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Cycle Tuscany 2008
April 10-18 |
May 25 - June 2 | Sept. 28-October 6
(8 days, 7 nights)
 Cycle
Tuscany - cycling along enchanted medieval villages and towns,
discovering the healing waters of the hot springs, enjoying centuries of
art, and eating and drinking the best food and wine in Europe. The cycling
on this tour is moderate. Our longest day is not more than 27 miles. Our
goal is not only to cycle but to absorb the rich and romantic flavor of one
of the most beautiful areas of Italy.
DAY 1:
Depart USA.
DAY 2:
Arrival in Rome, two and one half hours transfer to Bagno Vignoni where we
will spend the next four days at a local 12 century country villa. This is a
family run villa and our breakfast and dinner will be prepared by the
family.
 DAY 3:
After breakfast we will begin our first bike tour to
Pienza (12 miles), a jewel of renaissance art. It is also the home of Pope
Puis II, who had grand plans to transform his home village into a model
Renaissance town. The man entrusted with the transformation was Bernardo
Rossellino. His mandate was to create a cathedral. A papal palace, and a
town-hall that adhered to the vainglorious pope’s principles. Gothic and
Renaissance styles were fused, and the buildings were decorated with Sienese
and Florentine paintings. The result was a project that expressed
Renaissance ideals of art, architecture, and civilized good living in a
single scheme: it stands as a sensational example of the architectural
canons that Alberti formulated in the early Renaissance and that were
utilized by later architects, including Michelangelo. Lunch (this town is
also famous for its pecorino cheese, so you might want to try some) will be
on your own, followed by a guided tour through the town. We’ll return to the
villa by bike. Dinner this evening will be in a beautiful Medieval castle.
Total miles 24.
 DAY 4:
After breakfast we'll depart by bike to the National park
of Lucciobella in the Valley of Orcia. We’ll cycle through the rolling hills
of Tuscany and stop along the way for lunch. After lunch we’ll cycle to the
Bagno Vignoni hot springs to relax in the mineral water and perhaps have a
message. Back to the villa on bikes. Total miles 26.
DAY 5:
Breakfast and departure by bike to Montalcino, an
exquisite medieval town, with a 13 century fortress overlooking the
surrounding valleys. “Brunello” wine is made in this town and is the best
red wine in Italy since the time of the Medici family. There will be time to
stroll and then continue by bike to Castelnuovo dell’Abate for wine tasting,
light lunch and time to visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. Return to the villa
by mini bus. Total miles 25.
DAY 6:
Today we’ll travel by motor coach to the famous Chianti
area, stopping in Siena,
one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy.
During the Middle Ages, the city
 was both wealthy and powerful, for it saw
the birth of the world's oldest bank, the Monti die Paschi, still in
business. It was bitterly envied by Florence, the city was finally absorbed
by the grand duchy of Tuscany in 1559. Sienese identity is still very much
defined by its 17 medieval contrade (neighborhoods), each with its own
church, museum and symbol. The various contrade uphold ancestral rivalries
during the centuries-old Palio, a yearly horse race around the main square.
We'll have a morning tour of Siena with our English speaking guide followed
by lunch and shopping before we visit a private cooking school and learn
all the secrets of the ancient Tuscan cuisine and enjoy our evening meal
with all the things that we cooked. After dinner we will transport to our
hotel in Castellina.
DAY 7:
After breakfast, back on our bikes to visit the holling
hills of the
Chianti area. Lunch in San Sano. Return to the hotel by minibus. Total miles
26. Dinner on our own.
 DAY 8:
After breakfast we cycle to the village of San Gimignano.
Its high walls and narrow streets are typical of Tuscan hill towns but it is
the surviving medieval “skyscrapers” that set the town apart from its
neighbors and creates its uniquely photogenic silhouette. Today 13 towers
remain, but there once were a forest of more than 70, and it was possible to
cross the town by rooftop rather than road. The towers were built for
defensive purposes and to show the wealth of their owners. When the Black
Plague devastated the population in 1348 the town surrendered to Florence.
This is a popular tourist destination, not only because of its beauty, but
because of its white wine. Lunch on your own, followed by a guided tour and
shopping. Return to the hotel by coach. Total miles 26.
DAY 9:
Early departure to Rome airport in time to take flights
home or extend to visit other parts of Italy.
Itinerary Subject to Change
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Cycle Tuscany 2008
Departure / Return:
April 10-18 | May 25 - June
2 |
Sept. 28-October 6
(8
days, 7 nights)
Physical Aspects:
Moderate
Accommodations:
Country Villa and Hotel
Price:
$2,775.00• (group limited to 10
participants)
Price
Includes:
Deluxe motor coach for the entire
itinerary, English speaking guide throughout the program,
accommodations, services of guides for biking, bike rental, two meals
per day, welcome dinner in a castle, sightseeing tour in Pienz, Siena
and San Gimignano, full day cooking class, wine tasting and lunch in
Montalcino, wine and coffee with all meals.
Price
does not include:
Airline tickets, personal expenses,
telephone calls, tip for guides and driver, and laundry. A $400.00
deposit will hold your place. Final payment is due 60 days before
departure.
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