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BIKE TOURS
Biking in Southern Tuscany: Arezzo and its country.
Arezzo has a great feeling with the bike! Is told that Leonardo da Vinci
was in these countries when designing the first bicycle and painting La
Gioconda. From then on a lot of cycling champions bore here and trained in
our roads.
So you can find whatever you’re searching ( except Alps, risk, confusion
and dangerous spots).
We are going
to suggest some tours (with the guide or not) for trained people and with
various grade of difficulty ( from 1 to 5 ), split in ON-ROADS, and COUNTRY-ROADS.
Back roads, scenic landscapes, challenging hills, and Italian cooking
create a biker's paradise. Morning rides are 25-35 miles on rolling
terrain, with support van and optional loops.
Possibility
of Shuttle by van to the vineyards in the afternoon or tour in Balloon.
Each tour is modular , can foresee extensions as well as cut and
restaurants to better taste the spots. .
D=DIFFICULTY B=BEAUTY (of the road) P=PANORAMA T=TIME
ON-ROAD.
1- La via dei Setteponti. Traditional training road for bikers,
it follow the feet of mount Pratomagno, you could find a lot of
restaurants, vineyards, the characteristic “ calanchi”. We start from
Arezzo and fast get out of busy traffic, reaching Castiglion Fibocchi, set
of the film “Il Ciclone “, from there on the bending road follow the
mountain, the sight is free and the air is fresh, we could also climb up to
900 mt or remain at 350 and reach Loro Ciuffenna, a charming old village,
and from there Castelfranco di Sopra. Then , for the most trained, begin
the ascent to the Vallombrosa Abbey, an historical site quite impossible to
describe, you ought to climb up to there and loose yourself in an
ancient-forest.
D-2 B-3 P-3 T-3/6h
2- da Arezzo a Cortona . A pretty ride throughout the
Valdichiana, we can climb one pass ( about 5 km of ascent immersed ina
wonderful coloured wood) and from there have a look at a mighty landscape
emerging, sometime ,from the fog, or gold plated by the sun . Then we
descent to Castiglion Fiorentino ( nice ancient town with its buildings
&church) , from there we cannot avoid to ascent ( 5 min) to the castle
of Montecchio (13th century ) and finally we head for Cortona, one of the
most famous town in Tuscany, with a very old story. Inside the town you’ll be
transferred back in Time, visit the etruscan museum, enjoy the street life
and visit an old monastery of Le Celle, where S. Francesco was ( really
interesting ). The way back
bring us among the valley through very narrow country roads
D-1 B-2 P-4 T-3/5h
3-
Montepulciano A faster ride will bring us to Montepulciano, according to
the point of start ( that could change due to the length you choice ) ,
crossing the Valdichiana , seeing its small towered towns, large and
ancient farms with their noble palaces ( impossible to miss” la Fattoria
dell’Amorosa” ) and then we reach the mount where Montepulciano lay, filled
with vineyards and cellars we’ll surely visit and the a gentle climb brings
us through the portals of its ancient walls. One other way will bring us
back to Arezzo .
D-1 B-4 P-4 T-2/5h
4- Up and down near Lucignano this town lies in a gentle hill and from
there we will start to the discovery of the surroundings, which are various
and interesting, full of castles, small old churches, gentle climb. Several
are the choices for one or two dasy ride, reaching Asciano and entering the
famous “crete senesi “ , then we will descent to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto
Maggiore and to Buonconvento and its walls. From there we can see
Montalcino, stage for another exciting ride, but is time to get back to
Lucignano passing Trequanda and Sinalunga.
D-2 B-5 P-5 T-3/6
5- South Chianti we go by van up to Castelnuovo Berardenga and from there
we start to the discovery of the Southern part of Chianti, less known but
really more easy to visit by bike, filled with astonishing panoramas, old
villas and farms, one over all the others: Borgo san Felice , a jewel of
the 15th century perfectly arrived to us, now as a charming hotel. Up and
down over the hills, never as hard as other parts of Chianti, we will reach
the Castel of Brolio and from there we will begin the return which will
reserve to us other wonderful experiences.
