iExplore Italy Active(Trip #65843)

Tour Overview

Welcome to Tuscany! Under the Tuscan sun, you’ll ride through some of the world’s most beautiful countryside: gentle green hills, cypress-lined byways, ancient towns perched atop lush hills like medieval crowns. It feels like a privilege to cycle here among Etruscan villages, medieval fortresses, and Renaissance masterpieces. But perhaps the greatest masterpiece of this storied land is its wine. Among endless pastures of olive groves and vineyards, we’ll stop to sample the finest Brunello, Super Tuscan, Vino Nobile, and Chianti Classico. And we’ll delight in the wine philosophy of our friend Vittorio Innocenti during a special visit to his private cantina. From Montepulciano to Siena to Chianti, some of these famed Tuscan hills will challenge you, but you will be well rewarded with delicious local treats like freshly rolled pici pasta, pecorino cheese, and garden-fresh bruschetta with local olive oil. And we’ll close each day in grand luxury.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Montepulciano
Welcome to blissful Tuscany. From the Chiusi train station your guides will take you to Montefollonico and toast your arrival with a traditional Prosecco during your bike fitting, safety talk and map review. Our first outing will be a ride to the distinctive church of San Biagio on the outskirts of Montepulciano, home of Vino Nobile – famed as “the king of wines” since the 8th century. Returning to Montefollonico, we’ll have time to relax before beginning a marvelous Tuscan evening with our friends Dania and Umberto, the owners of the luxurious villa La Chiusa. Dania runs the kitchen of this Michelin-starred restaurant, and Umberto will be eager to welcome you as a friend, and show you how to live like a local. Enjoy the breathtaking views from this ancient olive mill while savoring the region's gourmet specialties, grown on La Chiusa’s estate, then unwind and let this heavenly Tuscan experience take over.
Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Montefollonico & Montepulciano
Distance cycled: 23.2 km / 14.50 miles

Day 2: Pienza
Embark on a loop ride to the town of Pienza, an architectural gem thanks to its namesake, Pope Pius II, who made it a pet project to turn his hometown into the ideal Renaissance city. The result is often described as the most beautiful village in Tuscany. In Pienza you will have time to meander the cobbled streets, practice your Italian at a local café, people watch, and taste the local wine-soaked or truffle-dusted pecorino cheese. Leaving Pienza, you’ll feel like you’re riding through a movie set, and you won’t be far from the truth. Gladiator and the English Patient were both filmed here. We’ll head past the monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena and the villages of Castelmuzio and Petroio on cypress-lined roads, stopping for a picnic lunch complete with classic Tuscan bruschetta and an olive-oil tasting in an olive grove. Back in Montefollonico, we’ll have a very special private tour of our friend and local winemaker, philosopher and playwright, Vittorio Innocenti’s cantina. Then we’ll taste his traditional Vino Nobile and Vin Santo in his garden with the breathtaking Chiana Valley as a backdrop. Dinner is right next-door at the warm, rustic Botte Piena.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Destinations visited: Montefollonico, Pienza, St. Anna in Camprena & Petroio
Distance cycled: 37 km/23 miles

Day 3: Montefollonico- Montalcino
Today it’s off to the land of the Brunello wines, renowned as some as the world’s finest. The cycling route is stunning, beginning with rolling terrain through pastures and forests on the way to the sleepy village of Montisi where we will ride down the medieval streets. After Montisi, enjoy the panoramic views stretching from Mt. Amiata to Chianti as you cruise past poppies and sunflowers down the ridgeline to San Giovanni D’Asso and along the Asso River valley to Torrenieri. In Torrenieri we’ll stop for some Italian coffee to get the legs ready for the climb up to Montalcino. The road to Montalcino takes us right past some of the most famous Brunello wineries, including Casa Nova Dei Neri. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel, Vecchia Oliviera, a converted olive mill built right into the walls of the town. With Montalcino’s many cafes, wine bars and pizzerias we’ll leave the choice of where to eat lunch up to you. After lunch you can join our guides for the 18km roundtrip ride down to the Abbey of Sant’ Antimo to hear the monks chant a Gregorian mass or spend the afternoon exploring Montalcino or relaxing by the pool. Montalcino is a picturesque town famous not only for its Brunello wines, gourmet honey and pecorino cheese, but also for its outstanding medieval architecture. We’ll have a private evening tasting at the 14th century fortress at the top of town followed by another exquisite Tuscan dinner with our friend Antonio, owner of local favorite, Re di Macchia.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Destinations visited: Montefollonico, Montisi, San Giovanni D’Asso, Torrenieri,
St. Antimo Abbey & Montalcino.
Distance cycled: Shorter Option: 40 km/25 miles. Longer Option: 58 km/36 miles

Day 4: Montalcino- Siena
Enjoy an early-morning stroll around town, a sunrise visit to hear the chanting at Sant’Antimo or sleep in before another gorgeous day of cycling through the Tuscan countryside. We’ll spin to the 14th century Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore to visit its outstanding Renaissance frescoes. After a gourmet Tuscan picnic featuring local pecorino cheeses, prosciuttos, and pates, washed down with a suitable regional wine, you can choose to take the van directly to the hotel in Siena or continue riding. Riders will cruise along the bare ridges of the Crete Senesi through Asciano and Vescona to Arbia, where we will once again have the option to take the van to the hotel. For truly ambitious cyclists, the final 11 km to the hotel is a real treat as we follow timeless back roads up a series of challenging hills to enter Siena in truly evocative fashion. Siena is gem of a medieval city with beautifully preserved Gothic architecture. The city is built around the Piazza del Campo, regarded by many as the most beautiful piazza in all of Italy. Here you’ll have time to shop while exploring the many hidden medieval walkways. The night is yours and your guides will be happy to point you to a favorite local trattoria for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and Gourmet Picnic
Destinations visited: Abbey of Monte Oliveto di Maggiore, Asciano, Vescona, Arbia
Distance cycled: Shorter Option: 22 km/14 miles. Standard Option: 52.5 km/32.50 miles. Longer Option: 64km/40 miles.

