When You Get Tired of Seeing the David by Stephanie Shultis
By no means am I disrespecting The David… but as a student in Florence you become a mini explorer and by that I mean it’s all about trying new things and seeing new things. My name is Stephanie Shultis… a new blogger if you will, here to spark/enlighten/amuse/bore you however you choose. I have been studying in Florence since February and getting better acquainted with my new home here. In this blog I’ll post suggestions to further your experience here in
Florence, I hope you’ll appreciate them.
***I’m taking a journalism class here in Florence so if what I write sounds like a newspaper article, it’s because some of it is. 
Sometimes you just need to get away from the bustling city of Florence and breathe in some fresh Tuscany air! Tuscany Bike Tours have become a perfect way of switching up your weekend slash weekday. You depart from Florence around 10:00 am where you are driven outside of the city. Traveling through the region, the tour starts at an 11th century castle and winery. Bikers then venture to the wine cellar where they are able to sample the castle’s wines and oils. The tour becomes a learning experience, guided by knowledgeable (friendly and bilingual too!) tour guides Mackie and Beggs, who are ready to answer any questions that you may have. Mackie and Beggs, owners of the Tuscany Bike Tours have lived in the region for quite sometime and have developed a feel for the Florence culture that many can relate to. After the castle, the group then rides through the region and stops to have lunch Tuscan style complete with wine, dessert, and coffee.
I think the last time I rode a bike I still had a bell and little pom-poms on the handle. Despite the fact that it has been awhile I picked it up right away. The tour was a lot of fun and I got to meet so many people from all over.
The 25 kilometer bike ride is not vigorous but enjoyable. The bike tours are held during overcast and sunshine, everyday of the week at 65 euros a person. It is recommended that you reserve your spot before arriving and should bring sneakers and something comfy that they can move about it when doing the tour. The meeting point is just one bridge upstream from the Ponte Vecchio and as a moderately paced tour is perfect for any tourist or student who can ride a bike. Tuscany Bike Tours have also started formulating new plans for a three day bike tour. Tuscany Bike Tours itself will assist bikers with luggage, sleeping accommodations, extra excursions, and any guided help if needed. Reaching far into the Tuscany region, anyone interested in a mapped adventure should contact Beggs or Mackie for more information. www.tuscany-biketours.com or call 339-1163498 or 333-7751947] I highly recommend the bike tour, if not for the relaxing ride through the region for the free water bottle!