Assaggio Toscana
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Assaggio Toscana
Trip Leaders
Upcoming Dates
- July 12, 2009
- August 2, 2009
- August 30, 2009
- September 13, 2009
- September 20, 2009
- September 27, 2009 Sold Out
- October 11, 2009
Accommodations
Premier
Ability Level
Athletic beginner
Terrain
Rolling, some flatland, heavenly
Distance
Total Mileage: 150 Daily Average: 35
Arriving
San Donato
Departing
Cortona
Price
- $3,195-April/May09
- $3,295-June/July09
- $3,395-Aug thru Oct09
Single Supplement
$700
Bike Rental
Included!
A taste of the best of Tuscany (and a slice of Umbria)
Highlights
- Tour of an olive oil press
- Walking tour of Cortona
- Authentic Tuscan cooking demonstration
- Accommodations in classic Tuscan inns and farmhouses
- Samplings of Tuscany’s famous vintages
- Visit the land of the Etruscans, and spin along the ancient Sette Ponti Road
Our six-day Assaggio tour of Tuscany is a delicious, entry-level sampling of the world’s most beloved region! Begin pedaling in the upper Val d’Arno, a series of terraced foothills that hug the river Arno. These graceful hills are a curious blend of microclimates and a fertile ground for vineyards, olive groves, and nut trees. Stream and rivers cut into the hillsides to form delightful, twisting roads. We’re cooled by breezes in stone villages and warmed by the famous Tuscan sun. We conclude our tour in the storybook medieval village of Cortona brought to life in the recent motion picture “Under the Tuscan Sun” starring Diane Lane.
Itinerary
Day 1 – San Donato
Admire the stunning panorama and warm sunlight of Tuscany as you zigzag through the olive groves and past the stone villas that line the beautiful Sette Ponte (Roman Road of Seven Bridges). You’ll be rewarded with a sample of homemade gelato in Regello.
Day 2 – Loro Ciuffenna
Winding through the sun-drenched Pratomagno range, pass through tiny towns on a picturesque road lined with fig trees, vegetable gardens and vineyards. We'll then stop to visit an olive oil press.
Day 3 – Arezzo
Zip through olive groves on your way to the Renaissance gem Arezzo, home of the works of Piero della Francesca and heartwarming backdrop for the Oscar-winning film “La Vita e Bella” (Life Is Beautiful).
Day 4 – Cortona
The flatlands of La Val Di Chiana ease our velo voyage to Cortona, an exquisite hilltown filled with Etruscan treasures. A late-afternoon walking tour of this architectural gem leads to Roman arches, Etruscan tombs and Renaissance palaces.
Day 5 – Umbria
Cross the border to the Green Heart of Italy—Umbria—and the blue waters of Lago Trasimeno, where Romans and elephants once roamed. This is a favorite route for local cyclists, so make sure to say "SALVE" (greetings)!
Day 6 – Arrivederci!
Enjoy one final stroll around this medieval wonder before you wish a final arrivederci. We'll provide a shuttle to Cortona's train station after breakfast. Why not extend your journey with a few extra days to see Florence's Renaissance treasures? We are happy to assist you with all your travel plans.