CALL 1-866-563-4248 ITALY - Florence to Venice - Classic Inns Biking Tour RESERVATION FORM

CLASSIC INNS
TRIP DETAILS

Trip Length
6 Days / 5 Nights

FEATURED TRIP

July 28 - Aug 2

Special Trip Price
$ 2,898.

Featured Itinerary

2008
Dates & Prices

Classic Trip Hotels

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

What's Included

Other Trip Versions
Self-Guided Trips
Premium Inns

Start - Finish
Florence - Venice
(Firenze - Venezia)
ITALY

Trip Activity Level
Moderately easy to
Moderate

Rated Ideal for Everyone !

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


Classic Biking between Italy's Greatest Renaissance Cities

Experience an epic journey through northern Italy and the undiscovered Apennine mountains, flat farmlands and coastal villages that lie between two of Italy's most inspiring Renaissance cities. Enjoy Italy's vast culinary treasures from Tuscan wines, olive oils and cheeses to Emilia Romagna's pastas and cured hams, to the Venetian coast's seafood delights. Perfect for casual to enthusiastic bikers, this popular trip takes in the magnificent views and natural environments of the Apennine Mountains, the quiet flat side roads and farmlands of Italy's Po River valley and the quaint fishing villages, beaches and protected parklands along the Adriatic coast. Throughout your trip, you will discover quaint agricultural villages, Ravenna's Byzantine mosaics, meandering canal side laneways, Ferrara's art and architecture, quiet Venetian lagoons, and some of Italy's most romantic and bicycle friendly countryside.

Day 1 - Val di Mugello - Meet in Florence and transfer to hilltop Fiesole, once a pre-Roman Etruscan city still retaining its 1st-century B.C. Roman theater and baths.Ride a panoramic ridge overlooking a quintessential Tuscan landscape of olive groves, vineyards and old stone country homes.Introductory lunch at a renouned trattoria favored by Florentines escaping the city for these magnificent rolling hills and valleys.Cruise into the Mugello valley, the ancestral home of Florence's Medici family.

Day 2 - The Italian Apennines - Ride through Borgo San Lorenzo, and its morning market.Challenge yourself on an exhilarating ride through chestnut and pine forests to the Apennines' 3000 foot Casaglia Pass.Cruise downhill through a sub-alpine landscape of lush pastures and deep forests to the quiet villages along the Tuscan - Emilian frontier. Ride through the Carne Natural Park with its dramatic landscapes of eroded chalk ridges to Brisighella, a picturesque spa town dominated by feudal castles.

Day 3 - Faenza and Ravenna - Pass through a sea of fruit trees, from kiwis to peaches, and cherries to apricots.Visit Faenza, the leading Italian ceramics center of the 16th-century where riding a bike is the preferred transportation.Visit it morning market.Follow quiet sideroads through Emilia Romagna's scented fruit orchards and open farmland to Ravenna, capital of the Byzantine Empire during the early ages, and home to the best preserved mosaics in Western Europe.You might wish to visit the San Vitale Cathedral and the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Day 4 - Ferrara - Pedal into the protected marshlands of the Po River Delta, teaming with white egrets and flamingos.Spin along canals and quiet farm side roads through the flat expanses of the Po Delta to Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Renaissance city still surrounded by 5 miles of Medieval walls.Pass by the spectacular 14th-century moated Estense Castle, built by the Dukes of Este.

Day 5 - Lido di Venezia - Morning ride along the "Destra Po" bike trail, a paved trail that runs along the top of the river embankments of the Po River. Favored by local cyclists, this route is car free and an absolute delight to ride.Visit Chioggia, a mini Venice and one of the Adriatic's most colorful fishing markets.Cycle along the Venetian lagoon's natural sandbanks to Lido di Venezia, Venice's tree lined resort island and home to the annual Venetian Film Festival.

