Charnes Tours

From the Renaissance splendors of Florence to the medieval stone towers of San Gimignano, this two-day cycling holiday in Italy shows you the wonders of central Tuscany. You tour a winery that makes the bold Chianti Classico, sampling their wines and flavorful olive oils. You spend the night in the ancient village of Certaldo, a red-brick medieval masterpiece. Certaldo is off the beaten trail and features beautiful views of the countryside as well as a 14th Century castle. On day two you cycle through vineyards and olive groves on your way to scenic San Gimignano. With its 14 stone towers San Gimignano looks like it was plucked from a fairy tale. There is a lot to see while cycling in Tuscany so we kept rides short leaving you plenty of time to explore.

A Tuscany bike tour is perfect for foodies and cyclists alike. Our Guided Siena Bike Tour features culinary delights and breathtaking rides. You cycle from Renaissance Florence to Medieval Siena. You pedal through Chianti, Italy's most famous wine making region. While known for its wines, Chianti also produces smooth flavorful olive oils as well as fresh cheeses. You visit a 16th Century villa, tour their winery, and sample their full-bodied wines. You learn about Tuscan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class. You visit the Castello di Brolio a fairy tale castle with endless views. On this guided tour you have constant van support for refreshments, a lift up a hill, or just a place to stow a colorful piece of hand painted majolica pottery.

Most travelers to Tuscany visit the northern part of the region including Florence, Chianti, and Siena. Fewer venture off the beaten path exploring southern Tuscany. Equally beautiful, but less touristy, southern Tuscany is known for its sun-drenched farmlands, picture perfect hill towns, and Italy's best red wines. Spend seven days cycling through beautiful hill towns including Montalcino, Pienza, and Cortona. Explore a 14th century castle. Tour a family-run winery and sample their Brunello wine, Italy's best red. Soak in hot thermal waters at a Roman spa. Feast on local specialties including pici pasta (a thick spaghetti), wild boar, and a sheep cheese called pecorino. You will be enchanted by the warm people, quiet villages and natural splendor.

This two-day bike tour takes you though the picture-perfect Chianti countryside as you slowly pedal from Florence to Siena. Cypress lined lanes and medieval villages create a scene right out of a Renaissance painting. You spend one night in the unofficial capital of Chianti, Greve, and one night in scenic Siena. You visit a 16th Century villa, tour their winery and sample their wines and oils. In Siena you can get lost on the cobblestone streets as you search for the perfect gelato (home-made ice cream). The riding is hilly, but the distances are not long. Bring your camera and curiosity, beautiful Chianti awaits!

Cycling in Tuscany is the best way to experience the region's postcard-perfect landscapes. On our Guided San Gimignano Bike Tour you roll past ancient hilltop fortresses, vine-planted hillsides, and sculptural stands of cypress trees. You sojourn in the miraculously preserved medieval hill towns of Certaldo, San Gimignano, and Volterra. On this cycling adventure you explore a Renaissance garden, tour an ancient winery, and prepare a delectable lunch during a hands-on cooking class. With five days to relax you can thoroughly immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Tuscany. Van support is available every day for tired riders or spur of the moment purchases.

The Tuscan coast known as Maremma isn't on the bus tour circuit. This secluded region in Tuscany's south remains true to its small town roots. Separated by chestnuts forests and sprawling vineyards, the towns of Maremma have remained uncontaminated by the tourist explosion. The region is unique because of the variety of its territory; blue seas, long beaches, thick woods, vineyards, olive groves, and marshes. The rolling hills are gentler than central Tuscany, making for easier cycling. Maremma is not all landscapes. It is also a region rich in typical products to be tasted and savored. Sea and hills blend perfectly in the food and wine. On this tour you spend the night in three different medieval coastal hilltowns. You can visit Etruscan ruins, two castles, a winery, and a sandy beach. We meet you in Florence and drive you to the start. You end in Cecina, a town with excellent train connections.

Our Self-Guided Tuscany bike tour takes you on a loop through the most famous hill towns of Tuscany. You cycle from Renaissance Florence to Medieval Siena and San Gimignano. An extra night option is available in Etruscan Volterra. Pedal along the old Chianti road known as the Chiantigiana. Visit a 16th Century villa, tour their winery, and sample their full-bodied reds. Take a guided tour of a 15th century abbey, exploring their Renaissance gardens and wine cellars. Indulge yourself in Tuscan specialties including sheep cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and white truffle mushrooms. Discover off-the-beaten trail secrets that most visitors miss.

Want a cycling holiday in Italy with longer rides? We have taken our seven-night Tuscany Bike Tour and compressed it into four nights giving you longer rides each day. This bike tour takes you on a loop through Tuscany's most famous hill towns. You cycle from Renaissance Florence to Medieval Siena and finish in Etruscan Volterra. Visit a castle, two wineries, and an olive oil mill. Indulge yourself in Tuscan specialties including sheep cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and bread soup. Enjoy personal encounters with Italians as you explore Tuscany at your own pace.

Want to climb 3,000 feet (900 meters) per day in Tuscany? Are you looking for multiple breathtaking vistas followed by fast and twisty descents? The best word to describe this tour is challenging. It was created specifically for the experienced cyclist. If you are a casual cyclist this trip is not for you. This tour rolls through the lush vineyards of Chianti Classico before turning toward the Tuscan coast and the Mediterranean Sea. The spectacular biking takes you past ancient castles, wineries, and stone farmhouses. Along the way you visit some of the most beautiful hill towns in Tuscany including Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra. From vineyards to beaches you can see a lot of Tuscany in just six days.

Umbria is located right in the center of Italy. To the north lies Tuscany and beautiful Florence, to the south is Lazio home of bustling Rome. High speed trains zip tourists between Florence and Rome leaving many Umbrian towns delightfully off the beaten trail. Like Tuscany, Umbria offers a collection of misty green valleys and picture-perfect hilltowns laden with centuries of history. Umbria has a rich culture strongly linked with the past that centers around food, wine, and art. Tour the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi. The Basilica is a powerful place, attracting art-lovers and pilgrims alike. Pedal to Montefalco and savor their Sagrantino red wine. Wander the medieval streets of Todi. At 1,300 feet Todi offers a splendid vantage point for viewing the surrounding hills. Explore underground Orvieto, a labyrinth of ancient caves built under the town. Visit scenic Civita, an ancient village precariously perched on a crumbling hilltop. Discover the best of Umbria at your own pace on this six-day tour.