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Western Tuscany & Elba Self-Guided

Western Tuscany & Elba Self-Guided

Flag italy Italy

  • Region Region Tuscany
  • Tour Type Tour Type Self Guided (Open Departure)
  • Duration Duration 8 days
  • Bike Type Bike Types Road, Hybrid, Touring & e-bike

Core Route

369 Kilometres
2 (Moderate) Difficulty Level: 2 (Moderate)
Average Distance per Day: 53 km
0 100 km
Average Elevation Gain per Day: 756 m
0 1000 m

Extended Route

441 Kilometres
2 (Moderate) Difficulty Level: 2 (Moderate)
Average Distance per Day: 63 km
0 100 km
Average Elevation Gain per Day: 942 m
0 1000 m
April - October from
€995
Next Steps

This is a comprehensive tour that combines the cycling routes through western Tuscany with the routes through the Siena region, culminating in a two night stopover on the magical island of Elba. This cycling holiday is designed to show off the very best that Tuscany has to offer.

The first route leads from Siena through gently rolling terrain to the walled town of Monteriggioni en route to Colle di Val d’Elsa. From here you continue west to the medieval Manhattan that is San Gimignano. Continuing west you tackle the ascent to Volterra. The ride south from Volterra to Marina di Bibbona takes you through the Val di Cecina and the Metalliferous Hills. From there you take in the genuinely stunning Etruscan Coastline, with its crystal clear waters, before heading out to the island of Elba for a two night stopover.

There is a great loop ride round the island the following day. Please note that you will need to carry your own gear out to the island of Elba on panniers. The rest of your luggage will be sent on to your next destination. The next stage takes you inland to the beautiful town of Massa Marittima. From here you pedal east to Monticiano and Montalcino, where some of the best wine in the world can be found, and consumed! The last leg of the journey takes you back into the staging town of Siena.

Highlights

  • Sodoma’s frescoes in the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

  • The Renaissance town of Pienza

  • Tthe hot springs in Bagno Vignoni

  • Sampling a glass of Brunello wine in Montalcino’s Fortezza

  • The vista across the Val d’Orcia from Cortona’s heights

  • San Gimignano – the medieval Manhatten

  • The alabaster workshops of Volterra

  • The Tuscan Coast around Marina di Bibbona

  • San Galgano Abbey

  • The beautiful island of Elba

Day 1

Arrive into the stunning UNESCO World heritage Site city of Siena, where you will be checked into your hotel and met with your bikes, mapping and introductory talk

2

Siena- San Gimignano (41km core)- Leaving behind the beautiful city of Siena, you navigate very minor country roads on your way to the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni, where you can stop for a coffee and take in the views over the entire Chianti region. You then head west toward another beautiful hilltop town, Colle di Val d'Elsa, which is famous for its production of crystal glassware and art. Leaving town you head north toward Bibbiano, before beginning a challenging climb toward San Gimingano.

Siena San Gim elv

3

San Gimignano- Marina di Bibbona (75km)- Leaving behind the picturesque San Gimignano you begin a sharp descent up to the Etruscan town of Volterra, known for its protective walls built in the 4th Century, and for its Roman Amphitheatre. From there you begin the long, gentle descent through the Metalliferous Hills to the seaside town of Marina di Bibbona.

San Gim Marina di bibbona elv

4

Marina di Bibbona-Piombino (70km) (ELBA)- From Marina di Bibbona the ride goes south along the stunning coastline and crystal clear waters. There are several lunch stop options, including the picturesque coastal town of Baratti, before arriving in the harbour town of Piombino. From here you will take your ferry out to the stunning island of Elba. Please note that, unless otherwise requested, your main luggage will not be going out to the island, so you are advised to bring a small day bag with you on the ferry. You will them reunite with your luggage in Massa Marritima.

Elevation profile 2021 02 24 T101902 206

5

Elba Loop Day (various options)- We have various options for you to explore on Elba, of varying degrees of difficulty and distance. You may want some rest from the saddle, and are free to explore some of the most beautiful beaches and scenic coastline that all of Italy has to offer.

6

Piombino- Massa Marittima (54km)- After enjoying your breakfast you will take the ferry back to Piombino. From there, it is a relatively short, flat ride through the Maremma Plains and several beautiful nature reserves. You will then have a steady climb up winding roads before arriving into Massa Marittima by late afternoon, where you can enjoy the unrivalled views from the charming hilltop town.

Elevation profile 2021 02 24 T111344 866

7

Massa Marittima- Monticiano (37km core route)- A short ride for those that want it today, with the option of some beautiful additional detours. Again, a scenic and varied ride through nature reserves and green pastures. the highlight of the trip is a visit to the impressive San Galgano Abbey, a photographer's dream, and visit the original sword in the stone. You then enter into Monticiano the 12th century village located between the River Merse and the River Farma. For those intersted in hiking, there are some beautiful routes through the dense woodland surrounding the town.

Elevation profile 2021 02 24 T111728 331

8

Monticiano-Siena (35km core route)- You begin the journey north back toward your starting point of Siena. Again, there are short or longer options available to you. This ride is a gentle, rolling ride through the Tuscan countryside and winelands. You cross over the scenic Montegnola Senese, with plenty of coffee stops and lunch breaks available in charming tiny villages, including Frosni and Sovicille.

Elevation profile 2021 02 24 T113756 069

Route Map

Accommodation

The standard accommodations for the self-guided itineraries are family run hotels. Generally, these have around 10 to 20 guest rooms and the owners live on the premises. Italian hotel are classified by a star rating system – from one to five stars – standards for each category may vary a little from region to region. Most of the hotels that we use fall into the three star category – though we occasionally use two and four star hotels when circumstances or availability dictate. In almost all cases the bathroom facilities are ensuite (self-contained within the room). Some of the smaller hotels do not have a restaurant, but there will always be several options close by, within easy walking distance.

