Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Free £150 National Trust gift card when you book by 17 September. Find out more.
This is not just a cycling holiday it is an immersion into local Tuscan life, from hot thermal spa baths to the chance to taste local wines and olive oils. Sample the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.
Please note that due to the terrain of 50% gravel, mountain bikes are provided on this holiday.
Distances vary, parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so you can take your time on the steeper climbs and admire the wonderful long-distance views.
See more of this trip on our Youtube channel - click here watch.
Arrive at the family run Agriturismo La Pietriccia. Enjoy a stroll in the old town before your evening briefing and the first of many home cooked dinners.
You stay at Agriturismo la Pietriccia.
The Agriturismo La Pietriccia is a wonderful place sitting across a small valley from the old town of Chianciano, rewarding you with wonderful views. The large rooms have a simple, rustic decor and some offer balconies or terraces. You will be given a warm welcome by the owner Stefano, who is extremely passionate about the produce of the local area and the nature.
The agriturismo has a lovely pool and terrace; there is also a shady garden area where in warm summer weather, you can relax reading a book. The food prepared by Stefano, his brother Simone and Katia, is cooked using the mainly organic produce grown or reared on site or by one of the local producers offering traditional Tuscan cuisine at its best.
Please note that if you have booked one of the agriturismo's apartments, these are located 100m from the main agriturismo.
Start the week with mountain views and forest tracks as you head to the small town of Montallese and on to Lake Chiusi. After a lunch-break take the long distance path of Sentiero della Bonifica to the Lake of Montepulciano, a nature reserve ideal for bird-watching, before heading back to the agristurismo in time for dinner.
You will be transferred to Radicofani, the highest point in the Val d'Orca, for incredible views. From here cycle to Contignano, famous for its pecorino cheese and a perfect spot for lunch before a downhill stretch through the forest and past the beautiful private gardens of La Foce. The back to the agristurismo in time for wine and local produce tasting in the old town before dinner.
Descend along country tracks passing a truffle-growing area before crossing the Astrone stream. Cycle through beautiful valleys to the medieval town of Sarteano before carrying on to Cetona, then climb to Mondo X where you can find one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Frateria - a beautiful convent started by St Francis in 1212. Head back to your hotel in time for your dinner.
Spend the day relaxing, enjoy an olive oil tasting at the agriturismo or walk into Chianciano Vecchia to see the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme. On your way back to the hotel you could use your thermal spa voucher and relax in the healing waters.
Cycle through acres of vineyards on your way to Montepulciano and stop to take in views of the famous Mount Amiata. Explore Montepulciano's winding medieval streets before cycling back to Chianciano.
After a short transfer to Pienza take time to explore the town - it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy - and its beautiful medieval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy Pecorino. The ride takes you downhill to cross one of the stunning plains of the Val d'Orcia, and a short detour takes you to Roman Bagno Vignoni with its roman baths and sulphur springs. Follow a long straight Roman road then cross the valley and climb up and down into Chianciano.
Leave Chianciano Terme.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Canada Roma, Rome.
The 3 star Hotel Canada Roma is centrally located near the main railway station, making it an excellent base from which to explore Rome. Each room is ensuite and has been lovingly decorated in an elegant Italian style complete with vintage furniture. Rooms come with tea and coffee maker as well as air conditioning and safe.
This well appointed hotel also boasts a bar for pre dinner drinks and nibbles, as well as an external courtyard where you can savour a drink under the stars.
Room upgrades: Deluxe and junior suite
Deluxe rooms are larger with a more stately decor.
Junior suites have a separate living room.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £279.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £279.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
Out: British Airways Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino then rail Rome Termini to Chiusi and transfer to hotel 25 minutes
Return: Transfer to Chiusi station 25 minutes then rail Chiusi to Rome Termini then British Airways Rome Fiumicino to Heathrow
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
First class rail is available at £25 per person return.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open until 5pm today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
14.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire