Tuscany and Umbria on Two Electric Wheels

The Chiana Canal winding through reed beds. Hills undulating under the Tuscan sky. Medieval villages perched on heights. Lake Trasimeno shimmering in the sun.

All this is better by bicycle. And with our premium e-bikes it becomes accessible to everyone: no uphill effort, just freedom and breathtaking panoramas.

From Podere Grotta Antica, some of Italy's most beautiful cycling routes depart: from the legendary Sentiero della Bonifica (62 km flat from Chiusi to Arezzo) to Lake Chiusi, from Montepulciano to Lake Trasimeno, from the medieval villages of Cetona and Sarteano to Val di Chiana.

Rent our e-bikes (3 available, reservation recommended) and discover authentic Tuscany pedaling stress-free. We provide maps, route advice, tips on where to stop, what to see, where to eat.

Helmet and lock: all included.

The white road awaits you.

The Legendary Route
62 kilometers of flat cycle path from Chiusi to Arezzo (or vice versa), following the ancient Canale Maestro della Chiana. This is southern Tuscany's most famous cycling route, loved by cyclists from all over Europe for its beauty, ease and authenticity.

The Sentiero was born from the 18th-century Leopoldine land reclamation: Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Lorraine drained the ancient Val di Chiana swamp transforming it into fertile land. The canal that carried away the waters became, centuries later, one of Italy's most evocative cycle paths.

Totally flat (almost zero elevation gain), well-maintained compact dirt, immersed in nature: you cross reed beds, riparian woods, cultivated fields, glimpses of historic villages. No cars, no traffic, just silence and landscape.

From Podere Grotta Antica the Sentiero is 5 minutes by bike: we're practically on the cycle path.

Recommended Stages

STAGE 1: LAKE CHIUSI LOOP (12 km)

The perfect route to start - or for those seeking an easy, quick ride.
Distance: 12 km loop
Difficulty: Very easy (flat, paved/dirt)
Time: 1,5-2 hours

Leave the Podere, reach Lake Chiusi in 5 minutes and circumnavigate it completely. Pristine nature, birdwatching (herons, coots, mallards), reed beds, medieval towers "Beccati Questo" and "Beccati Quello" on the Tuscany-Umbria border.

Perfect for: Families with children, absolute beginners, relaxing afternoon ride

What to see: Lake Chiusi, medieval towers, nature trail, Lake Chiusi Nature Reserve

STAGE 2: CHIUSI → MONTEPULCIANO (20 km one way)

The most beautiful and requested section of Sentiero della Bonifica.
Distance: 20 km 20 km one way (40 km round trip)
Difficulty: Easy (flat on Sentiero, final climb to Montepulciano manageable with e-bike)
Time: 3-4 hours round trip + stops

Follow the Canale Maestro among reeds and spontaneous vegetation, with views of Montepulciano hills. The Sentiero is immersed in nature, away from traffic and stress. Upon arrival, final climb to the village (challenging on foot, but no problem with e-bike).

Montepulciano: Lunch at Osteria Acquacheta, visit Piazza Grande and Palazzo Comunale (tower with 360° view), Vino Nobile DOCG tasting in historic cellars, walk in medieval center.

Where to eat in Montepulciano:
- Osteria Acquacheta (legendary Florentine steak)
- La Grotta (traditional cuisine)

Return: Peaceful afternoon on Sentiero back to Podere.

STAGE 3: EXTENSION TO LAKE TRASIMENO

For those who want to add another destination to the Montepulciano tour.
Distance from Montepulciano: +15 km toward Città della Pieve and Lake Trasimeno
Difficulty: Medium (some gentle climbs)
Time: +2-3 hours

From Montepulciano you can continue toward Città della Pieve (medieval village of Perugino with the Adoration of the Magi and Italy's narrowest alley - Vicolo Baciadonne), then descend toward Lake Trasimeno.

At Lake Trasimeno: Partial lake tour, swim (summer), lakeside lunch (Castiglione del Lago recommended), relax on beaches.

Note: This extension requires a full day (6-7 total hours) and good battery range. Recommended for cyclists with experience or those wanting a complete tour

Sentiero della Bonifica Tour Practical Info
Departure from Podere: 5 minutes by bike (1 km)
Surface: Well-maintained compact dirt
Difficulty: Easy (flat, climb only to Montepulciano)
Suitable for: Everyone, families, beginners

Best period: March-June, September-October
Summer: Doable but hot (leave early morning 7-8am)
Winter: Possible if not raining (muddy surface with rain)

What to bring:
- Water (1.5-2 liters)
- Snacks/energy bars
- Sunscreen (summer)
- Sunglasses
- Smartphone with maps

GPX track links: We provide links to the best Komoot Sentiero tracks

🚴 TOUR 1: IL SENTIERO DELLA BONIFICA

📍 Podere's tip
Sentiero della Bonifica is perfect for those who aren't expert cyclists but want to pedal immersed in nature. The Chiusi-Montepulciano section (20 km one way) is what we recommend most: in 3-4 hours you've done a wonderful ride, seen beautiful landscapes, visited Montepulciano, eaten well, and returned to the Podere stress-free. Leave early morning (8-9am), arrive in Montepulciano for lunch, tour the village, then peaceful afternoon return. The Lake Chiusi Loop (12 km) is perfect for families with children or those wanting a quick, very easy ride. E-bike battery range: 70-80 km (more than sufficient for any Sentiero route).

