Val d’Orcia by bicycle: the Eroica and cycling routes

Unpaved roads flanked by cypresses, bends and hairpin bends that show the view, exciting ups and downs: the Val d’Orcia is a land for cyclists.

OUTDOOR

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Exploring Val d'Orcia by bicycle is an experience which is difficult to imagine, that demands to be lived. On the wheels of a mountain bike or a road bike you can discover the most beautiful views of this area, where long rows of vineyards alternate with lavish woods and unmissable cypresses, a symbol of the place. Here you can find itineraries for all tastes, different lengths and difficulties: a real paradise for those who love travelling slow and for lovers of cycling.

Over one hundred kilometres of track make up the permanent route of the Eroica, the event born in Tuscany that requires old bikes, to reminisce about the charming atmosphere of vintage cycling.
The track winding through Val d’Orcia is of a breath-taking beauty and goes through some of the main towns: leaving from Montalcino, the hometown of the iconic Brunello wine, you can reach San Quirico d'Orcia and Vignoni, the small town not far from the well-known thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni. When reaching Pienza it is almost impossible not to have a stop at the historic centre to admire the “ideal city, home to important art works and the excellent pecorino cheese, ideal for a snack of typical products.

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At San Giovanni d'Asso you can visit the Forest of Ragnaia, a small forest where contemporary art works have been installed in balance with art and philosophy, perfect for a stop in the shade of trees before restarting on the Eroica route and coming back to Montalcino, enjoying the well-deserved rest with a glass of Brunello wine or Rosso di Montalcino. Indeed, in Montalcino you can benefit from the Bike Point Terra Eroica and Ciclofficina Eroica.

Whether you choose to ride on stages or only on one section, pedalling on this route is one of the experiences that most allows you to feel tuned in with the surrounding landscape, fully seizing all the beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to this track, there are many others  – that you can discover through an interactive map – that cross Val d'Orcia, such as the historic route of the Via Francigena, which at times meets up with the Eroica route and then proceeds towards the hill of Radicofani.

For further information visit the website eroica.cc