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Great Explorations

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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
April 25-May 1
May 2-8
May 11-17
May 16-22
July 3-9
September 7-13
September 16-22
September 26-Oct 2

Custom and self-guided trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.

2009
April 24-30
May 1-7
May 10-16
May 15-21
July 2-8
September 4-10
September 15-21
September 25-Oct 1

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Siena / Chiusi

Accommodations:

Palazzo Squarcialupi, Castellina in Chianti

Villa Cennina, Sovicille

Hotel La Pace, Asciano

Hotel San Gregorio, Pienza

Activity Level:

Moderate/Challenging
20-40+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

1 day gently rolling, 3 days are moderately rolling, 2 days are hilly

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2250
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
US $140

Tuscany, Biking

"...Birthplace of the Renaissance, land of Dante's poetry, and Chianti wine, Muse to Michelangelo..."

Tuscany is deservedly world-renowned for having the many elements that make for an enriching travel experience. Traveling by bicycle allows us to enjoy the subtler aspects of this region, off of the ‘touristed’ main routes into the heart that is Italy.

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• A ride you will never forget: Asciano to Pienza with a picnic along the way at a secret location where the view is breathtaking.
• A meal you will never forget: lunch at Tre Porte in the picture perfect village of Montichielo.
• Our guest chef will teach you how to make hand-made pici in an Italian kitchen.
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
• Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

 

Itinerary

Getting there :
Siena: Most participants will arrive via Rome or Florence the evening before our ‘trip rendezvous’.

DAYS 1+2:
Castellina in Chianti - Meet in Siena and cycle north through fields and vineyards. After lunch in a tiny village, we’ll visit Radda on our way to Castellina. Exclusive wine tastings at a wine enoteca and dinner at a local trattoria. On our 2nd day enjoy a scenic ride with a visit to the Castle of Meleto, which has marked the history of one of the most important families of the Chianti area. For those who would like a more challenging ride, San Gimignano's medieval towers beckon from distant hills. The village, surrounded by stone walls boasts some of the best-preserved monuments in the region. If you are not up to riding back (up) to Castellina, our van will gladly provide a lift. Our hotel in Castellina is a charming 3-star hotel, close to cafes and restaurants.

DAY 3:
Sovicille - Our route takes us to Monterrigioni; with its perfectly preserved walls and cobbled streets you will find the charm immediate. Our hotel is located in the country-side with a pool and surrounded by an extensive park. For those interested in cooking lessons prior to dinner, the chef here will gladly demonstrate.

DAY 4:
Asciano - Our day starts with a gentle descent and then rolling hills west towards Monteroni d'Arbia for lunch. Along the way, you may have the chance to visit an eccentric artist who often invites us to his home- a castle filled with museum-class art. The day finishes with a ride (or shuttle) to the extrordinary Monastery Monteoliveto Maggiore, where a local guide describes frescoes here, painted by Signorelli and Sodoma in the 16th century.

DAYS 5+6:
Pienza - We save the most spectacular riding for last as we visit the tiny villages of Petroio and Castelmuzio on our way to Pienza, full of Renaissance monuments; our hotel here is quietly situated 150 meters from the central plaza and has large comfortable rooms and a casualness that you will enjoy. On our final day of riding, we’ll ride to Montepulciano and Monticchiello riding through a ‘photographers’s paradise’. We’ll complement our final evening meal with bottles of the local wines and toast our time together in Tuscany. Viva dolce!

DAY 7 : Transfer to Chiusi for trains onward.