, with rolling hills laced with verdant vineyards and cypress trees lining the roads. You’ll pedal from one incredible view to the next, getting to know the lands of many great artists of the past, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. You’ll have the chance to visit the superb medieval town of Siena, as well as to admire Florence, the cradle of Renaissance. Last but not least, in this tour you’ll discover also picturesque villages where you’ll be tempted by the excellent Tuscan cuisine.
Cycling: Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted 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.
|
Biking Tour
Meeting:
Siena
Airport:
Florence, Pisa
Transfer:
from Florence by train (not included)
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2020
Rates include:
7 nights hotel accommodation with 2 nights in Florence, breakfast buffet, luggage transportation, route descriptions & maps, Hotline service.
| A | 2020 | 8 days self-guided, B&B (High) | 8d / 7n | €750 | $860 |
| B | 2020 | 8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid) | 8d / 7n | €710 | $815 |
| C | 2020 | 8 days self-guided, B&B (Low) | 8d / 7n | €630 | $725 |
Transfer and Other Charges:
|
2020
|
Bike rental
|
€
85
|
$100
|
|
2020
|
Electro bike
|
€
195
|
$225
|
|
2020
|
Helmet
|
€
15
|
$20
|
|
2020
|
Triple room discount
|
€
-100
|
$-115
|
|
2020
|
Extra nights- please inquire
|
€
0
|
$0
|
|
2020
|
Meet in Siena on Day 1
|
€
0
|
$0
|
Check here for details and availability
|
| C |
2020
|
03/28
- 04/04
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Low...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2020
|
04/04
- 04/11
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Low...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
04/11
- 04/18
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
04/18
- 04/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
04/25
- 05/02
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
05/02
- 05/09
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
05/09
- 05/16
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
05/16
- 05/23
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
05/23
- 05/30
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
05/30
- 06/06
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
06/06
- 06/13
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
06/13
- 06/20
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
06/20
- 06/27
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
06/27
- 07/04
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
07/04
- 07/11
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
07/11
- 07/18
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
07/18
- 07/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
07/25
- 08/01
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
08/01
- 08/08
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
08/08
- 08/15
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
08/15
- 08/22
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
08/22
- 08/29
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2020
|
08/29
- 09/05
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Hig...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
09/05
- 09/12
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
09/12
- 09/19
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2020
|
09/19
- 09/26
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Mid...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2020
|
09/26
- 10/03
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Low...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2020
|
10/03
- 10/10
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Low...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2020
|
10/10
- 10/17
|
8d / 7n
|
8 days self-guided, B&B (Low...
|
2
/15
|
Reserve
|
|
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.).
* 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.
Sample itinerary - Subject to changes
Day 1 : Siena
Arrival in Siena.
Day 2 : Siena - Radda in Chianti (45 km, vertical up 900m)
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. The first stage of the tour is undoubtedly a good start to get immersed in the famous region of Chianti. There is a constant uphill and downhill cycling.
Day 3 : Radda in Chianti -Greve (40 km, vertical up 600m)
Today the route brings you to Greve over the rounded Tuscan hills with beautiful views. On this stage there are a lot of slopes, luckily well spread out along the route to Greve in Chianti. After the first 12 km you can shorten the itinerary by 20 km by choosing an alternative route.
Day 4 : Greve - Florence (40 km, vertical up by 600m)
Today you will cycle to Florence. 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. Today’s stage is reasonable in length, but you will have to do a fair bit of climbing as well. The most difficult climb comes shortly after you start this stage. As you get closer to Florence, the road gets busier.
Day 5: Florence–Tavarnelle (40 km, vertical up 750m).
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. You will have to cycle the first few kilometers along some roads with busy traffic. After Certosa di Firenze, you will reach cycling from one hill to another Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.
Day 6: Tavarnelle–Colle Val D’Elsa (45 km, vertical up 600m).
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 (40 km, vertical up 800m).
Standard tour.
|
|
|
Meeting:
|
|
Siena
|
|
Airport:
|
|
Florence, Pisa
|
|
Transfer:
|
|
from Florence by train (not included)
Siena is well connected (70-115 min.) with the following airports: Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA).
|
|
Level:
|
|
 Demanding
|
|
|
|
Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted
with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly
so. Average daily distance
is about 40 kilometres. 190km total
|
|
Participants:
|
|
Min
2
participants
|
Max
15
participants
|
|
Tour Level:
Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted 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.
Route profile
Total length: 190 km
Total vertical up: 3,380 m
Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved
Train connection among the overnight stays: NO
Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: NO
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.
