Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

5/5 (5)
6 nights
30 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 3200
Bike tour in Italy
Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours

Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

5/5 (5)

Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours

6 nights
30 miles/day

Guided from EUR € 3200
Bike tour in Italy

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Tantalize your taste buds on a blissful bike tour of Tuscany

    Embark on an irresistible bike tour through Tuscany, one that combines breathtaking bicycle routes with captivating cookery classes designed to give you an authentic overview of some of Tuscany's most tantalizing dishes.

    La Cucina Toscana is simplicity in its purest form. Tuscan cooks enjoy having the freshest seasonal ingredients right at their disposal, including sumptuous olive oil, gorgeous wines, and flavorsome cheeses - Tuscan cuisine is natural, fresh, and spectacularly appetizing. Most days of your wonderful cycling tour will include a hands-on cooking class or a delicious food tasting provided by a local artisan. You'll also enjoy special dining out opportunities at a simple osteria, family trattorias, and elegant restaurants.

    As a cyclist, you'll explore magical loop rides in beautiful Val d'Orcia, visiting the highlights of Pienza, Montalcino, and San Quirico, amongst other attractions. The routes will cross Val di Chiana, pass through stunning Cortona and Crete Senesi, and lead you onwards to sublime Siena.

    You'll return home inspired, carrying not only a new recipe book, but the enthusiasm to incorporate these dishes into your everyday lifestyle!

    • Siena, Tuscany, Italy. Massimilian Omoro Sinotto@Unsplash
    • Fresh olive oil in Italy. Lucio Patone@Unsplash
    • Bruschetta originates from Italy! Anna Bratiychuk@Unsplash
    • Siena, Tuscany, Italy. Agatha Depine@Unsplash
    • Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany Bike Tour
    • Cortona in Province of Arezzo & Region of Tuscany. CC:Patrick Denker
    • Italian food. Lucia Gherra@Unsplash
    • Montepulciano wine in Tuscany, Italy. PictureSeeker@Unsplash

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • La Cucina Toscana
    • Traditional Tuscan cooking classes
    • Olive oil, cheese, and wine tastings
    • Bagno Vignoni Roman spa
    • Sant'Antimo Abbey
    • Montalcino
    • Pienza
    • Montepulciano, the 'Pearl of the 16th Century'
    • Val d'Orcia
    • Spa day in San Casciano dei Bagni
    • Radicofani, medieval fortress village
    • Cortona
    • Siena
    • Etruscan architecture
    • Monticchiello, the quintessential Tuscan hill town

    Learn More

    Learn more about our guided trips or see more bike tours in Italy.

    Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Rome, Florence, and Pisa.

  • Traveler photos

    •  (photo by Paula Seliga)
    •  (photo by Paula Seliga)
    • Photo 1 (photo by JamieinLA)
    • Stopping for coffee (photo by JamieinLA)
    • Photo 3 (photo by JamieinLA)
    • Our Villa (photo by JamieinLA)

    Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    Day 1: Welcome to the villa, Pienza
    Arrive at the Chiusi train station (a major stop on all the Rome-Florence lines) at 1:00-1:30 pm. A private van transfer will transport you to the farmhouse, just a short drive from Pienza. You'll check in to your room, meet your guides, and start the bike fitting session. Once everyone is set up with a bike and equipment, there'll be a short test ride in the valley.

    Get ready for your first cooking session with Paolo - a perfect way to get to know your fellow travelers and introduce yourself to the tantalizing Tuscan cuisine! After a rest, accompanied by Italian Classico sparkling wine for an aperitif, you'll share the table and savor a tasty dinner.

    Day 2: Montalcino and Brunello (30 miles/48 km)

    Begin today riding through fields of San Giovese grapes in the heart of Brunello di Montalcino. The route takes you through the landscapes that inspired many Renaissance paintings. Visit the city of Montalcino and explore it's medieval history including a towering fortress built by the Sienese in the 14th century to defend itself in battles against the Florentine. Visit the piazza and enjoy some of the famed Brunello wine at the Enoteca.

    A relaxing ride downhill to Castelnuovo dell’Abate where you can visit the Abbey of Sant'Antimo. Here you will enjoy a light lunch with a wine tour of the Tenuta Fanti Estate. After lunch, return to the farmhouse where the day will conclude with a second cooking lesson, cheese and olive oil tasting and dinner.

    Day 3: Pienza and Montepulciano (29 miles/46 km)
    Today's ride takes you from the villa to Pienza, a pristine jewel of the Renaissance founded in 1458. Pope Pius II chose the famous Florentine architect Rossellino to transform his home village of Corsignano into one of the few surviving examples of 15th century architecture. Take some time to visit the Piazza Pio II where you can see many historic buildings from the Palazzo Piccolomini to a beautiful lodge and the stunning Duomo.

