The Hills of Tuscany

This tour is a trip through time, from Etruscans tombs to Romans ruins, from Medieval hilltop towns to Renaissance basilicas. It also offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, from the vineyard-covered hills of Chianti & Brunello, to the cypress-crested mounds of the “Crete.”

Your journey will begin in San Gimignano. This walled medieval town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 14 feudal towers still standing & early Renaissance frescoes. From San Gimignano you will bike through the vineyard hills of Tuscany to Siena, another UNESCO World Heritage Site & home to some of the most remarkable art & architecture from the 13–15th centuries. In Siena you can enjoy a glass of wine in the piazza where the 400-year old tradition of the Palio horse race takes place, climb medieval towers, or indulge in the famous spiced cake, “panforte.” Then continue deep into the country to reach the peaceful abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, founded in 1313, before continuing on to the charming hilltop town of Montepulciano, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling hillside, splendid medieval architecture, & the exquisite DOCG Nobile di Montepulciano.

Highlights

• San Gimignano
• Visit Siena
• Buonconvento – Monte Oliveto Abbey
• Montepulciano