We Bike Tuscany

With its laid back biking, mouth-watering food and breathtaking landscape, this gorgeous region bordering Tuscany immerses you and your whole family in the best of Italian life; simple pleasures such as a gelato (or Aperol Spritz!) in the piazza, to a tour of the 14th century frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis, to a room with a view in a 15th century villa. For the kids (and grownups too!) there is even a guided tour of the Perugina factory, home to the world famous Baci chocolates (complete with samples, of course).

Located between Florence and Rome among silver green olive trees, majestic Roman pines and sloping vineyards, Tuscany's nearby neighbor is undiscovered by many. Home to stunning hill towns and magnificent fortresses, Umbria harks back to its powerful medieval days. As we pedal through fabled towns and by frescoes and palaces of centuries past, Umbria promises an unforgettable Italian biking adventure for all ages and cycling levels.

If you're a "serious" cyclist looking to challange yourself, you will be rewarded with a biking experience like no other as you discover a magical and very special part of the region that (for now at least) remains somewhat "hidden." This is the Maremma, a biker's paradise, a wine and food-lover's paradise -- and it's where we begin our adventure. Near the coast of southern Tuscany, with the sapphire blue Mediterranean always in view, you'll pedal through gorgeous countryside, perhaps alongside professional cyclists as they train for the Giro d'Italia or Tour de France (this is also international training ground). Of course for us, it's not all work. We'll stop occasionally to visit a winery and sample some of the most reknown reds of Italy, if not the world (optional stops include Ornellaia and Sassicaia). In the evening, dine in our favorite restaurants of the area. On Day 3 you'll rack up the miles as we transfer to the Val d'Orcia. The "Terra di Siena" with its lone cypresses, lunar landscape and golden ochre is classic Tuscany. Not so "hidden" as the Maremma, perhaps, but certainly not to be missed. And our rides will be no less challenging as we we bike one-of-a-kind routes to the enchanting medieval villages of Pienza, Montalcino and Bagno Vignoni, to name just a few. On Day 6 another transfer ride takes us to the lush green countryside of Chianti with its vineyards, olive groves and castles dotting the hills. Winding down for our final day, we pedal a more relaxed pace into Florence, reaching the finish line at Piazzale Michelangelo. The breathtaking view of the city will be the background for our group photo and a congratulatory glass of spumante. You've earned it!

With our detailed and easy-to-follow route notes and maps you will guide yourself in a five night/six day journey that takes in the best of the best of Tuscany, and some of its most scenic and unforgettable rides. Along with directions, you'll also receive our recommendations for sightseeing, wine tasting, shopping and restaurants -- both along the way and at your destination each day. Thinking all this sounds wonderful, exciting, romantic and yet... the idea of hauling heavy bags on a bike (uphill too!) is not exactly your idea of a relaxing vacation? Well, we couldn't agree more, which is why luggage transfers are included. You'll find your bags (as many and as heavy as you like) waiting in your room at the end of each day, delivered by one of our WBT guides. A guide who will also be available at all times for emergency breakdown assistance, van support in case of rain -- or just to answer any questions you may have during your trip (a cell phone will be provided so quick help is only a phone call away).

As if it couldn't get more perfect, this tour (like all of our trips) can be fully customized -- add or subtract a day or two, or take shorter or longer/more challenging routes (on some days) to your destination. It's all up to you. It's your ride, your adventure.

You pedal on perfectly paved roads that will slowly take you up to the pass before being rewarded with the most breathtaking descents. The Dolomites are a paradise for the avid, experienced biker. Your route takes you to the most enchanting and quaint villages, where in the evening you will enjoy superb typical Tyrolian dinners in the cozy atmosphere of your mountain inn.

Challenge yourself on Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Stelvio, Col du Tourmalet, Galibier, Ventoux and many others. Just tell I Bike Tuscany where you want to climb and we'll take you there. Your dream of Giro d'Italia and Tour de France comes true!

