San Gimignano

Tuscany by Bike: Florence, the Chianti region, Siena and Pisa

Europe - Italy - Toscane
ITALV0022

The highlights of this journey
Grand Angle

  1. Visiting Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Piazza del Campo in Siena, Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
  2. Riding through the hills of Chianti and its vineyards
  3. Tasting Tuscany’s world-famous cuisine
  4. Relaxing and enjoyable cycling stages

Yours
experts

Tania Gherli

Tania Gherli

04 86 80 19 05

Italy travel expert

Francesca Bigolin

Francesca Bigolin

04 86 80 19 06

Italy travel expert

Anna Castaldo

Anna Castaldo

04 76 95 24 30

Experte des voyages en Italie

Useful
information

Length

8 days

From

€1,300.00

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Let's go discover Tuscany by bike or Tuscania with a scenic stop in Florence and Pisa with this one week Italian cycling trip.

Are you dreaming of riding a bike through a landscape that looks like a Renaissance painting? Then this 8-day itinerary is perfect for you. Departing from Florence, through the hills of the Chianti region, with its castles, vineyards and forests, you will reach the fabulous city of Siena. Then, riding on to the village of San Gimignano, with its medieval towers, you will climb up to Volterra to finally descend towards Pisa. A beautiful bike trip, that gives you the opportunity to discover the different aspects of this spectacular region: the hilly countryside, legendary towns and the world-renowned local cuisine.

Dates, prices, and booking

Trip details

Depart starting any day of the week from April 1st to October 31st, 2025 & 2026. 

Price Per Person

2 to 3 People

4 to 5 People

6+ People

2025

1490 €

1350 €

1300 €

2026

1580 € 

1430 €

1380 €

Accommodation: 3* hotels and 4* hotels (some hotels with a swimming pool).

All accommodation in double room with private bathroom. It is possible to book a single room (with a supplement fee).

Included in Trip Price

  • Accommodation in B&B (7 nights) in double room
  • Breakfast (7)
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece of luggage + 1 hand bag per person, maximum 20kg/44lbs)
  • Digital travel packet
  • Access to our phone travel app during the trip
  • Telephone assistance

Not Included in Trip Price

  • Travel to Florence (flights, train, bus, etc.)
  • Drinks
  • Lunches and Dinners
  • Tourist taxes
  • Return journey from Pisa to Florence
  • Train ride Pontedera – Pisa on Day 7 (~3€)
  • Bike rental
  • Printed travel packet
  • Insurance
  • Booking fees
  • Entrance fees to tourist attractions
  • Personal expenses
  • Everything which is not listed in the "Included in Trip Price" section

Options, Extras and Discounts

  • Printed travel packet: 35 € / per packet
  • Single room supplement:
    • 2025: +410 €
    • 2026: +440 €
  • Hybrid bike rental: 190 €
  • E-bike (Hybrid) rental: 290 €
  • Mountain bike rental: 330 €
  • E-Bike (mountain bike) rental: 430 €
  • Return transfer by private bus, subject to availability: 150 € / person (personal bike included)

► Extra nights, price per person, per night with breakfast:

Price Per Person

Double roomSingle room

Florence

125 €

145 €

Pisa

80 €

110 €

Siena

125 €

145 €

Itinerary

Tuscany by Bike Florence, the Chianti region, Siena and Pisa ITALV0022
D1

Arrival in Florence

Arrival in Florence. Check-in at your hotel, available after 3pm. Individual sightseeing tour of the city of Florence: start from the Piazza della Signoria, pass by the Uffizi Museum and the Ponte Vecchio, to finally arrive at Palazzo Pitti. A perfect itinerary for an introduction to the region’s history and world-famous art.

Vue sur Florence
Florence © Unsplash Jeon Hyungman

 

Accommodation

hotel in Florence

D2

Florence – Greve in Chianti

After picking up your rental bikes, you leave the city of Florence. You quickly find yourself in a bucolic landscape, entering the legendary Chianti region. You can stop for a wine tasting along the route, at the beautiful Palagio Castle. Your first stage ends in Greve in Chianti. The heart of the village is the central square, where you find small shops selling local products and a lively atmosphere.

