Individual arrival in Florence, true jewel of the medieval and Renaissance art, one of the most important all over the world. Overnight in Florence.
Today you will discover one of the best know Toscan areas: "the road of wines". Departure from Greve in Chianti: the main public square with its original shape of irregular triangle is still an important exchange point, what is especially true during the Extension Market of the Chianti Classic, taking place here once a year. You continue across the fortified medieval village of Montefioralle dominating Greve, and then, after the splendid villages of Panzano, you reach Radda in Chianti. The Classic Chianti, situated between Florence and Siena, appears like a hilly landscape varied and colourful. Here the famous wine was born during the Etruscan age. In Radda in Chianti it is possible to admire the Pretorio Palace dating up to ' 400 and the remain of its walls and of the medieval towers. Overnight in hotel near Radda in Chianti.
Today the tour moves from Radda in Chianti until Siena. The first stop will be at the Meleto's Castle, an ancient fortification transformed into a magnificent typical villa of the Tuscan countryside Cycling over the fortified village of Castagnoli you'll continue until the famous Castle of Brolio which is rich in suggestions coming from ancient times. Here you can have a tasting in the Ricasoli wine cellar. In the afternoon you'll reach Siena, famous for its Palio and laying down on a cross road of hills creating a colourful scenery. While visiting the city you will meet some of the most remarkable monuments in Italy: Piazza del Campo and the Public Palace, Buonsignori Palace with the National Pinacoteca (where you can admire pictures of Duccio, Lorenzetti, S. Martini etc), the Cathedral built from the XII sec and covered from white and dark-green marbles. (And also) the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistry and the Museum of the Metropolitan Work). Overnight in Siena.
Leaving from Siena and cycling through sweet small hills you'll cross some little villages as Sovicille. Before reaching Abbadia a Isola, the ancient Francigena Way flanks the Mount Maggio. Along the way you can have a sight of Monteriggioni's castle, whose "cerchia tonda", approximately 570 m its diameter, was already noticed by Dante. Then you'll arrive at Abbadia a "Isola",(which means "Island") whose name belongs to its geographical position in the past: the town was an important place of rest along the Francigena Way and it was famous also for its church, similar to the entrance of the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. You'll continue then until Colle Val d Elsa, the so called "Italy's Boemia". Colle val dElsa is an ancient Etruscan citizen allied since 1100 to Florence against Siena. It has seen a great development from 1400 when the most flourishing fabrication of the glass began, taking advantage from the engine force of river Elsa. Possible visit to an handicraft laboratory of crystal manufacture. Overnight in Colle Val dElsa.
From Colle val dElsa you'll cycle to San Gimignano. The town, up on a hill, dominates the Val d Elsa: it is a splendid example of well-preserved Medieval city; its fame is mostly due to the numerous towers still adorning it. For its particularity it has been declared universal patrimony from the Unesco. The village, locked up in its walls, consists of two aces that are intersected to cross: from east to the long west the axis that goes from the Hill of the Tower to the Hill of Montestaffoli, from north to long south the axis that goes from Saint Giovanni Door to Saint Matteo Door where also the Francigena Way passes through. In the late afternoon you'll arrive in Volterra, a city with about 3000 years of history. Volterra is well known for its laboratories where alabaster is worked and you can visit the Acropoli, the roman theatre and the walls around the historical centre. Overnight in Volterra.
Departure from Volterra to Ghizzano, the village encircled from vineyards. After approximately 2 hours cycling you'll reach Calcinaia, and after some kilometres more you arrive in Pontedera. Train transfer to Pisa, the city of the hanging Tower. Overnight in Pisa.
After breakfast the tour ends. Free time to visit the city: the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the famous hanging Tower.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Parking: Standard cat. private parking in Florence from about € 80 per week ; Deluxe cat. private parking in the nearby area about € 24/day per car, no reservation required
- Briefing: at 09.30 am on 2nd day customers get route book , practical information on the tour and bikes (if rented).
- Return transfer: private transfer from Pisa to Florence is possible on request. Pisa to Florence centre or airport costs € 65,00 per pax (min 2 pax, own bikes included). Transfer must be required with the reservation and paid in advance.
CYCLING INFO
Terrain characteristics: hilly land, with some sweet climbs and descents (last stage mostly in descent). Global height of the tour: between 100 and 550 mt a.s.l., average duration of the stages: from 32 to 51 per day.
Roads: 70% asphalted, few country roads not asphalted
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures 2017: on Saturdays from April to October
Number of participants: minimum 2
Bike: city bikes
Luggage transport: yes
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06
Apr
29
Sep |
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|---|---|---|
| Self Guided / per person | ||
| Standard | Adult Double | €760 |
| Adult Single | €1085 | |
| Premium | Adult Double | €995 |
| Adult Single | €1585 | |
| Bike rental | €90 |
| e-Bike rental | €220 |
| Extra Nights Available / shared | y |
| Extra Nights Available / single | y |
