From the Crete Senesi to the beaches of Elba Island, a tour of ancient villages, exquisite food and fine wine

Meeting with tour staff, introductions and bike collection.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay: Hotel Pieve a Salti

Siena – Asciano – San Giovanni d’Asso, 85km, 1,000m D+

Shorter route: 60km with 960m of elevation gain

Dinner and overnight stay: Hotel Pieve a Salti

Today’s route will take us past the historic city of Siena and its breathtaking Piazza del Campo, and from there on towards San Giovanni d’Asso and its castle. This enchanting mediaeval village — surrounded by unspoilt landscape — is famous for its white truffle delicacies, diamonds of Italian cuisine. Inside the historic Consorzio Agrario di Siena we will make a gourmet stop at Menchetti’s to sample typical local produce, such as freshly baked cantucci and ricciarelli, as well as the famous panforte di Siena. On our return to the hotel, a light lunch will be waiting for us. The afternoon will be free and dedicated to rest.

114km with 1,100m of elevation gain

Dinner and overnight stay: Salvapiano Holiday Ranch

This will be the longest stage of the tour — therefore we’ll need a hearty breakfast for the energy needed to tackle a big day in the saddle. Leaving the beautiful Crete Senesi behind us, we will ride towards Montalcino, the home of one of the world’s most famous wines: Brunello di Montalcino. Among alleyways and small piazzas, we will find small, gourmet food shops and many local artisans, until we reach the jewel of this small village — the Fortezza. From here you can enjoy an incredible view of the entire Val d’Orcia area, and all you have to do is look west to catch a glimpse of your next destination: the Maremma. This little-explored corner of Tuscany still retains its rustic, humble charm. After a coffee break in Paganico at kilometre 50, we will continue towards the Salvapiano Holiday Ranch hotel. Plans for the afternoon? Some well-deserved relaxation by the pool before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

The Cypress Road: loop of about 90km with 860m of elevation gain

Shorter route: 75km with 500m elevation gain

Dinner and overnight stay: Salvapiano Holiday Ranch

The day will begin with gentle, rolling hills through the picturesque villages of Suvereto, Sassetta and Castagneto Carducci. We will then descend to the sea and reach the precious Bolgheri, crossing the famous Viale dei Cipressi. This four-and-a-half kilometre long road is lined with more than 2,000 cypress trees and leads directly into the ancient village with its mediaeval castle. Famous for its lush surroundings rich in vineyards and olive groves, Bolgheri is home to some of the finest wines in Italy, including Sassicaia and Ornellaia. We will continue our ride via San Vincenzo and Campiglia Marittima before returning to the hotel for a light lunch. The afternoon will be devoted to a wine tasting at the Bolgheri Castle. For dinner we will return to the hotel.

Tour of East Elba Island: 60km with 990m of elevation gain

Shorter route: 15km and 8km

Dinner and overnight stay: Hotel Tirrena

The sea breeze will accompany us for our tour of the Island of Elba. We will set off from Salvapiano Holiday Ranch in the direction of Piombino, where we will take the ferry. After about an hour we’ll arrive in Portoferraio. From here we will pedal towards the eastern part of the island via Porto Azzurro. Once at the hotel, we’ll have some free time at our disposal before dinner at the restaurant.

Dinner and overnight stay: Hotel Tirrena

The day will be dedicated to discovering the beauty of the island and its stunning views. This time we will not be riding, but walking instead. During a beautiful excursion, lasting about three hours in total, we will enjoy wonderful views of the sapphire-blue sea, soaking in the scents and colours of the Mediterranean scrub. On our return to Marina di Campo, we will have some free time to have lunch and enjoy the beach. In the afternoon we’ll take a boat tour among remote caves and beaches, with the option of stopping for a swim or some snorkelling. At the end of the boat tour we’ll return to the hotel by transfer.

Tour of the western part of the island: 73km with 1,450m of elevation gain

Shorter route: 35km with 600m of elevation gain

Dinner and overnight stay: Hotel Tirrena

We get back in the saddle to discover the western part of the Island of Elba, passing through the quaint villages of Procchio and Marciana Marina. The effort required to tackle the difference in elevation will be rewarded by the island’s incredible panorama and a stop on the beach at Fetovaia. Here we will have time for a refreshing break at the lido, known for its golden beach and the blue waters of the sea that blend into the emerald-green Mediterranean vegetation. We then return to the hotel for an aperitif and farewell dinner.

After the transfer to the harbour of Portoferraio, the adventure will unfortunately have come to an end.

Ferry ticket to Piombino included in the price.