CALL 1-866-563-4248 ITALY - Tuscan Coast - Classic Inns Biking Tour RESERVATION FORM

CLASSIC INNS
TRIP DETAILS

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
Classic Inns

Start - Finish
Florence - Campiglia
(Firenze - Campiglia)
ITALY

Trip Activity Level
Easy to Moderate

Rated Ideal for Everyone !

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


Classic Biking from the Heart of Tuscany to its Mediterranean Coast

Bike along Tuscany's Mediterranean coast to the curving hillside roadways of the Mediterranean Island paradise of Elba. Starting from the ancient Etruscan hilltop city of Volterra, follow an easy biking route to the Tuscan coast and the SuperTuscan vineyards and olive groves of Bolgheri. As you meander this undiscovered coast, your route will pull you inadvertently toward the aquamarine colors of the Mediterranean sea and the paradise island of Elba, an island of unsurpassed natural beauty, from treeless mountain summits to lush forest covered slopes, and from magnificent beaches caressed by crystal clear waters to Medieval fortresses and quaint fishing villages. Toast a glass of Elban wine to its most famous resident, Napoleon Bonaparte, as you discover why Elba was chosen as his exile paradise.

Day 1 - Volterra to the Tuscan Seaside - Rendezvous in Florence or Pisa.Transfer to the ancient hilltop town of Volterra, one of Italy's oldest cities and described by D H Lawrence as a city of "wind and stone".After an introductory lunch, take a casual town tour of its alabaster workshops, Etruscan / Roman ruins, and untouched Medieval streets.Ride a downhill route along the Cecina valley toward the sea.

Day 2 - Bolgheri Vineyards - Fans of super-Tuscan wines and connoisseurs of Italy's finest olive oils are familiar with such celebrated names as Ornellaia and Sassicaia, two of Italy's finest wine cellars, and local producers.Start your day with a ride along the illustrious Etruscan Coast to the seaside village of Cecina.Ride through fruit orchards and vineyards to feudal estates, with their towers, Medieval castles and fortified villages.Feast on a Club Toscana lunch of regional specialties in Bolgheri, the castellated country residence of the Counts of the Gherardesca.Ride through an isolated valley with undisturbed farm villages where shepherds still tend their sheep.

Day 3 - The Etruscan Coast - Bike a meandering route, once used by 12th-century pilgrims on their from the Holy Lands, now favored by professional cyclists as the perfect training ground.Pass through a lush cork-tree and oak forests teaming with song birds before arriving in Suvereto, a little known Tuscan hilltop gem with a 9th-century hilltop fortress.Ride the Etruscan Coast, named as the cradle of the pre-Roman Etruscan civilization.Stop for a personal picnic, or lunch along the pedestrian-only boulevard in seaside San Vincenzo.Visit a renowned olive oil producer and learn what makes this area's olive oil, some of Italy's best.Cycle by Castagneto Carducci, and its 11th-century Castello.

Day 4 - The Cornia Wine Valley - Morning ride into the quiet Cornia valley where Italy's next generation of wine producers are making a name for themselves.Boat to the magnificent Island of Elba arriving in the sea port of Portoferraio, Elba's colorful main town and fishing boat harbor dominated by its hilltop Medici fortresses.

Day 5 - The Island of Elba - Bike an around-the-island route passing by some of the prettiest and most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean.Discover fishing villages and the charming centuries old hillside villages of Marciana Alta and Poggio, immersed in lush forests with spectacular views overlooking the north coast and its vineyards.Take an optional chair lift to the summit of Monte Capanna, Elba's highest point, for spectacular views of Elba, the Tuscan coast and the island of Corsica in the distance.Sample the best of Elban cuisine in the island's best restaurants.

Day 6 - Campiglia Marittima - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to Napoleon's island paradise and take a private transfer to the mainland and the Campiglia Marittima train station where guests heading to Rome or Pisa and Florence will find convenient departures.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !

"Thanks for another great trip and a perfect honeymoon vacation.
Your hard work and attention to detail always makes the difference."
- Rick and Mary-Ann, Boston MA
Our Tuscany Travel
Specialists are Ready
to Help you with
All Your Travel Needs

  • Visiting the alabaster workshops of Volterra

  • Lunch in Bolgheri, heart of Super Tuscan wine country

  • One of Tuscany's great rides through a cork-tree forest

  • Cycling along the magnificent Mediterranean Coast

  • Beaches, castles, villas and ancient hilltop villages

  • Discovering the beautiful Italian Island of Elba
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TRIP MAP

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TRIP DATES & PRICES

Dates Classic 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 $ 3,298. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
May 26 - 31 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 2 - 7 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 9 - 14 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 16 - 21 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
June 23 - 28 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
June 30 - July 5 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
July 7 - 12 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
July 14 - 19 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
July 21 - 26 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
July 28 - Aug 2 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
Sept 1 - 6 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 8 - 13 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 15 - 20 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 22 - 27 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
Sept 29 - Oct 4 ---------- ------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
Oct 6 - 11 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
Oct 13 - 18 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
Oct 20 - 25 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 300. p.p.
Oct 27 - Nov 1 $ 3,198. $ 790. Space Available E-mail us today 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 Classic 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

Cecina - (1 night) - a wine estate built in the 17th-century set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards complimented with a welcoming pool. Dinner tonight is a celebration of local delicacies served "al fresco" on the terrace overlooking their olive groves.

Sassetta (2 nights) - a majestic 17th-century villa with neighboring servants quarters that was once the countryside estate of an aristocratic Tuscan family. The villa and the quarters have been beautifully restored, still retaining their old world charms with original architecture, antiques and paintings. Staying here evokes the warm atmosphere of a private luxury home. Wander around the estate surrounded by manicured gardens sprinkled with fountains and statues or enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace patio with views extending over oak forests with the picturesque hillside town of Sassetta located in the distance. Relax by the pool located in an adjoining garden or take in a game of tennis. The Tenuta also has its own farm where the garden's fresh organic produce, olive oils, Tuscan game specialties and locally produced cheeses are served in its refined and elegant dining room.

Portoferraio (pictured) - (2 nights) - situated in a panoramic and quiet position, this cliff side villa is only a few minutes walk into Portoferraio's historic center and its colorful town harbor. Every room in the hotel comes with a balcony or spacious terrace with sea views of the splendid Padulella gulf, where its private white sandy beach and transparent waters can be easily reached through its hotel gardens.

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 - Campiglia Marittima, Italy
On the final trip day, we will accompany you to the mainland and the Campiglia Marittima train station. This station is located near Grosetto on the main train route between Rome and Pisa along Italy's west coast. Trains depart for Rome (1.5 - 2 hours) south, Pisa 30 minutes north, Florence via Pisa (1.5 - 2 hours) and other Italian destinations.

We expect to arrive at the Campiglia Marittima train station around 11:00 am. though an earlier arrival can be made if requested a few days in advance to give us time to reschedule our return ferry to the mainland.

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 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 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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