This wonderful tour starts off with some great rides in our little pocket of paradise, dipping in and out of Tuscany and Umbria with its amazing views, visiting some fabulous cafes and restaurants along the way. Undoubtedly the star of the show this week will be your big day out when you will be riding one of the Lonely Planet’s “Epic Bike Rides in the World”!
Total Distance |
Elev. Gain |
Days |
Rating |
Location |
135 KM |
2,950 M |
5 |
2/3 |
tuscany and umbria |
for full itinerary ensure your smartphone is in landscape mode
ride 1 caprese michelangelo via ponte alla piera
distance 37kms
elevation gain 850 metres
estimated moving time 2 hours
estimated calories 1,050
road surface asphalt (not always in perfect condition)
elevation gain 850 metres
estimated moving time 2 hours
estimated calories 1,050
road surface asphalt (not always in perfect condition)
ride 2 lonely planet 'epic bike rides of the world' monte amiata (excursion day)
distance 65kms
elevation gain 1,600 metres
estimated moving time 3 hours 30 minutes
estimated calories 2,850
road surface asphalt (not always in perfect condition)
driving to destination time 1 hour 15 minutes each way
elevation gain 1,600 metres
estimated moving time 3 hours 30 minutes
estimated calories 2,850
road surface asphalt (not always in perfect condition)
driving to destination time 1 hour 15 minutes each way
ride 3 padonchia, lippiano and monterchi
distance 33kms
elevation gain 500 metres
estimated moving time 1 hour 30 mins
estimated calories 750
road surface asphalt (not always in perfect condition)
elevation gain 500 metres
estimated moving time 1 hour 30 mins
estimated calories 750
road surface asphalt (not always in perfect condition)
DAY 1
Arrival day in Italy
Collection from Italian airport
Transfer to your retreat
Collection from Italian airport
Transfer to your retreat
DAY 2
As we roll out of Anghiari along the Carmine ridge before our first descent we ride through the beautiful Riserva naturale dei Monte Rognosi. It’s then on to our first climb of three today as we head up to the picturesque, sleepy village of Ponte alla Piera. Our climbing continues for some way before a descent over to San Cristoforo-Caroni. Upwards once more and on to Caprese Michelangeo, the birthplace of Michelangelo. You will be pleased to hear that it’s a mostly downhill run for home catching a glimpse of Lago Montedoglio, via Motina and a final climb back into Anghiari. An afternoon of relaxation followed by dinner at the retreat.
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DAY 3
This route has been advertised by the Lonely Planet as one of the “epic bike rides in the world”. Monte Amiata is a welcoming mountain and a ride that only those who live in this part of the world know about although it has been grazed by the Giro Italia some years ago. It is topped by a quaint old fashioned ski station and a lovely restaurant where we will be lunching today. The route we have chosen is about 65kms. Free time available in the afternoon at our retreat, and another wonderfully prepared dinner by our local chef.
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DAY 4
It’s a steady downhill start for today’s ride, heading out of Anghiari we meander through farmer’s fields crossing over the Torrente Sovara river. On once more passing through the lush fields of seasonal crops (sunflowers, tobacco or corn). After about 10kms we arrive at our first small climb of the day being rewarded with fantastic views of the beautiful little medieval villages of Monterchi, the home of the fresco of the Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca and Citerna as we reach the summit. A downward turn finds us in the little hamlet of Padonchia. A small descent and a flat rolling section before our first glimpse of the magnificent castle of Lippiano. As we cross the border leaving Tuscany we briefly venture into Umbria and are met with a 4kms climb into Lippiano. Our homeward leg begins its descent away from Lippiano and back over the border into Tuscany before another little climb towards Monterchi. Back through the fields of Catigliano and a stiff test of a climb into Anghiari. A final afternoon of relaxation by the pool along with a hearty home cooked dinner should provide the perfect finish to the perfect tour.
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DAY 5
Departure day
Collection from your retreat
Transfer to your Italian airport
Collection from your retreat
Transfer to your Italian airport
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Photos from Graham of the Wheels Graham of the Wheels
