A Taste of Tuscany Cycling

Experience Overview

This is not just a cycling holiday it is an immersion into local Tuscan life, from wine and oil sampling to hot thermal spa baths and the chance to taste local wines and olive oils. Sample the Vino Nobile of Monepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.
Profile
— 7 nights single centre accommodation in a HHH hotel — Management by local hotelier — Headwater navigation app — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
At a Glance
— 7 nights single centre accommodation in a HHH hotel — Management by local hotelier — Headwater navigation app — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
Trip For You
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation and provide you with route directions so that you can cycle at your own pace. The hotelier, Stefano, will be there to meet you and will be available, throughout the trip, should you need assistance. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route directions contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotelier will be able to arrange a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. The hotelier, Stefano, is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest. Please note: the cycling transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person is travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of 'cucina povera' (poor cooking); simple inexpensive meals that can be made for large groups. Whilst this was once dictated by the economy and expense of the produce, the tradition has remained. The cuisine of this region doesn't use complicated seasonings or elaborate recipes, and instead focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients that allow the natural flavours in each dish to shine through. Typical dishes include fagioli con salsiccia (cannellini beans with sausage), tagliatelle al tartufo (pasta in a truffle sauce) bistecca Fiorentina (a T-bone steak often large enough to share!), pici (a fat, handmade spaghetti, often served with tomato and garlic sauce or game meat). Don't miss the local cacio and pecorino cheeses, and sample the famous wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.
Joining Instructions
Alternative Air TravelAlternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices. Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers, then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge). Self driveWe can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and prices.
Transfer Details
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfersBritish Airways Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino 07:30/10:30 then rail Rome Termini to Chiusi 13:00/14:49 and transfer to hotel 25 minutes. Return: Transfer to Chiusi station 25 minutes then rail Chiusi to Rome Termini 10:54/12:48 then British Airways Rome Fiumicino to Heathrow 17:25/19:05. Business/club/first class seats are available on request. Standard transferstandard return transfers are only included for flight inclusive bookings from Chiusi train station at 14:49, and back to Chiusi train station at 10:15. Customers booking a land only trip will be able to add arrival/departure transfers at a supplement payable in advance.
Weather Information
April and May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may still be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is usually better. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.
Spending Money
— Allow about €5-20 per day for lunch, depending on whether you have a picnic, snack or a light restaurant meal. For evening meals you should allow about €15-30 including drinks, although it is possible to spend more than this if you choose expensive dishes or drinks.

Highlights