The best vacations work your body and your mind. For many, just walking around a city breathing in the scents of an outdoor market or food vendors makes an afternoon spectacular. Because exploring a large area on foot can get uncomfortable, bike tours have become popular in places where sites spread themselves out. Biking tours through the Italian countryside have become a sought after option, and now, there are many companies to choose from. Tuscany Bike Tours From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. riders get a chance to explore the Chianti wine region near Florence, Italy.
Armed with a mountain bike, helmet and plenty of water, guests take off through the scenic countryside, stopping at vineyards along the way. A van is provided for steeper sections of the trail (which many people seem to put to use). As part of the tour, riders stop to dine at a quaint family eatery and continue on to a 12th Century castle for a tour of the grounds, and wine and olive oil making, as well as a tasting session. Guests have wonderful things to say about the guides' interaction with the group. The one warning mentioned by a previous attendee was to watch the price of shipping if you intend to buy wine or olive oil along the way. Unfortunately it is often more expensive than the items. I Bike Tuscany Owner, guide and former competitive biker, Marco Vignoli, offers guests to his biking tour a wider selection of tours than other businesses, and while the rides may prove more challenging, there is always a van available for those who've reached their limit. Beginning in Florence around 9:00 a.m. guests are picked up and transported to the beginning of their journey.
They'll travel the Tuscany hillside, rooting out vineyards and olive groves, and admiring old castles and fortresses. Meals provided during the tour were a big hit with guests, and for those looking for their adventure to continue, Marco can plan additional stops for hiking and the like. I Bike Italy This company is suited to guests who enjoy challenging rides, as the first eight miles are all uphill. Traveling a similar route to the above mentioned companies, you'll visit a small vineyard where you learn about making wine and olive oil. Although, to be fair, I Bike Italy has been around longer, and claims (convincingly) the others based their tours off of theirs. Bill, owner and guide, remains a positive, encouraging companion on the trail. In addition, he provides alternate transportation and riding instruction to those who need them. Cheap flights to various destinations in Italy can be found on the Fly Monarch website. ** Information accurate at time of writing. May be changed at sole discretion of service/product provider.