Has anyone done a bike tour of Tuscany?

[ROADEAGL]

Some friends and I are considering a tour of Tuscany next spring. I'm leaning toward a self-guided tour organized by a tour operator from that area since we have a mix of skill level and comfort requirements. They rent us the bikes, gives us maps, book our hotels and move our luggage from place to place. This seems to be a significant savings compared to a guided tour. The option at the other end of the $ spectrum would be to organize the whole thing ourselves [which defaults to me]. I'd appreciate any feedback you can give me on your experience in this matter.

[Leon]

organize the whole thing ourselves

That's what most members here do. What do you want to know? Tuscany is a very suitable place to do a do-it-yourself cycling tour.
Read this (sorry, sucky) google translation:
http://translate.google.nl/translate?js ... l=nl&tl=en
Leon

[ROADEAGL]

Where could I find a list of places to stay along the popular routes, for example?

[Leon]

Where could I find a list of places to stay along the popular routes, for example?

For instance: Google on B&B firenze and click on the map shown.
Leon

[EnriceV]

I've been travelling trough Tuscany without any sort of plan. Unless you plan to go in the tourist season (july/august) there is no real need to plan anything ahead. On multiple occasion we have placed our tents in peoples garden (first ask obviously).

If you want to stay in hostels or bed and breakfasts it might be a good idea to buy a book about the route you want to take or use the "guide routard" of nord italy. It is way better than the Lonely planet and contains lots of addresses of value for money b&b's.

My experience with Italians and bicycles is rather bad: they have a strange idea of what a good bike is and as such I would strongly advise you not to pay in advance and to check all the equipment before you leave. (tyres and brakes!)

good luck!