Tuscany: Italy at it's best

Our week begins in Chianti. As you ride through vineyards and olive groves, past villas and castles, you will gaze across the rolling landscape to walled villages scattered among the hilltops. There will be plenty of time to visit the local vineyards and sample some of the many excellent regional wines.

As we ride south towards the medieval walled city of Siena, you will learn about the city’s contrade, tour the black and white marble Duomo, and do a bit of shopping. We leave Chianti and ride through the Crete Senese. Climb to the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey set among the cypress trees where you will see frescoes of the life of St. Benedict. Sample pecorino cheese in its hometown of Pienza. The trip finishes in Montalcino but not until we climb the famous Mount Amiata. Cultural and tourism opportunities abound, and combined with the amazing cycling, you won’t want to go home!