CALL 1-866-563-4248 ITALY - Chianti - Premium Inns Biking Tour RESERVATION FORM

PREMIUM INNS
TRIP DETAILS

2008
Dates & Prices

Premium Trip Hotels

Premium Trip Meals
All breakfasts,
2 lunches and
all dinners but one

What's Included

Other Trip Versions
Self-Guided Trips
Classic Inns

Start - Finish
Florence (Firenze)
ITALY

Trip Activity Level
Moderately easy to
Moderately challenging

Rated Ideal for Everyone !

NEED MORE INFO ?
Speak to a
Club Toscana
Senior Trip Leader


Premium Biking among Tuscany's Wine Estates, Villas and Hilltop Villages

Open a bottle of Chianti Classico Reserva and sit back and enjoy the Tuscan way of life. A life where time is taken out to enjoy the simple pleasures of its inspiring wines and delightful local cuisine. With vineyards and olive groves cascading down slopes crowned with Renaissance villas and Medieval hilltop villages, the Chianti will enchant you with an irresistible lure. Ride quiet countryside roads leading past stone farm houses framed in a rainbow of flowers that overlook a landscape admired for its bounty and put on canvas by artists since the middle ages. Cycle its undulating hills and enjoy its seasonal pleasures, from the fresh scents of spring flowers to its summer's golden hues and the essence of its fall grape harvest. Dine on its wholesome culinary masterpieces and celebrate the Tuscan culture with a glass of your favorite vintage.

Day 1 - The Val di Greve to Radda - Transfer to the Val di Greve with its Florentine wine estates and Renaissance hilltop castles.Ride a panoramic ridge overlooking a quintessential Tuscan landscape of vineyards, olive groves and stone farm houses.Lunch at a favorite trattoria in Panzano before an afternoon ride to Radda in Chianti. a wine village with some of the Chianti's best views from its Medieval walls.

Day 2 - Brolio & Coltibuono - Roam through the heart of Chianti's quiet and picturesque landscapes to Castello di Brolio, a spectacular castle with striking views all the way to the towers of distant Siena. Tour its grounds and Italianate gardens.Take a dramatic route overlooking vineyards, hilltop villages and tree bordered villas to the 8th-century abbey at Badia a Coltibuono. Tour its ancient wine cellars and flourishing Renaissance gardens. Learn about the Badia's history, its award-winning Chianti Classico wines, its aromatic honeys and some of the area's best olive oils.Take a diversion to a family owned ceramics workshop.Relax at a sidewalk cafe with a glass of the your favorite vintage.

Day 3 - Castellina & San Gimignano - Ride along quiet scenic ridges overlooking neatly rowed vineyards, silvery green olive groves and lush chestnut forests to the wine village of Castellina in Chianti.Cycle along a route regarded as one of the trip's most memorable, as you travel through undiscovered wine villages and silent hamlets to a landscape reminiscent as the backdrop of countless Renaissance paintings.Arrive overlooking the fascinating 13th-century towers of charming San Gimignano. Wander its Medieval streets, visit an "enoteca" wine shop, try Italy's best "gelato" and relax in one of Tuscany's most unique hilltop villages.

Day 4 - Volterra - Follow a panoramic route through a golden patchwork of open pastures and ripening grain fields to the alabaster workshops and the Etruscan Roman ruins at Volterra, one of Italy's oldest cities.Discover the origins of Volterra and its centuries-old tradition of artistic expression through its work on alabaster. Visit its pre-Roman Etruscan walls and town gates, its Roman amphitheater and baths and its untouched Medieval streets, palaces and churches. Picnic in its archeological park or lunch in its central piazza, regarded as one of the most preserved Medieval squares in Italy.

Day 5 - Medieval Siena - Casually cycle into the colorful Sienese countryside past Colle di Val d'Elsa, known for centuries for its fine crystal.Pass by quiet countryside villages, noble castles and a near-forgotten abbey to arrive in the hilltop hamlet of Monteriggioni. Once a Sienese fort used to defend Siena against its archenemies, the Florentines, Monteriggioni seems like a large crown sitting on a distance hill.Enter Siena along a panoramic route with views of its marble clad Duomo and bell tower, and the Torre di Mangia, one of Italy's tallest Medieval towers, located in the distance.Take a casual tour through Siena's fascinating Medieval streets to visit the neighborhood of St. Catherine of Siena and the magnificent Duomo with its ornate facade and immaculately decorated interior. Dine on Sienese specialties in the Piazza del Campo, considered Italy's most beautiful piazza, and home to the Palio, an ancient Sienese horse race re-enacted twice a year.

