Self-guided Tuscan coast bike tour, Tuscany hilltown Castagneto Carducci

Price
US$ 1,300 per person
(Single Supplement)

Traveling alone?
Join a self-guided tour that has already been scheduled. We can’t run self-guided trips for one person, but we may have already booked a self-guided tour that works for you. More info

Group of three?
Tour prices are based on double room occupancy. Groups of three on self-guided trips have two options:
Option 1: Request a triple room. With a triple there is no single supplement. Option 2: Pay a single supplement (US$ 50/night) for the single room.

Save US$ 200 per person
Use our bike bags (panniers) instead of the luggage transfer
» more info

Dates
Any date from March 1 to October 31

6 Days, 5 Nights

Route Rating
Moderate: 10-25 miles (16-40 km) per day cycling over hilly terrain.

Meet / Finish
Florence / Cecina

Highlights

Winery tour with wine tasting
Visit to Tuscan beach
13th century castle
Coastal hilltowns of Massa Marritima, Campiglia Marittima, and Castagneto Carducci
Beautiful sea and vineyard vistas
Peaceful country back roads

What's Included

All lodging (3 and 4 star hotels)
All breakfasts
Lunch on Day 1
Winery visit and wine tasting
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Private van transfer from Florence on day one
5 beautiful rides. Extra miles available.
Use of high-end hybrid bicycle
Use of cell phone for emergencies

Cancellations: Terms and Conditions

» Tour Summary
» Map and Distances
» Hotels
» Photos
» Bicycles

Wineries and Castles

What if it rains?

On self-guided bike tours there is no van support. However, we do move your luggage from hotel to hotel. In the event of rain you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags. We provide our guests with a cell phone. You can call in the morning and make arrangements for a lift.

Why Self-Guided?
Explore Tuscany at your own pace. We provide detailed route notes, a cell phone, luggage transfers, great accommodations, restaurant suggestions, and sightseeing notes. You choose the dates. We take care of the details.

Self-Guided Tuscan Coast Bike Tour

The Tuscan coast known as Maremma isn’t on the bus tour circuit. This secluded region in Tuscany’s south remains true to its small town roots. Separated by chestnuts forests and sprawling vineyards, the towns of Maremma have remained uncontaminated by the tourist explosion. The region is unique because of the variety of its territory; blue seas, long beaches, thick woods, vineyards, olive groves, and marshes. The rolling hills are gentler than central Tuscany, making for easier cycling. Maremma is not all landscapes. It is also a region rich in typical products to be tasted and savored. Sea and hills blend perfectly in the food and wine. On this tour you spend the night in three different medieval coastal hilltowns. You can visit Etruscan ruins, two castles, a winery, and a sandy beach. We meet you in Florence and drive you to the start. You end in Cecina, a town with excellent train connections.

Day 1 Massa Marittima We meet in Florence and shuttle to Massa Marittima. Lunch in Massa with your tour coordinator who reviews the tour and provides route notes and maps. Cycle to Accesa Lake and explore its Etruscan archeological site.

Day 2 Campiglia Marittima A mostly flat ride along quiet farm roads takes you through vineyards and fertile farmland. You ride to Campiglia Marittima a medieval hilltown with narrow streets and houses cascading below an ancient castle. Untouched by mass tourism Campiglia is a genuine Tuscan treasure.

Day 3 Castagneto Carducci A picturesque back road leads you through chestnut and cork forests. Pass through Suvereto, a perfectly preserved town of Roman origin. Within its medieval walls Suvereto offers numerous restaurants and cafes. Later explore Sassetta an off-the beaten path village clinging to a rocky hillside. Your ride ends in Castagneto Carducci, an enchanting village on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 4 Marina di Castagneto A short downhill ride through fertile farmland leads to one of the prettier beaches in Tuscany. Enjoy a leisurely day on a sun drenched beach. Take a swim in the warm water, walk along the sandy beach, and savor a delicious gelato. If you want to ride more head inland to the forgotten village of Monteverdi.

Day 5-6 Cecina Follow the spectacular "Strada del Vino" (Wine Road) as it parallels the Tuscan coast. Some of Italy’s most famous wines come from this area including Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Guado al Tasso. Explore the beautiful Bolgheri castle and tour their winery learning about the Bordeaux grape varieties that thrive in their soil and micro climate. Cycle through the sleepy medieval villages of Casale Marittimo, Gaurdistallo, and Montescudaio. Tour ends in Cecina. Frequent trains make for an easy departure on day six.