Southern Tuscany - 8 Day Self Guided Cycle
8 days Siena to Pienza
Cycle from medieval Siena to Pienza - the first Renaissance 'city', See the best of Southern Tuscany's superb art and architecture, Ride across rolling hills and savour spectacular views, Sample some of the finest wines in the region, Visit the exquisite abbeys of Sant'Antimo and Monte Oliveto Maggiore
This trip takes you south-east of Siena, a part of Tuscany which even today has escaped the interests of most tourists. The path is a fascinating progression across open rolling hills, a great wealth of different landscapes, remote medieval villages and walled towns. Southern Tuscany is delightfully sleepy, and you'll fall in love with the scenery, serenity and freedom on this journey of discovery. DOES IT SOUND A BIT NEGATIVE TO SAY ESCAPED THE INTEREST OF TOURISTS? -WOULD IT BE BETTER TO SAY 'AS YET UNDISCOVERED'?
Physical Rating: 3
Culture Shock Rating: 2
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast (7 nts)
Trip Style: Intrepid Independent
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow EUR €280 for meals not included.
This trip takes you south-east of Siena, a part of Tuscany which even today has escaped the interests of most tourists. The path is a fascinating progression across open rolling hills, a great wealth of different landscapes, remote medieval villages and walled towns. Southern Tuscany is delightfully sleepy, and you'll fall in love with the scenery, serenity and freedom on this journey of discovery. DOES IT SOUND A BIT NEGATIVE TO SAY ESCAPED THE INTEREST OF TOURISTS? -WOULD IT BE BETTER TO SAY 'AS YET UNDISCOVERED'?
Physical Rating: 3
Culture Shock Rating: 2
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast (7 nts)
Trip Style: Intrepid Independent
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Departure: Departure is guaranteed
Budget: Allow EUR €280 for meals not included.
Call (661) 399-9515 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6067890
- Tour Operator
- Intrepid Travel
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Days 1-2 | Siena to Lucignano | A perfectly-preserved medieval city, Siena is the ideal place to start your Tuscan explorations. Cycle from the busy Campo at its centre, out into the famed rolling hills of the countryside, to the fascinating fortified village of Lucignano. A good part of the afternoon can be spent here wandering the concentric streets, and seeking out artisan shops and alimentari. |
| Day 3 | Lucignano to Buonconvento | Choose between a challenging route along a high ridge with sensational views, or an easier route through vineyards, pastures and olive groves overlooking nearby valleys. A quintessentially Tuscan day! |
| Days 4-5 | Buonconvento to Montalcino | Another choice today - between a short route through the Asso Valley and along a ridge to Montalcino, or a longer route through the famous vineyards of Brunello. There is time to relax the following day and wonderful views to accompany your wine. If perusing local art is more to your taste, take a stroll through the town's former monastery. |
| Day 6 | Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni | Ride past the Romanesque church of Sant'Antimo, built from alabaster and onyx, and into the verdant Orcia Valley. Stop for the night in Bagno Vignoni, an ancient spa town built around a massive pool of steamy water. You can seek a sulphur cure here, just like the Romans and the Medicis before you. |
| Days 7-8 | Bagno Vignoni to Pienza | The last day gives you yet another choice: a steep, short ride upon a ridge, or a longer route that traverses the Orcia Valley before climbing open hills. The final destination is Pienza, a Renaissance utopia, home to the luminous Cattedrale dell'Assunta and the graceful Palazzo Piccolomini. You're free to depart on day 8, otherwise, consider extending the journey one more day to see nearby Montepulciano. Packed with palazzi and frescoed churches, there's plenty to see and do. |
- Disclaimer
- * The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of printing/posting. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2007 and 31 December 2007, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2007, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates online and in our printed brochures are applicable from 01 January 2007 until 31 December 2007. Beyond 31 December 2007 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of printing/posting, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips. Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid. Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation Conditions.
