BUONCONVENTO (SI) – In the heart of the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic Tuscan landscape, where the tenth edition of Nova Eroica will take place tomorrow , lies Fattoria Pieve a Salti , a property that over the years has become a true hub for cycling tourism. Just a few kilometers from Montalcino and nestled in the Crete Senesi, this establishment combines rural hospitality, comfort, and a deeply rooted cycling culture.
It is not just a place to sleep, but a real base of operations for who wants to experience cycling as an experience, between dirt roads, timeless views and slow rhythms. It is no coincidence that it has also become "home" for professional teams such as Soudal Quick Step during symbolic events such as the Strade Bianche, which is also possible to live in the version for cycle tourists.
The ideal home for cycle tourists
It's the same director of the farm, Leonardo Meiattini, to define it bluntly: "A place to recharge your batteries and enjoy nature." This is precisely the strength of Pieve a Salti: the balance between hospitality and territory. Here, cycling moves away from the exclusively competitive dimension to embrace the more authentic dimension of slow travel. The hills surrounding the property are the same ones that have made routes like those of The Eroica and NOVA Eroica Buonconvento, itineraries which today represent an international attraction for enthusiasts gravel and vintage bicycles.
«Our farm – he says Meiattini It's a setting that invites you to pedal slowly, where every climb becomes a panoramic viewpoint and every dirt road a sensory experience. Your level of fitness doesn't matter: those who are fit will find technical and challenging trails, while those seeking a more relaxed ride can also count on the e-bike to explore the area without stress. The key concept is accessibility: cycling here is truly for everyone.».
It's no coincidence that professional teams choose this base to prepare for important events. Yet at the same time, the facility maintains a soul deeply rooted in cycling tourism, characterized by hospitality, sharing, and a passion for the local area. It's this mix that makes it more than just a bike hotel: a true "home" for those who live life on the bike.
Those ad hoc services
Pieve a Salti consolidates its cycling tourism vocation in terms of services. The offering starts with the essential basics of any bike hotel. Meiattini continues: " We have a fully equipped bike room, a maintenance area with dedicated tools, and a bike wash service. Added to this is a breakfast designed for cyclists , tailored to their energy needs."
And then there's our strong point: the routes. Pre-planned routes are ready to be downloaded to your GPS device, making it easy to explore the area on your own. The staff is always available to offer personalized suggestions, aiming to create tailor-made experiences. We also offer the option of renting state-of-the-art bikes, both traditional and pedal-assisted. This is a particularly useful service for those traveling without their own vehicle: with a personalized profile, each guest can find the bike best suited to their needs.
The facility isn't just for cyclists, however. Guides and families can also enjoy a range of services, including riding stables, trekking, a swimming pool, and a wellness center. " Not to mention the food and wine experiences ," adds the director, "truffle tastings, visits to reserves, and tours of Brunello cellars. It's a holistic approach to hospitality, where the bike is the centerpiece, but not the only element."
The Heart Tour
It's when we talk about routes that the soul of this region emerges. The "Giro del Cuore" (Heart Tour) suggested by Meiattini perfectly encapsulates cycling in Tuscany: a loop of approximately 78 kilometers with 780 meters of elevation gain, passing through the Val d'Arbia, the Brunello vineyards, the Val d'Orcia, and the Crete Senesi.
"It's an extremely versatile itinerary," explains Meiattini. "It can be tackled as a sporty ride, completing it in a few hours, or transformed into a slow, full-day journey. The stops along the way are an integral part of the experience: an aperitif in Montalcino, lunch in Pienza, a stop in Montepulciano, or a snack in San Giovanni d'Asso.
This tour showcases the region in all its nuances: iconic dirt roads, regular ups and downs, open views, and the scents of the countryside. There's no single way to interpret it, and it's precisely this freedom that makes it special.
It's a concrete demonstration of what Pieve a Salti represents: an ideal starting point for experiencing cycling not just as a sport, but as a total experience, combining landscape, culture, and pleasure.