    You will then make your way through Castelmuzio, Montisi, and Trequanda, several villages that showcase the beauty of small town Italy. Along the route, you will enjoy a picnic lunch in the countryside before continuing back to the farmhouse.

    In the evening, transfer to Montepulciano, the 'Pearl of the 16th Century', where you can walk the streets of this hilltop town before dinner at la Porta di Bacco.

    Day 4: Monticchiello & Bagno Vignoni & spa day (23 miles/36 km)

    Today you will ride to the charming, medieval village of Monticchiello. From here you cycle on to Bano Vignoni, known for the ancient healing pools that you will have the opportunity to visit after the picnic lunch. The thermal waters are considered healing and have been a major attaction for those making their pilgrimmage on the Via Francigena.

    Tonight be prepared to enjoy another cooking lesson!

    Day 5: Radicofani and the Legend of Ghino di Tacco (40 miles/65 km)
    Today boasts another terrific bike ride. Starting out from the villa, you'll ride to Radicofani, a charming medieval village with one of the most impressive fortresses in Tuscany. This village is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Park of Val d'Orcia and Via Francigena (the main route once followed by pilgrims on their way to Rome). This will be the quietest day, biking off the beaten track.

    Uncover the tale of Ghino di Tacco, a charismatic gentleman bandit who roamed the Via Francigena, mentioned even in Dante's Divine Comedy. Walk along the streets of the old town and visit the Palazzo Pretorio before having a memorable dinner at Abbadia Sicille At Fondo.

    Day 6: Siena and Le Crete (34 miles/55 km)
    After breakfast, you'll cycle towards San Quirico, an Etruscan village with a superb Italian garden - the Horti Leonini. You'll pass through Asciano and Le Crete, home to intriguing rock formations and a lone farmhouse flanked by twin cypress trees - a traditional Tuscan scene.

    You'll pedal through picturesque vineyards and forests and arrive in Siena, a medieval city with beautifully preserved Gothic architecture. The entire city of Siena was built around the Piazza del Campo, where you can visit the shell-shaped square where the Palio horse race is run and enjoy lunch on your own. There'll be time for a spot of souvenir shopping and for exploring the hidden medieval walkways. Back at the villa, enjoy a swim and rest by the pool before the farewell dinner at the La Bandita townhouse restaurant in Pienza.

    Day 7: Individual departure
    After a farewell breakfast all together, you'll be transferred to the Chiusi train station between 10:00-11:00 am (on request, transfers can be arranged for a different time).

    Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Rome, Florence, or Pisa to top off your holiday.

    Surface and terrain

    The daily cycling itinerary is designed to be a vacation, not a race! The pace is relaxed to enable you to enjoy the scenery. The terrain will be gently rolling with some hills. Each day will cover an average of 25-35 miles (40-56 km). If you are an advanced cyclist wanting more mileage, that can be accommodated. Backup transportation and support is always available.

    It is possible to have non-riding participants, as there will be optional activities to do instead of cycling. Shorter options are always available, enabling riders of all abilities to have a selection of distances to choose from each day.


    Hotels

    La Pieve di Palazzo Massaini
    The farmhouse is located in Pienza close to the Palazzo Massaini. It has been restored in a classic Tuscan style with 6 double rooms and 2 suites with an infinity pool and private gardens.

    Please note that the May 17th departure will be accommodated in the Podere Palazzi, val d’Orcia.
    This farmhouse was built in the 1930s by the Marquis Origo, replacing an old inn where the Eminences used to rest as they journeyed along the Via Francigena. The villa has 9 rooms.


    How to get there

    Tour start and end
    Nearest airport: Florence, Italy (FLR); Rome, Italy
    Nearest train station: Chiusi-Chianciano

    From Fiumicino Airport, the Leonardo Express train (around 30 mins) departs each half hour to Termini Station.

    From Fiumicino Airport to train station: the first trains at 07.37, 08.07, 08.37, the last at 22.37.

    From Termini Station to airport: the first trains at 06.51, 07.21, 07.51, the last at 21.51.

    From Florence Peretola, bus or cab to Florence train station.

    To get into Chiusi by train, there are many trains from Rome and Florence. Check the timetable (English version) on the official website: https://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en. Some trains are marked IC (intercity: faster) or R (regional: slow).

    The tour company will transfer you to and from the Chiusi train station. On Day 1, the tour company will meet you around 1:00-1:30 pm. On Day 7, you will be transferred to the train station after breakfast. This service is included in the cost of the tour package.

