Tuscany Gravel Adventure: On the Trail of Strade Bianche | Gravel Bike Tour Exploration

Leaving the UNESCO Heritage town of Siena, you quickly join the official Eroica route and sample your first stretch of white gravel at Montechiaro. Next, the Pianella uphill gravel sector rewards you with panoramic views over Chianti’s rolling vineyards. A paved climb brings you to Radda in Chianti, a medieval village with breathtaking vistas of the Val di Pesa. One last stretch of white road descends into Gaiole, where your stunning castle accommodations await. A perfect start to your Tuscany gravel adventure.

Departing from Gaiole, your route rejoins the official Eroica path, leading to one of Tuscany’s most iconic landmarks: Brolio Castle. A stop at the Eroica Café provides a welcome energy boost for the final gravel climb to the castle. After conquering this challenge, continue through the charming towns of Castelnuovo Berardenga before tackling the spectacular and demanding Monte Sante Marie gravel sector, featured in both the Eroica and Strade Bianche races. Your day concludes in historic Asciano, the largest town in the Crete Senesi, where you can enjoy a well-earned meal in one of its exceptional regional restaurants.

After a gentle start on paved roads, the gravel returns as you pass through Buonconvento and enter the stunning Val d’Orcia. Ride steadily uphill through Lucignano d’Asso, an olive oil town set along some of the most breathtaking white roads in Tuscany. A final paved stretch leads to the UNESCO Heritage site of Pienza.

If your legs allow, take a detour to visit the renowned wine town of Montepulciano before tackling the final climb into Pienza. Spend the evening wandering this enchanting hilltop town and soaking in its panoramic Tuscan vistas.

For your triumphant return to Siena, you’ll ride exceptional gravel roads through some of Tuscany’s most iconic landscapes. Shortly after leaving Pienza, the first gravel stretch winds through the rolling hills of Crete Senesi. It connects with the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route, leading to the UNESCO Heritage town of San Quirico d’Orcia. Continue along gravel tracks through the vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino before arriving in Buonconvento.

For those ready for a challenge, a detour allows a closer look at Montalcino before rejoining the main route. The home stretch follows the Strada Bianca Murlo–Siena, a celebrated sector of both the Eroica and Strade Bianche. The final uphill climb brings you back into Siena and the iconic Piazza del Campo—an unforgettable finish to a true Tuscan gravel adventure. Check into your hotel nearby and savour the satisfaction of completing this epic loop.

After an early breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Siena to wander its medieval streets, sip a final cappuccino in Piazza del Campo. A transfer to Florence airport concludes this unforgettable Tuscany gravel bike tour. Or stay in Siena for further explorations.