Luxury Palio Di Siena

A Journey Through Tradition and Beauty with the Palio di Siena Experience

Embark on an unforgettable Tuscany tour that blends history, culture, and cycling adventure. Begin with a visit to the historic city of Siena to witness the thrilling Palio di Siena, a centuries-old horse race in the heart of Piazza del Campo. After the excitement of the Palio, we will enjoy a scenic ride through the rolling hills to the medieval town of San Gimignano, famous for its stunning towers. The route takes you along the iconic Strade Bianche, Tuscany’s famous and revered white gravel roads, drinking in breath-taking views of vineyards and the beautiful countryside.

  • START LINE: Florence
  • FINISH LINE: Siena
  • TOTAL DISTANCE: 273 km
  • TOTAL ASCENT: 4000 m
Luxury Hotel
Guided Rides
VIP Palio Viewing
Truffle Hunting
Wine Tasting
Non-rider Welcome
  • Activity level:         LEVEL 2 – Gentilissimo
    - I ride my bike most weeks back home. - I enjoy chatting and stoping to take in the view when riding. - The best part of my ride is the coffee stop. - I can’t do a wheelie yet.
  • Duration: 6 days | 5 nights
  • Date 2024: JUN 29 - JUL 04
  • Price from: €4999
  • Single supplement €799
  • Room upgrade available: Yes
Book Now
 

The Perfect Cycling Holiday

Is this what I’m looking for?  

  • Have you visited Italy before but now looking to explore beyond the guidebook?
  • Would you like to experience fine Italian hospitality and cuisine?
  • Have you been searching for a holiday that combines great riding and viewing of the Palio?
  • Do you have a passion for wine? If so bring this with you!
  • Are you fascinated by culture and learning what makes Siena so very special?

Magical & Unforgettable

What to look forward to……

  • Marvel at the scenery as the sun sets over hills of Tuscany.
  • Be thrilled by magic of the Palio di Siena from your VIP seats.
  • Ride the rolling hills of Tuscany and experience the Strade Bianche.
  • Enjoy an exquisite evening meal with one of the Contrade before the Palio.
  • Treat yourself to a late-night gelato in Siena.
  • Take inspiration from the stunning 'vistas' (views) on a ride througt the heart of Chianti.

Stages of your Tour

  1. welcome day

    32km, 560m climb.

    Welcome to Italy for the first of several enticing days on and off the bike! The IBT team will greet and transfer you to your idyllic hotel set against the majestic mountains of the Chianti region. Time to unwind, let the IBT staff prepare and service your bike, and enjoy a welcome ride to get the travel out of your legs and Italy into your heart over an aperitivo with fellow guests and your IBT guides. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and regional wines while you meet new friends and view a presentation of the upcoming week in Tuscany.

    San Leonino - Siena

  2. San Gimignano

    83KM, 1390m cliMb

    Your climbing destination for today is the fortified city on the hill of San Gimignano - a world heritage site. To reward your efforts, we’ll stop for a gelato in the “town of fine towers” while taking in the sights and sounds of this medieval town. On arrival back at your hotel it’s time to shower, relax, and enjoy a fantastic regional dinner with the team and rest up for tomorrow’s loop.


    San Leonino - Siena

  3. strade bianche

    63 km, 960m climb.

    Today we head to Siena, take in the quiet beauty of this supremely special place. Today you meet one of cycling history’s most storied roads, the Strade Bianche (white roads) of Tuscany. Riding on the rolling hard-packed white gravel, the beautiful “cipresso” (cypress tree) lined hills are the star in this majestic landscape. In the evening, you will have dinner in Siena with a Contrada (community/team) in preparation for the next day’s Palio horse race celebration through the streets of Siena—a lifetime of adventure in one trip.

    San Leonino - Siena

  4. PALIO DI SIENA VIEWING

    40 km, 250m climb.

