Bike Tours Tuscany: Siena & Chianti

This was my first cycling tour and tour with Exodus. I had an amazing experience! The trip was well planned and I feel like it had the perfect balance of cycling, exploring towns on foot and good food. The level of difficulty was more than I thought. I trained in advance, which served me well, but I recommend others do the same, especially if this is your first bike tour.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of each hill is so rewarding. You definitely earn the views!

Fantastic trip, with Fantastic people! This was my first Exodus cycle trip, and for a Level 3, not only myself, but many others in the group found it a very challenging trip. The roads in this part of Italy, is either "up" or "down"...so with the weather being over 30C each day, each day was a bit challenging. I would definitely rate this trip higher than "Moderate", but having said that I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery, Tuscan hills, the food & wine, and all that Tuscany offers! Can't wait to do my next Exodus Cycle tour!!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Our group was so much fun! We all shared similar ages and cycle abilities, some more than others, but getting together each evening for dinner was a highlight! Love to cycle with this group again!
What did you think of your group leader?
Both David & Rebecca (Becks) were awesome leaders! They kept the team together, and always booked some awesome local restaurant for all of us to dine together. They always prepared us for the next 10-15kms, so breaking up the day with stops and lunch breaks along the way, made it for great cycle days.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This cycle trip is not for the "light hearted"! You are climbing many long hills, and cycling down many windy roads. I would say recommend doing long steep hill rides before you venture to Tuscany! Having said that, it is so beautiful and rewarding...so definitely go, but make sure you get those hill cycles in before you go on this trip!

Our second trip with Exodus. A really good group of cyclists to ride and socialize with. Leaders Becs and David did a great job supporting us and handling both the expected and the unexpected. The scenery was spectacular. Having been on another level 3 tour, I would suggest that this one was significantly more difficult. I think Exodus needs to make some changes in the difficulty ranking system. I would be skeptical about the ranking and would want to talk to someone who had been on the trip I was considering. That said, we would do it again!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Besides making it to the top of some longer hills, as well as one 25% grade, we had one cyclist crash and damage his shoulder and ribs. I was impressed with my fellow travellers who looked after him until the leaders arrived on scene. I was impressed with Becs and David for the way they looked after him, his partner and still managed to look after all of us. Most of all, I was impressed with the injured cyclist and his partner. He stayed with us, rode the van, came out to dinner and kept participating despite what must have been a lot of pain. She rode the rest of the trip with us. I thought they both showed determination and toughness and it was great having them on the trip
What did you think of your group leader?
David and Becs did a great job of handling our group and dealing with issues that arose. Lots of energy, a few necessary untruths (undulating), great support and good fun. As did our last trip leader, I think they went above and beyond in supporting our vacation.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be skeptical of the difficulty rankings and try to find someone you can talk to about the trip and the difficulty. This one, Exodus got wrong.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The bikes were adequate for what we were doing. Given the heat we experienced and the fact that we saw the van often, but not always, I would really like to see a second water bottle cage on each bike. The cost is very little, but being able to have a second bottle with you is important anytime, but especially in temps over 30 degrees. On our last trip, each bike had a pannier for carrying small items. These bikes had nothing. I suggest a small handlebar bag to be able to carry, for instance, some sunscreen and a wallet, maybe a few other items. The van was gone one morning for repairs and we carried a knapsack which would not be my choice. We did get frequent meet ups with the van, but sometimes not when it was needed and wanted. All in all, we like this company and the tours we have been on and hope to go on more.

organised and well supported cycle trip through beautiful tuscan countryside with visits to Florence and siena.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Not one specific thing but generally enjoyed the challenge of the cycling with a nice group of people coupled with the rewards of the beautiful scenery, plus nice food and wine.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both group leaders were professional, organised, and supportive of individuals and the needs of the whole group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This tour is on the harder side of moderate rating taking in to account the height gain coupled with the heat at certain times of the year. Travellers will need a good level of fitness for this tour to complete the hill sections.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I suffered an injury on this tour and was well supported by the group leaders when I had the accident and afterwards.

Great weather. Lovely group of people. Superb tour leaders (Bex and David). Food and wine was great. Ditto scenery. Really sorry to come home. If you are reasonably fit, this would be good trip to do. Highly recommended.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Tjoo many to mention
What did you think of your group leader?
Really good

Second trip with Exodus. Lovely holiday cycling through Tuscany, finishing in Florence. Lots of clmb, but not too severe. Great weather, food & wine. Group were great fun. I'll be back next year for another trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hard to say - perhaps the views to the next town, perhaps the food. Perhaps the towns themselves. Maybe an ice cream in Sienna. All were truly impressive.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Get reasonably fit, take plenty of sun tan lotion & insect spray.

