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For those who like to get a little energetic while on holiday, there are few places in the world more rewarding to explore on two wheels than Tuscany. Tour the rolling countryside in the saddle of a comfortable bike and you'll experience first-hand the exhilaration and freedom only cycling can bring. Travelling at a slower pace enables you to see, do and enjoy so much more than you would by simply looking out the window of a moving vehicle. Instead of being only a passenger in your own travel experience, you can enjoy full immersion in your surroundings and forge a far more genuine and long-lasting connection with the land. Cycling in Chianti The Chianti region is particularly good for cycling, with a range of different terrains and plenty of scenery, history and culture to experience along the way. The roads are smooth and well maintained, interspersed with challenging climbs and exhilarating downhill runs. The views along the way are nothing short of breath-taking and you'll pass by rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves, historical sites, magnificent villas and distant hilltop towns set against a backdrop of the brilliant Tuscan sky. Physical Fitness Requirements There's no getting around the fact that the landscape is characterised by its rolling hills, so there are definitely "uppy-downy" aspects to any biking itinerary of Chianti. Depending on the route, somebody of moderate to good fitness will be able to navigate the various road surfaces encountered in Chianti. Along with paved roads, be prepared for some rougher rural tracks and cobbled streets in towns and villages. The key is to choose wisely, be honest about your own fitness levels (itineraries will usually be defined by some kind of rating system), and make sure your Tuscany tour on two wheels has plenty of opportunities for rest! A day-long excursion with Florence-based tour company ArtViva, for example, sets a leisurely pace through the Chianti countryside, with a stop at a beautiful church and a long lunch at a Renaissance villa. You'll enjoy a relaxing tour of the estate's wine cellars – complete with tastings, of course – and have time to explore the gardens and olive groves. There's even the opportunity for a swim in the villa's private pool. See what we mean by choosing wisely? Why Choose a Cycling Tuscany Tour? The varied terrain and vast network of biking routes makes the region an ideal choice for cyclists of all abilities. In fact, cycling is a national sport here and, along with the locals, many thousands of visitors come here each year specifically to enjoy the experience of exploring the Tuscan landscape from the saddle of a two-wheeler. With fantastic opportunities for both road bike aficionados and those who prefer the more nature-based aspects of mountain biking, there really is something for everyone. The pleasure of joining a guided cycling tour itinerary, such as the one offered by ArtViva, is that all the organisational details are taken care of. You just need to get on with enjoying one of the most authentic and memorable experiences of your life. But be warned: cycling around Tuscany is addictive…you'll be back! Rose Magers is an Australian-born Italophile and the founder of ArtViva. With an international reputation for excellence and creativity, ArtViva are at the forefront of escorted day tours in Italy. Rose has indulged her own passion for history and the arts by designing an innovative range of exceptional small group Tuscany tour itineraries and experiences, from hiking and biking through the Tuscan countryside to unforgettable villa visits.
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