Tuscany and Umbria Spa & Wine Bike Tour | 5 Days

From Pienza in the Val d'Orcia, via the hot-spring village of San Casciano dei Bagni, to a wine resort near Orvieto in Umbria. Ride, rest in the thermal pools, and enjoy wine and good food: a 5-day, 4-night cycling itinerary.

Day 1 | Pienza

Starting in a Renaissance town

Arrive at Chiusi-Chianciano station and make your own way to La Bandita Townhouse in Pienza.

Pienza was built almost in one go between 1459 and 1462, and it remains a rare example of Renaissance town planning. Its cobbled lanes are a joy to wander, and the town is also known for its food.

After the bike fitting and a briefing on each day's route, take a test ride to San Quirico d'Orcia, with a stop at the Horti Leonini, the town's best-known garden.

Distance: 22 km

Day 2 | San Casciano dei Bagni

Over the hills to a thermal resort

The first 15 km or so are downhill, followed by gentle rolling hills through open countryside. You pass Radicofani, a medieval village crowned by a 13th-century fortress, and the hamlet of Celle sul Rigo with its 13th-century tower.

Your destination is the hot-spring village of San Casciano dei Bagni, where you stay two nights at Fonteverde, a 5-star thermal resort. Rest your legs in the panoramic thermal pools overlooking the Val d'Orcia.

Distance: 49.5 km | Elevation: +857 m / -779 m

Day 3 | Cetona and Sarteano

A shorter ride, then the spa

A shorter loop, so you have half a day at the spa. Cetona sits on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, and you ride up it to get there. Its narrow lanes spiral up to the fortress, and it keeps its medieval layout remarkably well. Then on to Sarteano, known for its distinctive castle.

Back at the resort, relax in the panoramic pools and thermal baths.

Distance: 40 km | Elevation: +838 m / -830 m

Day 4 | To Orvieto in Umbria

Across the border to a wine resort among the vineyards

After a short descent and the village of Trevinano, you cross into Umbria. Ride through woods of beech, holm oak and juniper to the hill village of Allerona, past the ruins of the Castle of Meana and old towers. Enjoy the longest descent of the day, then one more climb to Castel Viscardo.

About 9 km later you reach the Altarocca wine resort near Orvieto, where a winery tour and a gourmet dinner are waiting.

Distance: 48 km | Elevation: +897 m / -1,150 m

Day 5 | End of tour

Optional ride to Civita di Bagnoregio

If you like, ride a loop to Civita di Bagnoregio, a town on a plateau of fragile volcanic tuff above the Tiber valley, known for its striking position and centuries-old buildings that remain almost untouched.

Return your bike at the hotel and the tour ends. Orvieto station is on the fast line between Rome and Florence, so moving on to your next destination is easy.

Optional ride: 46 km