CALL 1-866-563-4248 ITALY - Tuscany - 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
Premium Inns

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

Trip Activity Level
Moderately easy to
Moderately challenging

Rated Ideal for Everyone !

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


Classic Biking from the Chianti's Wine Villages to Siena's Southern Landscapes

Take an epic journey through the best of Tuscany. Pursued by noted landscape artists, the majestic Tuscan countryside will inspire you and refresh your spirit. Start your Tuscan odyssey from the vibrant Chianti hills with its vineyards, olive groves and charming hilltop villages. Journey to Badia a Coltibuono and the dramatic Castello di Brolio where Chianti's finest wines await your approval. Bike through the soft Sienese Hills to the Val d'Orcia and discover the underground cellars of Montepulciano and the perfectly preserved Renaissance village of Pienza. Enjoy the Tuscan experience with all its splenders. Relish the fruits of its land, and toast a glass of your favorite vintage to its people, their vibrant history and their savory local cuisine.

Day 1 - The Val di Greve to Radda - Private transfer to Greve in Chianti, the market town for the Chianti wine producing region.Private tour and wine tasting lesson at a Renaissance villa known for its award winning Chianti Classico wines and the origins of Leonardo's Mona Lisa.Ride a panoramic ridge overlooking a quintessential Tuscan landscape of vineyards, olive groves and stone farm houses.Lunch at a favorite enoteca (wine shop & bistro) 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 andflourishing 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 - Asciano & the Sienese Countryside - Celebrated for their natural beauty, the evocative lines of Siena's soft rolling hills have drawn artists from the time of the Renaissance.Bike through these untouristed landscapes, dotted with hilltop castles and stone farm houses crowned with rows of tall cypress trees.Arrive at our Sienese estate where the joy of a Tuscan vacation becomes complete.A glass of wine, a spot by the pool, the quiet of the surrounding countryside, and not a care in the world.

Day 4 - Monte Oliveto Maggiore to Pienza - Enter into the beautiful clay landscapes of the "Crete Senese".Cycle past eroded clay bluffs, grazing sheep and quiet farm communities to the 15th-century monastery at Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore. View its fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli and Sodoma.Visit the ideal Renaissance village of Pienza and its 15th-century palaces inspired by Pope Pius II. Visit its shops filled with locally produced wines and prized pecorino cheeses.

Day 5 - The Val d'Orcia & Montepulciano - Journey into the spectacular Val d'Orcia, one of Italy's most beautiful valleys and a treasure chest for landscape photographers and watercolor painters.Visit the hot baths at Bagno Vignoni where ancient Romans rested in its soothing waters.Discover Montepulciano with its Medieval streets and palaces. Go underground to visit its wine cellars first carved out of the rock by its pre-Roman Etruscan inhabitants. Enjoy a tasting of its prized Nobile di Montepulciano red wines.Celebrate your final evening overlooking the beautiful misty green landscapes of the vibrant Val d'Orcia.

Day 6 - Florence or Chiusi - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany and take a private transfer to the nearby Chiusi train station or your post-trip hotel 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 !

"You made things go so smoothly during the trip.
Thank you for the terrific time...it was wonderful to travel with you again"
- Garth and Wendy, Dallas TX
Our Tuscany Travel
Specialists are Ready
to Help you with
All Your Travel Needs

  • Exclusive wine tour & tasting at one of Tuscany's most famous villas

  • Renaissance garden & wine tour at Badia a Coltibuono

  • Ride through Tuscany's most photographed landscapes

  • See the frescoes at Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

  • The spectacluar Val d'Orcia and the baths at Bagno Vignoni

  • Discover the underground wine cellars buried under Medieval Montepulciano
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. 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 Premium 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.

CLASSIC INNS SELECTION

Radda in Chianti - pictured (2 nights) - join Roberto and Marie-Sylvie at their 16th-century Tuscan farm house and wine estate that has been converted into one of the Chianti's most sought after country guest house B&Bs. Wooden beams, terracotta-tiled floors and antique furnishings are witness to the long and interesting story of this estate. Accommodations are provided in cozy double rooms tastefully furnished with a touch of rustic elegance. A highlight is an evening banquet of traditional cuisine prepared and served al fresco with our gracious hosts.

Montefollonico - (1 night) - an historic village townhouse lovingly restored retaining its rustic roots blended with Tuscan elegance. The hotel dining room is located in the ex-grainery with a panoramic terrace open during summer evenings.

Pienza - (2 nights) - a family run boutique hotel with modern amenities and spectacular views of the Val d'Orcia from their terraced gardens, all located just footsteps from the historic village walls of Renaissance Pienza.

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 - Chiusi, Italy
On the final trip day, we would be pleased to drop you off at the Chiusi train station (located along the main train line from Rome to Florence) for trains heading south to Rome (1 - 1.5 hours) or north to Florence (1 - 1.5 hours).

Usual arrival at the Chiusi train station 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

Copyright © Club Toscana, Inc.