November is never too late to bike
Memories of a tour leader on an unforgettable fall tour. Every year is different, and every year promises picture-perfect days, with spectacular color in the vineyards and delicious new flavors in the wine glass. But some are more perfect than others. Combine the shades of orange, red and yellow with the delightfully crisp air, and the warm (but not hot) sunshine together with the amazing fall flavors of wine, oil, cheese, mushrooms and so much more – this is a recipe for success. The cherry on the top – hardly any tourists, so it is quiet, peaceful and relaxing in all the small towns.
Out in the countryside, after the Sangiovese grape, the harvest is still going on: it’s now the turn of olives, it is time for the delicious Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil!
Joining the party and relish this unique atmosphere is absolutely amazing.
The air is saturated with the aromas of wine fermentation, musk, mushrooms and olive press.
Fall colors are in full swing, warm and intense. Autumn in Tuscany is simply magical!
After the visit to San Gimignano, we move quickly to the starting point and begin to bike, plunging into the landscape you have always dreamt of and be part of it, on a scenic ride through the most spectaculars hills of the Chianti region.
Carney, Dawn, Robert & Kurt, even if a little bit worried about a uncertain weather, decided some time ago to book their private San Gimignano to Siena in November – and it was the best part of their holiday
Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year before resting during the winter period.
On this warm, sunny November day our eyes are dazzled by the gorgeous images flowing before us cycling through these sweet slopes, lines, and colors of Tuscany, the medieval villages, the castles, people working the land.
Our noses were delighted by the many different Mediterranean scents coming from the vineyards, olive groves, woods, and earth.
The stop at Monteriggioni is also time for our wine tasting at ”La Cantinetta”.
Seila, our wine expert, was pleased to teach us a bit about wines. She started by pairing Tuscan wine & local food, extra-virgin olive oil, (fresh pressed, of course), to taste on-site with real Tuscan bread.
After this fun experience, we enjoy ourselves with a delicious Tuscan panino – pecorino cheese and ham – eaten sitting at the square of this gorgeous, small walled castle, under the Tuscan sun!
It was now time to go back to the bike and just a few more miles, toward Siena, where this memorable adventure with our new friends was about to end.
I will surely keep this superb day of November among my memories of this season for a long time! A great time happily spent with great biking buddies on a relaxed ride through our amazing countryside, wineries, vineyards and the most beautiful Medieval Villages of the Chianti.
The unusual quiet of the historic highlights of the day, which is typical only in this period of the year, has contributed so uniquely in combining fun, cycling & wine tasting at a slow pace with our usual so condensed itinerary.
Fall is nothing but perfect… welcome fall!
Indeed, our bike trip with Piero and Elena was one of the highlights of our 10 day trip to Italy. After 8 days touring the ancients sites of Rome, Pompeii and Florence, we took the San Gimignano to Siena tour and were pleasantly surprised. We were able to bike at a comfortable level through a lovely countryside, see two wonderful medieval villages, enjoy a wine tasting and lunch and finished in Siena. The tour was a refreshing breath of fresh air and Piero and Elena were fabulous! I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering a trip to Italy. We were able to enjoy Italy with a different perspective from our previous days. A must do if you have any interest at all. We were all very pleased!!!