We rode through glorious towns and countryside with plenty of opportunities to take photographs.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed the company of the other riders. I am so glad I took this trip instead of a self-guided trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jon Hobson is very easy to get along with and to talk about anything we want. He took good care of us, riding at a good pace, stopping frequently for us to regroup and to refill our water bottles. At lunch and dinner time he provided us with great suggestions on places to eat.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would suggest you have a good fitness level as there are some hills which are hard to ride up.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Martino Falsini, our support person, did a stellar job when one of the other riders came off his bike and broke his collar bone. He arrived very promptly in the support van, took control of the situation, checked the rider for head injuries and took him to hospital. Great work.

Great cycle routes, well planned stops, good climbs and descents.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the tops of some of the more challenging hills
What did you think of your group leader?
Jon was a fabulous group leader, well organised and motivating. Alexis was great fun. Both made the trip really enjoyable

Excellent and memorable cycling trip!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
This was my daughter's first cycling trip. She is athletic but not an experienced cyclist. She had a wonderful experience without injury because of the excellent leadership and great bunch of other cyclists in this group. We enjoyed every moment! Kyung and Lea
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz the group leader was an excellent person in every way. She is one of the best cycling leaders I ever had. She is very responsible, knowledgeable, and professional. Suzy was also very fun and caring.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Excellent tour company.

Fabulous cycling week in Tuscany. Very well organised trip and excellently supported by the two guides (Radu and Jonny). We had a small group of only 6 guests but we all got along tremendously well and had great fun. The cycling was a good workout each day but that meant more gelatos could be tasted and more lovely Tuscan cuisine could be eaten at dinner each night. You need to be able to peddle up hills but the countryside is beautiful and the views are worth it. Highly recommend.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top of some challenging hill climbs and realising I could do it, the views of the countryside, the medieval towns we visited and the panoramic views of the city when we arrived in Florence.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both guides (Radu and Jonny) were professional, helpful and extremely friendly and approachable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do some hill training before you come as it's very hilly in this area but it was nothing I couldn't handle and I'm just a casual cyclist who usually goes out once a week for 20-30 miles, but I do live in the Chiltern hills so I'm used to peddling up hill.

A fantastic trip - awe inspiring scenery, picturesque hill towns, wonderful historic cities, excellent guide & support & great cycling! What more could you wish for? Oh yes, good food & great company. This trip had it all.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The spectacular scenery every pedal of the way. It kept you going up those hills! Arriving into the Campo in Siena in the golden glow of the afternoon sun - beautiful. Also, the first sight of the whole of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo was breathtaking.
What did you think of your group leader?
Radu, our guide was excellent, as was Jon, our support. The route was well thought out & Radu's attention to detail was second to none. We mostly ate at restaurants chosen by the guides - all good. Rada & Jon made you feel safe, well looked after & well informed. Radu's wit & sense of humour were brilliant. Jon looked after us with snacks & water at our frequent stops & also took great care of the bikes. Nothing was too much trouble & everything was done with a smile & an encouraging word. A great team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do train for those Tuscan hills. As the travel notes say, some of the route is the top end of moderate! It was especially tough on the white (gravel) roads & with high temperatures to cope with (for us it was an unseasonable 36* on the first couple of days!). That said, you can always hitch a ride on the support vehicle if the going gets too tough.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All in all a great trip I'd strongly recommend.

I had an amazing time! Everything was fabulous!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Screaming downhills
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
They were great! Very knowledgeable.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'll be looking at some other offerings again soon!

I had such a fantastic holiday. Cycling through such picture perfect scenery with a happy bunch of like minded travellers was the perfect way to see the countryside. It was great having two guides and their support was invaluable.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of those 'undulating' hills and seeing the Cyprus trees and all the wild poppies, hearing the birds and feeling very lucky.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rdu and Liz were great.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take the opportunity to be away from the crowds and be able to be part of something special.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would certainly recommend Exodus to anyone, as it was to me. I took some very good advise.

