Siena to Florence

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

Accommodation is in nice and cozy 2/3-star hotels, b&b or agriturismo.

Riding

Itinerary

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 (43 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 (38 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 + 27km) 
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 (37 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 (47 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 (37 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.

Rates and Dates for Siena to Florence

Dates Note: Every Saturday from March 28th to October 31st

Other Info
Meeting: Siena
Airport: Florence, Pisa
Transfer: from Florence by train (not included)

Climate: