A smooth but rolling Strada Bianca will lead us today to the outskirts of Siena, where we will switch onto a final stretch of tarmac to ride into this lively and bustling city. Stopping in Piazza del Campo for a coffee, we set some time aside to stroll to the imposing Duomo and take in the atmosphere of the stunning provincial capital. Leaving via the backroads, we head towards the “Montagnola” a forested hill to the northwest of Siena. The riding is more adventurous on more uneven terrain, mixing some forest tracks with gravel country roads. As we come out of a forested track, the imposing walled town of Monteriggioni will stand ahead of us on a hilltop. Following the winding road we ride right up to the entrance gates where there is a choice of delicious gelato places to pick up our reward! From Monteriggioni we link onto the historic pilgrimage route of the via Francigena where a smooth gravel country road leads us to Val d’elsa and our accommodation.