Bicycle Hidden Tuscany

Stop and enjoy the view as you pedal to Venturina on this guided bike tour in Tuscany
  • Length 8 days
  • From USD$3695
  • Style/Level Classic 3.0
  • Countries Italy
  • Begin/End Volterra / Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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The Etruscans gave Tuscany its name and after the classical age the epicenter of Tuscany moved to the valley of the Arno River to the north of Siena, and this area of (southern) Tuscany was largely forgotten–until today. Modern Italians have re-discovered this scenic area for its landscapes, villages and historical sites and we’re happy to offer you an opportunity to discover it, too.

Cycle through important Tuscan towns including Volterra and San Gimignano, visit smaller gems like Massa Marittima and Castiglione della Pescaia, and enjoy spa hotels such as the one near the important Etruscan site of Populonia.

***If this sounds great but you prefer a longer tour check out our Bicycling Hidden Tuscany Plus! Tufa Towns itinerary.***

Highlights

  • Fabulous Tuscan culinary specialties (olive oil, tomatoes, basil and rosemary), Thermal spas, Volterra, Ridge rides looking out across vineyards, cypress trees, olives, and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Etruscan tombs and ruins, Two 2-night stays

Includes

  • 8 days, 7 nights accommodation

  • all breakfasts, 5 dinners with wine

  • entrance and guided visit Populonia

  • Day 1 shuttle from Florence to Volterra

  • Day 8 shuttle to Grosseto train station

  • All Classic tour inclusions


Date Price Private room fee Note

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  • Total distance 293 km (181 miles)
  • Average daily distance 49 km (30 miles)
  • Tour style Classic
  • Tour level 3.0

Highlights: Etruscan Volterra

Arrive today in Volterra, one of Italy’s most famous Etruscan towns. Volterra was one of the nine most important Etruscan cities in the pre-Roman era; you’ll be here two nights so you’ll have the chance to explore its Roman theater and cathedrals. We’ll fit bikes and take a test ride this afternoon

Meals : Dinner
Lodging : Hotel San Lino

Highlights: San Gimignano and its towers. Alabaster shops in Volterra

Our loop ride today takes us to San Gimignano. Famous for its medieval towers, San Gimignano is one of the best-preserved 14th century villages in Europe. Have a rest, enjoy a coffee in the famous Piazza della Cisterna, and explore this fabulous town. We’ll offer a shuttle back into Volterra for those who would prefer to avoid the climb! In the afternoon we have a special visit planned inside the Laboratory of an Alabaster carver. You’ll learn more about the ancient technique that is still used by these artisans.

Meals : Breakfast
Lodging : Hotel San Lino

Highlights: A great ride through Tuscan hills and coastal lands

Today we head through rich farmland and remote villages where you will have fantastic views of the surrounding hills. You’ll note a striking change in the landscape as we leave the central Tuscan hills for the fertile coastal lands. It’s a great day for photographs!

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Tenuta La Bandita

Highlights: Wine village of Bolgheri, Maremma region of Italy, outdoor pools

We have another scenic ride in store today as we bicycle through the Maremma region of Italy, famous for its “cowboys” and small, medieval towns. The first part of our ride is along the coastal plain; this entire section underwent agricultural reclamation from the late 19th century through Mussolini’s rule in the early-mid 20th century. Swamps were drained and roads and other infrastructure were built, and the region is now rich in olive oil and wine production. We pedal through the tiny fortress town of Bolgheri, famous for its red wines, including “Sassicaia”. Talk with the locals if you can find one; according to one spry 89-year-old we met in the town square, there are only twenty-six residents left! Another gentle forested climb brings us to a gliding downhill which customers have called, “the best ride in the world” and ends in a tiny stone village, worth a peek before continuing on. Our hotel pool is perfect for soothing tired muscles after four days of cycling.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Calidario

Highlights: Etruscan sites, beaches, Medieval architecture

We’ve planned a casual bike ride today to give you a sampling of history and geography from the Etruscan time through the Renaissance. We head first to the ancient Etruscan port of Populonia, the most important Etruscan port town. We’ll have a guided visit of the tombs and the “industrial” area, learning about the Etruscans’ practice of metallurgy, where they mined tin and iron from local deposits and processed them into valuable commodities for trade throughout the Mediterranean. After our visit, you can ride to the village for the view, enjoy some beach time, have lunch by the sea, return to the pool or head off for some more mileage.

Meals : Breakfast
Lodging : Hotel Calidario

Highlights: Cycling remote country roads, the hilltop village of Massa Marittima

Today’s ride takes you into the interior as you follow several river valleys. Our destination tonight is the lively hilltop village of Massa Marittima. Massa Marittima is known as the “figlia nobilissima” (noble daughter) of Pisa and Siena. Its origins lie somewhere in the High Middle Ages, when the hills around the city were mined for minerals. In the 10th century, the city was the seat of the Bishop of Populonia, but the city’s golden age came in 1225, when it became an independent municipality. Take time for some sightseeing or relax by the pool.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : La Fenice Park Hotel

Highlights: Cycling remote country roads, fishing port of Castiglione della Pescaia

Todays ride takes you further into the interior before bringing you Castiglione della Pescaia on the coast. Although it is a busy seaside resort in July and August, for most of the year Castiglione is a bustling market center and fishing port. Our hotel sits in the old city center under the 17th century walls built by the Medici family’s Grand Duke, Ferdinand I.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Lucerna

Highlights: Castiglione della Pescaia

Spend an extra day to enjoy this Renaissance fishing port and Medici fortress perched on the hilltop overlooking the village. The town and main square offers an array of cafés and restaurants for lounging and enjoying local foods and wines. For those who must leave we’ll offer a shuttle to the Grosseto train station. Arrivederci!

Meals : Breakfast

Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.



Pre-trip planning checklist



  • My favorite experience on this trip?: Hmmm…the ride from Sesseta to the coast, and back. Also, my two interactions with locals trading our ExperiencePlus! hats.

    Sandy C., Fort Collins, CO
  • Favorite experience on this trip?: The rides, the guides, the food, the visits to pasta and olive oil makers, the weather…it’s hard to choose a “favorite”! Thanks so much to you all!! I’d never use a different tour company.

    Pamela M., Eugene, OR
  • We had a great experience, a good time, loved the trip, and we think very highly of ExperiencePlus!, this tour, and our tour leaders.

    Calvin M., Fort Collins, CO