This is a great trip: cycling through classic Tuscan landscapes, stopping in beautiful hilltop towns and villages and enjoying the great food and wine of the area with a friendly group and excellent leader and support.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many: the long gradual descent from Castellina in Chianti to Poggibonsi with the smell of pine and wood smoke and unfolding views of the beautiful town of San Gimignano through vineyards; looking out across the countryside in the morning with clouds nestling in the valleys; Siena and its beautiful architecture - a real gem of a city.
What did you think of your group leader?
Radu, our leader was a really friendly, helpful and professional leader with a great sense of humour. He ensured the group's safety and enjoyment of the trip was uppermost and - together with Reece (who was providing the vehicle support) - made the trip really enjoyable. They kept the good quality bikes in excellent order and provided regular coffee, water and snack stops along the way. Radu was a really good cyclist, to boot, and catered for a wide variety of cycling abilities - so that everyone was included and was able to get the most out of the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The usual stuff: cycling shorts, gloves, glasses and waterproofs (we had some cool and wet weather at the start of our September trip - although it steadily improved through the week (so take sun block as well). Always have water with you - even when you have vehicle support nearby. A mobile phone is recommended, too. If you prefer having stuff with you but not on your back consider taking a rack and pannier if your luggage will accommodate it - as these bikes weren't supplied with either (some trips do and it's worth finding out beforehand). Although this is a moderate trip, it is quite hilly - so it's worth going out and doing a few hills before before you go on the holiday.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Strade Bianche (the White Roads) that we cycled a few kilometres along were an interesting addition to the trip. This holiday is a great introduction to this part of Tuscany and includes all its classic ingredients: rolling hills, beautiful cities, towns and villages, vineyards, friendly people and great food and wine. Cycling is a fantastic way to sample all these ingredients.
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This was my 5th Exodus cycling trip and my favourite to date. The scenery was quite picturesque, the hills challenging and the group was great fun. Radu and Reece were a superb team. The attention to detail was quite amazing if you have been on many prior trips. Riding safety began with inspection of the bikes which were first rate. We had quite a range of biking experience but Radu was accommodating to the entire group. Both Radu and Reece were fantastic mechanics too. I highly recommend this trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably the finish in Florence and the view of the entire city. A great wow! moment. Riding into Sienna too and looking out at the hills. and of course... riding through the many vineyards in Chianti with the grapes ready to be harvested. The day off to really see Sienna was an added treat.
What did you think of your group leader?
Radu is the man. Attention to detail, Safety, the comfort and security of all guests of varying time in the saddle was truly amazing. An excellent cyclist in the countryside and on gravel who is probably at his best getting the group into and out of cities in traffic. If this is a first trip for you this is the guide you want.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do some training on gravel if you are not a mountain bike person. Perhaps some hills too since ALL Italian villages and cities seem to be on top of hills. Bring some rain gear. we did not have much rain but if you keep your torso and feet dry it makes all the difference. and of course have an extra day or two to see Florence. Go see David. words fail.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
What an immense pleasure this trip was. I'm already thinking of 2017.

One week cycling the hills of Tuscany. One day off in Siena. We finished in Florence. It was like cycling through a postcard of Tuscany: Cypress trees, vineyards, wine tasting places, hilltop mediaeval villages. In 10 years of cylcing in Europe, this scenery and these roads were the most captivating. The food was delicious, loads of salads and veg for people like me who do not like meat but loads of meat if you like it. And the wine, you could get the finest wine that Italy had to offer in the smallest Pizzarias. The bikes: lightweight ridgebacks were really good.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On the day off in Siena, at night, we visited the Zebra striped Cathedral and they projected film onto the walls. And Siena was so beautiful. Having a whole day midweek to wander round Siena, with the option of a self guided short ride if you wanted it, was inspired. The cycling, the routes, the choice of roads, was inspirational. I don't like gelato but I was told that San Gimingano where we spent a few hours, has the best gelato in the world
What did you think of your group leader?
Radu Man was our group leader. For a Romanian guy he was such an Italian. An obsessive gelato eater and bike stacker and wearer of the best bike gear. He was really funny, organised, warm, energetic, knowledgeable, a great cyclist, a great banterer, and he and his support guide knew how to fix bikes. They checked the bikes even without us asking. He and Reece, who supported him, worked meticulously to behind the scenes and it meant we never got lost, and never lost a cyclist, and knew what we were doing.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you don't want to wear a small rucksack, bring a panier rack and panier. Tuscany is hilly, be prepared to cycle up the hills as well as down them. Leave some room in your suitcase shopping. Siena and Tuscany have some great shops. Book one or two nights in Florence at the end. There is so much to see there and we end the tour in a lovely hotel in Florence.

