Relentless rolling hills, acre upon acre of olive groves, vineyards and cypress pines, and near-perfect weather made our recent Tour of Tuscany one of the best yet.
Starting in the beautiful hamlet of Gaiole, the group enjoyed three days of acquainting ourselves with the magical Chianti hills.
The sights, sounds and smell of summer were evident everywhere you turned along the quiet rural roads; from the fragrance of jasmine, to the colour of the wild flowers and the sounds of cicada’s. Combine this together with the free-flowing descents, it’s almost impossible to keep the smile from your face.
Cycling through the cobble stoned streets of Siena and through the Crete Senesi, past castles, and along quiet and deserted roads, we’d soon earned those many stops for coffee, bomboloni, panino, and pasta.
Non-riding guests were not forgotten and managed to get off the beaten path just as much as the cyclists did, with hikes into the unique and UNESCO protected Val D’Orcia countryside.
The typically Tuscan food and vino experience off the bike was superb, with every day involving a new and memorable experience.
From osteria’s and trattoria’s, to superb ristorante with terrace views over the amazing Tuscan landscape, and beautiful meals in casa (at home), with varying styles of wine and tastes.
A nightly debate evolved around whether the Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino or the Rosso di Montalcino took the reign as best vino rosso.
The final ride for the tour saw the group depart the Val d’Orcia towards the spectacular walled, hilltop town of San Gimignano. A jewel in the Tuscan countryside, it’s seven towers stand resplendently grand above the UNESCO heritage listed historic centre below.
The last aperitivo in San Gimignano, saw the group delighted by an impromptu street theatre. Front row seats to the passing parade for the local medieval festival, provided the perfect accompaniment to a glass of the local Vernaccia d’San Gimignano and plate of various styles of pecorino cheese.
We’re already looking forward to the September edition of this sensational cycling tour.
If you would like more information about our next Tours in Tuscany later this year and 2019 click here.
