Italy is renowned for being a passionate and proud country. It’s little wonder why, when it boasts delights such as the Tuscan countryside, a fascinating history, and a cuisine that has enraptured the world. All combined it makes for the perfect playground for a cycling adventure. This week-long trip for small groups lets you soak up every last drop of beauty that the hills and sea provide here.
Italy is a country that has inspired some of the finest things in history. Its spectacular countryside, gorgeous villages, rich history, fantastic cuisine and hospitable people make it a land for the romantics. As for cyclists, it is a land that deserves to be explored on two wheels.
For five days that is precisely what you’ll achieve as you pedal your way up and down the hills, breathing in the fine sea air along coastal roads.
Siena is where you begin and it immediately sets the mood for a wonderful trip. Supported by guides who know the Tuscan countryside like the backs of their hands, you can be assured of learning a whole host of historic facts. Every evening is spent in comfortable surroundings with some delectable local cuisine and wine to delve into.
As your wheels spin away from Siena, you can marvel at fabulous views of the Monteriggioni Castle and cycle on the historic route of Via Francigena. This route has been used since medieval times and connects Canterbury to Rome. Every way you turn there are ancient towns to cut through, but it is the vivid history and the attractive surroundings of towns such as Volterra that really capture the imagination.
Cycling history comes to the fore in San Vincenzo, a spot where the Giro d’Italia started and finished in 1971 – something sure to excite every cyclist.
However, the biggest highlight of this journey is the time spent exploring the Elba Island. Two wheels are perfect for getting about; it gives you free reign to marvel at the shades of green and the beaches, cliffs and picturesque villages.
Elba’s charms are everywhere; with thousands of years of history, it is a spectacular place to learn about. Climbing some breath-taking hills and descending to famous beaches just adds to the flavour of Elba. There remains time for one final day of riding back on the mainland to soak up the coastal air before feeling the rush of the wind as you descend the hills towards the bluest of seas in Castiglione della Pescaia. Wow, what a journey!