Tuscany “Strade Bianche”
Tuscany’s beauty cannot be understated…rich in landscapes, cypresses, velvety hills and gorgeous vineyards.
We take you to three different areas of Tuscany: Crete di Siena, Towered Cities, and Chianti.
We want you to be thrilled by pedaling the most beautiful gravel roads of Italy, visiting the majestic medieval cities, and enjoying the generous Tuscan cuisine and its unique red wines.
At a Glance
6 Days | 5 Nights | 5 Rides
Roads type: 60% Tarmac, 40% Gravel
Bike required: Gravel
Daily Itineraries
2 different itineraries to chose from every day.
You are free to mix them to create your personal vacation.
Regular itinerary:
RIDER LEVEL: Recreative/Intermediate
Total ride distance: 220 miles (350 km)
Total climbing: 20,700 feet (6,300 m)
Extended itinerary:
RIDER LEVEL: Intermediate/Advanced
Total ride distance: 290 miles (460 km)
Total climbing: 29,500 feet (9,000 m)
Daily Itineraries
Day 1 –Arrival in Italy, welcome and warm-up ride
Arrival in Italy. We pick you up at Florence Airport (FLR). It’s approximately a three hour van transfer to the heart of Vald’Orcia. Upon hotel check-in and a light lunch you have two options: free time to relax at the hotel or bike setup to go for a ride and explore the area.
It’s a biker’s paradise right from the start. We pedal the slopes of the Val d’Orcia to Pienza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Renaissance city of the Pope.
At sunset OSTERIA DEL LEONE welcomes you to an aperitivo.
After the welcome aperitif at Bagno Vignoni a 16th century village (it will be a real surprise), you will dine at Osteria del Leone where your culinary and wine journey into regional Tuscan cuisine begins. Well-kept rooms, courteous service, excellent food cooked with a sure and modern hand. Overnight stay in Val d’Orcia.
Regular: 24 miles – 2,600 feet
Extended: 30 miles – 3,100 feet
Day 2 – Montalcino Vineyards – Eroica Montalcino
Explore two beautiful itineraries in the vineyards of “Brunello di Montalcino” where at the end of May the intermediates of historic bikes challenge each other at Eroica Montalcino. Cycle along the gravel roads between Val d’Arbia, Crete Senesi and Val D’Orcia, passing through the woods of Castiglion del Bosco, Argiano Castle, San Angelo in Colle and Sant’Antimo Abbey.
At sunset OSTERIA LE LOGGE welcomes you to an aperitivo.
After visiting the city of Siena, we have dinner in the most beautiful trattorias in the city, a stone’s throw from Piazza del Campo. A visit to the cellar in the Jewish ghetto and part of the historical center of the city of Siena, is a must. At the table we enjoy a special regional cuisine in a warm and elegant atmosphere. We invite you to taste the King of Tuscan red wines: Chianti “Gallo Nero”.
Overnight stay in Val d’Orcia.
Regular: 27 miles – 2,900 feet
Extended: 36 miles – 4,100 feet
Day 3 – Chianti Vineyards – Eroica Classic – Northern Route
We are in the Chianti area, it’s a change of views, but with equal satisfaction in riding these dirt roads made famous by the vintage bike event Eroica in Gaiole, a long ride on the ridge of the Chiantishire hills.
The route passes through the villages which names you can read on the labels of the best bottles of Chianti wine: Panzano in Chianti, Fonterutoli, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti (only to name a few).
When darkness is coming: LE LOGGE DEL VIGNOLA
We are at dinner in Montepulciano, an ancient Etruscan city (4th century) whose current fame is given by Vino Nobile, one of the great Tuscan reds. We will dine in an elegant restaurant in the upper part of the city, warm atmosphere, attentive service, revised regional cuisine with excellent quality ingredients, it will be the evening of Vino Nobile tasting.
Overnight in Val d’Orcia.
Regular: 32 miles – 3,050 feet
Extended: 50 miles – 5,050 feet
Day 4 – Sante Marie Hill – Eroica Classic – Southern Routes
Today we leave the Chianti vineyards area to ride the Southern loop of the Eroica. The route is mostly on gravel roads across the Crete Senesi. We ride trough the nicest village of Tuscany, Lucignano (IMHO) and we climb Sante Marie Hills the ascent dedicated to Fabian Cancellara and where the “Strade Bianche” races is often decided.
When darkness is coming: IL CONTE MATTO
Dinner in the medieval village of Trequanda (12th century), after an aperitif at sunset on the terrace overlooking the Crete Senesi, an “all-meat” menu of Chianina beef and Cinta Senese pork are the great protagonists, a sincere journey through flavors Tuscans with the famous “Bistecca alla Fiorentina”, the best Italian preparation of grilled meat. In the cellar rest 300 labels, the best of Tuscany, the small wine producers of Montepulciano await you.
