Actividayz offers a range of walking tours, hikes, and other one-day activites throughout Italy. Our unique activities allow travelers to immerse themselves in Italian culture and daily life.
A good bike tour in Italy is a loop ride within Umbria or Tuscany. You could, for example, train from Rome to Perugia (about a two-hour trip), store your luggage at the station, and arrange a bike rental through the well-managed Punto Bici. (Ciclismo Classico, the excellent Boston-based bike tour operator, works in conjunction with Punto Bici, known as the area's best bike agency and shop). Punto Bici's friendly staff can offer itinerary suggestions and assist with some of the travel logistics (for a fee). Nice rides in Umbria include the high road from Todi to Orvieto, or a loop ride from Montefalco to either Spello or Spoleto. Since bringing bikes on Italian trains is no big deal, you won't have a problem returning to Perugia at the end of your adventure.
Renting a bike in Italy is easy. In Tuscany, try renting through Centrobici in Siena (Viale Toselli 106, 0577-282550). Although you could start your ride in Siena and head to San Gimignano via tiny, walled Monteriggione, the traffic is a bit of a nuisance, and it takes a while to reach the more scenic environs. A better idea would be to catch the bus, or arrange for a shuttle through Centrobici, and start your ride on Siena's outskirts. A great loop through the classic Tuscan landscape of olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees (and red poppies in spring) might include Castellina-in-Chianti, Radda and Gaiole. A hillier option is a loop ride from San Gimignano to the Etruscan-rich town of Voltarra. Better yet, head into the white chalk hills of southern Tuscany and do a loop from Pienza to Montepulciano. Monte San Savino, Gargonza and Lucignano are other nice villages to hit in that area.