Day 6 - Florence - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to the peaceful landscapes of the Chianti and take a private transfer to your post-trip hotel or other travel connections in Florence.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !


"Though its been months since we took our bike trip with you,
the memories of our enjoyment and pleasure have not diminished."
- Audrey and Peter, Montreal Canada


Our Tuscany Travel
Specialists are Ready
to Help you with
All Your Travel Needs

  • Cycling among Chianti Classic vineyards to hilltop Radda in Chianti

  • Touring the wine cellars and Renaissance gardens at Badia a Coltibuono

  • Discovering the Medieval towers of San Gimignano

  • Casual tour of Siena with dinner in the Piazza del Campo

  • Visiting the alabaster workshops of Medieval Volterra

  • Chianti Classico wines, local ceramics and tasty olive oils
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TRIP MAP

More Club Toscana
Biking Trips

TRIP DATES & PRICES

Dates Premium Inns Guided Single Room Availability Detailed Itinerary Self-Guided
2008 Price pp dbl. occ. Add for sgl. occ. printer version Version

March 31 - April 5 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 7 - 12 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 14 - 19 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 21 - 26 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 28 - May 3 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
May 5 - 10 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
May 12 - 17 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
May 19 - 24 $ 4,298. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
May 26 - 31 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 2 - 7 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 9 - 14 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 16 - 21 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
June 23 - 28 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
June 30 - July 5 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
July 7 - 12 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
July 14 - 19 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
July 21 - 26 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
July 28 - Aug 2 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
Sept 1 - 6 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 8 - 13 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 15 - 20 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 22 - 27 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 29 - Oct 4 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
Oct 6 - 11 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Oct 13 - 18 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Oct 20 - 25 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Oct 27 - Nov 1 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.

Other Trip Dates - to find other trips with space available on your preferred travel dates, click on our 2008 Calendar.

Trip Prices - are per person based on a room with double occupancy. Single room charges are additional for guests traveling solo wishing a double room with single occupancy. Self-Guided prices are listed as a savings per person. Once you book a trip, your trip price will not change.

Featured Trips when listed above have space available and include guaranteed departures hosted by one of Club Toscana's Senior Trip Leaders.


OTHER TRIP VERSIONS

Classic Inns Trips - the above information represents our Premium Inns trip.
Click
here to view trip prices and itinerary details for the Classic Inns version of this trip.

Self-Guided Trips - the above information represents our Premium Inns Guided trip.
The Self-Guided version of this trip uses the same itinerary as above with the exception that only breakfasts are included, with the rest of your meals "on your own" with our well researched recommendations list, paid site admissions are not included allowing you more trip flexibility and trip guiding is provided on a limited basis.
A minimum of 4 participants are required to reserve space on any trip except any featured dates highlighted above.
For additional exempted dates, please e-mail or call our office.
For more information on the differences between our Guided and Self-Guided trips, please click here.


PREMIUM INNS SELECTION

Palazzo Leopoldo (pictured) - Radda in Chianti (2 nights) - originally built in the 13th-century was once the home of Leopoldo II, Archduke of Tuscany. Luxurious sitting areas and guest rooms retain an authentic Tuscan ambiance with original art and elegant antiques. Visit the wine cellar or relax on the hotel terrace before dinner.

La Cisterna - San Gimignano (2 nights) - located in one of San Gimignano's most beautiful squares, this family run hotel, once a tower monastery, offers rooms with a private balcony and spectacular views overlooking some of Tuscany's most romantic countryside.

Villa Scacciapensieri - Siena (1 night) - an exclusive 19th-century Sienese villa and luxury inn set in a private park, overlooks the green rolling hills of Chianti. Italianate gardens and a welcoming terrace pool compliment rooms with a view.

Please note: The above selected inns are subject to accommodations availability upon trip request. As there are many beautiful Premium Inns located along our route, if we need to choose an alternative lodging, it will meet or exceed the above selection in ratings, settings, amenities and views.


TRIP START AND FINISH INFORMATION

Trip Start - Florence (Firenze), Italy
As a convenience to our guests, we will meet you at your hotel in Florence at 10:00 am. or by special arrangement, the main train station or airport.

Florence is serviced by an international airport with connections to most major European cities and a main train station located on Italy's main express and high speed train service routes. Florence Santa Maria Novella main train station can be reached from Milan in about 2 - 3 hours depending on the train speed or from Rome in about 1.5 - 2.5 hours. Florence is also served by inter-European flights to Florence Peretola Airport. We would recommend spending your pre-trip evening in Florence. Our reservations office can make all your pre- & post-trip hotel, flight and train travel arrangements.

For Italian train information and online tickets, please go to the Italian FS National Train Schedules web site.

