Italy Itinerary

DAY ONE: ARRIVAL DAY

Guests have the option of meeting us in Siena at our hotel, Il Chiostro del Carmine, or of being met by us at 1 pm at the Florence train station and be taken by private coach to Siena. Details will be included in the confirmation materials.

Around 3:30-4:00 pm, we will take a walking tour of Siena led by a local professional guide. The tour will end in time for everyone to be fitted to their bikes, and to then enjoy a great dinner at a local restaurant.

First night is at Il Chiostro del Carmine. Dinner is at an excellent local restaurant.

DAY TWO:

After breakfast, we will have a meeting to discuss the details of the tour, safe cycling, and other issues, and be given our tour maps and directions. You will then be transported outside of the city to a quiet location on the road to Ville di Corsano where your cycling begins. Lunch (included) is at a beautiful villa overlooking the ancient village of Murlo.

We have designated two good places to end the day's ride. The first is in Buonconvento. Here you can enjoy a stroll on Via Roma and visit a café before taking the van shuttle up to Montalcino. You can also cycle a bit further (but avoid the final climb into Montalcino)... and we will shuttle you the last few kilometers. You also have the option to cycle up to Montalcino. Dinner is at Re di Macchia, an excellent restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, including their renowned Florentine steak.

Night two is at the Hotel Dei Capitani.

DAY THREE:

Today we ride through some of Montalcino's finest vineyards, home to the famous Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino, and we visit the spectacular Castello Banfi. We then ride (or take a short shuttle) up to San Angelo in Colle where we can select from three fine trattorias for lunch. After lunch we ride down to the lovely Abbey at Sant'Antimo in Castelnuovo dell'Abate...and with luck we will arrive in time to listen to the monks chanting inside this picture perfect Romanesque church. We then enjoy a tour and wine tasting at the famous Villa Barbi vineyard before cycling (or riding!) back to Montalcino, You are on your own for dinner this evening and we will give you a variety of superb suggestions as to where to dine.

Night three is at the Hotel Dei Capitani.

DAY FOUR:

Today we ride through Torrenieri and then continue with easy cycling along the River Asso to the beautiful medieval villages of Montisi and Castlemuzio where we have lunch. We then ride to the lovely medieval monastery at Sant'Anna in Camprena (made famous by the movie "The English Patient"). From Sant'Anna we ride into the waled Renaissance "city" of Pienza. In the evening we enjoy dinner and local wine at a delightful local trattoria (Buca delle Fatte).

Night four is at Hotel Relais Il Chiostro de Pienza.

DAY FIVE:

Today's ride takes us from Pienza to the beautiful walled hill town of Montepulciano. Here we wind our way through narrow cobbled streets and past magnificient palaces to Piazza Grande with its 13th century tower. Perhaps stop here for a liesurely lunch with a glass of the world famous Vino Nobile, and visit the many boutiques and shops. We leave Montepulciano, passing the picturesque Temple of San Biagio, and then cycle to the charming and unpretentious village of Montichiello where a short stroll will reward you with great views over the country side, a visit to an exquisite small 13th century church, and a pleasant sense of small Italian life. Another highlight of the day is our ride to Bagno Vignoni. This magnificent small resort town is known for its curative hot springs and for the huge ancient pool in the central square wich is surrounded by picturesque medieval buildings (most of which were built by the Medicis). Dinner this evening is on your own in Pienza. We will give you a variety of superb suggestions as to where to dine.

Night five is at Hotel Relais Il Chiostro de Pienza.

DAY SIX:

Today we ride on a long gentle downhill, passing huge pinola trees that arch over the road, followed by some modest climbs through beautiful Tuscan countryside to San Casciano dei Bagni. The town is small and attractive and the area is known for its local olives, cheeses, and wines. However the fame of the town rests on the numerous nearby thermal spas and we take full advantage of this opportunity by staying out last night as guests at the luxurious Five Star Fonteverde Hotel, a spectacular property beautifully situated around a Medici villa and anciet thermal baths. Dinner is at Fonteverde.

Night six is at Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort.

DAY SEVEN:

Departure day. In the morning we will transport you to the train station in Chiusi. Trains to Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan stop here several times each day. Our leaders will also assist you in making all your train reservations for your departure.

Daily Mileages

Terrain

What's Included

Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance