Vittorio Innocenti with the family at Botte Piena

Wondering what a typical day on a DuVine bike tour is like? Fortunately there is no ‘typical’ day…as every tour seems to have an element of spontaneity built in (dictated by guest’s desires and guide’s impromptu suggestions). However, that’s not to say that there is no structure – each day has a specific planned itinerary – but there is always some ‘wiggle room’ to accommodate wishes and allow for unique experiences.

Let’s take a slice of life on a private family bike tour in Tuscany this past month…

Day 2 agenda:

Embark on a loop ride to the town of Pienza, an architectural gem thanks to its namesake, Pope Pius II, who made it a pet project to turn his hometown into the ideal Renaissance city (and apparently…it worked…as Pienza is often described as the most beautiful village in Tuscany).  In Pienza you will have time to meander the cobbled streets, practice your Italian at a local café, people watch, and taste the local wine-soaked or truffle-dusted pecorino cheese.

Riding through Pienza

Leaving Pienza, you’ll feel like you’re riding through a movie set, and you won’t be far from the truth (as Gladiator and the English Patient were both filmed here).  We’ll head past the monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena and the villages of Castelmuzio and Petroio on cypress-lined roads, stopping for a picnic lunch complete with classic Tuscan bruschetta and an olive-oil tasting in an olive grove.

Back in Montefollonico, we’ll have a very special private tour of our friend and local winemaker, philosopher and playwright, Vittorio Innocenti’s cantina.  Then we’ll taste his traditional Vino Nobile and Vin Santo in his garden with the breathtaking Chiana Valley as a backdrop.  Dinner is right next door at the warm, rustic Botte Piena.

Actual Day 2 inspired agenda:

Prior to embarking on the ride to Pienza, Dania from la Chuisa invited Vivian and her daughters into her garden to pick some of the ingredients and then into her kitchen to teach them how to make, among other things, stuffed zucchini flowers, pici, and ravioli. Then it was off on the scheduled bike ride to Pienza, followed by a wine tasting with our friend Vittorio Innocenti, who so charmed the ladies that they invited him to eat with them at La Botte Piena.

Making pasta

In the garden with Dania

Bookmark It