A friend of ours who absolutely loves to travel and takes about 6 overseas trips a year recently asked if I wanted to join him on a Butterfield & Robinson cycling tour of Tuscany. I have cycled in Tuscany twice before and remember how difficult the riding was, but also… how wonderful the memories of the scenery, the cuisine, and the wine! I thought for about 30 seconds and said, “I’m in!”

I love riding up into ancient hill towns.

Each building has an unique story to tell.

Large sculptures in Pienza.

Wonderful views of Val d’Orcia from our hotel in Pienza.

Someone is shouting…”vai vai vai” as I head up a hill.

Inside the Medieval streets of Sassetta.

Riding over this cobbled lane in Sassetta I did not see one person.

There are 8 contrade, or neighborhoods, in Montepulciano, each with their own flags.

We locked up our bikes and looked for a good spot for lunch in Montepulciano. “CHIARA e GIULIO sono gestori di questa OSTERIA”, was amazing! They are famous for their hand-cut huge Florentine steaks. I recently saw this place featured on a Rick Steves’ show.

Early evening views from many of these Tuscan hill towns are fantastic!

Steep lanes in beautiful Cortona.

I been on numerous cycling trips with my friend Philippe Auzas in Italy, France, and Mallorca.

I’m heading to Piazza del Campo in Sienna for dinner.

Sienna’s Medieval cathedral, Duomo di Siena, is very dramatic.

The interiors are simply stunning!

Tuscany is famous for the variety of accommodations. We loved Castello La Leccia, very close to Castellina in Chianti. We’ll be riding by it on our B & R cycling trip. 

I am blissing out at my Tuscan breakfast!

Refilling my water bottle at a village pump.

We must always have a gelato!

Tuscany produces some of my very favorite wines!

Marla and I took Lisa and Stacy to this restaurant in Florence when they were young. Lisa returned with her husband Ray and loved it! My bike trip will start and end in Florence so I will definitely return to Osteria Cinghiale Del Bianco!

Now that I am signed up for this trip the training must begin!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.