Overnight in Val d’Orcia.
Regular: 48 miles – 3,250 feet
Extended: 64 miles – 5,250 feet
Day 5 – Val d’Orcia, Crete Hills and Montepulciano Vineyards
Today we tours the Val d’Orcia (UNESCO World Heritage Site) , the Renaissance center of Tuscany, a ride through the hills to the vineyards of Montepulciano where the “Nobile” other red wine from Tuscany is produced. In addition to the vineyards we will cross the large open spaces of the «Crete». We will pass by two small fortified and perched villages where it seems that time stands still in the Renaissance.When darkness is coming: BOCCON DIVINOIt has been “THE” trattoria in Montalcino, since 1992. A gem set in a postcard view, where you can taste tried and tested recipes that never betray their territorial roots. In the kitchen the new generation with Alessandra who brought fresh air and it was immediately love. We are in the homeland of Brunello, this is the ideal place to drink the niche products of very small producers. Overnight in Val d’Orcia.
Regular: 38 miles – 3,400 feet
Extended: 44 miles – 4,400 feet
Day 6 – Greetings and see you soon with us on the Italian roads
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye and start the journey back home.
If you come back home, we will take you to Florence (FLR) airport, or if you plan to stay longer to visit Italy, we will be happy to help you.
We hope to see you soon on one of our tours on the roads of Italy.
Dining in the great Italian “Trattoria”
Contrary to popular belief, Italy does not have a single gastronomic tradition (Pizza, Pasta, Cannolo) but many traditions closely linked to their territory, which make up a very interesting mosaic. Our goal is to introduce you to it, to immerse you, every evening we take you to the “Great Italian Trattorias” where the Italian culinary heritage is preserved and perpetuated.
In Tuscan regional cuisine, dishes from the so-called “cucina povera,” or peasant cuisine, still dominate the table. This gastronomy, which has developed over the centuries from the few ingredients available, is a symbol of scarcity but also of the ability to transform simple things and leftover raw materials into tasty dishes. Despite its humble origins, Tuscan cuisine boasts a range of extraordinary products, all waiting to be discovered. It’s a hearty cuisine, with bold flavors, highlighting the use of meat (such as Fiorentina T-Bone), vegetables and legumes (like Ribollita), and strong aromas (such as Pici all’Aglione).
The restaurant is housed in the old walls of the village of Trequanda, a suggestive environment with wooden beams and pastel colors, the cuisine that celebrates local meats, “Cinta Senese” and “Chianina”, combined with one of the cellars that we like most more. The restaurant and terrace overlook the hills of the Crete Senesi precipitously, a plus that alone justifies the trip.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Crunchy artichoke on soft pecorino cheese, mint flavored tomato mustard.
First course: Egg spaghettini creamed with butter and scorzone black truffle from the “Crete Senesi”.
Main course: “Chianina” Breed Scottona Steak and Tuscan White Veal Florentine-style cooking.
We are in Montalcino, home of Brunello, one of the world capitals of red wine. The restaurant is a historic address that bases its success on the skill of Alessandra (in the dining room) and Marina Fiorani (in the kitchen). High-level culinary proposal always in the name of tradition. Very nice place with a breathtaking view of the Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi. Obligatory stop!
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Candied egg yolk, sponge and parmesan cheese cream, “Crete Senesi” white truffle.
First course: Tagliatini with basil pesto, river shrimp tartare, lemon and crunchy polenta.
Main course: Local rabbit in porchetta stuffed with spinach and taggiasca olives, almonds, capers and thyme zucchini.
The seasons mark the times of this tavern where in the kitchen Eliana skilfully juggles fresh and local ingredients, many of which are of her own production, to give life to the genuine dishes of the Tuscan tradition. The environment is beautiful: an old house surrounded by nature. It drinks very well.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Cardoncello mushroom, cream of cannellini beans, sweet gorgonzola sauce.
First course: Rice “Gnudo” (Tuscan gnocchi), Pienza ricotta, spinach, brown egg, tomato water.
Main course: Cheek peposo (tuscany stew with pepper) and mashed potatoes.
In one of the most beautiful late medieval villages in all of Tuscany and home of the “Nobile di Montepulciano” red wine, it hosts this elegant restaurant. Recently revised both in the welcome and in the culinary offer, it offers a high quality service to its international clientele. Local traditional dishes and excellent bottles of “Nobile di Montepulciano” await us.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Montalcino-style tripe with saffron, “Cinta Senese” sausage and pecorino cheese,
First course: Risotto Carnaroli grand reserve with garlic, creamed goat cheese and anchovies.
