Bicycle Touring Under the Tuscan Sun - Five Things You Must Do During Your Trip

Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations for bicycle touring and it is well deserved. You have seen the pictures of bicycle touring under the Tuscan sun; the fields of poppies or sun flowers; olive trees lining the quiet roads; vineyards flowing down the hillsides and the ever rolling terrain spotted with stone villages.

Yes, it is all of this and more, here are five things to help you plan your bicycle touring routes:

Finest towns - the citizens of Tuscany built their quaint villages of stone at the top of hills. So when a town is named Montepulciano, Montalcino, Monteriggioni or Montefioralle assume Mont means hill and you have a 6 km (4 mile) climb ahead of you.

However the good news is it is well worth the effort as each of these towns is a gem. A few other great towns include San Gimignano and Castellina in Chianti are also at the top of long hills.

Best lunch - in stone walled village such as Certaldo or Radda enjoying a simple lunch of thin sliced pizza, salad and a glass of Chianti wine while viewing the scenery.

Where you must stay - you already know this, rent a villa for a week and use it as a base, it can be surprisingly affordable. For example if you stayed near Greve (located half way between Florence and Siena) you can easily bicycle tour to nearby towns. Another great town to use as a base for your touring is San Gimignano.

Most underrated city - Lucca, located in northern Tuscany near Pisa should be on the route of all who bicycle tour. The walls of this medieval city are so wide the local citizens conduct bike races along the top.

Best event - the Siena Palto held in this wonderful city where the center is only accessible to pedestrians. The Palto is a spectacular bareback horse race around the main square twice every summer. If in Siena in early July and August try to see this event held since the 13th century. If you miss the event still include Siena on your itinerary.

The great art city of Florence seems to be on the itinerary of many who are bicycle touring but be aware the city suffers from heavy traffic congestion, long lines at the major museums and is best for a short visit.

So go bicycle touring under the Tuscan Sun when the weather is best, in the months of May, June, September or October. Si!