Hi Guys,

My boyfriend and I are heading off to Tuscany in 2 week’s time for a 10 day trip. We plan to meander from Florence to Siena then a little further. Our only commitment is that we need to get back to Pisa 10 days later.

We are keen for any suggestions regarding places to visit, recommended rides and places to stay - we are hoping to tent most of the time, preferably staying on farmers land (after we've gain permission of course).

Any route suggestions would be great.

We are both fit and up for some gruelling climbs and fast descents.

Thank you

In general, the most scenic, though mountainous route is SR222, but you are going to want to get much more detailed local maps so you can get off the main roads whenever possible. It's only about 80 km, but it is over a modest mountain range.

Much of the nicest scenery - of a completely different kind -- is southwest of Siena, toward Pienza and Montepulciano. There are a lot of broad vistas in this area, a good bit of which is a kind of nature reserve.

I hope your trip does not depend on camping in fields because I would be surprised if you could do it. But I may be wrong. I hope I am.

It's going to be blazingly hot in Tuscany. Wouldn't you be more comfortable staying some place where there is water so you can bathe and brush your teeth after a day's ride? There's also the toilet facilities to consider. If I were a farmer I would not want anyone relieving themselves in my fields.

Are you really going to ride carrying food, water, and camping gear?

I hope you are experienced and strong cyclers. Tuscany is quite hilly and will be very hot. I agree with Adrienne, you will want showers after a day of riding. You might consider campgrounds. It won't be as bucolic as a farmer's field but will afford you more amenities. Frankly, finding a farmer to ask will probably not be as easy as you may think.

Thanks Ackislander will check both options out right now - so good to get knowledge from people who have been there. We are planning to stay in campsites when we can't find obliging farmers did you see many on your trips and what would you recommend? We have done plenty of trips in the past and met lots of friendly folk who let us stay - the only difference this time is that neither of us speak any Italian - better get some phrases down!

Adrienne my parents are farmers in Cornwall and are always more than happy to let people stay providing they ask and respect the land.

Its all about the challenge and adventure for us - if it doesn't work out we'll adapt and overcome.

Thanks