1 independent reviews for Chianti self guided cycling holiday in Italy
Reviews for Chianti self guided cycling holiday in Italy
Gareth Jones review 19 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful views of the Tuscan landscape never failed to draw a smile whether it was a daytime view across fields of sunflowers or an evening sunset over the vineyards. The wine tasting experiences were first class and we have many beautiful memories thanks to the passion of the wine makers and their families.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would recommend ditching the half board hotel food option you are offered by the company. We did this early in the booking and did not regret it. We prefer to go out and explore local restaurants and places to eat rather than stay solely at the hotel. Everyone is different though so it depends what you like! Another tip, if you can afford the extra time off then add in some extra nights at some of the places so you can make the most of the surrounding areas. There is always something to do or see. We often organised vineyard visits with lunch or dinner within a cycle ride of the hotel on those days and they were very much worth it. It is good to have the extra time to appreciate a place rather than a whizz stop tour. Final tip, don't hesitate to ask the company for the choice of hotels in certain places, the ones they propose initially may not be the ones you would like. Again, everyone is different but you should know there are alternatives!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes and no! If we had taken the half board option (which is proposed by default) to eat at the hotel in the evening then we would not have been spending our tourist money in the local bars, restaurants and vineyards. Again, it depends on what you like but I personally think its not great to give all your money to the hotels. Our best meals and experiences were, as always, in the smallest family run businesses. The biking between places is obviously good for the environment but transferring the bags between hotels still requires a vehicle so I`m not sure we gained anything on the environmental front.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an unforgettably beautiful bike ride through the Chianti region of Tuscany punctuated with good wine and good food. What's not to like?!Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to feedback your comments. We were pleased to read that you enjoyed some of your best meals were eaten in the smallest family run businesses. Wherever possible we like to offer our customers the choice of either half board if available which are sometimes accommodated at the venue and nearby village restaurants or enjoy the local restaurants located nearby to them. This then offers an opportunity to taste the local specialities on offer, at the same time supporting the local businesses, and ensuring that your money has a positive impact on the communities you visit. We are always looking for ways to improve our sustainability and whenever possible suggest in our newsletters that our partners look towards the future in investing in electric vehicles and thus sharing our passion for improving life for people, places and planet.
Many thanks
Paula
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