Features:
- aluminum frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle
- anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres
- ergonomic bicycle grips
- Speed Lifter system (only for City bikes)
Accessories
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
1 cycle computer
1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
1 front bar bag or 1 map holder
1 water bottle (0.75 l)
1 repair kit per room: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers
1 combination bike lock
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.
Accompanying material
The Information Pack (one per room) includes:
- final hotel list: due to overbooking or organizational needs your hotel list may be changed just before your arrival
- luggage labels to be fixed at each piece of baggage, which has to be carried
- hotel vouchers to be given to the reception of each hotel on your arrival
- restaurant vouchers (if you have booked half-board)
Girolibero Greens booklets:
1) Travel guide with valuable information about the history, artistic heritage, landscapes and natural treasures of the areas visited on the tour. Plus: local events, some great anecdotes, suggestions on how to make the best of an extended break along the route, and tips on local wining and dining.
2) Detailed Maps of the itinerary: in colour and scaled 1:75.000/50.000, an altitude profile chart and maps of any historic city centres you would visit.
3) Roadbook describing the cycling route, stage by stage. Great on its own or in conjunction with the maps.
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
Florence area
|
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
52
|
54
|
60
|
67
|
75
|
83
|
89
|
89
|
81
|
70
|
59
|
52
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
36
|
37
|
42
|
46
|
54
|
60
|
65
|
65
|
59
|
52
|
43
|
37
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
11
|
12
|
16
|
19
|
24
|
28
|
32
|
32
|
27
|
21
|
15
|
11
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
8
|
12
|
16
|
18
|
18
|
15
|
11
|
6
|
3
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
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.
During the peak summer months of July and August, the weather can be very hot, but it still gets cooler in the evenings. It usually does not rain in the summertime. Autumn brings more comfortable temperatures as well as some rainfall, but there are still dry, sunny days. The winters are not too chilly with the lowest expected temperatures in the peak of winter being around 0°C / 32°F. However, at night, it sometimes gets very cold.
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.
|
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation
We personally choose all the hotels mindful of your comfort as well as the proximity to cycling paths and any relevant local sites.
You will be accommodated in 3* hotels (sometimes a cozy B&B in Colle Val d’Elsa). All rooms have en suite facilities; some hotels may be without air conditioning.
When you book the tour please specify the type of room requested:
- double room is a room with one double bed
- twin room is a room with two single beds
- triple room is usually a room with one double bed and a single bed or a sofa bed.
Meals
Breakfast included. Dinners can be purchase for an additional cost.
|
Tack:
|
|
--
|
|
Horses:
|
|
--
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted
with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly
so. Average daily distance
is about 40 kilometres. 190km total
|
|
Level:
|
|
(4
to
5
out of 5) Challenging
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2
|
Max
15
|
Tour Level:
Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted 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.
Route profile
Total length: 190 km
Total vertical up: 3,380 m
Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved
Train connection among the overnight stays: NO
Possibility to shorten the itinerary by taking the train: NO
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.
Features:
- aluminum frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle
- anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres
- ergonomic bicycle grips
- Speed Lifter system (only for City bikes)
Accessories
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
1 cycle computer
1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
1 front bar bag or 1 map holder
1 water bottle (0.75 l)
1 repair kit per room: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers
1 combination bike lock
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.
Accompanying material
The Information Pack (one per room) includes:
- final hotel list: due to overbooking or organizational needs your hotel list may be changed just before your arrival
- luggage labels to be fixed at each piece of baggage, which has to be carried
- hotel vouchers to be given to the reception of each hotel on your arrival
- restaurant vouchers (if you have booked half-board)
Girolibero Greens booklets:
1) Travel guide with valuable information about the history, artistic heritage, landscapes and natural treasures of the areas visited on the tour. Plus: local events, some great anecdotes, suggestions on how to make the best of an extended break along the route, and tips on local wining and dining.
2) Detailed Maps of the itinerary: in colour and scaled 1:75.000/50.000, an altitude profile chart and maps of any historic city centres you would visit.
3) Roadbook describing the cycling route, stage by stage. Great on its own or in conjunction with the maps.
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 |
|
|
|
|
Florence, Siena and the Chianti
Tour Code:
ZZ-BK-GL02
8 days /
7 nights
~$860.00
Dates: April to Oct
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
|
1. |
Easy
|
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.
|
|
2. |
Easy to Moderate
|
An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
|
|
3. |
Moderate
|
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.
|
|
4. |
Demanding
|
You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
|
5. |
Strenuous
|
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 
↑ Back to Top
|