5 days of cycling through the beautiful Tuscan countryside with an opportunity to see Siena. Well organised and well supported with good bikes that were very adjustable to suit different needs.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The morning descents from Castellina in Chianti trying to stay on the road at high speeds while the mist rose off the breathtaking scenery on either side. Truly exhilarating.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both Radu and Reese were excellent in lead and support. Nothing too difficult for them and they kept the group informed as to the route and what to expect and allowed people to go at their own pace while keeping us together with regular stops for coffee and bananas! Any complaints or comments were dealt with quickly although to my knowledge there weren't any of any consequence. Very professional at all times and great company too.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There are hills in Tuscany and although not necessarily really steep, they can go on for a while. I was very glad that i had done some training in preparation. I would recommend being fairly fit and comfortable covering some distance on your bike.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was my first Exodus holiday and i found the experience excellent. Travelling solo can be daunting but the group was really friendly and the leaders fantastic. I have been back for only 5 days and i am already looking at the brochure for my next adventure!

This is our 8th cycling trip with Exodus and one of the best. It has it all- great cycling on mainly quiet roads, but as others have said it would be best to do some hills before travelling so you can enjoy it. Wonderful scenery passing through lovely villages. Great food and wine - lets not forget the wine! I also enjoyed the coffee stops and gelato stops. Enough time was given to look around the places we passed through. Oh and great guides.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hard to single out one moment - but the view over Florence when we arrived was magical - seeing the Doumo dominate the city, the wonderful Tuscan scenery, Radu reminding me of the best gelato in town awaiting us at the top of the long climb back to Castellina! He was a great motivator.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both Radu and Martin were excellent guides and great company. Radu was very knowledgable and gave lots of guidance and advice. Martin was great in support.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take insect repellent for day and night - a few of us got bitten quite a lot! I would say some of the days are more grade 3/4 .
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There are some sections on 'white roads' essentially gravel roads and there were a couple of falls on our trip so be confident on this type of terrain. We loved it but are used to mountain bike terrain.

An incredible week of superb food, hill top towns, challenging cycling, new friends of all abilities and a well structured itinerary!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Every turn, every climb, every descent was a "wow this is beautiful" moment! The scenery was incredible
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz and Paul worked so well together! Liz was incredibly well organised and her restaurant recommendations were 100% outstanding! They structured the riding around everyone's capabilities and frequent stops and clear instructions meant a well run trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Late May was still COLD and wet so take appropriate clothing even if the weather forecast before you leave says warm and dry! It is extremely hilly, know what 1000m of ascent means before you go. I did and I knew what I was riding but others didn't. The distances are not long but the hills are :-) I ride a carbon road bike so I was nervous about the bikes but they were absolutely perfect.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Do this trip! This is my 4th Exodus cycling trip and one of the best. Great food, scenery and stops along the way make for a great week!

Wonderfully challenging and great routing. Good hotels and super guides
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Great views good roads and ability to push a little harder than expected with good results
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. Would go on any trio radu and Liz lead
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Train for hills. Some steep and long
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't over pacj

This is our second Exodus bike trip - we will definitely keep coming back. The Tuscany region is exactly like you would see in the photos, rolling (undulating) hills, vineyards, and wonderful historic cities. We appreciated the stops to see the towns and scenery and of course enjoy a well deserved gelato. The food and wine was more delicious than we could ever have imagined. Our guides Radu and Liz were able to give great tips on where to go and what to see. You can never totally plan on the weather cooperating - the rain and cold on the last day to Florence were a bit much but it certainly didn't ruin what was a perfect trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Riding through the gates of Siena. A city full of incredible history.
What did you think of your group leader?
Radu and Liz were great. We enjoyed their humour, hints and tips and care they put into making it a great trip. Very good friendly competition on who could make the best picnic lunch. I'm sure the jury is still out.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Definitely make this on your "to do" list! It is well worth it.

A spectacular cycling trip with a 'wow' at every turn and summit. It blends fantastic scenery with exactly the right amount of culture which a cycling holiday in this region rightly deserves. The food and wine are likewise to the exquisite standard you would expect;so don't go in the hope of loosing weight.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling in to all of the beautiful Tuscan towns in which we stayed were inspirational. However, our triumphal entry to our very own room with a view, Florence was extra special.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alex and Simon were both extremely encouraging, professional and knowledgeable. Being relatively new to cycling I found their advice and guidance plus technical tips extremely useful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Buy yourself a little handle bar bag (available on line) they are big enough for everything you need with you throughout the day and for any extras the van is never too far away. If you want to treat yourself to a commemorative cycling jersey go to the little sports shop on the square in San Gimignano they're expensive in all the towns but slightly cheaper there and well worth investing in as a great memento of the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't waste time thinking about this holiday just get booked. You won't regret it. I went in early October and had excellent cycling weather.

