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Through southern Tuscany

Friday, May 26, 2023 | Johanna Reiser / Julia Marie Joy Hamm | Edelweiss Bicycle Tours

Firenze

There is some overcast but the bikes are ready- so we are!!!
Of course we don't want to leave Florence tomorrow, without seeing the impressive DUOMO!
All those details just took our breath away!
And the thought of when and how they built it...
Unlike Italiens... a cappuccino in the afternoon.
We enjoy it anyway
The sightseeing-crew in front of the Loggia di Lanzi.
And what's in your little shopping bag, Mo? Did you already find a beautiful dress?
Welcome dinner with excellent lokal food- almost more than we can eat. We are full of energy for our first cycling day tomorrow!

Ridingday 1: Firenze to Castellina in Chianti

On the bikes!
Greve in Chianti with a slow food market on the beautiful central square
Tuscany in a very, very unique way: clouds and rain, misty atmoshere
The mood is splendid thou!
And after the rain sunshine follows. We see a fox on our last miles to Castellina
After an exciting first day we arrive in Castellina di Chianti!
Well done!

Riding Day 2: Castellina to San Gimigniano

Good morning beautiful Tuscany!
Thickly wrapped up we cycle off in the morning!
It's still chilly. We ordered sunshine for today, but the delivery seems to be delayed.
The cold air does not stop us to start motivated in riding day number two!
Today we make our way to San Gimignano. And there will be beautiful views. One chasing the other.
During our coffee stop we warm up and wonder: How do the Italiens stay in shape with all those delights you can find at every corner.
Here comes the sun! Maureen and Patrick think it's great!
Today we face some tough climbs! But everyone fights themselves up the hills!
Great job! You can be proud of yourselves!
Up on the hill we are rewarded with a lovely foresight over the beautiful nature in Tuscany!
It's hard to catch it in a picture, but we try anyways.
It's way easier to capture our fantastic mood
The good thing about a tough climb: You get to roll down afterwards.
That's a lot of fun!
Picture stop at one of the beautiful cypresses avenues.
Believe it or not, but two of us sneaked in due to the help of Photoshop. Can you tell who?
We continue our ride to San Gimignano, our goal for today!
Hey Tourguide! Both hands on the handlebar please!
But keep your smile
We can already see San Gimignano in the distance!
The so called "Manhattan of the Middle Ages". What a skyline!
Peggy and Mark are unstoppable and climb up the "Torre Grossa", the highest tower of the historic city.
Hell yes, it was exhausting! But so worth the view!
Peggys smile tells us all about it!
Again, impossible to capture to moment, but this gives at least a little impression.
Welcome to the Hotel!

Riding Day 3: San Gimignano to Siena

What's the plan for today? Johanna tells us all about it!
Isn't it impressive how much she knows about the history and architecture of Tuscany?
Colle Val d'Elsa
We race some dutch gravel cyclists on the "white roads" which are muddy instead of dusty... Lots of laughter!
Arriving at Hotel Garden in Siena after a the day of riding, and always up for a joke.
There is so much to see in and hear about Siena! Have you seen impressions of the horse race taking place in town? Check it out! It's fascinating.
The Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena they say is the oldest operating bank in the world!
The rain won't stop us from discovering this historic treasure for sure!
Romeo and Juli... no, wait. Romulus and Remus.

Riding day 4: Siena to Pienza

The day begins with the most beautiful panoramic roads and the weather seems to be on our side... so far
Poppy-Flour-Pants. Fantastic!
Meggy´s smile is unique!
But what are those dark clouds doing in the sky?
From one moment to the other it starts raining. We chose a unusual week in Tuscany.
We visit the beautiful village Marlo and discover the Etruscan museum.
Team hat or helmet?
Later we enjoy a delicious lunch in a small and unique restaurant.
I love the pose Maureen!
Well earned Boot beer!
Cheers!!!
Evening walk through the silent beauty of Pienza

Riding day 5: Pienza to Citta della Pieve

Ciao Pienza!
Bagni San Filippo
Maureen and Pat enjoying hot feet and the nature artwork the sulfur spings created
...some prefer hot coffee instead of hot feet....
Here the famous edelweiss picnic comes! Chef Julia handled the high expectations easily
On we go through small towns into Umbria
Thousands shades of green

Riding Day 6: Citta della Pieve to Orvieto

Also it's raining... again, the group wants to ride the longer distance through the beautiful nature reserve. Cool! Let´s go!
Our professional photographer Mark. The rain won't stop him for sure.
... and for a good shot you can overtake the Tourguide sometimes
What's going on with Thomas third hand here?
We enjoy coffee and ciabatta while our jackets get some time to dry.
Simple but delicious. Seems like the photographer came too late.
In the afternoon we visit Orvieto. A small historic town, yet there is so much to see and discover!
First we visit the Duomo. When you take a closer look at the facade you will recognize a thousand tiny details. Impressive!
These olive oil presses were used in the middle Ages and can be found in Orvieto Underground.
Can you guess what this room was used for?
An idea? It has to do with birds.

Pigeons were bred here, in the Underground. Cheap meat, as they would fly out and feed themselves but always come back home.
Of course we want to see the stunning architecture or the well of St Patrick, too.
Wait... is this our last dinner for real? Where has the time gone?
Our host Giorgio and his mom take best care of us. In an open kitchen right next to the table they cook a delightful menu for us!
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Mark Bley
Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 19:18

Johanna and Julia did a great job leading us through a rainy Tuscany. The views were great, the hotels fantastic and of course wonderful Italian meals. Of course I enjoyed the company of three other couples. Another memorable trip!

Edelweiss Bike Travel