Tuscany & The Island of Elba
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Photo Gallery: Tuscany and the Island of Elba
Tuscany & The Island of Elba
Unforgettable Hilltowns, Inviting Vineyards and a Mediterranean Paradise
Highlights
- Stay in exclusive four-star hotels and a family-run countryside Inn
- Learn more about Tuscan cuisine, wines and olive oil
- Memorable ride along the historic Sette Ponti Road and Chianti area
- Explore the medieval Siena and San Gimignano and the Etruscan Volterra with local guides
- Immerse yourself in the Tuscan life
Description
From the Renaissance city of Florence to the pristine beaches of Elba, Tuscany’s cultural wealth and natural beauty are incredibly rich and varied. We begin just outside of Florence, and cycle along Via Chiantigiana (literally, Chianti Street), a classic and rustic route that passes through the heart of the Chianti wine region. The landscape is like a Renaissance painting that comes alive with wildflowers in the spring or crushed grapes in the fall. Our excursion continues to Siena, where a medieval air lingers amidst the twisting streets of warm, brown brick. Strolling Siena’s narrow maze of cobblestone walkways is an amazing architectural journey – incredible masonry, delightful piazzas, a marble cathedral, and Torre del Mangia, Siena’s famous tower, with a view that will make your head spin!
From Siena we’ll travel through dramatic landscapes to Volterra, known for its charm, panoramic setting, and Etruscan origins. Our tour climaxes on the enchanting island of Elba. One of the most beautiful islands in Italy, Elba has been recognized for centuries for its diverse landscape and abundant mineral resources. Modern travelers are lured to this relaxing island refuge for its solitary beaches, warm crystal waters, mountain vistas, and quiet villages. We’ll park our bikes, dive into the warm blue waters, and discover why Napoleon chose this humble paradise for his exile.
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Price
Apr - May: $4,595
Jun - Oct: $4,695 -
Single Supplement
$800
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Ability Level
Intermediate
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Terrain
Rolling, some climbs
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Distance
238 miles Daily average: 30 miles
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Departing
Portoferraio
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Arriving
San Donato
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Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- June 1, 2012
- June 30, 2012
- September 14, 2012
- October 5, 2012
Day 1–2: San Donato and Loro Ciuffenna
Day 1: Shuttle to a hotel built by friars in the 1400s and take a short warm-up ride to Reggello, where you'll find great pastry and ice cream shops. Take your time today to get used to your bicycle and the gentle rhythm of the Tuscan landscape. If you prefer a good work out, you can also climb to Vallombrosa.
Day 2: Ride the panoramic Sette Ponti (Roman Road of Seven Bridges) and zigzag through medieval villages. The road dates back to the Etruscan period. This area was also an important religious center in the 13th c. The dozens of pieve (parish churches) here attest to its religious past.
Day 3–4: Siena and Monteriggioni
Day 3: Pass through the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region, with panoramic views of vast vineyards and dense forests. We'll stop in villages along the way, for cappuccino and gelato. The ancient stone farmhouses which dot this landscape add to its rustic beauty.
Day 4 : There will be a rest day in Siena; you can choose to cycle to the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni, take a tour, or enjoy a casual stroll through the town to see its many architectural gems.
Day 5–6: Volterra and San Gimignano
Day 5: Today we'll ride through the vast and open landscape of the Volterrana, passing horse farms and quiet pastures. The variety of natural beauty on this route will take your breath away. Following a picnic, head up to the Etruscan Volterra. You'll be rewarded with outstanding views of the entire region.
Day 6: Discover Volterra’s amphitheater and Etruscan museum, or ride to San Gimignano to see the 15 medieval towers that make it the “Manhattan of Tuscany.” You may enjoy strolling through the streets, shopping, or climbing the Rocca, a ruined fortress which dates back to the mid-14th century.
Day 7–8: Elba Island
Day 7: Embark on a 5-mile descent from Volterra, where you'll want to take plenty pictures of the cascading hills. Once we reach La Maremma, we'll take a one-hour ferry ride to Elba, our island paradise, where mountains rise out of the sea and olive groves and cacti nestle into white-sand beaches. During our stay at a charming four-star villa, you may choose to cycle an unspoiled coastal road along craggy red cliffs, rich in iron.
Day 8: Today you can relax at the hotel enjoying the sea and the private beach or take a ride which is about 30 miles long and fairly challenging but spectacular. You will be seeing two different faces of Elba – one linked to the island’s maritime tourism and the other reflecting its long history of mining, especially of iron.
Day 9: Arrivederci!
After breakfast, we'll provide a group shuttle to the port, so that you can catch a ferry back to the mainland. If you would like to explore Italy further, we are happy to assist you with your plans!
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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David B. from El Cerrito, CA had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
Both guides worked tirelessly to make sure everything was good. They were working to give us the true flavor of Italy. -
Martha F. from Bangor, ME had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
The biking was wonderful--great routes. -
Martha F. from Bangor, ME had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
This was a terrific trip. What made the trip special was the superb guides. I have not seen better guides anywhere else! -
Eric M. from Cambridge, MA had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
On the Bike: Better than my road bike at home. -
Candy L. from NY, NY had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
I can't believe how hard the guides worked to make all of us have an excellent experience. -
Robert K., Cambridge, MA had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
With Italian lessons, wine tastings, city tours, and many wonderful meals, every day had a lot more to it than just cycling. -
James S., New York, NY had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
Great roads, terrific scenery, and a good chance to interact with the group and locals. -
Candy L. from NY, NY had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
An amazing experience--not at all "cookie cutter." -
Lisa B., Rutland, MA had this to say about Tuscany & Elba:
An enjoyable adventure and a challenge to share with others.