For pre-trip accommodations, we suggest a visit to Tripadvisor.com for a list of the most recommended hotels based on visitor reviews.

Trip Finish - Florence (Firenze), Italy
On the final trip day, we would be pleased to drop you off at your post trip Florence hotel, the Florence main train station for trains heading south to Rome (1 - 1.5 hours) or north to Milan (1 - 1.5 hours), Venice (2 - 3 hours).

Usual arrival in Florence is around 10:00 am with earlier arrivals by request.

For Italian train information and online tickets, please go to the Italian FS National Train Schedules web site.

For post-trip accommodations, we suggest a visit to Tripadvisor.com for a list of the most recommended hotels in your destination city based on visitor reviews.


TRIP ACTIVITY LEVEL

THIS TRIP IS DESIGNED FOR ALL ABILITIES - Though rated moderately easy to moderately challenging, we have designed this trip to be suitable for everyone, from the casual or occasional biker with other travel and site seeing interests to the experienced biking enthusiast looking for that extra challenge. Since your preferred biking pace and your biking interests might vary from day to day, we have a daily list of optional routes, distances and route sections to give you exactly the kind of cycling you would like to experience. To learn more about how we rate the activity levels on our trips, please go to our Activity & Terrain Levels web page.


Please note that the above itinerary and it's routes are typical for this trip and can be adjusted to accommodate different hotel choices, your choice of optional routes, optional shorter or longer daily distances, your personal daily biking pace and interests, and special local events that you might wish to join. Weather conditions and unannounced trail maintenance, etc. can also alter the routes, distances and daily schedules.

In an effort to enhance this itinerary and to help you get the most out this destination and your traveling experiences with Club Toscana, we are continually in the process of researching additional local routes, accommodations, dining establishments and interesting places to visit. Some of these "new finds" could be included in your specific trip.


WHAT'S INCLUDED ON YOUR CLUB TOSCANA BIKING TRIP

Over 20 years of European adventure travel experience.

Cheerful, professional and trusted bilingual trip leadership with intimate knowledge of this trip's travel area, its culinary secrets, art history and cultural distinctiveness.

All transportation from trip start to finish.

Exclusive lodging with private amenities in wine & olive oil estates, charming country inns and historic town houses.

All buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners featuring regional favorites and local specialties.

Private support vehicle for shuttles (throughout the trip), for welcome lifts (to bypass that extra effort or for a quick short cut to your hotel), and on-board refreshments.

Special events, private tours, local experts and entrance fees to historical sites and museums, and other events or tours listed on the itinerary.

Use of a professionally maintained, fully equipped 24-27 speed aluminum TREK road bike or TREK hybrid bike with gel seat & suspension, an insulated rear rack bag, a Pro bike helmet and a new personal water bottle.

Detailed trip maps, route directions with options and a complimentary Club Toscana T-shirt.

All baggage transportation from rendezvous to final drop off.

Unsurpassed customer service to compliment one of Italy's great walking & hiking vacations.


TOP REASONS WHY TRAVELING WITH CLUB TOSCANA IS SO REWARDING

Since our beginnings, Club Toscana has prided itself in producing active vacations that are the closest thing to a private trip complete with all the comforts and companionship that comes from visiting old friends.

We have spent over two decades designing itineraries that take in the most interesting countryside destinations, the most stimulating mix of history and culture, the best selection of terrain from flat to invigorating, and the region's best accommodations -- always with an eye on exceeding your expectations.

Flexibility - We design our daily routes and itineraries for maximum flexibility so you can have as much or as little activity as you would like each day -- with us you never need to follow the group.

Service - We take care of everything -- from meeting you at your pre-trip hotel, to making sure your luggage is taken care of, to always having a refreshment or a welcome lift when needed, and always allowing you as much free time as you would like to get the most out of your European active vacation.

Knowledge - Traveling with Club Toscana is about discovering beautiful locations, its people, history and culture, all in a private-group-like setting -- the ideal vacation experience.

Trip Leadership - Our pleasant natured, well organized and informative North American trip leaders individually have at least 20 years of experience guiding active travelers throughout every region visited by Club Toscana.


NEED MORE TRIP INFORMATION?

E-mail our office or call our professional travel advisers at
Club Toscana Reservations at 1-866-563-4248 toll free 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (EST) Mon. to Fri., 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Sat.
They are ready to answer your trip questions and arrange all your pre and post-trip travel needs for a truly all-inclusive European Active Vacation.



Royal City Travel / American Express Travel Services
10 Paisley Street, Suite 8, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1H 2N6
North America Toll Free 1-866-563-4248
Contact Us      info@clubtoscana.com

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