The gentle rolling hills of Tuscany invite you on a cooking journey with an active twist-a biking and cooking tour of Chianti. Explore hill towns, quiet country roads, and private wineries by bike during the day, and then relax with a glass of wine and an apron to learn the secrets of cooking authentic Tuscan cuisine at night.

We've created a tour that will keep you active during the day so you don't feel guilty when you sit down to taste such local delicacies as hearty ribollita, arista di maiale, or fagioli all uccelletto. Each day you will pedal through picturesque hill towns, stopping at private wineries to taste and learn about Italy's most famous wine. The bike rides are easy to moderate but can be modified according to fitness and skill level. At the end of the day, you will enjoy private, hands-on cooking lessons at Ultimo Mulino, an enchanting family run inn which was once a medieval olive mill. The rooms are warm and inviting, with wrought iron furniture, air conditioning, satellite television, and private bathrooms. A swimming pool built into the terrace offers a cool respite after a day of cycling.

Day One

Arrival on your own at L'Ultimo Mulino in Gaiole-in-Chianti.

Day Two

Depart Gaiole by bicycle at 9:00 am. You will ride to the Castle of Brolio, whose history is inextricably linked with that of Chianti wine. The Ricasolis, one of Italy's oldest winemaking families have resided here since 1141. It was Bettino Ricasoli who wrote the original recipe for Chianti back in 1874. Today the cellars welcome guest for tastings of their Chianti, super Tuscans and Vin Santo. You will have the opportunity to try the wine before setting off for lunch at the Grotta della Rana in San Sano. (Total distance: 27 kilometers. Easy)

Return to L'Ultimo Mulino in time for a late afternoon cooking lesson with Chef Luca Falsetti. Chef Luca comes from a long line of chefs (chefs have been in the family for over 100 years!). His specialty is traditional Tuscan food with modern influences. Chef Luca's favorite dish is ravioli with a sauce of Cinta Senese sausage and melted pecorino cheese. After the lesson enjoy dinner based on your efforts.

Day Three

This morning you will bike to Badia a Coltibuono, a magnificent villa owned by food writer Lorenza de' Medici. Visit the abbey and cellars, followed by a wine and olive oil tasting. Lunch at the Badia a Coltibuono restaurant which features traditional Tuscan dishes.

Return to Gaiole by way of Montevertine winery where owner Sergio Manetti produces some very special wines which you will taste. (Total distance: 24 kilometers. Moderate difficulty)

Evening on your own.

Day Four

Transfer by mini van to Castellina in Chianti, a charming hill town in the heart of Chianti. Depart by bicycle to Monsanto, a stately 18th century villa set in a gorgeous English garden. The Bianchi family has owned the estate and Fabrizio Bianchi has long been a key figure in the character of Chianti. He was the first to use barriques and eliminate white grapes from the blend. You will have a chance to tour the estate and taste its array of wines.

Lunch today will be at Antico Fattore in Castellina. (Total distance: 24 kilometers. Moderate difficulty)

Return to Gaiole for an afternoon cooking lesson followed by dinner.

Day Five

Depart Gaiole by bike in route to S. Polo in Rosso winery where you will have a wine tasting.

A mini-van will meet you and take you to lunch at Osteria del Carroccio in Siena.

Return to Gaiole in the late afternoon. Evening on your own.

Day Six

Morning check out and departure.