BIKE TOURING IN TUSCANY

Tuscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, history, artists and cultural influence. This is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was the home to many influential people in the history of art and science, and contains well-known cities of Florence, Siena, and Pisa. Tuscany produces some of the best known wines that includes: Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano,  and Brunello di Montalcino. Like many of the Italian Regions, Tuscany has a strong cultural identity and is sometimes considered “a nation within a nation”

The beauty of the landscapes, the amazing medieval villages and the great food and wine tradition make Tuscany one of the most popular destinations for cycle tourists from all over the world. Traveling by bike on secondary roads, surrounded by nature is the best way to really experience this territory. Along the way you can explore unique medieval villages like Montepulciano or Montalcino, ancient castles and rolling hills with cypresses and vineyards. Traveling by bike to discover the most rustic and authentic Tuscany is the challenging but one of the unique travel experiences you can find.

Tuscany offers an ideal scenario for cycling enthusiasts of all levels, from amateur cyclists to anyone just wishing to pedal calmly while enjoying the beauty of the region. There are a variety of itineraries to choose from to get the most out of your adventure. On paved roads and the Strada Bianca (white roads) are perfect for anyone who loves racing bikes and just want to get some great rides in.  There has been a growing level of mountain bike routes throughout the region to get away from traffic and be surrounded by nature. With the new popularity of E-BIKES many non cyclist or less fit riders can extend their travel range and enjoy many of the more challenging routes. Every area in Tuscany offers routes rich in interesting places to visit and enjoy extraordinary panoramas that have become some of the Iconic photos of Italy.

WHAT IS IT LIKE RIDING IN TUSCANY

Tuscany is mostly a hilly territory, with plains concentrated mostly along the rivers and the coast. For a cyclist this means putting yourself to the test on the same hills and slopes many cycling legends trained, including the Italian Legends of Bartali, Cipollini and Bettini. Tuscany is in fact a land of cyclists and wherever you choose to go pedal you're likely to cross paths with many other bicyclist and local bike club riders. Many of them will greet you with a smile or head motion and most local cycling enthusiasts have formed a community without borders and if you find yourself in trouble along the road, you can count on the solidarity of other cyclists. However, many areas can be remote so be prepared for the day ensuring you have the repair skills and parts necessary to keep yourself on the road.

WHEN TO RIDE IN TUSCANY

The best months for cycling or touring Tuscany on bike are from April to June and from September to October. July and August are hot months and outdoor sports are limited to early mornings or late afternoons, or mainly for mountain bike outings in the evening. Other months can be cold or rainy, and during winter it is best to avoid mountain passes. You could ride in Tuscany year round and one of the reasons the region is popular is that prior to bike racing expanding world wide most European Teams once conducted off season training camps in the area, but you need to have the appropriate gear and crazy for the bike,

WHERE TO RIDE IN TUSCANY

Not all areas of Tuscany great for bike touring due to high traffic. Below we offer a few road bike and mountain bike itineraries, all of which we've done ourselves. These are just a few of the classic routes and you could piece together varied sections to create a great bike vacation. If you need assistance in tour development contact us. We view cycle tourist in two aspects: THOSE WHO LIKE A LITTEL FOOD, WINE, AND LOCAL CUTULE WITH THEIR BIKE and THOSE WHO LIKE A LITTLE BIKE WITH THIER FOOD, WINE, AND LOCAL CULTURE.

Check out our Planning Your Italy Bike Tour for some basic tips on making your bike tour in Italy the best experience possible.

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