Day 5: Siena- Radda
From our hotel, we’ll transfer to Arbia, and then ride deep into the hills of Chianti. Passing rows of olives and cypresses, we’ll climb a ridge and break out of the trees as we ride through the gorgeous Chianti Classico estates of Bossi and San Felice before continuing to the Castello di Brolio. A Tuscan landmark for 1000 years, this imposing castle and the surrounding vineyards were given a facelift in the 19th century by the stern Baron Ricasoli who not only modernized local winemaking, but served as one of Italy’s first prime ministers. We’ll stop here for a tasting of the Iron Baron’s famous wine before continuing cycling, fully immersed in vast stretches of vineyards and winding panoramic roads, to Radda where our hostess, Monica, will delight us with her unique antipasti and pastas. Our next stop will be our stunning hotel and winery, Borgo di Vescine, – a serene 13th century hamlet - for an intimate wine tasting with Vincenzo, the winemaker, and our final dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Arbia, Monteaperti, Castello di Brolio & Radda in Chianti
Distance cycled: 40.5 km/25 miles

Day 6: Radda- San Gimignano- Florence
On the last morning, we will shuttle you through the hills of Radda and Castellina on your way to visit San Gimignano, with its staggeringly beautiful medieval towers and its marvelously frescoed church of Santa Fina, a local saint. Shop for linens, ceramics, hand carved wooden ornaments, or perhaps a cycling jersey with the Chianti Classico black rooster. Be sure to stop at our favorite gelateria in the main piazza, international gelato champions for years running. We will continue on to Florence where we will end our tour at the train station of Santa Maria Novella.
Meal: Breakfast
Destinations visited: San Gimignano and Florence
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction

TRIP TOTAL: 208.9 KM/ 129 MILES, averaging 40-50 km/ 25-30 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.

Tuscany is hilly. On this bike trip you will experience strenuous riding days. A comforting part of this trip is the van. We make it very clear that as our guest you should never hesitate to use the van when the cycling is no longer pleasant for you.

Departure Dates

2010 Departure Dates:

April 25-30
May 2-7
May 16-21
May 23-28
June 13-18
June 27- July 2
July 4-9
July 11-16
July 25-30
August 8-13
August 29- September 3
September 5-10
September 12-17
September 19-24
October 3-8
October 10-15
October 17-22

Prices

2010
$3,895 per person, double occupancy.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of August, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:
· All accommodations in deluxe villas, charming hotels, and wine estates.
· All breakfasts, two lunches, four gourmet dinners including wine.
· New 2009 27-speed aluminum Scott bicycle, choice of five lightweight frame sizes, light weight helmet, gel seat, handlebar bag, rear carrier rack, lock, patch kit with spare tube, pump, lock, bell and toe straps option.
· Bilingual guide(s) who look after your every little need.
· Support vehicle that sweeps the daily bike route offering refreshments and snacks, transporting your purchases, and offering transfers to the hotel.
· Highlighted regional maps with history on each sight and options to stop along the way.
· All transportation from rendezvous to final drop-off.
· All gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service.
· Daily briefings. Your guides review each morning the best route including which direction to take at the crossroads, where to turn for a flatter option and how to find that shortcut back to the hotel.
· Detailed Final Documents including itinerary and hotel list.
· CD of your once in a lifetime trip.

Exclusions:
Exclusions:
· Airfare to and from Italy
· Accommodations before and after the trip.
· Gratuities for guides
· Meals not specified in the itinerary.
· Beverages, unless specified.
· Airport taxes.
· Travel Insurance.
· Cost of a visa, if necessary

Trip Information

Where do we meet on the first day of the Tuscany bike trip?
Your guides will meet you on the first day of the trip at the Chuisi train station at 1:00 PM.
Coming from the Rome Termini train station, you take the Sunday 11:05 AM train, which stops at the Chiusi train station at 12:53 PM. If your train is over 1 hour late, call your guides and take a taxi available at station for the 20-minute ride for approximately 50€.
Coming from Florence Santa Maria Novella train station, you take the Sunday 11:13 AM train which stops at the Chiusi train station at 12:59 PM. If your train is over 1 hour late, call your guides and take a taxi available at station for the 20-minute ride for approximately 50€.

Where does the Tuscany bike trip finish?
Your guides will deliver you to Florence's central Santa Maria Novella train station, arriving approximately 12:30 PM, in time for an afternoon in the city, or an afternoon departure to any other destination of your choice.

What is not included on your Tuscany bicycle trip?
Airfare to and from the trip; lodging before and after the trip; gratuities for guides; and incidentals along the way.

What travel documents will I need for my Italy bike trip?
All travelers to Italy are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport, visa, and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart.

What is the weather going to be like in Tuscany?
May, June, September and October in Tuscany usually brings clear, warm, and pleasant days with fresh evenings. Hotter, drier weather with temperatures in the 70's and 80's can be expected in July and August. Rain is rare in Tuscany but always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear.

What is the average daily mileage in Tuscany?
The average daily mileage is about 20-35 miles (35-60km). There will be daily options for riding additional, or fewer miles. Tuscany can be challenging.

How should I get ready?
The best way to prepare for your Tuscany bicycle trip is to ride and to practice some hills. If you cannot ride regularly or are limited in the amount of riding you can do, it is still important that you engage in another cardiovascular activity and imagine the beauty of Tuscany on a bike. As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills — the kind of terrain that you will find on your Tuscany bicycle tour. We have options to ride every day, and of course van support.