Tuscany by Bike
Florence is definitely a jewel to visit, hosting some of the most famous works of Renaissance art and architecture in the world, such as David by Michelangelo, the masterpieces of Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.
The region is heterogeneous and one of the most interesting to explore by bike, from the Apennines to the beaches in the Tyrrhenian Sea or among the olive groves and vineyards in Chiantishire.
You will be spoiled for choice between works of art and fine architecture, national and regional parks in the midst of beautiful nature, villages and wineries in search of new food and wine experiences.
The Luxury Bike Hotels’ accommodations
The cycling vocation of this land is reflected in the many bike-friendly hotels from which countless wonderful itineraries start.
And if your legs don’t feel like it, even with the help of an e – bike.
Borgo di Pietrafitta, Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf, Bosco della Spina, Tenuta di Artimio, Borgo San Luigi, La Capalbiola, Roccamare Resort, Fattoria Pieve a Salti, Palazzo San Lorenzo, Borgo Pignano, Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, Palazzo Leopoldo, Posta Marcucci, Villa Vistarenni, Adler Spa Resort Thermae.
The high-end standards of all these locations are also reflected in the services dedicated to cyclists, who can find from the idea laundry for jersey , or the guide for a bike tour, some dedicated menus for cyclist, massages and much more.
Vintage cycling races
Tuscany has also become synonymous of vintage cycling races, one of which is the Eroica. But the Eroica is not just a race, it is also a permanent route that can be enjoyed all year round.
210 kilometers of mostly white roads that wrap around the most beautiful and picturesque parts of Chianti. The permanent route, maintained and marked, has many assistance and refreshment points, as well as reception.
It starts from Gaiole in Chianti, passes by the Brolio Castle, arrives at Colle Malamerenda and Radi where it meets the Via Francigena, then in Montalcino, crosses the Val d’Orcia, the Crete Senesi, and returns to Gaiole passing for Castelnuovo Berardenga.
During the year, the journey can start from any point of the route.
Maremma and Etruscan tombs
It’s nice to ride with a common thread in your head.
For example in search and discovery Etruscans world.
We recommend an itinerary of 30 kilometers, both for gravel and mtb, which includes a visit to the necropolis of Puntone, a unique place of its kind in this geographical area, with numerous Etruscan tombs still perfectly preserved.
Here you travel between provincial roads and white roads surrounded by the typical landscape of the upper Maremma such as cultivated fields, vineyards and olive groves, farmhouses and wineries. The village of Montemerano is worth a visit.
In the footsteps of Leonardo
Does Leonardo da Vinci tell you anything? Well you can go and get to know the places of his birth and his early childhood, always pedaling between villages, hilly stretches and constantly immersed in a magical nature.
The Val d’Orcia
From Siena to San Quirico d’Orcia is an expanse of green hills, churches, towers, fascinating white and clay roads.
Less than 50 kilometers to ride on road bikes or MTBs, on the Cassia or through the Strade Bianche, with some stretches that require a certain commitment.
The Crete Senesi scenario, from here to Rome, slow down the stages, just to be admired. The departure from Siena is from the Croce del Travaglio, the intersection of the Francigena with an ancient Etruscan road that goes west to Castelvecchio.
Valdarno
A network of cycle paths develops between the Arezzo and Florentine Valdarno. The Area is mainly developed with secondary roads crossing villages and suggestive landscapes between the Arno plain, the Chianti hills, the “canyons” of the Balze and the slopes of Pratomagno.
From here you have many possibilities to choose.
The lignite route: 23 kilometers with 357 meters elevation runs through the municipalities of San Giovanni Valdarno and Cavriglia.
The fossil route: 26 kilometers with an elevation of 460 meters through the towns of Cavriglia and Montevarchi.
The oil road: 42 kilometers with an elevation gain of 967 meters through the municipalities of Bucine and Laterina Pergine Valdarno.
The valley of the Hell: 29 kilometers with a elevation of 504 meters through the municipalities of Laterina Pergine Valdarno – Loro Ciuffenna.
La Setteponti and Prato Magno: two combined routes along a road of Etruscan origin. The Setteponti is just under 30 km long with an elevation of 272 meters.
The route, which also includes Prato Magno, is 93 km long with an elevation of 1,923 meters and highly difficult.