D-2 B-5 P-5 T-3/6
6- Extension Up and Down through Chianti: w ecould stop in a charming hotel
and from there start the following day for a large excursion in this area,
in the evening the van will take us back to Arezzo or Siena.
7- Uliveto e
Civitella one of the old road of oil will lead us from Uliveto, softly
laying on a hill full of olive trees, the to Ciggiano and ascent to S.
Pancrazio ( 6 km) we could appreciate a panorama over two valleys and then
head toward Civitella ( 5 km ascent ,smooth) and old fortified small borgo,
the the rings is finished, so we could relish the sunset over the terrace with
a glass of wine.
8- In Valdambra from the town of Pergine we will go through a bending
smooth road deep in Valdambra, visit its town and relais, then head toward
the mountains and reach the Abbazia di Coltibuono ( 8 km ascent ), mighty
panorama, old cellar and castle, great restaurant! From there we could have
an extension tour to Gaiole in Chianti, have a look at its castles and get
back to the van in the evening
D-1 B-3 P-3 T-2/4
8- Pienza, Montichiello, Bagno Vignoni, San
Quirico d'Orcia
Ride through the sleepy hilltop villages of
Trequanda, Montisi, and Castelmuzio. Stop and explore the Chiesa di S.
Anna, made famous in the movie "The English Patient." Our home
for the next three nights is the resplendent Il Chiostro di Pienza. Once a
15th century convent, the hotel offers incredible views of the Val d'Orcia.
Bicycle through gently winding roads to Montichiello, a charming hilltop
village overlooking the timeless beauty of the Val d'Orcia. Continue to
Bagno Vignoni, a famous medieval spa town where we will soak our feet in
the warm thermal waters. Continue north to the sleepy town of San Quirico
d'Orcia. In the evening we will continue to enjoy some excellent regional
wines - Chianti Classico, Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino and Vino Nobile
di Montepulciano.
D-2 B-5 P-5 T3/6h
and more to
be added : Casentino and Valtiberina
ON-OFF ROADS
1 Anciolina and Pratomagno we reach San Giustino Valdarno through the via
dei Setteponti and start the climb to the village of Anciolina, astonishing
is the sightseeing that opens on the valley, fresh air, green trees and
high tops, may recall the Alps, but when you reach the village, the
atmosphere is pretty tuscan ! From there is wonderful descend or via the
regular paved road or trough the “Forestale” off-road DOUBLE TRACK, VERY
IMPEGNATIVE
D-2 B-3 P-5 T-3/6H ASCENT
2 h
2 PRATOMAGNO RIDGE 1. h. van up to la Consuma, then we get the bikes and
start to follow the ridge, thin air, astonishing view at 360°,charming
double tracks surrounded by an ancient pine forest, later we’ll meet large
prairies and finally the way down to Arezzo. 5-6 hours
D-3 B-3 P-5 T –5/7 ASCENT 1 1/2h
3 LIGNANO MOUNT LOOP the mount stands as a sentinel over Arezzo and
Valdichiana, we will have a 1 h. Ascent ( 2 different ways ) till when
pine-trees follow chestnut trees and olive trees, there we’ll have a short
rest looking at the mighty panorama and then we’ll begin the single track
in the “enchanted wood”, an old track which round about the mountains,
several kind of choice to better fit your whish, then begins the way down
toward a wild life zoo ( and barbecue) and finally we reach the bottom of
the valley and the road back to Arezzo .
D-3 B-5 P-5 T-2/4 ASCENT 1 1/4h
4 PARCO DELLE COMUNANZE short after Castiglion Fiorentino ( 20 min. van )
we will start & visit first the ancient town of Castiglion fiornetino,
pretty unknown but really worht of a visit, then we ascent to the Castello
di Montecchio , a very well preserved one , and from there we will dive
into ancient olive trees .With a smooth ascent in less then 1 h , will
reach the top with a beautiful sight over Cortona and, always, over the
tower of the Castle . Surrounded by a wonderful vegetation , a sweet loop will bring us back to the
start.
