ItalyTourTravel

The Classic Tuscan Experience

"To be in Tuscany is heaven...somewhere north of Rome, on a stretch where town and country, sunlight and seascape, exist in spectacular harmony, one will be struck by the near certainty that here lies the most perfect spot on Earth. Art, architecture, literature, history, have done much to embellish what was already quite flawless," raved Condé Nast Traveler. We embellished a bit more, with exclusive wine tastings, exquisite cuisine, lodgings of timeless elegance and routes amid a quintessential Tuscan landscape of vineyards, hill towns and cypress-lined country lanes. With our intimate knowledge of the region, it all adds up to the ultimate biking trip

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2 Montaione Meet in Florence
• From Montaione, pedal to San Vivaldo, home to a 14th-century Franciscan convent
• Bike to San Miniato and Palaia, hill towns renowned for their historic monuments and
  fortresses
• Visit San Gimignano at night and experience the true charm of the città delle belle
   torri (city of the beautiful towers).

Days 3-4 Gaiole
in Chianti Explore Castellina in Chianti, with its labyrinth of medieval streets
• In the heart of Chianti, sample the region's finest vintages with a local wine expert
• Admire the local crafts at Ceramiche Rampini
• At the renowned Badia a Coltibuono estate, discover why their olive oils and wines are world-class.

Days 5-6 San Rocco
a Pilli Take in the stunning landscape of the biancane, southern Tuscany's distinctive chalk-white hills
• Enter a classic Tuscan tableau of cypress-lined lanes on a ride to the church of San
   Galgano.

Days 7-9 Castelnuovo dell'Abate
Bike down tranquil roads to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, undeniably the
region's most notable monastery
• Roam the narrow streets of Montepulciano, Italy's highest hill town and discover a
   treasure trove of Renaissance art
• Visit the lovely town of Pienza, known for its delectable pecorino cheese.

9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS
INN TRIP

2003 DATES
8/31-9/8, 9/14-22

TRIP PRICE
$3,898
(all meals except 6 lunches, 1 dinner)

SINGLE ROOM CHARGE
$900

BIKE RENTAL
$150

MEET/DEPART
Florence, Italy / Florence, Italy

Exclusive Hamlets and Country Elegance

Palazzo Mannaioni
(right) Montaione (2 nights) An exquisite four-star resort built between the 16th and 19th centuries with lovely gardens and an inviting pool.