So as a complete novice to cycling I discovered it is a wonderful way to see a country, but damned hard work in this hilly part of the world! Great group of people to share the holiday experience with. Helpful supportive guides, but make sure you prepare for this trip with hill training.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The end! Knowing I had finished, achieved and arrived at beautiful Florence
What did you think of your group leader?
Alex was very knowledgeable about the region having guided this trip before. Together with Tug, I found them to be encouraging and supportive. I particularly liked the distraction techniques Tug used to help with the hill climbs
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Train, train, train! I was totally unprepared in terms of how much cycling I had done pre trip. In particular I had not done enough hill training and there are lots of hill climbs. In Tuscany, all the villages and towns we visited sit atop a hill. This means you spend a short time cycling down and then most of the day cycling uphill. September was a great time of year to go as it was warm, but not too hot. I can only imagine how hard this trip would be in the heat of summer.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had a great time, so much so we are looking at another cycle trip next year! The trip was well organised, the hire bikes were of good quality and the guides friendly, helpful and supportive. I particularly liked the fact that the days included plenty of fequent stops for drinks and food. It gave you enough time to look around, but more time in San Gimiagno would have been nice. Of note the trip notes underestimate the distances cycled, but as Alex always said, it's not the distance that matters but the climbs! You will find yourself feeling a great sense of achievement by the end of it all, and Tuscany is beautiful.

This was our first cycling holiday and we really enjoyed it. Wonderful views, great food and wine and good company. It was well-organised and well-led.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The day we spent in San Grimignano when it was too wet to ride (although we enjoyed the cycling a lot).
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leaders, Radu and Natalie, were excellent. They were very knowledgeable, well-organised and good at solving problems.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Tuscany is quite hilly. It might be a good idea to try some hills in England first. If a hill is really formidable you can get a lift in the support vehicle so you don't need to worry about the hills too much. In September the weather in Tuscany can be wet. Taking good quality waterproofs is a good idea because although it may be possible to take a day off cycling because of bad weather there will be days when you have to cycle whatever the weather because you need to get to the next destination.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Overall, this was a fantastic holiday.

A wonderful tour of a beautiful region, using quiet roads and enjoying authentic Italian cuisine
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
meeting the challenge of some meaty climbs and longer cycle rides. The changing scenary, the fun and banter between the other members of the group.
What did you think of your group leader?
Radu was a very professional leader and a real motivator. He was informative and able to cater for the wide range of abilities within the group. Somehow he found the energy to be sociable in the evenings and his local knowledge meant he could locate good restaurants.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Read carefully the experience and ability required for the cycling. This trip was rated moderate to challenging which is fair. Sometimes we cycled over 50 miles in some hilly sections. It is not appropriate for cyclists that have little understanding of gears and only cycle occasionally at a leisurely pace.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotels were rated 3 and 4 star. Although clean, they were closer to 2 star accommodation by UK standards.

I really enjoyed this trip. Beautiful countryside, fantastic cycling, delicious food and wine and a great group of people. Good coffee and gelato stops in historic towns and plenty of picnic lunches. If you like to keep active but also love your food, then this trip is perfect.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
A 5km hill becoming fairly easy by the end of the week (goes to show how much your fitness level increases during the week.) Cycling into the cobbled medieval streets of Sienna and down into the main square. Cycling through the vineyards and quaint villages of Chianti. Having a very good reason to eat twice as much as usual, since we had to 'refuel' for the next day. Discovering that other members of the group are just as obsessed with food as I am. Realising that I can still make it up a hill after a complimentary shot of limoncello from a restaurant at lunch time.
What did you think of your group leader?
Radu and Alejandro were fantastic leaders and experienced cyclists. They worked brilliantly both together and independently. They also prepared some fantastic picnics for lunch stops and provided good snacks for refuelling. They knew the best places to eat in town (and where to get the best gelato.) Everything went smoothly and the group had a fantastic time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My first cycling holiday, so I'm glad I had a reasonable level of fitness for the 'undulating' countryside, 'spicy hills' and hilltop towns/villages (and there's an optional 7km non stop hill at the end of a long cycling day too). I wish I'd taken a gel seat cover as well as padded shorts (I didn't take my own saddle). I probably would've taken clip on shoes too.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The pici (fat spaghetti) is amazing! Prosecco is cheap too.