This tour is special as it is a combination of both biking and hiking. It has been named Blue Waters, as sea and lake will be the frame of this variegated adventure.

Hike the dramatic cliffs of Cinque Terre through the five fishers' villages on the Mediterranean.

Bike in Piedmont in the jaw-droppingly beautiful setting of Lago Maggiore and Lago d'Orta.

Hike again on the Monte Rosa - the second highest mountain in Europe.

Ferry crossings, sea and lake view hotel rooms, wonderful restaurants, and cozy mountain huts… has anything been missed?

Farms and noblemen's country residences are hidden among "enclosures" of ancient olive groves and middle-eastern gardens of citrus fruits. Ancient lands full of great emotions. The sea is perennially the colour of sapphire, the domain of dolphins and swordfish. And so it has been since the dawn of time. This is Sicily.

Tears of lava, limestone plains swept by the wind, sunny lands the colour of bronze where water meets fire. Here nature still dictates its rhythms. You can let yourself be enchanted by the magic spell of the fishermen and farmers who inhabit these isles, the last custodians of the ancient Mediterranean traditions. These are the Aeolian Islands.

You'll bike (and hike) following the traces of a civilisation step by step. A civilisation that on this island is truly ancient. The Sicilians have always been used to strangers. However, they can make you feel as if you are the first to arrive, privileged to enjoy their food and their friendship.

If you're a "serious" cyclist looking to challange yourself, you will be rewarded with a biking experience like no other as you discover a magical and very special part of the region that (for now at least) remains somewhat "hidden." This is the Maremma, a biker's paradise, a wine and food-lover's paradise -- and it's where we begin our adventure. Near the coast of southern Tuscany, with the sapphire blue Mediterranean always in view, you'll pedal through gorgeous countryside, perhaps alongside professional cyclists as they train for the Giro d'Italia or Tour de France (this is also international training ground). Of course for us, it's not all work. We'll stop occasionally to visit a winery and sample some of the most reknown reds of Italy, if not the world (optional stops include Ornellaia and Sassicaia). In the evening, dine in our favorite restaurants of the area. On Day 3 you'll rack up the miles as we transfer to the Val d'Orcia. The "Terra di Siena" with its lone cypresses, lunar landscape and golden ochre is classic Tuscany. Not so "hidden" as the Maremma, perhaps, but certainly not to be missed. And our rides will be no less challenging as we we bike one-of-a-kind routes to the enchanting medieval villages of Pienza, Montalcino and Bagno Vignoni, to name just a few. On Day 6 another transfer ride takes us to the lush green countryside of Chianti with its vineyards, olive groves and castles dotting the hills. Winding down for our final day, we pedal a more relaxed pace into Florence, reaching the finish line at Piazzale Michelangelo. The breathtaking view of the city will be the background for our group photo and a congratulatory glass of spumante. You've earned it!

"Terra di Siena" is the magic, untouched part of Tuscany, and if you're into scenery, it's truly one of those places you have to "see before you die." The stuff of picture postcards and paintings, it is quintessential Toscana.

As you bike along solitary back roads your camera will be working overtime as each bend reveals a landscape more stunning and unreal than the last. And if that's not enough, the food and wine of this region is some of Italy's finest, and our "casual inns" version does not skimp here. You'll enjoy unrestricted menus (wine excepted) at, what we feel, are among the best trattorias of the area. Charming and authentic, we promise you will not feel deprived for this most important part of the tour!

Highlights of this trip include: wine tasting, pecorino cheese tasting, thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni. An off-the-beaten track adventure with a concentration of amazing and unforgettable rides.

You'll bike on back roads reaching the most beautiful spots of the Chianti and the Crete Senesi, with guided tours at the castle of Meleto, Siena, and the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

Van support, top class hotels, wonderful dinners in renowned restaurants, wine tasting, and thermal bath are all included in this unforgettable journey under the Tuscan Sun.