Classic Biking from the Tuscany's Wine Villages to Walking in the Cinque Terre

Enjoy some of Tuscany and the Cinque Terre's most romantic landscapes, from the vine covered slopes of Tuscany's Chianti wine producing area with its Medieval hilltop villages to the quaint fishing villages of the Cinque Terre and the picturesque harbor at chic Portofino. Start your Tuscany to Cinque Terre odyssey by bike passing throught the heart of Tuscany. Walk the romantic trails overlooking the azure colors of the Mediterranean sea and the quaint fishing villages and panoramic harbors of the Cinque Terre, and relish in the luxury at Portofino. Relax to the operatic sounds of Puccini, breath in the salt air, dine on the bounty of the sea, sample a vineyard's selected reserves and sit back to enjoy the typical Italian pace, a relaxing lifestyle designed to leave one refreshed and rejuvenated.

Day 1 - San Gimignano - Rendezvous in Florence.Private transfer to the heart of the Chianti for an introductory lunch in a favorite trattoria and an afternoon warm-up spin along its quiet back roads to San Gimignano, a perfectly preserved Medieval town known for its skyline of ancient stone towers.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 2 - The Chianti - Ride an undulating route past quiet countryside villages, noble castles and a old abbey to arrive in the hilltop hamlet of Monteriggioni.Once a Sienese fort, Monteriggioni seems like a large crown sitting on a distance hill.Bike through Chianti's quiet and picturesque landscapes to Castellina in Chianti before taking a route through the Val di Pesa, regarded as one of the trip's more memorable, as you pass by undiscovered wine villages and silent hamlets to a landscape reminiscent as the backdrop of countless Renaissance paintings.

Day 3 - Lucca - Follow quiet roads through untouristed villages and into the Val d'Arno.Arrive in Lucca, one of Tuscany's most civilized towns surrounded with thick walls topped with a boulevard of trees and walkways, and seemingly dedicated to the art of getting around by bike.Join the locals for a spin around the two and a half miles of walls and ramparts encircling this charming Tuscan town.Don't be surprised if you feel that extra laps are in order.If the shopping bug hasn't caught you, why not join your trip leader for a casual walking tour of the historic center to discover its many palaces built during the 17th-century silk trade, and discover the fondness the Luccans have for Napoleon's widow, once the town's ruler.Relax to the sounds of Puccini, one of the world's great composers and one of Lucca's favorite sons while we dine just around the corner from his birth home.

Day 4 - Cinque Terre - From the colorful houses of Riomaggiore, discover the first of the famous "five lands" before taking an easy walk along the Via dell'Amore "Walk of Love" to Manarola.Walk through the heart of Cinque Terre's Vernaccia white wine production to Corniglia.Follow centuries-old, terrace pathways into majestic pine forests with panoramic views of the azure Mediterranean sea to Vernazza, Cinque Terre's most delightful fishing village in time for lunch overlooking its harbor.An afternoon walk with spectacular views of the villages in the distance will take you to Monterosso al Mare and its emerald waters, regarded as one of Italy's best seaside destinations.

Day 5 - Portofino From the quaint seaside harbor at Camogli, take a boat to the ancient monastery of San Fruttuoso and a visit to its post-Roman museum, located in a quiet isolated cove.Walk a panoramic route through the Monte Portofino National Park with its Mediterranean pines to Portofino, the most fashionable village along the Italian Riviera.Relax in one of its harbor side cafes, check out its elegant shops or take a stroll to discover its churches, castles and panoramic views of its pleasure craft filled harbor.Take a boat ride or optional walk along the coast to Santa Margherita Ligure, an elegant Mediterranean seaside community with flower gardens and palm tree lined boulevards.Dine with views of the evening lights of Portofino, located in the distance across the bay.

Day 6 - Genoa - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to the elegant Italian Riviera and take a private transfer to Genoa, to your post-trip hotel, its international airport, or its train station for convenient connections to Florence or Rome.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !