Italy

Tuscany - Sacred Routes

Guided Mountain Bike Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

£2,065 P.P.

E-MTB HIRE AVAILABLE

This holiday is great fun on a regular mountain bike or an e-mountain bike and you can choose to hire either when you book your holiday with us! If you’re an experienced rider, you can choose one of our quality e-mountain hire bikes and experience the buzz of a pedal-assisted ride. Select your e-MTB hire when you book a holiday with us. Bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders with a regular mountain bike.

Italy

Tuscany - Sacred Routes

Guided Mountain Bike Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

£2,065 P.P.

E-MTB HIRE AVAILABLE

This holiday is great fun on a regular mountain bike or an e-mountain bike and you can choose to hire either when you book your holiday with us! If you’re an experienced rider, you can choose one of our quality e-mountain hire bikes and experience the buzz of a pedal-assisted ride. Select your e-MTB hire when you book a holiday with us. Bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders with a regular mountain bike.

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The Tuscan landscape hosts this fantastic mountain bike holiday in Italy. The famous sights of Tuscany are combined with great biking exploring woodlands, hills and valleys with some great tracks and routes that link famous hilltop towns such as San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza. This biking holiday in classic Tuscany will enchant with its natural beauty as well as reward with the quality of the riding. While perhaps better known for the rolling hills and quiet roads, Tuscany's long history of trade and agriculture has resulted in an extensive network of trails of all kinds. Thrilling forest singletrack is mixed with scenic country lanes and the rolling landscape gives us challenging climbs and fun descents.
After arriving in Pisa we'll drive through the beautiful Tuscan Landscape, arriving at our first accommodation in the countryside of San Gimignano. Here we'll stay in a stunning Agriturismo surrounded by vineyards where our host will treat us to our first Tuscan tastes. 
Over the next 3 days we bike across forested hills, through vineyards, down river valleys, across streams, past abandoned farmhouses and up to tiny fortified villages. Some rides follow the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage and the Eroica roads, hence calling this trip the “Sacred Routes”! The Via Francigena was a trail which once connected Canterbury to Rome, while the Eroica routes are gravel roads used in the Giro d'Italia, before tarmac was common.
Midway we arrive in Siena, steeped in Italian Renaissance atmosphere. Scattered with great restaurants and superb Gelateria, this is the perfect place to end the first part of our trip. For the next three days we enter the Crete Senesi,  where we are in for some thrilling riding along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and the legendary “badlands”, eroded clay slopes around Siena and Val D'Orcia. Here the riding is a roller coaster of tracks and trails riding from lowlands to open ridge views, enjoying descents that will leave you smiling all day!
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Holiday Highlights

  • Staying in lovely Tuscan accommodation overlooking stunning landscapes
  • Riding the Montagnola trails, the location of a well-known Sienese MTB race
  • Sampling the best wines of Chianti, Montepulciano and Montalcino
  • Riding down the Crete Senesi on a roller-coaster ridge ride
  • Enjoying the journey across Tuscany on a variety of terrain
  • Visiting the famous hilltop towns of San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, San Quirico d‘Orcia and Pienza

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What an opportunity to see the Tuscan countryside in such an intimate way!

Sarah, USA

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Pisa: Transfer to San Gimignano

Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Dinner

You will be met at Pisa airport and transferred to San Gimignano (transfer approx 90 mins), staying in an accommodation set in the outskirts of the famous town. With a plunge in the pool overlooking vineyards, the holiday is really starting. Dinner is at the estate.

Day 2 San Gimignano to Strove

24 Miles / 38 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.

Today we set off with a fun off-road section down into the lower valley before looping back towards Gimignano. We journey south following a mix of dirt roads and trails through woods, over hills and crossing streams, through a constantly changing rolling Tuscan landscape. Most climbs will be on farm or forest gravel routes, which lead onto sections through vineyards and fields, trails and paths used mostly by local people and farmers. It can be muddy at times!

The destination for today is Strove a small hamlet not far from Abbadia Isola and Monteriggioni. After stopping in the square for a well-deserved beer we move on to our accommodation, where you can enjoy a dip in the pool before heading out for dinner.

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Day 3 Strove to Siena

19 Miles / 31 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 680 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 680 Metres Approx.

Your first stop for today is the quaint medieval hamlet of Monteriggioni, with time to explore the castle walls and narrow streets. Leaving the fortified village, you’ll continue with a steady off-road climb through the Montagnola range which offers great options of trails and routes.

This area is a well known destination for the Gran Fondo Sienese MTB race. This area is also ideal for some fun mountain biking, as we explore the network of dirt tracks leading into the hillside forests, looping on fun rolling singletracks towards little hamlets and twisting down over rolling fields.

A final fun section of singletrack winding through forests will lead us to the outskirts of Siena. One last push on tarmac and we roll into the old walls of this quiet town. There is time to wander through Siena, visit the Palio Square and Duomo, before heading out to dinner for a mouthwatering Tuscan meal.

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Day 4 Siena to Buonconvento

29 Miles / 47 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 590 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner
  • Ascent: 590 Metres Approx.

We leave Siena through the ancient town gates and continue our journey south on the Eroica route and into the Crete Senesi. Arriving near the ancient Etruscan hamlet of Murlo, we enjoy a fun ride on narrow trails by the Crevole River, then up a former mining railway track to Murlo itself.

Picking up the Eroica route we head to Buonconvento were we have time to stop for a refreshing break and if inclined visit the fortified walls. With our accommodation right in the centre of town, we can enjoy some down time, joining the locals in an afternoon aperetivo!

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Day 5 Buonconvento to San Quirico d'Orcia

21 Miles / 34 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 780 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 780 Metres Approx.

Our mountain bike pilgrimage continues as we head towards Pienza, right in the heart of the Unesco heritage site of Valle d‘Orcia. The route takes us along the ridge lines of the “crete” offering 360 degree views. The trails are a mix of farm tracks and dirt roads, with cheeky steep sections which will get you out of the saddle!

Today is tougher day in terms of daily ascent, and after joining a section of the Eroica, you’ll reach your accommodation on the outskirts of San Quirico d‘Orcia. In the evening you may well spend some time visiting the quaint center of town and sip an aperitivo, before sitting down for a well deserved dinner.

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Day 6 Val d'Orcia Loop - San Quirico d'Orcia, Bagno Vignoni, Pienza

24 Miles / 39 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 880 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 880 Metres Approx.

Different options are available for today’s ride. Whichever way we decide to ride the various terrains and routes will take us on fast gravel tracks into the Orcia valley to then loop back through fields, dense woods and past castle hamlets, until we reach the medieval hamlet of Bagno Vignoni with its healing baths and home to the legendary water nymphs.

After resting and taking time to explore the hot water springs, we head right into the centre of the Unesco heritage site of Valle D‘Orcia. From there we start a steady climb towards Pienza along some well surfaced strade bianche. Designated a UNESCO heritage site, Pienza allows us to explore some cultural and historical sites as well as small Tuscan shops.

From Pienza we then cycle back to San Quirico on a mix of fun trails and smooth gravel roads.

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Day 7 Departure: Transfer to Pisa

Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we transfer back to Pisa to say our farewells and savour the memories of a fantastic week on our bikes (transfer approx 2h45).

Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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The Cycling

Terrain

Tuscany is a region with rolling hills of cultivated fields, woodland and chalky landscape, with quaint little hamlets dotted on hilltops.

Riding is on a mix of chalky double track or “Strade Bianche” so it can be fast rolling in dry conditions, or of course, get a bit more sketchy in the wet. A mountain bike with off-road tyres is the best choice. The wider tracks will be alternated with some fun, flowing narrower trails that can be rocky and with roots in sections. On the Montagnola range near Siena, fun sections of singletrack can be a bit rocky with limestone making the trails a bit tricky in places.

There are a few steep, and a few long climbs, so fitness is more important than off-road riding skills – of course all the climbing leads to some great descents.

It is possible to use an electric mountain bike on this holiday, which would be particularly beneficial to those wanting an extra boost to get up some of the tougher climbs. Please note, E-MTBs are generally heavier than standard mountain bikes, which is worth considering when handling the bike over some of the rougher and more technical terrain. If you plan on hiring an E-MTB, it should not be ridden beyond your own technical ability level on a standard mountain bike. Chat to us if you would like to rent or bring your own.

If you are interested in riding an e-MTB on this holiday please click here for more information.

Please note If opting for an e-MTB, the pace of riding will be set by the regular mountain bikers.

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Mountain Biking Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 - 4: Moderate/ Challenging

25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day

Aspects of both our grade 3 and 4 holidays

For mountain bikers with some experience of singletrack and steeper terrain

May include rocky features and switchbacks

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Holidays that are graded as a 3-4, will have aspects of both our grade 3 and 4 holidays. If you have experience of off road riding on a variety of terrain, and would like a taste of more challenging terrain, a grade 3-4 trip could be for you. Terrain will include singletrack and steep sections (both up and down) which require more bike handling ability. Shorter technical and demanding features such as rocks, roots and tricky climbs will be encountered on occasion on most days. A day’s ride can see you on the trails for around 8 hours (with breaks) and covering between 25-50 miles depending on the terrain. If you’re generally fit and manage to ride frequently this could be the level for you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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A truly memorable trip and has already got us planning to revisit the area. Thanks so much!

Ian, London

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £400 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
06/09/2025
Return Date
12/09/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
£2,065.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en-suite rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in First Aid

E) GPX files available on request

F) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

G) Group airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Pisa airport (PSA)

H) Group airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Pisa airport (PSA)

I) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Travel insurance

E) Single room (available if required)

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en-route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

J) Tips for guides, drivers, support staff

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

This tour starts in San Gimignano and finishes in Pienza.

Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday and both the arrival and return transfers from Pisa airport (PSA) will be co-ordinated with the group flight schedule.

We will provide you with details of suitable flight/arrival/departure schedules as flight timetables become available.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to ensure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Please note – If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

The majority of our accommodation (shared twin or double rooms) will usually be ensuite in 3 star guest houses, agriturismi or hotels. Occasionally accommodation will include a swimming pool.

The fabulous hospitality will be one of the highlights of your week.

Contact us for full details on the accommodation for this trip

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have mountain bikes available to rent.

These will typically be full suspension Giant Trance aluminium trail bikes. 29ers set up tubeless with hydraulic disc brakes, dropper seatposts and quality components.

Electric mountain bikes are also available for hire in both hardtail and full suspension models. The hardtails are usually good quality Haibike HARDNINE models with aluminium frames, 720Wh batteries, quality components and hydraulic disc brakes. Full suspension E-MTBs are generally Haibike ALLMTN 1. These aluminium Enduro/Trail bikes come with capable 630Wh batteries, quality components and hydraulic disc brakes. Both models will be 27.5 or 29er depending on bike size.

If you do decide to rent, we can include a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip. Please request helmets at the time of booking. The bike will also come with a water bottle.

If you are travelling overseas, hire bikes might have a different brake set-up to what you are used to. In Europe, typically the rear brake is operated by your right hand and the front brake will be operated by your left hand.

This may take a short while to get used to. We recommend that you use brakes appropriate to the conditions. Using both brakes at the same time can help reduce loss of control (and it’s recommended to brake gently until you are used to how the brakes work).

If you choose to bring your own e-MTB, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.

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