Hello!
I really would like to do a bike tour (with my 2 sisters) in the Tuscan countryside but am a bit overwhelmed with the options. Does anyone have any recommendations on which touring company to go (or not go!) with? Looking for something that is good for beginner to intermediate cyclists and is a anywhere from 2-8 hours long. Winery visit/tour would be great by not necessary and lunch with the longer tours would be preferred. Thanks!
Posted by
Everett, WA
1288 posts
We used this company in 2008:
https://www.tuscany-biketours.com/
They picked us up in Florence. This is off their web site, but it is exactly what we did:
Depart Florence at 10am.
Arrive at hilltop Tuscan village for start of the tour.
Tour the wine cellar of 12th century castle, taste their vino and olio produced on the family estate. (One glass of wine with olive oil on salted bread).
Visit the "Frantoio" (olive oil production facility) within the castle.
Climb the tower of the castle for a spectacular panoramic "vista".
Option to purchase exclusive products (wines and oils).
Free tuscany bike tours water bottle, safety helmet supplied.
Bike orientation and safety briefing.
Bike tour begins along tree lined avenues and winding country roads dotted with olive groves, villas and vineyards.
Eat at a family run "ristorante": mixed salad, bread, primo piatto, dessert, coffee and wine. (included in price).
Bike tour continues after lunch.
Arrive back at starting point at castle.
Free map of places to eat & drink in Florence.
Return to Florence for 5pm drop off.
It is 85 euros which is reasonable given it takes most of the day and included bike, wine and oil tasting, lunch (which was very good) and transportation to and from Florence. The free water bottle they gave us resides in our water bottle holders on our bikes here at home. Every time we ride, we are reminded of our great bike ride in Tuscany.
I also did an extensive search to find a ride that was what we wanted while being a good value for the money. We were 100% happy with this tour. For the most part, the route was not difficult. There was one large hill and most of the group put their bikes on the van trailer and rode up in the van. (this was an option on the trip at any time, so if someone only wants to bike half of the day they can do that). 4 of us (including my husband and I) decided to ride up the hill. It was a steep, but we all made it. (we were 50 at the time, but we ride here at home and live in hilly country, so we are used to hills).
Posted by
Everett, WA
1288 posts
Since our visit was 9 years ago, I thought I should look them up on Tripadvisor to be sure they are still getting current good reviews. Happy to see they are rated number 1 of of 67 outdoor activities in Florence and still getting excellent reviews. (of course, the first thing I do is read the bad ones. Be advised that the day we went, it was raining in Florence. We still showed up, they said we were going, and we didn't have any rain on the trip. ) Let me know if you have any other questions