Cycling holidays in the south of Tuscany and Maremma

Day 1: Arrival

You will meet your guide in Florence or directly at the beautiful Tenuta del Fontino, an ancient manor house located in the green hills of the Tuscan Maremma. A visit to the magnificent estate with swimming pool, garden, lake, olive groves and vineyards will conclude this first day.

Day 2: The Guardian of the Maremma - approx. 36 km

Today we cycle through a wooded area towards Massa Marittima. This town once inhabited by the Etruscans welcomes us overlooking the valley. The "guardian of the Maremma" reveals its charms during a guided tour that includes the asymmetrical Piazza Garibaldi, the cathedral of San Cerbone and the medieval palaces. During a lunch stop, we taste regional specialties. Invigorated, we cycle back to our hotel, accompanied by beautiful panoramic views of the hilly Tuscan landscape.

Day 3: Tarot Garden & Francesco's specialties - about 45 km

A bus takes us to Orbetello, located directly on the lagoon of the same name. We cycle on the peninsula of Monte Argentario, overlooking the water. After a picnic break along a protected lagoon lake, we admire the fantastic Tarot Garden of the artist Niki de Saint Phalle, with its larger-than-life Nanas. We continue on a winding road to the medieval town of Capalbio, where we take time to stroll. As we savour the stunning view from the terrace of the sophisticated La Porta restaurant, Francesco and his team regale us with a delectable regional specialty of wild boar.

Day 4: Siena approx. 19 km

After an early morning bus transfer, we cycle along a beautiful panoramic route through wooded hills. The landscape changes suddenly - arid and hilly, the Crete Senesi are coming up. Once we reach the gates of Siena, we have a picnic lunch to regain our strength. And here we are already in the middle of the most famous square in Tuscany, the Piazza del Campo in Siena, shaped like a shell! We discover the cathedral Santa Maria Assunta during a guided tour of the city. Afterwards, we will have time to stroll around before returning to the hotel by bus.

Day 5: With Paolo on the high seas - approx. 28 km

Today, Paolo Fanciulli is waiting for us early on his small fishing boat. He has been involved for many years in the fight against the trawl pirates who damage the ecosystem off the coast of the Maremma Natural Park. Paolo has a lot to say about sustainable fishing and his life's work! We continue by bus to Alberese, from where we leave by bike. We pedal casually on car-free roads through the Maremma Natural Park where local breeds of cattle graze, then return inland. Arriving at the provincial capital, Grosseto, we will take a walk in Piazza Dante and admire the cathedral. Return by bus to the hotel where we will have dinner.

Day 6: Etruscans & the sea - approx. 52 km

Today we are in the heart of the land of the Etruscans, a people who have ruled the destiny of the region for centuries. Our route takes us through vineyards, picturesque cypress alleys, olive groves and a landscape of open fields. We cross a small valley and arrive at Vetulonia. This once important Etruscan town enchants us with its tombs and its views to the sea. We descend in the direction of Castiglione della Pescaia. We enjoy a boat ride through the marshes of the river delta to discover the diversity of flora and fauna of the nature reserve. There is still time for a refreshing swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, before stopping at a rustic fish restaurant overlooking the harbour. We return by bus to the hotel.

Day 7: Mountain villages & panoramic views - approx. 41 km

We cycle through the Ore Mountains with their olive groves and vineyards and pass through the picturesque hamlet of Tatti. Roccatederighi, a medieval mountain village clinging to the rock, is worth a walk. We then descend to Montemassi along an impressive panoramic road. We are then welcomed at the Campetti winery where we taste regional wines accompanied by delicious antipasti. Back at the hotel, we will look forward to an equally delicious dinner.

Day 8: Pisa and departure

Today we say goodbye to Tuscany and the Maremma. After breakfast, a bus takes us to Pisa, where we start with a guided tour of the Piazza dei Miracoli, on the edge of the old town. We'll take in the breathtaking sight of Pisa's three iconic landmarks: the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Campanile, which is famous for its leaning structure.

You can opt for our organized tour package or choose to depart on your own (feel free to contact us for more details).