    Tips on getting to and from your tour.


    Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    May 10, 17; Jun 7; Sep 13, 27; Oct 11, 2024

    Prices

    Tour package

    Per person, double occupancy €3200
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €3890

    Bike Rentals

    Standard touring bike €180
    Full carbon road bike €250
    Electrically assisted bike €250
    Gravel bike €250

    Included services

    • 6 nights accommodations
    • Breakfast each morning; 6 dinners and 2 lunches
    • All maps, trip notes, and detailed route directions
    • All shuttles and technical assistance
    • Support van
    • Services of an experienced guide
    • 2 cooking classes
    • 1 wine tasting and 1 cheese tasting
    • Water bottle
    • Transfer on Day 1 from Chiusi train station
    • Transfer on Day 7 to the Chiusi train station
    • Sales taxes

    Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to each hotel (approximately €1-5 per person/night).


    Bike rentals

    Bikes available for rent (in advance at the time of booking) on this tour are:

    • Standard touring bike, 27 or 30 speed, equipped with:
      • Aluminum frame
      • Full Carbon
      • Shimano Deore components 
      • Gel saddle
      • Upright handle bar
      • Wheelset: Shimano RS30
    • Road bike, 20 speed, equipped with:
      • Full Carbon fiber 
      • Carbon forks
      •  Shimano Ultegra  or 105  – 11/32 –  11 speed
      • Drop handle bar
      • Wheel set: Shimano R561
    • Gravel bike
      • Addict Gravel Disc Hmf / Imp Carbon
      • Shifters: Shimano St-R8020 Disc  Dual Control  22 Speed
      • Seat: Syncros Tofino T-Cutout 2.0
      • Wheel set:Syncros Rp2.0 Disc  Syncros Rws
    • Electrically assisted bike with 250w Sunstar motor
      • Frame E-Sub 6061 Alloy
      • Bosch Performance 250w System W/ 500wh Power Tube Battery
      • Brakes: Shimano Br-M365 Disc
      • Rear Derailleur: Sram Nx 11 Speed

    Equipment included with bike rental:

    • Helmet
    • Water bottle
    • Handlebar bag or map holder
    • Repair kit (mini pump, inner tube, tire levers)
    • Computer mileage counter
    • Lock (one lock with key per 2 bikes)
    • E-bike and standard, we include a front bag
    • Gravel and race bike, we include saddle bag

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. You can also bring your own pedals and shoes, along with the necessary equipment for installing the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are required on this tour. Helmets are included in the tour package; however, we recommend you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons.


    Tour Company


    Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

     Daily program Route Map 

  • Route Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.


    Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • Paula Seliga 8 months ago

      Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

      We had excellent guides, hosts, chefs, restaurants, sites to see, bikes, fellow tourists, and accommodations. The only thing I would have changed is to begin the cooking classes earlier, so we could have eaten earlier. Difficult to pass up all that gorgeous food, but if you ate it, difficult to go to sleep with such a full stomach, and then get up and eat again!

      •  (photo by Paula Seliga)
      •  (photo by Paula Seliga)
      • BikeTours.com staff reply from JV July 5, 2023

        Thanks for your business, the pics, and a glorious review. Hope to help you again on another glutinous journey. :)

    • JamieinLA June 13, 2019

      Ride, eat and cook through Tuscany

      The ride through Tuscany was breathtaking. Guiliana, Marco and their family planned a wonderful week. Even with the rain (we only ride 3 of the 5 days), they made the trip memorable. And our cooking experience was wonderful. I’m glad I booked an ebike. The hills are steep.

      What was the date of your tour?
      May 24, 2019
      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Photo 1 (photo by JamieinLA)
      • Stopping for coffee (photo by JamieinLA)
      • Photo 3 (photo by JamieinLA)
      • Our Villa (photo by JamieinLA)
      • 3/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • mkleyn October 3, 2017

      Better than I expected!

      Our guide,GiGI, was fabulous. He knew everyone's style and accommodated each of us. Loved the cooking in a homey kitchen. The restaurants we were taken to were in small local towns, and the food was fabulous!

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept. 23-29
      How many tours have you completed?
      This was the first one.
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • erinmargo April 26, 2016

      Best vacation ever

      There were so many positives on this trip. We were fortunate to have a fun group of like minded people on our tour. The villa is spectacular, Pometti was a fabulous, down to earth host, the food awesome, wine so good I shipped a bunch home and every location we visited was special. Marco & Guiliana are such a great team and excellent tour leaders. I have told many people about this wonderful experience and recommended to many.

      How many tours have you completed?
      1
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

    Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

     Route Map Book This Tour 

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