Main course: Seared pigeon with seasonal side dish and chilli mustard.
A stone’s throw from Piazza del Campo there is a place where time has been deliberately stopped with the aim of bringing guests back to Siena as it was. On the contrary, in the kitchen the perspective is the future one, with the great local culinary school which keeps the identity intact, but opens it towards new sensory horizons. Do not miss the 4-storey cellar in the basement.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Marinated anchovies, vanilla, raspberries, rocket pesto.
First course: Handmade tagliatelle, Tuscan ragout.
Main course: “Priest’s hat” (type of beef), garden vegetables, beef garum.
In one of the most beautiful late medieval villages in all of Tuscany and home of the “Nobile di Montepulciano” red wine, it hosts this elegant restaurant. Recently revised both in the welcome and in the culinary offer, it offers a high quality service to its international clientele. Local traditional dishes and excellent bottles of “Nobile di Montepulciano” await us.
Highlights dishes:
Starter: Liver pâté, coffee bread, spiced pear and cooked wine sauce.
First course: Pici traditional pasta, black garlic, Pientino cheese, crumbs with bread, thyme, pepper.
Main course: Chamomile lamb with heirloom mustard, popcorn crust, pickled vegetables.
Living in the Charme
We have selected some beautiful boutique hotel, historical house or vinery house, where you will enjoy to stay in relax after your bike experience.
Most of them have SPA treatment available in a charming exclusive environment.
Our tours involve staying in a single hotel for the entire holiday, to avoid the commitment of transfers and to have more time to immerse yourself in the culture of the area.
The discreet charm of the Tuscan countryside, in the relaxing atmosphere of one of the most fascinating places in Italy, our Hotel Relais awaits you in Val d’Orcia. Be our guest in an historical 16th century mansion.
In the small medieval village of San Quirico, in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, Capitano Collection with its Luxury & Design Boutique hotels, villas, palaces and historic dwellings, within and outside the walls of the small village few steps from each other, boats suites and rooms all different and highly charaterized, to let every guests find his most suitable dimension
Whats’s included
ACCOMODATION
- 5 night in Historical Mansions, Luxury Hotels or Villas located in special places
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Concierge service for additional vacation ticketing, booking
TRANSPORT
- Guest pick-up / drop-off in airport or other meeting point
- All-vacation long, guests, bikes and luggage transport
MEALS
- 5 daily breakfasts in hotel
- 5 lunches during the riding time
- 5 social hours aperitivo
- 5 dinners in 5 different GREAT ITALIAN TRATTORIA with the best Italian regional wines
WHEN YOU ARE RIDING YOUR BICYCLE
- 5 riding days, 2 daily itineraries with different grade of effort
- 2 expert local certified guides multilingual will ride with you and support all day
- 1 professional mechanic with support/SAG Van during the tour
- Energy bars and sports drink during pedaling
- Daily bike maintenance and daily laundry service for bike clothing
- GPX daily tours documentation
- Custom Hirides.com cycling kit
WHEN YOU ARE NOT RIDING YOUR BICYCLE
- Professional guides for visits to the tour cities, experts for visits to wineries and support in all not pedaling activities as described in the tour program
- Wine tasting/oil tasting at the producers’ premises. Visits to dairies with demonstration of cheese making, as described in the tour program
BICYCLE
- Rental of professional bicycle (e-bike or muscle) or transport of your beloved bicycle in Italy
PERSONAL INSURANCE
- Civil Liability Insurance and Italian health insurance for non European citizens
What’s not included
AIRFARE
- Upon request we can arrange your flights throug our partners
BEFORE AND AFTER VACATION
- Meals, transportation, hotel costs or expenses in the days before and after the tour
HIRIDES.COM STAFF GRATUITIES
- Staff Hirides.com gratuities is not included
TRAVEL PROTECTION
- Travel Protection Plan not included, but heavily suggested
LUGGAGE AND BIKE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
- Luggage service, before/after tour days (ON-DEMAND)
- Bike transport service, before/after tour days (ON-DEMAND)
ON-DEMAND ACTIVITIES
- Regional cuisine cooking class
- White Truffle tasting
- White Truffle hunting
PERSONAL EXPENSES
- Cost of passport and visas
- Personal expenses while on the vacation
- Personal transportations when not included on the Tour
- Beverages not specifically agree/included
- Additional hotel expenses, mini-bar, wellness treatments
- Optional activities not scheduled by Hirides.com
- All not explicitly declared in the vacation description