Tuscany & The Island of Elba
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Tuscany and the Island of Elba
Upcoming Dates
- April 24, 2009
- May 8, 2009
- May 29, 2009
- June 25, 2009
- September 4, 2009
- September 18, 2009
Accommodations
Premier
Ability Level
Intermediate
Terrain
Rolling, some climbs
Distance
240 miles Daily average: 30 miles
Arriving
San Donato
Departing
Portoferraio
Price
- 4,495 - 04/24/09, 05/08/09, 05/29/09, 06/25/09
- $4,695 - 9/4/09, 9/18/09
Single Supplement
$800
Bike Rental
Included!
Unforgettable Hilltowns, Inviting Vineyards and a Mediterranean Paradise
Highlights
- Stays at exclusive four-star hotels and family-run B&Bs
- Authentic Tuscan cooking demonstrations
- Memorable ride along the historic Sette Ponti road
- Stops at a Tuscan olive press
- Visits to Siena, Volterra and Medieval San Gimignano
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 – San Donato
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 – Loro Ciuffenna
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. Gorgeous vineyards, olive groves, and mushroom-rich forests which surround you on this ride mark the region as an agricultural hub.
Day 3—4 – Siena
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 will be a rest day in Siena; you can choose to cycle, take tours, or enjoy a casual stroll through the town to see its many architectural gems.
Day 5 – Volterra
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 the steep climb to Etruscan Volterra... you'll be rewarded with outstanding views of the entire region.
Day 6 – San Gimignano
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 c.
Day 7—8 – Elba
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 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!