Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Making of Wine, Olive Oil & Honey. In the heart of the Chianti Classico region, near an ancient market town, we spend two nights on a beautifully restored farmhouse/winery. We bicycle along quiet country roads and trails lined by oak groves, vineyards and farmlands as we pass through the tiny villages. A tour of an ancient abbey highlights the art of wine, honey and olive oil production as it has been done there for hundreds of years. Includes: (D). Day 2: Our "Chianti Loop" takes us through the three villages that formed the "Chianti Alliance" centuries ago, allowing for many opportunities to sample this fine wine along the way as well as these medieval towns. Includes: (B), (D). Day 3: Etruscans and Medieval Towers. The soft colorful landscapes of fine lines formed by the numerous vineyards, gently rolling hills and fields of sunflowers are unforgettable. We visit the Etruscan tombs of 700 B.C., feast on a picnic lunch of regional specialties and learn about Chianti during a private winery tour. Then an exhilarating ride highlights our first glimpse of SanGimignano's "medieval skyscrapers". Includes: (B), (D). Day 4: Italy’s Most Beautiful Square. After one last look around San Gimingano we ride past sunflower and wheat fields to the fortressed village of Monteriggioni and soon find ourselves at the medieval gate of Florence's ancient arch-rival, Siena. At the home to the "Palio" horse race and what many think is the most beautiful square in the world, we discover a unique blend of Medieval and Renaissance treasures amongst colorful cafes and shops. Includes: (B), (D). Day 5: In Siena we enjoy a private tour of the city and spend a leisure afternoon exploring on our own. For those who wish to cycle, our trail crosses through serious wine country passing several abandoned farmhouses and tiny hamlets. Our destination is the famous Castello di Brolio, once home of the Iron Baron before being taken over by the Ricasoli wine family in the 11th century. It was their formula that defined Chianti wines for the region. Includes: (B), (D). Day 6: Crete Landscape, Brunello & Hot Springs. Out of Siena we soon find ourselves back in the quiet countryside of vineyards, Abbeys, Roman baths and historic hill towns as we bike to a 13th century Abbey and a viewing of the cloisters frescoed of Signorelli and Sodoma. We cycle through a fascinating contrasting landscape to the Chianti known as crete, a bare, ash gray soil of deeply fissured hills, into the land of the "king of wines", Brunello. Judge for yourself if the label is deserved as we stop for a tasting then end our week of cycling by soaking in the soothing hot waters an open air Etruscan spa before our farewell dinner in Montalcino. Includes: (B), (D). Day 7: Transfers to Chiusi or Siena train station are arranged for day seven. Includes: (B). Notes:
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