Tuscan Fantasy
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Tuscan Fantasy
Upcoming Dates
- June 27, 2009
- July 11, 2009
- July 25, 2009
- August 8, 2009
Accommodations
Premier
Ability Level
Athletic beginner
Terrain
Rolling
Distance
Total Mileage: 131 Daily Average: 18
Arriving
Florence
Departing
Florence
Price
- 3,895 adult
- children aged 8 - 16: less 15%
- aged 4 - 7: less 25%
- up to 3 years: $700
Single Supplement
$800
Bike Rental
Included!
Idyllic Villa-Based Learning Adventure for Families and Friends
Highlights
- Varied program designed for active people of all ages—including children and beginners
- Renovated Tuscan farmhouse with swimming pool, tennis courts and horseback riding
- Overnights in charming apartments with kitchen, bath and living room
- Cooking lesson with an expert Tuscan chef
- Visits to the Renaissance Gems of Siena and Arezzo
- Children's activities and cross cultural exchanges
- Lectures on Tuscan history and art
The fascinating history, warm sun, breathtaking beauty and sumptuous cuisine of Tuscany converge in this enriching vacation for friends and family of all cycling levels. You’ll stay in a 15th-c. farmhouse, view medieval castles and enjoy a host of special activities to ensure your Italian adventure is a memorable one!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome & Warm-up in San Donato
After a warm-up spin, relax by the pool on the grounds of your private apartment. Take it easy today... give yourself some time to get used to your bicycle and the gentle rhythm of the Tuscan landscape.
Day 2 – Loro Ciuffena
Loop along the panoramic Sette Ponti (Roman Road of Seven Bridges) to Loro Ciuffenna, where you'll enjoy a cooking lesson and hearty Tuscan lunch. After passing through Regello, we'll follow an ancient Etruscan road through the region. The rich history of this area has left behind beautiful architectural sights to view, as you wind through vineyards and olive groves. Once we get back to the hotel, you'll have plenty of time to take a dip in the pool and relax before dinner!
Day 3 – San Donato
Choose a countryside hike or a variety of child-friendly options, including tennis, horseback riding and a hike to visit an olive press. For parents, there's also an early morning "coffee ride" into Reggello, to relax and enjoy a real Italian espresso or cappuccino. An evening cooking lesson teaches how to make pizza, kid- and parent-friendly fare!
Day 4 – Figline & Greve
Cruise downhill to medieval Figline where we'll take a stroll through the market and buy some fresh produce for our afternoon picnic. We'll visit the Museo della Civilta Contadina, followed by an optional loop or relaxation by the pool.
Day 5 – Siena
Shuttle to Siena, Tuscany’s medieval jewel, whose architectural treasures we’ll explore on a walking tour. In the afternoon, you can choose your own activity; perhaps you'll climb the Torre del Mangia (the focal point of Siena's main piazza) or visit the Pinacoteca Museum (a collection of medieval paintings).
Day 6 – Vallombrosa
Cycle through a dense forest to the Vallombrosa abbey, one of history’s grandest medieval Benedictine abbeys. You have the choice of two loops; the more challenging route takes you up Monte Secchieta, the highest point in the area at 4,550 ft!
Day 7 – Arezzo
Cycle to Arezzo, home of one of Europe’s biggest jewelry industries and the setting of “Life is Beautiful” by Roberto Benigni. Here, we'll have a walking tour of Arezzo's many artistic treasures.
Day 8 – Arrivederci!
We will provide a group shuttle to Florence for travel connections. Want to visit other areas of Italy, or beyond? We're happy to assist you with travel plans!