Red Savannah, a luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made trips around the world, is introducing a trio of e-bike trips in Chianti, Italy. The trips are available exclusively for guests staying at Red Savannah Villas in Italy. The guided e-bike tours feature routes through the bucolic heartlands of Tuscany that reveal the history, villages, people and boutique wine estates of Tuscany. Each day out is designed to showcase the rural communities of Tuscany, with pauses to meet local artisans, explore historic sites and enjoy delicious traditional Tuscan cuisine. For those staying in the heart of Tuscany, this is a real opportunity to get off-the-beaten-track to discover places missed by many. All routes are of moderate activity level and include a friendly, knowledgeable guide to provide local insight to the treasures along the way. Entirely private, each day out has been designed to suit children and adults, with all necessary equipment including state-of-the-art e-bikes, safety helmets and an on-call recovery vehicle provided. More information about the trips are below.
CASTELLINA-IN-CHIANTI
Beginning in the quintessential hilltop village of Castellina-in-Chianti, this 26-kilometre journey explores some of Tuscany's prettiest byways via Chianti Classico vineyards and villages, such as Lilliano, La Strolla and Casastieri. Lunch is at Setriolo, a boutique wine estate managed by the Soderi family since the 19th Century. Susanna Soderi will share her family's fascinating history over lunch, followed by a private tour of the cellars and a tasting. Fueled by fine food and wine - and electric power - the return ride is rewarded with ice cream from celebrated Gelateria di Castellina. Further details here.
PANZANO-IN-CHIANTI
The pretty piazza of Panzano is the starting point for this figure-of-eight route. After freewheeling towards Greve, turn onto country roads winding through the charming villages of Castellinuzza, Casole and Lamole. There's time to rest at the ancient borgo of Castelvecchi where a Signora might be persuaded to drop the keys to the Church of Santa Maria Novella from her balcony. Lunch with views over cords of vines awaits at Podere Terreno, where Cristina manages a small wine and olive oil estate. After lunch the e-bikes take the strain on the climb to Volpaia and along the Traversa di Chianti back to Panzano. Further details here.
GREVE-IN-CHIANTI
Winding uphill from Greve, the country road leads through ancient fortress villages to Montefioralle. Look out for a door with the emblem of a wasp and a 'V' carved into the stone - its former inhabitant is thought to be Amerigo Vespucci, the eponymous discoverer of the New World. Don't miss the beautiful frescoes at the 9th century abbey at Passignano, including Ghirlandaio's The Last Supper before lunch at La Cantinetta di Rignana; the trattoria is a gem of a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine accompanied by excellent wines, including several Super Tuscans. Return through the peaceful hamlet of San Cresci and the aptly named Slow Road to Greve. Further details here.
