ItalyTourTravel

A Tuscan Sampler South of Siena

Renaissance painters celebrated southern Tuscany with masterpieces capturing the region's rolling vineyards, golden wheat fields and distinctive, chalky white hills. Today, we pedal through this same landscape, where ancient hill towns punctuate the horizon and stately cypress trees line country roads. While Tuscany's hills are a part of the tableau, we've kept the mileages short and offer plenty of van support so you may linger in ceramics shops and wine cellars before enjoying the spectacular regional cuisine. Think porcini mushrooms, intensely flavored olive oils, white truffles and vintages from Italy's most celebrated wine region. Enhancing our journey: a trio of the region's most delightful inns, all masterpieces in their own right.

Days 1-2 Petrignano del Lago
Meet in Florence
• Arrive in the peaceful countryside of the Val d'Chiana, blanketed with vineyards and
  farmland and renowned for its ceramics and Chianina beef
• Pedal along vineyards and through charming villages, soaking up the tranquility of this
  timeless landscape
• Ride to Cortona, a culturally rich and historic city brimming with artistic and
  architectural treasures.

Days 3-4 Montefollonico
Pedal to Montepulciano, Tuscany's highest hilltop town
• Here enjoy a glass of robust Vino Nobile and sample antipasti in one of many trattorie • Roam the city's narrow streets and medieval town center
• Cypress-lined roads lead us to the famous honey-colored church of San Biagio
• Visit Pienza, famed for its stunning Renaissance architecture and delectable pecorino
  cheese
• In Montefollonico, explore the complexities of Tuscany’s wines at an exclusive tasting
  at Enoteca Innocenti.

Days 5-6 Castelnuovo dell'Abate
Pedal down tranquil roads to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, undeniably the region’s most notable monastery
• Bike from the Val di Chiana to the Val d'Orcia, following a route lined with oak, pine
  and cypress trees
• In Montalcino, savor Tuscany's most prized red wine, Brunello di Montalcino
• A final spin through quintessential Tuscan countryside offers the chance to visit
  Montalcino again for some last-minute shopping.

6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS
INN TRIP

2003 DATES
9/7-12, 9/14-19, 10/12-17, 10/19-24

TRIP PRICE
$2,998
(all meals except 3 lunches, and 1 dinner; sgl. supp. $600, call for availability)

SINGLE ROOM CHARGE
$600

BIKE RENTAL
$150

MEET/DEPART
Florence, Italy / Florence, Italy

Medieval Masterpieces Filled with Charm

Relais Alla Corte Del Sole
Petrignano del Lago (2 nights) As its name - of the sun's court- suggests, this beautiful 16th century villa boasts panoramic views from its hillside perch.

La Chiusa,
Montefollonico (2 nights) An old stone farmhouse converted to a delightful family-run inn with an acclaimed restaurant featuring fresh homemade cuisine.

Castello Di Velona,
Castelnuovo dell' Abate (1 night) Set on a hill overlooking the Orcia River valley, this luxurious boutique hotel blends sumptuous modern comforts with old-world style and traditions, including hand-painted murals, wood-beamed ceilings and uniquely appointed rooms.

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