Day 6 - Venice - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to the Venetian Lido and take a private transfer into the heart of Venice to your post-trip hotel, the train station or the airport.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !

"Thank you again for a terrific bike ride to Venice.
Your attention to every detail will be fondly remembered"
- Ingrid and Henry, New York NY
Our Italian Travel
Specialists are Ready
to Help you with
All Your Travel Needs

  • Riding through the majestic Apennine Mountains

  • Experiencing the unique food specialties of the Po Valley

  • Discovering Ravenna, capital of the Byzantine Empire

  • Joining the locals at a village market

  • Wandering the Medieval streets of Ferrara

  • Riding the spectacular sea side lagoons to Venice
Click on Image for
TRIP MAP

More Club Toscana
Biking Trips

TRIP DATES & PRICES

Dates Classic Inns Guided Single Room Availability Detailed Itinerary Self-Guided
2008 Price pp dbl. occ. Add for sgl. occ. pdf. 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 $ 3,098. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
May 26 - 31 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 2 - 7 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 9 - 14 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 16 - 21 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
June 23 - 28 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
June 30 - July 5 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
July 7 - 12 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
July 14 - 19 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
July 21 - 26 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
July 28 - Aug 2 $ 2,898. $ 790. Featured Trip Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 8 - 13 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 15 - 20 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 22 - 27 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 29 - Oct 4 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
Oct 6 - 11 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
Oct 13 - 18 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
Oct 20 - 25 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. p.p.
Oct 27 - Nov 1 $ 2,998. $ 790. Space Available Trip Itinerary Save $ 300. 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

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

Self-Guided Trips - the above information represents our Classic 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.

CLASSIC INNS SELECTION

Vicchio - (pictured) - (1 night) - a magnificent 13th-century Renaissance villa surrounded with handsome lawns, cypress woods and a terrace pool with views overlooking the Mugello valley. This ancient home has guestrooms restored to their original splendor, with high Florentine woodworked ceilings, terracotta floors and carefully selected antiques.
Brisighella - (1 night) - surrounded by 25 acres of organically cultivated vineyards and orchards, this Karen Brown recommended countryside B&B located near the town's renowned spa, has a rustic dining area with exposed beams and a large fireplace complimented with breakfasts served on a covered terrace overlooking a valley lined with vineyards.
Ravenna - (1 night) - this cosy B&B styled like a contemporary Italian home is located in the historic center of Ravenna just footsteps from its vibrant pedestrian zone and the city's Byzantine art treasures. Recently restored, this historic townhouse is the birthplace of Angelo Mariani, one of the great orchestral conductors of 19th-century Italy.
Ferrara - (1 night) - an "art" hotel fitted inside an elegant 14th century building located steps from Ferrara's lively pedestrian center and the fairytale Estense Castle. Each suite has been individually furnished by a different international interior designer and comes complete with warm oak flooring, contemporary furnishings and frescoes throughout.
Lido di Venezia - (1 night) - a gracious country-house inn located among the Lido's leafy boulevards only a few minutes walk from the island's vibrant heart with its sidewalk cafes and the Lido's expansive sandy beaches. The hotel's decor is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie Book while breakfasts are served in its peaceful garden courtyard.

Please note: The above selected inns are subject to accommodations availability upon trip request. As there are many charming Classic 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 - Venice (Venezia), Italy
On the final trip day, we will take the 10 - 15 minute passenger ferry into Venice. We would be pleased to accompany you to your post-trip Venice hotel, the Venice Santa Lucia main train station for trains to Milan (1.5 - 2 hours) or Florence (2.5 - 3 hours) and Rome (5 - 6 hours), or we can accompany you to the passenger boat for the direct route to the Venice Marco Polo Airport for flight connections to most major European cities.

Usual arrival in Venice is around 10:30 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 moderate, 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 road repairs, 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), bicycle repairs 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 biking 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?

Click here for a fully detailed trip itinerary (pdf printer version), 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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