eMTB TUSCANY
TUSCANY RETREAT
DEtails:
2024 DATES: May 5-12, 2024 | September 15-22, 2024 | October 6-13, 2024
2025 DATES: May 4-11, 2025 | September 14-21, 2025 | October 5-12, 2025
Duration: 7 Nights, 8 Days
Joining In: Florence, Italy
Land Cost: $2795 USD/person | Currency Conversion
Single room supplement: $625 USD
Activity Level: Intermediate | more info »
*This is the ultimate Tuscany mountain bike trip! We begin this adventure in world-famous Florence, the capital of Tuscany, and venture south to the Chianti Classico region, spectacular Siena and hilltop Montalcino, over to Massa Marrittima and finally to the Mediterranean coast for seafood, some beach time and rides with sea views. With its postcard landscapes, worldclass art, celebrated wines and a superb cucina contadina (farmer's kitchen), the Tuscan experience is in symbiosis with the land. We’re convinced there’s no better way to experience Tuscany than by mountain bike. This new itinerary is a best-of Tuscany with great cross-country riding on fun hand-built singletrack and doubletrack trails. This trip is a celebration of the finer things in life: fine wine, excellent cuisine, the relaxed lifestyle of the Tuscans and of course, great riding. Join us on this riding adventure designed for intermediate (and above) level riders.
*Land cost includes price of high-performance eMTB rental.
Looking for another trip in this region? Check out our Italy Finale Ligure bike trip.
Trip Highlights:
- Mountain biking across world-famous Chianti and stopping for a leisurely lunch in a hilltop village.
- Riding from Siena to Montalcino and doing a Brunello wine tasting at a local vineyard.
- Visiting the worldclass sights of historic Siena and enjoying a gelato in the famous Piazza del Campo.
- Riding flowing trails, dropping down to the Cala Violina beach and easing into the clear and warm water of the Mediterranean.
- Embarking on a culinary journey with every meal, where simple and fresh ingredients create amazing Tuscan dishes.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Expert local leader & seven days of guided riding.
- Seven nights hotel accommodation.
- All ride shuttles during the trip.
- All breakfasts & two dinners.
- Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting.
- Enoteca Il Bacchino wine tasting & cheese pairing.
- Private guided walking tour of Siena.
- High-performance eMTB rental.
- Detailed pre-departure information and trip extension assistance.
- Return airport transfers from/to Florence Airport on scheduled days only.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Five dinners, all lunches and personal items like drinks (coffee, wine, beer, etc).
- Entry fee to museums and sights in Siena.
- Airfare; airport taxes and excess baggage charges (if any).
- Mandatory personal travel and medical insurance.
- Optional tipping to guides.
- We recommend €40 per day for lunches and an additonal €40 for dinners not included.
Bike and equipment
We know that quality eMTB’s and components are paramount. We take the time to ensure that our rental bikes are inspected, well-maintained and have appropriate tires, brakes, extra parts and more. We will communicate all aspects of the bike to riders prior to the trip. Note that the Trek Rail bike pictured to the right is not necessarily the bike that will be provided. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A smaller 6L backpack is recommended.
Suggested bike
Trek Rail
Suggested pack
EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The minimum technical ability required for Tuscany is Intermediate (and above). This trip is suitable if you have been riding consistently for one to two years or more and are keen to improve your riding skills. You can climb and descend in control in mildly steep singletrack with some loose rocks and roots and compact dirt. This trip is a Level 2/6 for fitness. On all days you can choose to ride longer if you wish. The accumulation of multiple days of riding will add up, as it is on all of our trips the fitter you are, the more fun you’ll have.
THE RIDING
The rides near Siena are on a mix of double-track, some dirt road sections and singletrack. The rest of the trip is on purpose-built singletrack that is accessed by 10-15 min. asphalt or gravel access road pedal to the two main trail networks. Most trails are considered cross-country in forested zone with some open views. Trails are a mix of rooty and some fixed rock sections and there can be soft or muddy in wet weather.
LODGING AND CUISINE
On this holiday we spend three nights at a three-star hotel just outide the walls of Siena, two nights at a four-star hotel in Massa Marrittima and two nights at a seaside hotel on the beach in Castiglione della Pescaia. Please let us know if you have any dietary preferences.
CLIMATE
Spring and autumn are perfect times to be in Tuscany. The sea is warm for swimming, nights are still warm and days are very comfortable for riding bikes with temperatures in the mid-20’s celcius.
YOUR SAFETY
Our trips take place in remote regions with limited evacuation options available. Our guides have basic first aid training, if a serious injury is suspected they will call helicopter search and rescue at the cost of the participant. Personal medical travel insurance is mandatory for all riders. If you choose to participate in our trips it is up to you to ride well within your limits, to ride conservatively, to walk sections if needed and to be safe as mountain biking is a dangerous sport. There are always risks and hazards on all trails that we ride. It is your responsibility to inspect your bike or rental bike daily and keep it in excellent condition. Helmets are mandatory and alcohol and drugs are not permitted while riding your bike.
THE NEXT STEPS
Please read and understand our Terms and Conditions and our Waiver. Then, email or call us to make sure that your desired departure is confirmed and there’s still space available. We’ll then send you a short Rider Questionnaire to learn about your riding experience and ensure that you are suitable for the trip. The last step is to complete our secure online Registration Form and pay your 25% deposit, and we’ll send you detailed Trip Preparation Guide that includes steps on preparing for your adventure.
A Travel Protection Plan protects your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. We strongly advise travelers to enroll in a Travel Protection Plan in case an unexpected event causes you to cancel or leave your trip. Please review Big Mountain Bike Adventures’ Cancellation Policy:
A Travel Protection Plan should be purchased once a deposit or any payment is made for a trip. Insurance must provide coverage for personal accident, death, emergency remote evacuation including helicopter evacuation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We advise travellers to confirm that it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You will be asked for proof of insurance in lead up to your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance coverage, Big Mountain will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect to insurance coverage that would have otherwise have been available.
“This trip is a true holiday! Worldclass cuisine, wine and culture paired with just enough riding to keep you excited, but not exhausted.”