The Italian breakfast is light – a cappuccino and a brioche (pastry). Most hotels serve a continental breakfast of orange juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate, bread rolls and jam. There may also be yogurt, cheeses, cured meats, pastries and cakes.

When you book a tour, your pre-trip planner will have more details about the specific facilities and services provided by the accommodations.

Examples of our Tuscany hotels include;



Getting there

The Tuscan airports at Pisa and Florence mostly handle internal and short haul flights. Coming from abroad, Rome may be more convenient. Rome has two airports. Leonardo da Vinci Airport (at Fiumicino) is used by the major airlines, while Ciampino Airport is used by budget airlines such as Ryanair.

Getting to and from the trailheads (Siena, Sansepolcro, Florence) for the Tuscany itineraries involves travel from your arrival airport to the nearest mainline station or bus station for onward transport to the trailhead town.

Most inter-city trains leave Rome from Termini Station. Most inter-city buses leave from the main bus station outside Rome Tiburtina railway station. The Metro (line B) connects the two.

From Leonardo da Vinci Airport the most convenient way to get into Rome is to take the Leonardo Express, a direct train service to Termini (½ hr/every ½ hr).

From Ciampino Airport take a Terravision bus (¾ hr/ every hr) which to Termini. You can book online.

Pisa Airport has a railway station – trains run to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station (1½ hr/every hr). For Siena (2 hr/ every hr), change at Empoli.

Terravision buses run a regular service from Pisa Airport to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station (1¼ hr / every 1½ hr).

Terravision buses run a regular service from Florence Airport to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station (¼ hr/ every 1½ hr).

Siena

Note that the train station in Siena is located approximately 2 km from Siena's historical centre. It's a five minute bus ride from the city centre (Piazza del Sale) to the train station and buses run regularly in both directions.

  • From Rome Termini
    Train to Siena (3½ hr /every hr)

  • From Rome Tiburtina
    Sena Line Bus to Siena (3 hr / every 1½ hr)

  • From Pisa
    Train to Siena (change at Empoli)

  • From Florence
    Train to Siena


Climate

Tuscany is at its most beautiful in spring when the meadows and waysides are carpeted with wild flowers. Autumn is equally attractive when the beech and chestnut woods become clothed in a blaze of seasonal red and gold. The best months for avoiding the heat and the crowds are May, June, September and October. Easter should be avoided, as accommodation can be hard to come by. In August Tuscans head for the coasts for their annual vacation – and many shops, bars and restaurants are closed.

Tuscany is renowned for its light, which develops a clear golden quality as the days of high summer begin to shorten. Spring and autumn days are warm with plenty of hours of sunshine. July and August are the hottest, driest months, and you must to be comfortable cycling in very hot temperatures if you choose these months for your tour. October is also fine, but there is a greater chance of rainfall.

Core Tour Cost €995
Luggage Transfers €490 (per couple)
Hybrid Bike Rental €150
Touring Bike Rental €195
Carbon road Bike Rental €285
E-Bike Rental €285
Single Supplement €440


€895 is the cost per person sharing. The cost includes the following (unless stated otherwise)

  • 8 nights' accommodation with breakfast
  • Pre-trip planner
  • Routes in the form of highlighted maps and cue sheets
  • Telephone support
  • Meet and greet (if you are renting bicycles)


Luggage Transfers

  • Please note that you will need to carry your own gear out to the island of Elba on panniers. The rest of your luggage will be sent on to your next destination
  • Luggage transfer charges are calculated as follows:

    The standard charge is based on one or two riders. A couple would therefore share the luggage transfer costs. There is then a small additional fee for the third and each additional person.
    For example:

    1. Total cost for one or two riders = €490 (245 per person based on two people sharing)
    2. Total cost for three riders = 490+ 30= 520 (173 per person)
    3. Total cost for four riders = 490+ 30+ 30=550 (137 per person)

Note that the more riders in the group, the less expensive are the luggage transfers per rider.

Please note that whilst we will try our best to provide you with the exact bike as listed below, due to availability or sizing issues we may not always be able to. The bike you will receive will be of a very similar spec and always in very good condition.

Fuji Absolute Hybrid Bike

  • 5 frame sizes
  • FX Alpha Gold Aluminium
  • FX Alloy fork
  • 27 speed

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip).

Fitted with: Rear rack; platform pedals, bottle cage, fenders (mudguards)

Equipment provided: Handlebar bag; map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool.

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit

Kona Touring Bike

  • Kona Cromoly Butted Frame
  • Disc brakes
  • Kona Cromoly Fork
  • 27 Speed.

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip)

Fitted with: Rear rack; platform pedals, bottle cage, fenders (mudguards)

Equipment provided: Handlebar bag; map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool.

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit

Fondriest Carbon Road Bike

  • 7 frame sizes
  • Monocoque carbon frame
  • Reflex fork
  • Sleek Italian design

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip)

Fitted with: Platform pedals, bottle cage,

Equipment provided: map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool, frame bag

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit

Fuji E-Traverse E-Bike

  • Suntour NEX disc fork
  • Bafang H400 rear hub motor
  • Bafang 5 mode LED display w/walk assist
  • Shimano Gearing

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip).

Fitted with: Rear rack; platform pedals, bottle cage, fenders (mudguards)

Equipment provided: Handlebar bag; map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool.

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit

Next Steps

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