VBT
For two years in a row (2008 and 2009), "National Geographic Adventure" magazine named this outfitter specializing in cycling trips as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth. VBT, which has been around since 1971, offers biking trips throughout the world, including several trips in Tuscany, Italy. The popular Tuscan Coast trip, with 30 departures from April through October, is an easy to moderate ride in the Livorno province of coastal Tuscany. Riders on the Tuscany by the Sea trip, with 19 departures from March through October, bike through Italy's Maremma region and along the shores of Giglio Island.
VBT
614 Monkton Rd.
Bristol, VT 05443
800-245-3868
vbt.com
Tuscany Biking
This company specializes in cycling trips in Italy, including a six-day bike tour through Tuscany. Day one and two, bikers pedal around Pienza and bike the Val d'Orcia, stopping at Monticchiello, Montepulciano and Castelmuzio. Day three includes a downhill ride to the town of Montalcino. On day four, riders pedal to Aggiore and then on to the town of Siena. Day five includes a ride into the hills of Chianti to towns Radda and Castellina. On the last day, cyclists end at the 14th-century village of San Gimignano. The tour is rated for moderate to advanced riders and includes food, wine tastings and accommodations along the way.
Tuscany Biking
888-396-5383
tuscanybiking.com
Charnes Tours
Barbara and David Charnes, a mother-and-son team based in Denver, Colorado, own and operate this company specializing in hiking and cycling trips in Italy. The company offers both self-guided and guided excursions. If you are interested in cycling on your own, Charnes provides five itineraries to Sienna, San Gimignano and Volterra, the famous hill towns of Tuscany. On self-guided tours, cyclists can start any day they want, from March through October (minimum two people). Guided itineraries start in Florence and travel through Tuscany for five days. Winery visits and cooking classes are included along the way.
Charnes Tours
1985 Grape St.
Denver, CO 80220
866-665-0324
charnestours.com
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
