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) Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Available every Saturday from April 7th to October 13th, 2012

Sample Itinerary 2020 - subject to changes

Total length: 250 km (daily distance is about 40 kilometers)
Total vertical up: 4,250 m
Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved

Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly so. 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.

Note: Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadwork, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Siena.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Siena

Day 2: Siena to Radda in Chianti
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.
Biking approx. 45 km (elevation gain: 900 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Radda in Chianti

Day 3 : Radda in Chianti to Greve
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.
Biking approx. 40 km (elevation gain: 600 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Greve in Chianti

Day 4 : Greve to Florence
Today you will cycle to 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.
Biking approx. 40 km (elevation gain: 600 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Florence

Day 5: Florence to Tavarnelle
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.
Biking approx. 40 km (elevation gain: 750 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Tavarnelle

Day 6: Tavarnelleto Colle Val D’Elsa
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.
Biking approx. 45 km (elevation gain: 600 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Colle di Val d'Elsa

Day 7: Colle Val D’Elsa to Siena
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 surroundings.
Biking approx. 40 km (elevation gain: 800 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Siena

Day 8: Departure
End of tour after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast





Sample Itinerary 2021 - subject to changes

Total length: 115 km (daily distance is about 40 kilometers)
Total vertical up: 1,950 m
Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved

Heavy, with sloping landscapes dotted with steeper inclines, but not overwhelmingly so. 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.

Note: Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadwork, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Siena.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Siena

Day 2: Siena to Radda in Chianti
From Siena head north towards the beautiful village of Radda in Chianti. The remains of its ancient walls show the 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.
Biking approx. 40 km (elevation gain: 790 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Radda in Chianti

Day 3 : Radda in Chianti to Greve
Today you will discover Tuscany’s “road of wines”, where the famous Chianti Classico wine is produced. The route brings you to Greve pedalling through a lush green district with a countryside charm.
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.
Biking approx. 30 km (elevation gain: 570 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Greve in Chianti

Day 4 : Greve to Florence
You will cycle to Florence, Tuscany's capital known for its wealth in culture, architecture and art. This bustling metropolis is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and upon your arrival, you can immediately see hints of artisan decor embellished upon buildings and plazas.
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.
Biking approx. 45 km (elevation gain: 590 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Florence

Day 5: Departure
End of tour after breakfast. 
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            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. 

For further information on the weather see: www.ilmeteo.it.

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.

Equipment and clothing
The following personal equipment is recommended:
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent

The following recommended clothes are advisable:
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
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...).

We recommend that you always keep with you (and don't forget in the transported luggage):
- passport/identity card
- hotel vouchers
- any medicines you could need during the day
- personal belongings (for example car keys).

Luggage Transportation
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel every day starting from the first day of the standard tour until the last day of the tour.
We remind you that luggage transportation is never included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
For the luggage transportation we accept only 2 pieces of luggage per person: a suitcase and a hand luggage. The max. weight of the suitcase is 20 kg, while the weight of the hand luggage can be of max. 10 kg.
At the first hotel you will receive 2 labels per person which have to be attached to each piece of luggage. You should put 1 label on each piece of luggage. If you have only 1 piece of luggage, write 1 on the label; if you have 2 pieces of luggage, write 2 on both labels.
You cannot change the number of pieces of luggage during the tour.

LACK OF TRANSPORT
We do not guarantee luggage transportation if:
- Labels are not attached to the bags (see above)
- luggage is deposited late at reception (dropped off after 9:00 a.m.)
- luggage exceeds the weight allowance.
In the above mentioned cases a special transportation service can be organized which will have to be paid in cash by you on the spot.

LUGGAGE DELIVERY TIMETABLE
- 9:00 a.m.: you have to deliver your luggage to the hotel reception every morning by 9:00.am., grouped according to the receptionist’s instructions
- 5:30 p.m.: we deliver your luggage to the next hotel by 5:30 pm.
If you think you will arrive early at the hotel because the stage is rather short or you prefer to cycle in the morning and visit the city in the afternoon, please bring a change of clothes with you.

FORBIDDEN GOODS
It is strictly forbidden to put the following items inside the luggage to be transported:
- medicines and lifesaver devices
- glass bottles and liquids in general
- fragile objects
We will not be held responsible for damages caused by non-compliance with these rules.

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodation
We 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.

Local taxes
Some cities charge a tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels.
This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay. It is usually between 1 and 5 € per person per night.
At beginning 2020 the following local taxes (per person per night) are valid, but during the season some variations may occur:
Siena: 3*/4* hotels 2,50 €;
Radda in Chianti: 3* hotels 1,50 €, 4* hotels 2,50 €;
Greve in Chianti: 3* hotels 1,50 €;
Florence: 3* hotels 4 €; 4* hotels 4,90 €, 5* hotels 5€;
Tavarnelle: 3* hotels 1,50 €, 4* hotels 2,50 €;
Colle di Val d’Elsa: 3* hotels 1,50 €, 4* hotels 2€.



Meals
Breakfast included. Hotels usually serve an a continental breakfast with a varied buffet. However, in some 2/3* hotels you may find the typical Italian breakfast, consisting of a hot drink, such as cappuccino or coffee, with fresh pastries, such as cake, croissants or toast and jam.

Diets and allergies
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant, allergic to some specific ingredients/substances or if you suffer from any other kind of allergies please indicate it at the moment of booking. We will pass the information on to the hotels, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary requests will be met. Sometimes it is difficult to find particular food, for example gluten-free food, so we suggest that you to bring your own snacks just in case.

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. Hilly areas, numerous climbs and downhill stretches. 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. Suitable for regular cyclists with a good level of fitness.

Rental bikes
Girolibero bikes are available in different sizes and frames:
- Touring bike 27-gear Shimano Deore
- E-bike 9-gear Shimano

If you want to do the tour with your own bike, before you depart we suggest to check 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.

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

At the moment of booking you can also rent helmets suitable for head circumferences from 54 to 61 cm. All our helmets have a certification mark according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European norm.

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

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. As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting off on your bike. We remind you that we offer no assistance in case of flat tire.
In case of mechanical problems please:
1. Call the emergency phone number
2. Communicate your name and which tour you are on
3. Let us know your position (total distance of the stage) based on the description of the roadbook
4. Give us your mobile phone number

In relation to your location and to the damage of the bike we can:
- ask you to wait there in order to provide a change of the bike
- Send you to a mechanical shop nearby. We will estimate the damage with the mechanic. The charge will be refunded only after our authorization and on presentation of the receipt. In case of puncture no intervention or assistance is foreseen. Customers will be given a proper puncture reparation kit, which will enable them to intervene directly and solve the problem.

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