Discover Some of Tuscany’s Hidden Gems on Cycling Holidays | fastsee.info

Tuscany has long been a favourite destination for travellers heading to Italy, but despite its popularity, there are still plenty of areas that remain relatively untouched. One of the best ways to access them is to opt for cycling holidays in Italy and by taking to two wheels, you will soon find that you are immersed in the countryside and culture in a way you never thought possible.But just where should you plan to go during cycling holidays in Tuscany? Here are just three suggestions for some routes that will take you off the beaten track.If you have not done much cycling in Europe then you may want to choose an itinerary that is not too taxing to ensure you get the most out of your break. In that case, a route around the Sienese Plains is the ideal choice. Here you will discover the rolling green hills for which the region is famous, lined with olive groves and vineyards and dotted with picturesque villages.Of course, part of the fun of travelling in the area is tasting the local dishes and sampling the wines for which Tuscany is famous. Chianti and Brunello are among the tipples produced in the region, so make sure you pick up a bottle or two during your trip.One of the highlights of cycling in this region is the chance to see San Gimignano and its famous towers. Dating back to the medieval period, these impressive structures have been declared a Unesco World Heritage site. Make sure you take a day to explore the winding cobbled streets of this fascinating city and ensure you pop into one of its galleries or museums.Another option for those who want to get to the heart of the region is to cycle around Maremma. This area is located in the west of Tuscany and the inland trails offer some more challenging up and downhill stretches. You will soon realise that Maremma is not frequented by tourists and you are bound to enjoy the freedom that cycling in the open air offers – as well as the unspoilt landscapes and quiet roads and lanes you can travel on.By staying in locally-run hotels, you will be able to get a real flavour for the region and are sure to be won over by the charms of its villages and towns. When travelling in the area you will also be able to visit the mystical landmark of the Abbey of San Galgano.It is rumoured that the sword in the stone legend for which King Arthur is so famous originated here with an Italian saint. You can still see the sword at the centre of the story stuck in place in a round temple to one side of the main abbey. The ruins as a whole are a magical place to visit and although the roof is missing, the central building is still relatively intact.Finally, you may want to consider taking a cycling holiday around southern Tuscany, where you can start by enjoying the delights of Siena and its famous square before setting off to see some of the area’s more peaceful sights.You can look forward to staying in beautiful villages such as Castelmuzio – a hilltop settlement dating back to the time of the Etruscans – and Asciano. Cycling around here will take you into the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site – the Val d’Orcia Artistic, Natural and Cultural Park where you will be surrounded by picturesque views as you pedal along.