If you’re already planning to flee winter weather, consider eight days of cycling along the white gravel roads of Tuscany on famed Strade Bianche routes that wind across the country’s Chianti-growing region. Most known as the L’Eroica cycling competition route, the roads are actual national historic landmarks. The new tour is offered by PLUS Tours, a partnership between cultural cycling experts Tourissimo and European historic route pros Ride and Seek.

Participants enjoy an immersion into the history and heritage of the Tuscan region, with opportunities to sample local wines, including Chianti and the renowned Brunello di Montalcino produced in this part of Italy. The tour follows a route through the UNESCO Heritage site Val d’Orcia and the villages of Montepulciano and Montalcino, along undulating hills draped in vineyards and through several ancient medieval hamlets. Other activities include a guided walking tour of Siena, time to explore Maremma Natural Reserve and a soothing soak in the thermal waters found at Bagno Vignoni and Petriolo.

The area’s culinary specialties are part of the experience, along with leisurely stops for espresso and cappuccino. The trip will take place Sept. 14–21, 2019, with prices beginning at $3,995 per person. Lodging is in boutique hotels and agritourism establishments. Daily rides are optional and range 20–70 miles, with occasional steep climbs and meandering descents.