    Today will be an indescribable experience that merges separate contradas, the sacred, and the individual in an unparalleled medieval Tuscan ritual, the horses race through the streets of captivating Siena. The Palio is no ordinary horse race. Instead, it seeks to balance the forces of community, the transcendent, and the strength of both man and horse in an astonishingly difficult event that must be seen to be believed. After the Palio race, you will visit one contrada’s ceremonial space and museum to witness the active and vibrant history of the Palio.

    San Leonino - Siena

  5. Chianti Loop and truffles

    55 km, 850m climb.

    Your day begins with a scenic Chianti loop by bike, pedalling through the rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress-lined roads that define this iconic region. As you pass through charming villages like Radda and Castellina in Chianti, you’ll take in the views and experience the heart of Tuscany. In the afternoon, you trade your bike for an unforgettable truffle hunting adventure, guided by an expert and their trained dog. Wandering through oak forests, you'll learn about this prized delicacy, and the day ends with a tasting of freshly foraged truffles paired with local wines.

    San Leonino - Siena

  6. Arrividerci

    All good things must come to end, and following this amazing few days our team will help you depart for your onward travel.

BIKE HIRE

The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire us an email and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!


Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. As you’d expect it’s lightweight, aerodynamic with great handling.

Colnago G4-X - one of the finest gravel bikes in the world from one of the most famous and respected brands in the world. A dream to ride on the gravel and the road!

Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guests looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.

Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. Assisted road bikes are a real ‘game changer’.

 
X

COLNAGO V3

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
  • Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
  • Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
  • Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
  • (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))
X

COLNAGO G4-X

COMPONENTS:

  • Shimano GRX 822 1x - 42T 1x Chainset, 12 Speed 10-51T Cassette
  • Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
  • Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Prologo Kappa BK saddle
  • Sizes: 46s - 58s
X

GUERCIOTTI BRERA TOURING ION

COMPONENTS:

  • SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
  • Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
  • SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
  • Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
  • 500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
  • DPV Touring saddle
  • (Sizes: S, M)

What’s included?

  • 5 nights beautiful accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Transfers (from specified airport/train location)
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting
  • VIP seats for the Palio di Siena
  • Museum visit and dinner with the contrada
  • Truffle hunting
  • Strade Bianche day
  • Van and mechanical support
  • IBT gift bundle
  • City taxes

What’s not included?

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • 2 dinners
  • All beverages at mealtimes (water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package)
  • Lunches
  • Bike hire
 
 

The nuts and Bolts

Useful information about your holiday

Still Undecided?

Here is what our clients say about us:

If possible I would give the team 6 stars. From the moment we were met at the train station until dropped at a different one 6 days later the team were fantastic. John Lee was our main guide and his riding ability, guidance and friendliness was outstanding. Alberto and Jacqueline were also great. And the hotel, meals and stops along the rides were all great. Thanks very much and we will both highly recommend you and will come back!

Ron | LUXURY LAKES AND VINEYARDS

Where to meet

Please arrange to meet us at Florence Airport or an arranged spot around 12:00 - Day 1. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additional cost.

Drop off location

We can assist you with planning and booking of onward travel following the conclusion of your tour. We will run one morning transfer to Florence airport.

Transfer time

Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Florence. The transfer time from the airport to the hotel is around 45 minutes (Day 1).

Riding in Tuscany

The general road conditions in Tuscany are very good. With a mix of smooth asphalt and rugged strade bianche, plus terrain from gentle slopes to challenging hills, the region offers stunning views and rewarding rides at every turn.
Cuisine

Tuscany’s cuisine is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients and traditional flavours. Known for its rustic dishes. Local produce, such as olive oil, truffles, and pecorino cheese, play a key role, along with Tuscany’s famous Chianti wines.

Hotel facilities

The hotel on this tour have pool and we recommend bringing your swimming costume. Hotels also have laundry service, good WIFI and bar service. Hotels may charge extra to use some of these facilities.
Private tours & groups

We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements.

Weather

Our highly experienced local guides check the weather on a daily basis and amend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in Tuscany can range from 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F).

What happens next?

Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM / JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page.

 

Hotel

HOTEL BELVEDERE SAN LEONINO

 

Get In Touch

If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.

ITA: +39 320 638 4713

Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of page.

Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com