Spoil yourself with traditional Tuscan cuisine as you learn about the art of wine, honey and olive oil production. The fertile farmlands surrounded by cypress trees and olive groves make this an agrarian wonderland where you are sure to lose your sense of time cycling through fields of red poppies and sunflowers. This region, best known as the heart of the Renaissance, is fully explored as we witness the long cultural history dating back to the days of the Etruscan, Tuscany's as well as Italy's original inhabitants.
Day 1 & 2: Making of Wine, Olive Oil & Honey: In the heart of the Chianti Classico region, near an ancient market town, we spend two nights at a beautifully restored farmhouse/winery. Each day we have many opportunities to taste the wines, explore the villages and learn about the deep fascinating history of Tuscany. We bicycle along quiet country roads and trails lined by oak groves, vineyards and farmlands as we pass through the tiny villages. Each days route is challenging yet designed for all levels of cyclist to enjoy. We all ride at our own preferred pace while the sag wagon is always nearby. Our "Chianti Loop" takes us through the three villages that formed the "Chianti Alliance" centuries ago. Here we offer the time to learn about the regional history, shop or explore the medieval centers. We also visit the ancient Vallombroso abbeys and finish our rides with wine tastings and/or sample the tasty olives, honey and olive oil.
Day 3: Etruscans & 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 is highlighted by our first glimpse of San Gimignano's medieval skyscrapers.
Day 4-5: 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 & 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. Here we enjoy a privately guided tour of the city and spend a leisurely 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.
Day 6-7: 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 by Signorelli and Sodoma. We cycle through a fascinating landscape contrasting Chianti's. The soil is 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 of an open air Etruscan spa before our farewell dinner in Montalcino. Transfers to Chiusi train station are arranged for day seven.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Inclusions & highlights:
* Outstanding 3-star inns & farm/winery stay w/ breakfast
* (5) full course dinners & (1) picnic lunch
* Chianti Classico & Brunello wine tastings & winery tour
* Private Siena City tour, tour of Etruscan tombs & visits to important hamlets & Abbeys
* Bike Rental, accessories, route notes, maps and sag snacks and water
* All tour transfers including meet/depart, van support and luggage transfer
* Multi-lingual guides
* All entrance fees mentioned in itinerary
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