Vue sur Greve in Chianti
Vue sur Greve in Chianti © AdobeStock

 

Accommodation

hotel in Greve in Chianti

Length

45km/28mi by bike

Elevation +

+650m/2133ft

D3

Greve in Chianti – Radda in Chianti

Today you cycle in the heart of the region called “Chianti Classico”, on the scenic Wine Route (Strada del Vino), which winds among vineyards and rolling hills. Take your time to admire the colours and panoramic landscapes of the Chianti Valley. You cross the villages of Mercatale and Panzano before arriving at Radda, a superb little village with medieval origins, with its historic walls still visible and the Podestà.

Panzano dans le Chianti
Panzano dans le Chianti © AdobeStock

 

Accommodation

hotel in Radda in Chianti

Length

35km/21.8mi by bike

Elevation +

+650m/2133ft

D4

Radda in Chianti – Siena

The discovery of the Chianti region continues towards the village of Gaiole. The landscape is dotted with castles and wine estates. We suggest a break at Meleto Castle or at the famous Brolio Castle, to taste the wine of the Ricasoli family. In the afternoon you arrive in the magnificent historic city of Siena, proud of its traditions, which still retains a medieval atmosphere. It is hard not to succumb to the charm of the unique atmosphere of the city center. Possibly the highlight of your trip, the Piazza del Campo is one of the most beautiful squares in the world!

Piazza del campo Sienne
Piazza del campo Sienne © Pixabay

 

Accommodation

hotel in Siena

Length

45km/28mi by bike

Elevation +

+600m/1969ft

D5

Sienne – Colle Val d’Elsa

Take a little more time to complete the tour of Siena, before setting off for today's relaxing stage, which runs partly along the Via Francigena. It is in a typical Tuscan landscape that you arrive at Monteriggioni, a village surrounded by mostly intact medieval walls including towers and two gates. Today the cycling stage ends in Colle Val d'Elsa, a village known as the Bohemia of Italy. The production of crystal in Val d'Elsa began in the 15th century and remains the most important Italian production of crystal today.

Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni © AdobeStock

 

Accommodation

hotel in Colle Val d’Elsa

Length

30km/18.6mi by bike

Elevation +

+200m/656ft

D6

Colle Val d’Elsa – San Gimignano – Volterra

Today you reach the emblematic village of San Gimignano, which dominates from its hill the entire valley of the Elsa River. This village is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is crossed by the Via Francigena and boasts thirteen medieval towers. The wider and taller the tower, the wealthier the family that built it. You end the stage with a challenging climb to Volterra. Your efforts will be rewarded by the beauty of the ancient Etruscan city that became Roman. Its Roman amphitheatre is breath-taking!

San Gimignano
San Gimignano @ Adobestock

 

Accommodation

hotel in Volterra

Length

45km/28mi by bike

Elevation +

+900m/2953ft

D7

Volterra – Pisa

The last day of your Tuscan journey will be gentler cycling as the landscape begins to change. The hills will be more and more rounded as you approach the valley of the Arno River. You start with a beautiful descent, crossing small villages with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. You will then arrive in Pontedera. This city is the birthplace of the Vespa, a true icon of the Italian Dolce Vita since 1946. If you have time, you can visit the museum, in the historic production building. A short transfer by train (not included) is needed to reach Pisa.

Rivière Arno, à PIse
Rivière Arno à Pise © AdobeStock

 

Accommodation

hotel in Pisa

Length

55km/34.2mi by bike

Elevation +

+150m/492ft

D8

Pisa – End of Tour

Take your time to visit the famous and bright Piazza dei Miracoli, with its tower, cathedral, and baptistery. Remember that Pisa is not only a leaning tower, but it is also a beautiful city where you can stroll through the historic center or along the river. End of the trip after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am).

Pise
Pise © Unsplash Andrea Cevenini

Occasionally, adjustments to the planned itinerary may be necessary. This could stem from trip logistics (such as fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or adverse weather conditions, etc.). It's important to understand that these modifications are always implemented with your best interests in mind, prioritizing your safety and comfort.