Among Hills, Woods and Medieval Villages
A different route from Sentiero della Bonifica: less flat but more panoramic, through olive groves, oak woods and medieval villages perched on Monte Cetona hills.

Distance: 25 km one way (50 km round trip)
Difficulty: Medium (hilly, some climbs)
Time: 5-6 hours round trip + stops

The Route
Leave the Podere heading southeast, crossing the Val di Chiana countryside. Gentle climbs through olive groves and cultivated fields, then enter Monte Cetona territory (1,148 m, Nature Reserve).

First stop: CETONA (15 km from Podere)

Perfectly preserved medieval village, listed among "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy". Car-free historic center, cobbled squares, medieval Rocca atop the village (panoramic viewpoint), quiet and authentic atmosphere.

What to see in Cetona:
- Piazza Garibaldi (village heart)
- Medieval Rocca (panoramic view)
- Historic center on foot
- Civic Museum for Monte Cetona Prehistory (optional)

Where to eat in Cetona:
- Osteria Vecchia (traditional cuisine)
- Ristorante Da Nilo

Second stop: SARTEANO (10 km from Cetona)

Continue through hills and woods to Sarteano, another medieval village dominated by Castello dei Manenti (visitable). Sarteano is famous for Etruscan tombs, particularly the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga with 4th century BC frescoes (one of Italy's most important).

What to see in Sarteano:
- Castello dei Manenti (360° view over Val di Chiana and Tuscan hills)
- Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga (Etruscan frescoes - reservation recommended)
- Medieval historic center
- Terme di San Casciano dei Bagni (15 km from Sarteano, if extending tour)

Where to eat in Sarteano:
- Trattoria da Gagliano (home cooking)
- Osteria del Pozzo

Return to Podere: Afternoon, same route (downhills in some sections = less effort!).

Departure from Podere: Southeast direction
Surface: Mixed paved/dirt
Difficulty: Medium (hilly, climbs manageable with e-bike)
Suitable for: Medium level cyclists, used to some climbs

Best period: April-June, September-October (mild temperatures)
Summer: Hot, leave early (7-8am)
Winter: Possible but cold at altitude

What to bring:
- Water (2 liters)
- Snacks/packed lunch (or eat in villages)
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket (can be cool at altitude)

GPX track links: We provide links to the best Komoot route tracks

🚴 TOUR 2: CETONA AND SARTEANO

📍 Podere's tip
The Cetona-Sarteano tour is more challenging than Sentiero della Bonifica (there are climbs!), but with e-bikes it becomes doable for everyone. The villages are wonderful and not touristy, the atmosphere is authentic. Perfect for those wanting to see the 'real' Tuscany, away from busier routes. If you're passionate about Etruscan history, the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga in Sarteano is unmissable (book in advance). Bring packed lunch or stop to eat in Cetona or Sarteano: local osterias are excellent. This tour requires a full day (5-6 hours) and minimum fitness level, but e-bikes help enormously on climbs!

Our E-Bikes

3 premium e-bikes available
Reservation recommended (especially high season)

Included equipment:
- Helmet
- Lock

Technical specifications:
- Battery range: 70-80 km
- Disc brakes
- Front/rear lights
- Rear rack

Rates and Reservation
Hours: Pick-up 8:00-9:00am / Return by 7:00pm
Reservation: Recommended (write us when booking your room)

What we provide free:
- GPX tracks for smartphone
- Personalized advice based on your level
- Restaurant/stop recommendations along routes
- Emergency contact numbers

💡 OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
For beginners and families: Lake Chiusi Loop (12 km, very easy) or Sentiero Bonifica to Montepulciano (20 km, easy)
For medium level: Sentiero Bonifica with Trasimeno extension (35-40 km) or Cetona-Sarteano Tour (50 km)
For experts: Complete Sentiero Bonifica to Arezzo (62 km one way, requires return organization)
With children: Lake Chiusi Loop (12 km, flat, no difficulty)

In summer: Leave early (7-8am) to avoid midday heat. Sentiero Bonifica is shaded in some sections but very hot in others.
In spring/fall: Ideal period. Mild temperatures, landscapes at their best, few people.

🗺️ MAPS AND RESOURCES
Sentiero della Bonifica and Cetona-Sarteano Tour:
GPX tracks available on Komoot. We provide links to the best tested tracks.

Recommended apps:
- Komoot (offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation)

🚴 E-BIKE RENTAL AT THE PODERE

🎯 Ready to pedal?

From the legendary Sentiero della Bonifica to the medieval villages of Cetona and Sarteano, from Montepulciano to Lake Trasimeno shores: each route is an adventure through nature, history and breathtaking landscapes.

We await you at Podere Grotta Antica with charged e-bikes and ready maps. Just bring your desire to pedal: we'll take care of the rest.