Tuscany, Eroica Cycling Route, Tips, Stages and GPX tracks

Below you’ll find the map of each stage of the Eroica, one of the most famous and thrilling multi-stage cycling routes in Tuscany. It’s doable by any cyclist with average fitness, full of surprises and famous locations. This is the permanent Eroica route. It’s not easy to find clear information online on how to ride the Eroica permanent route in 4 stages with corresponding GPS tracks in GPX format, along with elevation gain and distance for each stage. In this short article I want to share some tips for those who wish to cycle the Eroica at a relaxed pace. The starting point is Gaiole in Chianti. We used cross-country mountain bikes, as most of the route is on gravel roads: MTB or gravel bikes are definitely the most suitable options.

Eroica by bike: where to sleep

We rode the permanent Eroica route the week after Ferragosto, which is a fairly busy time for tourism. Still, we managed to find accommodation for each stage just by searching online in the afternoon. We brought sleeping bags for safety, but didn’t use them.

Equipment and bikepacking setup

We used two Specialized Epic mountain bikes with this saddle bag and this handlebar bag.

The Epics are full-suspension bikes, so to prevent the saddle bag from hitting the rear wheel we simply inflated the rear shock to over 200 PSI, effectively turning the bike into a hardtail — perfect for this kind of route.

#1 Eroica route, stage one – from Gaiole in Chianti to Monteroni d’Arbia

This stage of the Eroica passes through Siena. The first part takes place in green forests, but soon you’ll see the iconic Tuscan hills. Highlights of this stage — beyond being the first and most exciting — include the massive Brolio Castle with its stunning forest climb, and the city of Siena itself. We visited this lively and tourist-filled city, full of charm. Below is the map of the first stage of the Eroica.

Download Eroica GPX track stage 1

#2 Eroica route, stage two – from Monteroni d’Arbia to Torrenieri

We decided to sleep in Monteroni d’Arbia, even though it requires a 5 km detour from the official Eroica route — which we had to backtrack the next day. Still, it was worth it. This stage passes through Montalcino. Why didn’t we stop in Montalcino? Simply because it’s not easy to find accommodation, and I personally wanted to pedal for another hour and reach a quieter and cheaper village. As you can see on the map, this is one of the most beautiful stages of the Eroica.

Download Eroica GPX track stage 2

#3 Eroica route, stage three – from Torrenieri to Asciano

This stage runs almost entirely on gravel roads through classic Tuscan scenery, wild roads and farm estates. Asciano is a nice little town where you can find accommodation even at the last minute. I recommend stopping for a meal in Buonconvento, a truly beautiful village.

Download Eroica GPX track stage 3

#4 Eroica route, stage four – from Asciano to Gaiole in Chianti via Radda in Chianti

This last stage takes us back to Gaiole in Chianti, where we started. It might be the most intense stage. As you approach Radda in Chianti, the plowed hills and farmland give way to lush green woods.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the Eroica route in Tuscany

1. Where does the Eroica start?

The Eroica starts in Gaiole in Chianti, in the province of Florence. See the map of the first stage. However, those riding the permanent route can start from any point along the loop.

2. What gear is recommended for riding the Eroica bike route?

Mountain bikes or gravel bikes are best suited for the Eroica due to its gravel roads. Saddle bags and handlebar bags are helpful for carrying your essentials during the ride.

3. Where is it recommended to sleep along the Eroica route?

You can find places to stay along the route, even in busy tourist seasons. Online searches usually yield good results for each stage. Monteroni d’Arbia and Asciano are recommended for the second and third stages respectively.

4. What are the highlights of each stage of the Eroica bike route?

• Stage one: From Gaiole in Chianti to Monteroni d’Arbia, featuring the majestic Brolio Castle and the scenic Tuscan hills.
• Stage two: From Monteroni d’Arbia to Torrenieri, passing through Montalcino with stunning landscapes and peaceful stops.
• Stage three: From Torrenieri to Asciano, on gravel roads through wild Tuscan nature and farm estates, with a meal stop suggested in Buonconvento.
• Stage four: From Asciano to Gaiole in Chianti via Radda in Chianti, transitioning into lush forests and intense natural views.

5. What is the most exciting part of the Eroica bike route?

The first stage from Gaiole in Chianti to Monteroni d’Arbia is often seen as the most thrilling, as it includes the spectacular Brolio Castle and the iconic beauty of the Tuscan hills. Siena is also a key highlight.

Eroica bike route photo gallery