Technical description

Level

Difficulty level 3/5 (on E-bike) or 4/5 (on Bike):

Level 3/5 when using an E-bike. Stages of 30 to 55km/18.6 to 34.2mi. The route is hilly with challenging climbs and descents, especially the climb to Volterra on Day 6. Participants are asked to be in good physical condition and to have already practiced cycling for several days in a row prior to this trip. If you do not use an E-bike the difficulty level turns to 4/5. The daily stages take place on secondary roads, generally asphalted, and on some dirt roads. You will ride on slightly busier roads as you approach larger cities. There are no bike paths in the Chianti region, be aware that you will share the road with vehicles.

Luggage transportation

You only carry your daily belongings in a small bag or saddle bag. You’ll get your luggage at your hotel in the evening: your luggage is transported by taxi. We ask you to limit your luggage to 1 piece of luggage + 1 hand bag per person, 20kg/44lbs maximum. If you need to transfer more than one piece of luggage, please inform us at the moment of booking (a supplement will be charged).

Group

Possible for groups of 2 and above. 

Departure period

Starting any day of the week from April 1st to October 31st, 2025

Duration

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days of cycling

Start / End

► Start
On Day 1 in Florence at hotel check-in (~3pm).

► Finish
On Day 8 in Pisa after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am)
 

Travel folder

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet will be sent by email that includes: the list of your accommodations, travel vouchers, all the detailed information you need to make your trip a success (documents in German, French or English as guests request), and access to our phone travel app for navigating bike rides and accessing local maps. The application is available in English only. If a guest wishes to have a “printed travel packet” (with paper roadbook in German, French or English + topo maps), it needs to be requested at the time of booking and there is a supplement fee per package. For all requests, the printed travel packet will be waiting and given to guests at the 1st accommodation included in the itinerary. There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel. In the case guests have rental bikes, they will pick them up at the bike shop in Florence.

Comfort

► Accommodation
3* & 4* hotels (some hotels with a swimming pool).
Accommodation in double room with private bathroom. It is possible to book a single room (with a supplement fee).

► Meals
Breakfast is always included.
For lunch: you can eat along the rides daily by buying your picnic supplies in local grocery stores or stopping at a restaurant.
For dinner: there are many restaurants/pizzerias in the proximity of your hotels. 
*It is important to inform us about any food allergies or dietary requirements upon booking. 

► Extra Nights
It is possible to add extra nights before or after your tour in Florence, Siena or Pisa. Please contact us for availability.

Bike rental

The bikes we offer come in a variety of models:

►Hybrid bikes 
27 speeds Shimano Alivio. Women or men frames. 
Alluminium/steel frame. 28’’ wheels. Handlebar V-brakes.

VTC

 

►E-Bikes  
Depending on the size and on availability, we will either rent an E-Bike or an E-MTB (electric mountain bike).

E-Bike (Hybrid): women or men frames. Winora brand or similar
25kg, 28’’ wheels, 8 Shimano Acera speeds. 
Bosch battery and engine.

VAE

E-MTB (Mountain bike): Haibike brand or similar
25kg, 289’ wheels, 9 Shimano Alvio speeds. 
Bosch battery and engine. 

E-MTB

Bike rentals include:
Helmet, lock, repair kit, lateral saddle bag, handlebar mobile support (one each two persons).

Access

► Trip Starting Destination
This tour starts in Florence, Italy

► Trip Ending Destination
This tour ends in Pisa, Italy

► By Plane/Train
Regular airlines or low-cost airlines to Florence, Bologna (100km/62mi) or Pisa (80km/50mi):

Florence - Firenze Amerigo Vespucci (FLR)
Bus
- From Florence airport to Florence train station: ATAF bus, leaving every 30 minutes from 5:30AM to 12:30PM, to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station (20 minutes ride, approx. 6€)

