Guided Tuscan Coast Bike Tour
The southern Tuscan coast has remained delightfully undeveloped.
Away from the region’s well-known beachfront playgrounds lies
a more secluded world of hilltop towns, national parks, and
quiet beaches. The area is a bastion of ancient villages free
of beachgoing crowds, villages that got their start as Etruscan
or Roman fortifications built to keep seaside invaders at bay.
Over the centuries these fortresses turned into enchanting hilltop
towns with spectacular sea views. We stay in towns with exotic
names like Massa Marittima, Campiglia Marittima, and Castagneto
Carducci. These towns are not as well-known as other Tuscan
destinations, but that is exactly what makes them special. We
swim in the emerald waters of the Mediterranean, visit Etruscan
archeological sites, and tour local wineries. We spend an afternoon
at a cooking class creating a three-course feast using local
ingredients. Our tour ends at an Italian resort hotel. The resort
has its own private beach and a spa built into a man-made grotto.
Day 1 Massa Marittima Massa Marittima.
We meet in Florence and shuttle to Massa Marittima. After lunch
a downhill ride leads to an Etruscan archeological site and
ancient lake. You can take a dip in the lake before returning
to Massa for our opening dinner.
Day 2 and 3 Campiglia Marittima Zig zag
on quiet farm roads through sunflowers, olive groves and wheat
fields. Along the way we visit the Petra winery, a marvel of
modern architecture. We tour the winery and have lunch at the
property. Tonight we stay in Campiglia Marittima, a medieval
castle set below a 10th century fortress. On Day 3 takes us
downhill to Baratti, one of Tuscany’s prettiest beaches. We
have a seafood lunch on a terrace facing a large expanse
of emerald sea.
Day 4 Castagneto Carducci We roll through
two coastal hilltowns and a cork forest on our way to Castagneto
Carducci. With its small center made of narrow streets, beautiful
squares and shops, Castagneto Carducci is a human-size town,
perfect for a relaxing evening with friends.
Day 5 Castagneto Carducci We ride inland
to a cheese and cold cuts shop run by two exuberant brothers.
We try aged pecorino in their cheese cellar and cured wild boar
in a room brimming with Italian prosciutto. Try not to overeat
because tonight we have a cooking class in our hotel. A local
chef leads us through the preparation of a three-course meal
before dinner al fresco on a terrace overlooking the sea.
Day 6 Marina di Castagneto Carducci The
area north of Castagneto Carducci has become one of the most
prestigious winemaking areas in Tuscany. Modern winemakers have
planted French varietals on the rich soils that slope gently
down to the sea. We visit Ornellaia, one of the most renowned
vintners. After a tour and tasting we cycle to the town of Bolgheri
for lunch. Our ride ends on the coast at a beach resort. Our
hotel has extensive wellness center with pools, saunas, hot
tubs, and Turkish baths.
Day 7 Shuttle to Florence On the last day of the tour we will drive you to a nearby
train station where you can make easy connections to Rome or
Florence.
