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Trip
to Tuscany Tour
Tour duration: 9 Days
Tour Category : Tuscany Tour
Day 1: A Tuscan Welcome
We will greet you in Florence airport in the morning of May 22nd and transport
you to our first hotel Castello di Spaltenna near Gaiole in the heart
of Chianti.
Here everyone will be fitted with bicycles to head out for a short afternoon
roll before dinner. On our first warm up ride, the introduction to Chianti
will be a private tour of Badia Colitbuono. Once a prosperous abbey, Coltibuono
still stands majestic and is now well known for its wines and olive oils.
Here we will have our first chance to taste these specialties of this
beautiful region.
A downhill roll to Gaiole will get us back to our resting place for the
evening. Let us raise a glass of Chianti and toast our first dinner together
prepared by the capable chefs of Castello di Spaltenna.
Hotel: Castello di Spaltenna
 Day 2: A day in Chianti Classico
Great cycling on winding roads through forested hills and valleys, sun
drenched exposed vineyards, and quaint villages. Our loop will take us
through the southernmost village of Chianti at Castelnuovo Berardenga,
a worthwhile stop. From a nearby ridge, enjoy some spectacular views of
the famous Chianti Classico vineyards. Before lunch, take a walk on the
Castello Brolio estate and marvel at its prominence and history which
spans almost a millennium. The Castle has belonged to the Ricasoli family
since the 11 C. Just down the hill we will savor some Tuscan specialties
prepared by chef Seamus de Pentheny O'Kelly at the "Osteria di Castello".
Ride back to Spaltenna, for a chance to swim in the pool, opt for more
cycling, or just kick back, relax and take in the view over the pretty
valley. A short walk or van ride into Gaiole for the evening will likely
bring us to the "Sfizio di Bianchi" a relaxed little restaurant in town
serving excellent food with exuberance.
Hotel: Castello di Spaltenna
Day 3: Chianti to San Gimignano
Cycling from Gaiole to Montaione will roll us through some beautiful little
towns. Take a moment to visit Ceramiche Rampini, well known for their
distinctive Tuscan ceramics. Radda in Chianti a medieval village along
our route has pretty views, enoteca wine bars, and an interesting 15 C
town hall. Traversing rolling hills will lead us to Castellina in Chianti
where we can explore some 6C Etruscan tombs, stroll down interesting streets
and have a bite to eat. Enjoy a great, extended descent to Poggibonsi
taking in the spectacular expansive views of the valley of the Elsa. Our
first glimpse of the famous 12 C tower houses in San Gimignano on the
horizon is worth the trip. Have a well-deserved break in San Gimignano,
tour the village, but save some of your curiosity for tomorrows visit.
The keen people will love the extra distance riding on to Montaione. The
extra challenge may not be for all, and hitching a ride to Montaione may
feel just right for some. Dinner awaits at Palazzo Mannaione
Hotel: Palazzo Mannaione
 Day 4: San Vivaldo,
Voterra and San Gimignano
From our "Palazzo" we will head out via San Vivaldo to Volterra. Some
by our good old van support on the tougher ascents today can reduce a
somewhat challenging course. San Vivaldo is home to a 15 C Franciscan
Monastery. In the surroundings of this centerpiece the Franciscans built
33 miniature chapels of which 17 still stand today. It's an uphill test
to Volterra but worth the climb to see the interesting crags well known
to this locales landscape. Volterra dates back to the Etruscan period
and is the ideal spot for lunch after browsing the streets and viewing
some alabaster creations in local craftsman's boutiques. It's all downhill
from here to San G., well not quite, but we will have a good head start
from Vulture's altitude once we continue to make our way to San Indignant.
In San Gimignano, absorb the history and unique architecture on a private
guided tour. After a full day, how about relaxed dinner in this "town
of fair towers". Transfer to Montaione.
Hotel: Palazzo Mannaione
Day 5: Palio politics, only
in Siena
Once again, a great cycling day through some beautiful forested hills,
valleys and villages. Colle Val d'Elsa will be a nice, first stop south
of San Gimignano enroute. Interesting mansions "palazzi" line Via del
Castello culminating at the Castello itself. Tiny roads through remote
hills will bring you among the greenery to a great picnic lunch to recharge
the energy. Siena's burnt, yellowish brown facades and the prominent Duomo,
will come in to view as the you crest the top of the last rolling hills.
Once we have checked in to the hotel and enjoyed some relaxation, we will
have a guided tour of this wonderful city rich in history, interesting
politics and traditions of the "Palio delle Contrade" horse race each
year. The expansive, unique Piazza Del Campo is one of the most impressive
town squares in the world. Dinner on your own in Siena.
Hotel: Park Hotel Siena
 Day 6: More Cycling?
Shopping?…… Definitely Dievole!!!!
Another loop cycling tour? How about a nice ride to the west of Siena
and back! Enjoy a morning stroll in Siena? Shopping? Geez, what about
Golf? You can tee off right from the Park Hotel. The definitive highlight
of our day will be short side trip out to Dievole in Vagliagli. An amazing
property in Chianti, Dievole will treat us to a wonderful visit consisting
of a guided tour, wine tasting and cheeses to complement the wine.
We will all sit down to the meal prepared and enjoy our evening at this
you might call Tuscan paradise. Mmmm.! In Dievole's words "Villa Dievole,
volersi bene". Devote yourself!
Hotel: Park Hotel Siena
 Day
7: Postcard Landscapes of the South
The landscape changes once more as we ride up and down the "crete" hills
south of Siena. Ascending and descending this beautiful farmland brings
us to Monte di Oliveto Maggiore. The Benedictine Monks founded the "Abbazia"
in 1313. Incredible naturally lit frescos painted by Luca Signorelli and
Sodoma from 1498 to 1508; majestically fill the walls of the inner cloisters.
After our visit we will sit down rest our bodies and recharge with southern
Tuscan specialties at Ristorante "La Torre" on site. We will have to get
up from this relaxation to enjoy some of the most scenic cycling so far.
The winding roads will lead us to our southerly paradise; Casabianca.
Two nights at Casabianca will not be enough at this idyllic, rural, retreat.
Hotel: Casabianca, group dinner.
Day 8:
Montepuliciano, Pienza
On our loop tour today will pass Montepuliciano, sitting atop a hill separating
two valleys, a typical town of the Renaissance period. Visit the Piazza
grande if you're up to the hill climb. No worries if your not. Our van
will help you get there.
Roll by the Chiesa della Madonna di San Biagio, a magnificent church built
of a pale, wonderfully golden stone with its proud situation above the
"nobile" Montepuliciano vineyards in the valley.
Descend famous postcard switchbacks at Monticchiello.
In Pienza, lover's lanes are curiously named. Taste pecorino, the local
cheese specialty, prepared from ewe's milk, in many interesting styles.
If your taste buds approve, you will wonder how to ship a round of it
home.
Early evening, we will take a drive to the village of Montefollonico for
a private wine tasting of the fruits of Montepuliciano at Innocenti's
Enoteca.
A short walk down the hill is the idyllic “La Chiusa”
for our final group dinner. Umberto and Dania will greet us at their wonderful
retreat. Believe us… its all good.
As the sun descends closer to the horizon and the landscape is lit with
changing illumination, you will wish a paintbrush were your tool of passion.
Dinner on your own.
Hotel: Casabianca
Day 9: Departures
I don't know how anyone would want to leave!
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