Bologne – Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ)
Bus + Train:
- From Bologna airport to Bologna train station: Marconi Express train, departure every 7 minutes (11€) From Bologna Airport to city centre in 7 minutes | Marconi Express Bologna Shuttle
- From Bologna Centrale train station to Florence: direct high speed train AV (journey is around 40 minutes, tickets from 30€)

Pise Galileo Galilei (PSA)
Bus + Train:
- From Pisa airport to Pisa train station: Pisa Mover, connection every 5 minutes, ticket is approx. 2,7€. You can buy tickets directly at the airport terminal or at the self-service machines. 
- From Pisa Centrale train station to Florence: direct train R or RV (journey is around 1 hour, tickets from 9€)

For more information on trains: EN - Trenitalia
*Please note, schedules must be checked before travel, we cannot be held responsible for any changes.

► By Car/Bus
You can park your car at your hotel in Florence (reservation upon booking, payment on site)
-    parking costs ~30€ per day

Bus Option:
- Flix Bus: https://www.flixbus.com/ 
- Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus 

Bathing

A number of our trips lend themselves to swimming, either during the stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of them. Please note, however, that you are the sole judge of whether or not to go for a swim, and that you do so under your own responsibility and at your own risk. 

Photos

You take beautiful pictures! Don't hesitate to send us a CD, a USB stick, a Dropbox or WeTransfer link  of your best photos taken during your trip. The fact that you send us photos implies that you accept that your photos will be used free of charge on our various media outlets (social media, catalog, website, trip information documents, etc.).

Responsible tourism

► Acting for Responsible Tourism - ATR label
Grand Angle is an active member of the ATR association "Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable", whose compliance with the label has been certified by Ecocert Environnement.

The common values of the label, shared by all its members, are represented by: transparency (between the customer and the travel agency), partnership (between local service providers and the travel agency) and consistency (synonymous with good communication within the travel agency team).

Being a member of ATR commits us to:
•    Promoting quality tourism
•    Respect for the environment, heritage and local people
•    Educating travelers about local customs
•    Inform travellers in full transparency about their travel conditions

For more information on the ATR association: www.tourisme-responsable.org 

► The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas 
In 2014, Grand Angle was one of the first tour operators to be certified under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, created and developed by Europarc, the Federation of European Protected Areas, which includes Regional Natural Parks, National Parks and Nature Reserves. 

The purpose of the European Charter is to develop quality, sustainable and responsible tourism in protected areas, with respect for people and their environment. Being certified under the CETD is a recognition of our commitment to sustainable tourism and development rooted in the territories, economically, socially and environmentally. 

The certification is proof of the confidence that the Parks have in our company and its approach.

Grand Angle's partner in this certification is the Vercors Regional Natural Park, our homeland: http://parc-du-vercors.fr   

Find out more about the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism: http://www.europarc.org/sustainable-tourism/

Gear

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST:

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

  • Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling in.
  • Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
  • Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
  • Cycling Gloves – padded gloves used specifically for cycling.
  • Cycling Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
  • Cycling Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
  • Windbreaker Layer – a light jacket or pullover
  • Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
  • Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (may not be needed in summer months)
  • Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
  • Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

GEAR CHECKLIST:
  • Saddlebag – If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a saddlebag is included with rental
  • Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra items and casual clothes
  • Cycling Helmet – (Mandatory for this trip) comfortable fitting, with rain cover. If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a helmet is included with the rental.
  • Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system (if planning to wear a backpack during cycling) and an additional water bottle
  • Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
  • Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
  • Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
  • Map or Phone Holder – for handlebars, included with bike rentals
  • Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
  • Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
  • First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
  • Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
  • Toiletries
  • Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
  • Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply
  • Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.
Optional Items & First Aid Kit Suggestions
OPTIONAL ITEMS:
  • Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover. Taking a backpack is useful as it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you go on a short walking trip along the way. If your bike has a rack system this bag can be easily attached or even packed within a saddlebag.
  • 2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (recommended but optional)
  • Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage Italy is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F & L type
  • Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
  • Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
  • Bug Repellent
  • Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
  • Swimsuit
*FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS:

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

  • Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
  • Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
  • Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
  • Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
  • Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
  • Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
  • Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
  • Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • Various Items – Athletic tape/”KT Tape”, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

Luggage

PACKING FOR TRAVEL:
It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip. 

