The rides are along well-asphalted country lanes, secondary roads with little traffic, and 1/3 of the time on good dirt roads. Near larger towns, the roads are well travelled.
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
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, 36 km, 922m ascent, 649m descent
Volterra to Montecatini Val di Cecina
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.
Loop ride via Ulignano
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: 3/3.5 hours, 38.3/37 km, 692/924m ascent, 805/1101m descent
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or other supplementary services.
All accomodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
We choose comfortable 3* hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs where all rooms
have private en-suite bathroom.
You can find below the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way.
The hotel is both overlooking the ancient Piazza della Cisterna used to welcome pilgrims from all over the world and charming hills of San Gimignano. This stately home is in an excellent position, into the heart of San Gimignano. The rooms are simple and modern with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV and bathroom. Breakfast is very good although not particularly plentiful. The staff is welcoming and helpful
Hotel Foresteria is just 1 km walk from the historic center of Volterra. Rooms are simply furnished, offer TV, private bathroom, balcony and are fully equipped for disabled guests. Breakfast buffet is plentiful and tasty, the staff very helpful and kind.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April and October.
Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA) and Bologna (BLQ) Airports are served by major and low cost international flight carriers.
Rome Airport (FCO) is a bit farther away.
From any airport, reach Florence Santa Maria Novella train station by either train or bus.
From there, you can reach Poggibonsi by either bus or train. From Poggibonsi, take a direct bus to San Gimignano.
RENTAL BIKES
Specialised Sirrus Elite Carbon Disc
Specialized Crossover
Wilier Triestina GTR
E-BIKES
Winora Y420.X Yamaha
GPS tracks are available on request.
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