As one of our Tuscan friends describes her homeland - it’s got everything – soulful countryside, warm hearted people, intriguing architechture, the mountains, the sea, and the coutnry’s greatest collection of art, food and wine. 

Veneroso Tours highlights the traditions of Tuscan country life balanced with visits to some of the region's most impressive hilltop towns. Each day begins and ends at our villa in Ghizzano.  Your day's explorations link medievial villages and towns as you cycle through some of the region's most appealing pastoral countryside. Guests receive carefully mapped routes for each day’s ride - one relatively short route (approximately 30 miles) and one longer route (approximately 60+ miles).  There are always options for side trips for the adventurer or reduced miles if that's preferred.

Day 1 (Tues)– Welcome to Pisa!  We’ll pick you up at the Pisa airport or train station and transport you, your bike (if you brought one) and your luggage to your “home-away-from-home” in the town of Ghizzano. Since you’ll be staying here all week, you can unpack, settle in, and get aquainted with your surroundings.  You'll have the option to loosen your travel legs by cycling one of our local loop rides (20 - 31 km; 12 - 19 miles), or enjoy a stroll into town where you can meet Eligio, proprietor of the Alimentari Campani, the town market.  We'll enjoy a welcome dinner this evening in our villa.

Day 2 (Wed)   Today, you'll cycle through some of the region's most appealing pastoral countryside, linking the medievial villages of Montelopio to Fabbricca then ridge riding to Peccioli.  While in Peccioli, be sure to say hello to our friends Lorella and Andrea in Ferretti's Pizzeria before your descent down the river valley. The longer distance riders will climb up to the small town of Palaia and link the hilltop towns of Montefoscoli – Legoli – Castelfalfi – San Vivaldo – Iano – Villamagna. Option A - 93 km (58 miles); Option B - 28 km (17 miles)

Day 3 (Thu) You'll ride through the smaller towns of Montelopio,San Donnino,Villamagna, and La Sterza then climb up to the town of Volterra for a glimpse into the medevial way of life.  In the center of town is the Piazza dei Priori surrounded by medieval palaces (one is now the town hall), a cathedral, the Baptistery and the Museo d'Arte Sacra.  Volterra is known for its abaster industry and many artisans exhibit their sculptures throughout the town.  A 10 minute ride northwest of the city center is the Balze - a deep ravine with a 14th century monastary sitting precariously near the edge of the ravine. The villages of Lajatico, Orciato, and Montecatini offer unique insights to medieval life for those cyclists opting to add more distance and climbing to their day. Option A - 103 km (64 miles); Option B (Volterra) - 58 km (36 miles)

Day 4 (Fri) One of the most popular routes in Tuscany takes you to the famed towers of San Gimignano.  In the center of town you'll find the Piazza della Cisterna with a beautiful fountain surrounded by towers.  The preserved medieval towers are what remains from those built by noble families in the 12th and 13th centuries.  From here you ride through Colle di Val d'Elsa to the hilltop town of Monteriggioni.  The town is completely encircled by high walls that were built to protect the territory from invasions by Florentine armies.  Before leaving Monteriggioni, a visit to the Bar Dell'Orso for a mid day meal is a must.  This deli choice is a local favorite and an unforgettable dining experience.   Option A - 150 km (93 miles); Option B (San Gimignano) 81 km (50 miles)

Day 5 (Sat)  Today's ride takes you to Pontedera, the home of Piaggo (Vespa) motor scooters and the 2005 Giro d'Italia time trial. From Pontedera traveling east along the Arno River toward Pisa, you'll begin to climb to Buti, with its Gothic windowed castle overlooking the Arno.  Your climb continues another 10 km up and over the scenic traffic-free Monte Serra, used by locals as an uphill time trial course – the record currently held by Ivan Basso.  Descend on one of several steep twisting routes and traverse the valley floor to the charming town of Lucca.  With its tree-lined promenade, Lucca offers cyclists and pedestrians views of the city, including the Palazzo Pfanner garden, complete with statues of the gods and goddesses of ancient Roman mythology.  Option A - 125 km (78 miles); Option B - hop in the van and drive with us to Lucca where you can spend the day exploring this fantastic medieval town.   

Day 6 (Sun) -We'll transport you and your bikes to the port of Piombino to take the ferry to the Island of Elba.  The largest of the islands off Tuscany, Elba is 27 km (17 miles) long and up to 18 km (11 miles) wide.  Elba offers stunning views of the sea with a variety of villages to explore. The landscape is varied with sandy beaches on the west side and outstanding cliffside views as you climb and enjoy the exhilerating descents. You may choose to ride the 92 km (57 miles) perimeter or a shorter loop option. We'll enjoy dinner at one of the small island resaurants before heading back to the ferry.  

Day 7 (Mon)– Last day with Veneroso Tours.  Depending on your departure time, you may want to start your day with one last local loop ride before we transport you back to Pisa. 

Arrivederci e grazie mille!