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed. 

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP: 
During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Luggage transfers are limited to 1 bag/item per person, 20kg/44lbs maximum weight.

Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement and is not easily stored due to different starting and ending destinations.

Saddlebags/bike bag (not provided unless adding bike rental): All guests will need a bike saddle bag, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)

To Transport Your Belongings: If you don’t have a saddlebag & rack on your bike, bring a 30-40L backpack with a waist strap to carry what you need for the day (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.) as you cycle. If you have a rack on your bike, you can attach your bag with the help of bungee ropes or paracord. Rented bikes are equipped with a saddlebag where you can store your belongings. You should still bring a small backpack with you, so that you can easily take your belongings with you when you are visiting attractions along the route.  

Country

Country: Italy
Capital: Rome

Formalities

► Documents
Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination. 

► Health/Insurance
Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Phone

Country code for calling Italy: +39

European Emergency Number: 112

Useful addresses

Italian Tourist Information Office 

phone number: +39 01 42 66 03 66. 

Website: https://www.italia.it/en 

Time difference

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

Language

Italian, some english spoken in tourist areas

Currencies

Italy is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. Italy, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Italian banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies. Italy more than other EU destinations, still prefer cash in most settings, but credit card use is becoming more and more available.

Climate

Tuscany is a transition region between the North and the Mediterranean climate of the Mezzogiorno. The topography of Florence and Siena means that in summer, it can be very, very hot... as well as being prone to torrential rain (especially in August). The best seasons are spring (May and June) and autumn, with pleasant temperatures (around 25°C).

Source: www.routard.com

Other

Geography of Tuscany

Geography, whether human, economic or electoral, gives Tuscany a pivotal position between the North and the Mezzogiorno. Almost enclosed to the north and east by the Apennine mountains, and open to the vast plain of Roman Lazio, this region is too diverse to form a homogeneous whole.

To the south, on the Sienese side, towards the abbey of Monte Oliveto, are the famous Crete senes, dating from the time when the entire region was covered by the sea.

This fertile land slopes gently down to the Val d'Orcia, where wheat, sunflowers, olives and vines are grown, before coming up against the volcanic Amiata region.

To the west, the metal-bearing mountains mark the boundary between Maremma and Tuscany, beyond the green valleys and forests of the Montagnola and Val di Merse, lands of lumbering and timber exploitation.

In the center, between Siena and Florence, the Chianti region is a land not only of vines, but also of fruit and olive trees. The richness of this wine, over 90% of which is made from Sangiovese grapes, lies in its substratum, made up of sandy, stony, clay and sandstone deposits, combined with the microclimates created by the wide variety of exposures of the plots.

Val d'Arno: the region's main (not to say only) axis, it accounts for most of the population of both regions. Crossed by the Autostrada del Sole (A1), it is the heart of Tuscan activity.

The Arno River

Only 241 km long, the Arno rises at Monte Falterona (1,385 m) in the Apennines, then loops southwards through Florence and flows westwards past Empoli, Pontedera and Pisa. At the end of its course, it descends to the Ligurian Sea, where it empties 10 km north of Livorno. In Florence, this river marks the separation between the two banks: Oltrarno (left bank) and Lungarno (right bank).

Every year in October and November, the level of the Arno rises irresistibly, without causing flooding. However, some observers believe that the risk of a new catastrophe has not been completely averted. In spite of the canalization work undertaken after 1966 and the construction of dykes, Florence would still not be safe from another destructive flood.

Around 1503-1504, Leonardo da Vinci presented the city of Florence with a project to divert the Arno and build a kind of canal linking the Medici city to the sea. Leonardo's concern was the same as today: to avoid terrible floods!
Source : www.routard.com

Traveller’s reviews

  • PHILIPPE
    Posted on Monday 23 September 2024

  • pierre
    Posted on Sunday 17 September 2023

    Magnificent trip out of time, warm atmosphere at all the sites

  • hjc
    Posted on Tuesday 16 August 2022

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