Spring 2022 was unforgettable. Some friends asked me: 'Are you taking us for a weekend by bike in Tuscany?'. Although I had my doubts – I‘d never been an expedition leader for a bike ride and many of my friends had never bike toured – the challenge was too tempting to pass up. The Val d'Orcia (Orcia Valley) in Tuscany, with its undulating hills, cypress trees and the scent of vines in the air, is the perfect place for a new adventure.

We cycled along the white roads of the Eroica and the paths of the Via Francigena, discovering hidden wonders: Pienza and Bagno Vignoni, two ancient villages perched atop the hills; the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, which seemed to be from a mediaeval tale and the Brunello and Montepulciano vineyards, where every bunch of grapes smells of tradition. This two-day Tour in Val d'Orcia is ideal if you want to spend a weekend immersed in natural beauty. Your e-bike will glide through the fertile Tuscan land like silk, with the wind on your cheeks as you chase the clouds in the sky.

The picture-perfect landscapes of the Val d'Orcia are easily accessible. If you arrive from the north of Italy, head towards Florence. From here, you can take a train to Siena and alight in Buonconvento – the starting point – in 30 minutes. You can travel from southern Italy via Grosseto.

The hospitality in Val d'Orcia is unrivalled. You can stay in historic homes converted into B&Bs, hotels overlooking the rolling hills or welcoming farmhouses that bring you closer to the essence of these lands. I always recommend booking in advance as the region's beauty attracts tourists from all over the world.

Once in Buonconvento, the magic begins. Arm yourself with e-bikes, which you can rent on arrival and even have delivered to your accommodation. With a little help from your e-bike, you can effortlessly travel along the paths and dirt roads to iconic places such as Bagno Vignoni, Pienza and Montalcino. On an e-bike, you'll also have more time to explore, savour and take photos. If you prefer riding under your own steam, I recommend a gravel or MTB, given that you’ll often ride on dirt roads through fields.

The Val d'Orcia is a chameleon that changes with every season. Spring and autumn offer an ideal climate for cycling and ever-changing colours. From September onwards, brown, bare fields characterise the landscape, whilst yellow and red flowers bloom in the green meadows in spring. In summer, however, the predominant colour is the yellow of the crops and dry grass. With the right gear, the temperatures shouldn't be a problem.

Some roads may not be well signposted so keep the route handy on your phone or bike computer. Once you finish cycling, all you have to do is eat. End your day in a local tavern or by visiting a winery. This is the best way to experience the true spirit of the Val d'Orcia.

With the right planning and a little adventurous spirit, the Val d'Orcia is a real delight to discover by bike. Have a good trip!