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Tuscany
"101"
Sept 22nd - Sept. 28th
Tuscany “101”
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This group self guided seven day
Tuscany “101” tour includes Tuscany’s crown jewels Florence, Radda
in Chianti and Siena just to name a few. Our cycle tour in the
heart of the Chianti Classico growing regions sampling the
legendary wine and authentic Tuscan food this area is so famous
for
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Tour Details:
What?
A seven day, six night group self-guided
Tuscan cycling vacation.
When?
September 22nd to 28th,
2007.
September and October are the
absolute height of the cycle tour season in Tuscany. The weather
is fair and it coincides with the grape and olive harvests. The
vineyards are in full bloom and we will see many workers in the field
going about the harvest.
Where?
Starting in Florence, Italy, Tuscany’s
most important renaissance city allows us to combine a small city stay
with the exquisite Tuscan countryside. Our tour ends in Siena so we
get the best possible combination of cycling and sightseeing all in
the same tour. Tuscany is considered one of the world’s top cycle
touring destinations.
Lodgings, Meals:
Accommodations are all unique and
authentic, 3 & 4 star hotels. The meal plan includes daily breakfast,
three lunches and dinners. The meal plan is both balanced and non
restrictive and of course the wine will flow. Tuscan cuisine is as
good as it gets, perfect for hungry cyclists. We may also be able to
arrange special activities like wine and olive oil tasting.
Cycling, What to Expect
Tuscan cycling is perfect for people
with a moderate to high fitness level.
Terrain
Tuscany includes all types of world
class cycling terrain, flat, rolling hills and challenging climbs for
anyone interested. Expect a few longer climbs! As for distance our
normal rides will be in the 25-30 miles range.
Bike Rentals
27 speed easy riding Hybrid touring
bikes with helmets locks and back up equipment are included. Men’s or
women’s frames available. Race bike rentals are also available for an
additional charge of €50.
All of our bike rentals are top quality
and professional maintained by Tuscany’s premier bike rental touring
center Florence By Bike
www.florencebybike.com for photos and specs. They will custom fit
you to your bike at tour start and feel free to bring your own seat &
pedals if you like and they will fit them for you.
Itinerary
Day 1: Florence – Arrival, September 22nd
2007
Arrive in beautiful Florence, Italy.
After check-in, time to rest or explore before our welcome dinner.
Depending on your arrival time stop over for your custom bike rental
fitting at Florence by Bike, Tuscany’s premier rental center. To view
these professionally maintained rentals please visit
www.florencebybike.com, choose hybrid, road or mountain bike
(men’s or women’s frame available)
Or if you prefer a leisurely sight seeing stroll through town taking
in this renaissance gem. Florence is a shopper’s paradise so of course
if shopping is more your thing, don’t hesitate to indulge yourself.
I recommend you rest up for the welcome dinner at one of Florence’s
authentic and fun restaurants. The food and wine keep on coming. Our
agent in Florence will be on hand to answer any questions and hand out
our Welcome Kits.
Lodgings:
Overnight at 3 star Hotel Donatello
(Comfort Inn Brand)
www.hoteldonatellofirenze.com or;
3 star Hotel Universo
www.hoteluniverso-firenze.com located in the magnificent Piazza
Santa Maria Novella.
Pre Tour Lodgings:
in Florence available for only €50 per night (per person,
double occupancy).
Transfers:
v
Taxi or public transportation
from station or airport easily available;
v
Private transfers available for
€75 per van, up to 6 passengers, from Florence Airport to hotel
or; for €500 per van from Rome Airport or Milan airport.
Day 2: Florence - Radda in Chianti
In the morning we all meet up at
Florence by Bike for last minute fittings and to pick up any gear or
clothing anyone needs. We get a discount on any purchases.
Bike fitting & route brief and we’re on
your way leaving Florence on bikes with a stop in Piazziale
Michelangelo for an incredible panorama of one of the world’s most
beautiful cities.