D-2 B-5 P-5 T-3/4 ASCENT 1h
5 CASTELLO DI MONTECCHIO-CORTONA One of the must exiting ride in our
country: the first part is the same of n. 4then we ascent to the top of
Mount S. Egidio ( 2 h. Total ) and from there we can see the lake
Trasimeno, Cortona, Montepulciano, Amiata and other towns&church laying
in the valley. A winding paved road will take us to Cortona, let us have a
look at the “convento delle Celle “ wonderful eremo of 14th century, We
will visit Cortona and its ancient buildings, will have a meal and rest,
then , down to the valley to reach the starting point.
D-3 B-4 P-5 T-3/6 ASCENT
2 ½ H
6 UP AND
DOWN THROUGH SINALUNGA HILLS we could follow the steps of the race for the
italian MTB championship, or take it easier riding the winding road that
leads to the top of the Sinalunga hill surrounded by vineyards and olive
trees. Sweet is the road, large the panorama, then we will go down to
Farneta and Farnetella, ancient small picturesque villages, then we could
climb again the hill and descent for a single track very exciiting, up to
reach again Sinalunga.
D-2 B-3 P-3 T-3/5 ASCENT
1-2 h
7 LUCIGNANO RIDGE Lucignano lays over a sweet hill , it is an ideal base
for some excursion in the neighbourhood: we will enter a private park,
filled with wild animals ,and silently will be surrounded by another
enchanted wood, old empty mansions, farm, small river lead us behind in the
Time. Then we will ascent a little hill and reach the ridge, with its
gorgeous mansions, realy some of the better you could find here. The loop
can be extended with the tour to the castle of Calcione and the near hills.
Very smooth and mysterious ride. Adapt to all. 2-3 h
D-1 B-3 P-4 T-2/3 ASCENT
1/2h
8 FATTORIA DI GRATENA LOOP a short ride near Arezzo, exciting single and
double track, crossing vineyards and pine trees wood up to reach a charming
castle . Adapt to all, is very amusing,
D-1 B-3 P-2 T-2/3 ASCENT
1/2h
9 CIVITELLA LOOP Civitella is a nice ancient village surrounded by walls,
we will reach it, have a looka t the panorama and then follow the ridge
over Valdichiana : 2 choices to Cornia or to Uliveto, another charming
little village, (possibility of extension to Ciggiano ) and then back to
the starting point.
D-1 B-2 P-3 T-2/4 ASCENT
1/2h
10 ANCIENT MANSIONS IN THE HILLS NEAR SIENA this is a wonderful ride in an
old country, we will visit the ancient village of Orgia and other very
exciting ones, you will REALLY feel in the Middle Age, believe to us,
that’s the reason why the itinerary is top secret, but the restaurant at
the end is very famous , worth of a visit! 1 h commuting.
D-2 B-5 P-5 T-3/6 ASCENT 1h
11 CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA AND SOUTH CHIANTI this area is famous and well
known, but we will lead you into some different places, to visit vineyards,
castles and one of the highest jewel arrived to us from the 16th century:
Borgo S. Felice ! Its charme and class...and the ascent will take your
breaths away. Then we will reach the Castello di Brolio, set of several
films and will end the loop visiting other villages&CASTLES in sprayed
in a smooth slope . Beautiful and unforgettable!
D-2 B-5 P-5 T-3 ½ /
5 ASCENT 1 ½ h
12 PIENZA AND VAL D’ORCIA LOOP you surely know this area, really worth of a
soft visit, we will take all the time to let you taste this wonderful
panorama : bagno Vignoni, Bagni San Filippo, Monticchiello ,the set of “
The Engish Patient “ will welcome you . 1 h commuting.
D-1 B-5 P-5 T-2/5 ASCENT 1/2h
13 RAPOLANO
,CASTLES,PINETREES AND SPA from Lucignano we will lead you in a nice single
track among the pine trees, then ,following the ridge will reach Rapolano
and its SPA, we could get inside ( 15 euro ) and have a warm bath+ food,
then we drive back to Lucignano, visiting 3 castles and their surroundings
full of history, very nice even if les known, Poggio Santa Cecilia, Villa
Boninsegni and other will welcome you. Then we will reach the starting
point.
D-2 B-4 P-4 T-3/6 ASCENT
1/2h
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