Tuscany Yoga and Biking

“Regenerate the mind, body and spirit”

Enjoy yoga and cycling? We do too, and have created an inspiring trip through the Tuscany countryside taking in Siena, Castellina in Chianti, Sovicille, Asciano and Pienza, each a delightful village. This journey will regenerate your mind, body and spirit; combine daily yoga sessions with invigorating cycling, pleasant walks and cultural interactions that will blend together to provide a truly memorable journey.

Trip Highlights:

Daily yoga sessions
Cycling routes with options for moderate or more invigorating rides
Enjoy spas for healing hydrotherapy and massage (additional)
Learn ceramics at the Museo della Terracotta in Petroio
Contemplate/meditate at the hermitage Sant’Anna in Camprena
Sample wines from winemakers that have been doing so for hundreds of years
Prepare a Tuscan meal

Location

Siena

Siena, Province of Siena, Italy

Arrival

Castellina-in-Chianti

Day 1+2

Sovicille

Day 3

Asciano

DAYS 4

Pienza

Day 5+6

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Cooking course with guest chef
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Not Included

Bike Rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Available dates upon request. Private and self-guided trips also available.
Please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Siena / Chiusi

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate / Challenging
20-40+ miles daily
Van supported

TERRAIN

1 day flat, 2 days gently rolling, 3 days are moderately rolling with some hills

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,550
Includes 7B/2L/6D

Single Supplement:
US $860

Bike Rental:
US $325

E-Bike Rental:
US $560

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

FAQ:

What type of yoga is offered and do I need experience?
Hatha yoga will be offered daily and all levels welcome. Yoga sessions will be 1h-1h15 in length; some will be done indoors and some outside in suitable settings and there will either be a morning or apres cycling class each day of the trip. If you wish to bring your yoga mat, then you can do so, but otherwise, we will provide.

What if I wish to practice yoga daily but my partner doesn’t?
The yoga is optional and if one partner prefers to ‘sleep in’ or depart early on bike, that is fine. Our morning sessions will be from 7h30-8h15 and we will depart on bikes around 9h15. Afternoon classes are anticipated to be from 17:30-18h15, allowing time to relax before dinner (typically at 19h30).

Are there any options for walking or hiking?
We do have walking/hiking routes in this region and if you prefer to walk on certain days, this is possible.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Getting there
Most participants will arrive via Rome or Florence and spend the evening before our ‘trip rendezvous’ in Siena. Siena is easily reached by train.

Day 1

Siena

We meet in Siena at 4pm at the first hotel and enjoy a walking tour of the historic center, followed by a welcome reception and dinner at our favourite restaurant.

Day 2+3

Castellina-in-Chianti

Cycle north through fields and vineyards. After lunch in a tiny village, we’ll visit Radda on our way to Castellina. We enjoy dinner at a local trattoria. On our second day enjoy a scenic ride with a visit to the Castle of Meleto, which has marked the history of one of the most important families of the Chianti area. For those who would like a more challenging ride, San Gimignano’s medieval towers beckon from distant hills. The village, surrounded by stone walls boasts some of the best-preserved monuments in the region. If you are not up to riding back (up) to Castellina, our van will gladly provide a lift. Our hotel in Castellina, formerly a palace, is now one of the best in Chianti!
Distance D2: 46 km, elevation gain 690 m.

Day 4

Sovicille

Our route takes us to Monterrigioni; with its perfectly preserved walls and cobbled streets you will find the charm immediate. After an invigorating climb and descent, we will enjoy lunch a a family owned local restaurant. Our hotel is located in the countryside with a pool and surrounded by an extensive park. The hotel boasts a large swimming pool overlooking vineyards.
Distance: 54 km, elevation gain 699 m or 62 km, gain 868 m.

Day 5

Asciano

Our day starts with a gentle descent and then rolling hills west towards Monteroni d’Arbia and then Asciano forlunch. Along the way, you may have the chance to visit an eccentric artist who often invites us to his home – a castle filled with museum-class art. The day finishes with a ride (or shuttle) to the extrordinary Monastery Monteoliveto Maggiore, where a local guide describes frescoes here, painted by Signorelli and Sodoma in the 16th century. We stay at the fantastic Casabianca and have a cooking course that will be a highlight from the trip.
Distance: 55 km, elevation gain 605 m or 78 km, gain 860 m.

Day 6+7

Pienza

We save the most spectacular riding for last as we visit the tiny villages of Petroio and Castelmuzio on our way to Pienza, full of Renaissance monuments. We’ll ride to Montepulciano and Monticchiello riding through a ‘photographers’s paradise’. Our hotel is quietly situated 150 meters from the central plaza and has large comfortable rooms and a casualness that you will enjoy. We’ll complement our final evening meal with bottles of the local wines and toast our time together in Tuscany. Viva la dolce vita!
Distance D5: 30 km, elevation gain 495 m or 46 km, gain 990 m.
Distance D6: 37 km, elevation gain 485 m or 81 km, gain 1136m.

Day 8

Transfer to Chiusi for trains onward.

Il Colombaio, Catellina-In-Chianti

This charming hotel has comfortable rooms, and a lovely swimming pool. Located close enough to walk to restaurants in Castellina-in-Chianti.

Le Valline, Sovicille

Located among the hills of the Crete Senesi and the Val di Merse, this hotel boasts outstanding views in every direction, a large swimming pool and a tranquil setting.

Podere Alberese, Asciano

This property is our newest discovery; this family-owned 17th century property is surrounded by vineyards (the family makes outstanding wines), olive trees and organic gardens. There is a heated swimming pool to enjoy on the property.

Hotel San Gregorio, Pienza

This 3-star hotel is conveniently located steps to the historical district of Pienzain in the heart of Tuscany. All rooms are finely furnished suites complete with sitting rooms and Jacuzzi tubs. A new swimming pool and restaurant were added in 2007 making this an extremely comfortable hotel.