We take a classic route along the famous
Strada in Chianti (Road in Chianti). Explore the Piazza of Impruneta,
(the “Citta di Cotto”) where the tiles for Florence’s Cathedral were
created. Leaving Impruneta on bike we access Strada in Chianti and its
rolling hills, passing vineyards and olive groves.
We arrive in Greve in Chianti for lunch
at Café Le Logge (optional for us to enjoy top local and
regional wines complemented by top regional cheeses, with each wine
presented by an official sommelier for €20 per person).
After lunch we ride to Radda in Chianti.
Our bags will be transferred ahead and waiting in your room.
Standard Lunch included, €20
additional for special wine and cheese lunch with Sommelier
Free night for dinner.
Overnight Radda in Chianti at four star
Hotel San Niccolo (www.hotelsanniccolo.com).
Day 3: Radda in Chianti
Loop ride of area including town of
Gaiole in Chianti, with stop at world famous ceramics manufacturer,
Rampini (shipping is available), on this routes they recommend a
lunch and visit for wine tasting at
Castello Brolio,
Enoteca Del Castello Di Brolio.
Overnight Radda in Chianti
Dinner is included at great local
country restaurant just steps from our hotel.
Day 4: Radda – Siena
After breakfast and check-out we ride from Radda to Castellina in
Chianti, with time to sightsee, shop and explore this classic Tuscan
village, then back on bikes for a ride to the Siena. Recommended wine
tasting on the way at Rocca delle Macìe (www.roccadellemacie.com).
Optional dinner at sister hotel (www.garden-hotels.it).
€25 per person (wine not included).
Overnight Siena at Hotel Italia
just steps from Siena center
http://www.hotelitalia-siena.it/hotel_siena.php
Bring your swimsuits because as a
guest of Hotel Italia we are free to use the pool at Hotel
Garden just a short walk from the hotel.
Day 5: Siena -
CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA – RAPOLANO TERME
– ASCIANO – SIENA
Eat hearty at breakfast because this
will be our longest loop ride with a stop in Rapolano Terme for lunch
and a dip in the hot springs for anyone with sore legs! Return to
Siena with time to explore this magnificent renaissance town.
Overnight Siena Hotel Italia
Optional dinner at sister hotel (www.garden-hotels.it).
€25 per person (wine not included).
Day 6: Siena - Monteriggioni
Today we leave Siena and ride to the
medieval castle town of Monteriggioni for lunch and sight seeing.
Along the way we have the option of a wine tasting stop at one of the
great (and a secret to may) small vineyards.
Optional:
After ride optional guided walking tour of Siena center including
special program on Palio Horse Race (www.ilpalio.org/palioenglish.htm
), which has been run since 1656 and the Piazza del Campo. The guide,
Mirko Righini, is a member of the Contrade and from one of the oldest
families of Siena. On this tour you will have access to a Palio Museum
not open to the general public. Additional cost: €20 per person.
Farewell Dinner
Meet our Siena agent for cocktails in
Famous Piazza Del Campo after which, tonight we will partake in an
amazing farewell feast at Taverna IL Capitano just steps from
Piazza Del Campo where the running of the famous Palio horse race
takes place.
This is sure to be a memorable night
of fun.
Overnight Siena Hotel Italia
Day 7: Siena, Departure
Morning check-out. Easy transfers to Rome or Florence by train or bus.
Private transfers by van (up to 6 passengers per van) available for
€375 (Florence) or €560 (Rome).
Or extend your tour in Florence or Rome
for only €50 per night (per person, double occupancy).
Prices
All prices are per person double occupancy. Single supplement
applies. Please inquire. Triple rooms may available on a limited
basis.
Tour price: $1,550/person Single
Supplement $350.
Tour includes:
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Six nights lodgings 3 & 4 star
hotels;
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Daily breakfast, 3 lunches & 3
dinners with wine;
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Luggage transfers;
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Detailed routes and maps;
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Hybrid Rental bikes. *For guests
requesting road bike rental add 50 Euro;
Fun World Class Tuscan cycling holiday!
Nearest train station and airport: Florence. Nearby Pisa frequently
has better airfares. Private transfer can be arranged for additional
charge, enquire at time of booking.
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