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Sept 22 - CASCIANA TERME
We’ll meet you at the Pisa or Firenze airport (your choice) and
transport you to our hotel in nearby Casciana Terme. You’ll have
the rest of the day to assemble bikes and tandems (plenty of
help provided), explore the village, or take a nap. Tonight
we’ll enjoy a get-acquainted dinner followed by an overview of
the tour.
Sept 23- VOLTERRA 35mi, 3000ft altitude gain
Like all of Tuscany, the route is mostly rolling hills, and
today, the biggest hill is saved for the end. The walled city of
Volterra is built on top of the grandest hill in the vicinity,
some 1500 ft above sea level. To get here, we will be riding on
small farming roads past forests and recently harvested fields
of hay, where we may see the occasional red poppy which escaped
the blades of the combine. As we approach from a distance,
Volterra is most impressive, commanding a position which was
easily defended during times of strife. But inside its walls, it
is full of life and most inviting; a visit to one of the
sidewalk cafés for a cool drink is a must - as it will be every
day at ride’s end. Dinner will be on your own tonight, at any of
the small restaurants in the town
Sept 24 – SASSETTA 34mi, 1100ft
Swooping
down from the walls of Volterra to the valleys below is just one
of the delightful treats in store today. As we ride toward the
sea through farmlands we’ll see the landscape change from wheat
fields and sunflowers to vineyards and olive groves. Here we
enter a region renown for its fine wines and delicious olive
oils. To fully appreciate these tasty treasures we’ve arranged
a visit to a specialty olive oil producer, where we’ll lunch on
a medley of local produce and breads flavored with delicate
olive oils from the presses of our hosts, and we’ll have the
opportunity to purchase bottles or huge tins of olive oil.
Don’t worry; the van will be along, so you don’t have to lug
your purchases up the hill to Sassetta. We’ll rendezvous in
Bolgheri, renowned for exquisite wines, and ride together to the
olive mill. After our olive oil feast we slowly pedal up the
hill through Castagneto Carducci toward Sassetta; although a
stop in town for gelato always seems like a fitting treat for
such a fine day. Continuing above town we begin riding along
one of the most beautiful roads for bicycles in all of Tuscany,
meandering through cork tree forests and olive groves to our
country villa. Situated amidst a splendid 150 acres of meadows,
orchards, olive groves, and forest, we’ll be treated to superb
hospitality and delicious meals before we continue our journey
to the sea tomorrow.
Sept 25 - SASSETTA - Loop ride, 26mi, 1650ft,
or 40mi, 3000ft
When Andy Hampsten rode as a professional cyclist, he lived and
trained in the coastal hills around Castegneto. When he retired
from racing he bought a farm in this region and continued to
ride all the roads in this area. Today’s morning ride is along
his favorite training route. We head to Monteverdi then down the
Cornia Valley to Suvereto. A gentle climb brings us to the best
part, the winding, cork tree shaded road back to our hotel.
This area is very famous for its wonderful olive oil, but it is
also highly respected as a grape growing region. Not as well
known as Chianti or Brunello, the Bolgeri D.O.C. produces
probably the best white and rose wines in Tuscany, as well as
some highly rated red wines. With this in mind, we have
arranged for an afternoon wine tasting at one of the local
producers.
Sept 26 - ISOLA D’ELBA 56mi, 2000ft
This morning we leave our sanctuary amid the Tuscan hills and
head for our island retreat on Isola d’Elba, where Europeans
have relaxed and renewed their energies for centuries. But
first, we continue our trek along the cork road to Suvereto.
Traversing the tidal flats separating the hills from the sea we
arrive in Piombino where we embark on a short ferry ride across
the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean. Arriving in
Portoferraio we follow the coastline toward the southern
reaches of the island, cycling over a low pass to reach the
charming town of Porto Azzurro, our home for the next two days.
We’ll dine tonight overlooking the marina on seafood freshly
caught and specially prepared for a delicious end to a special
day of riding. Note; you will have to buy your ferry tickets,
approximately $12 for a single bike each way and $17 for a
tandem.
Sept 27 - ISOLA D’ELBA Loop ride, up to 36mi,
4350ft along the hilly coastline
This is a perfect day to rest - or ride. One of the attractions
of Elba is its abundance of beautiful beaches, a number of which
are easily accessible on the west end of the island,
approximately 15 to 25 km from our hotel. A long picnic lunch
and swim in the still-warm sea would be just the thing. The road
continues around the island with many cross roads allowing you
to create a wonderful ride of up to 80 miles. No matter what
your choice of activities, lunch at any number of small island
restaurants is a must.
Sept 28-
MONTIERI 42mi, 3800ft
We begin the day with an early departure and a quick 8 miles
ride back to the ferry. Once on the mainland we cycle through
vineyards and olive tree groves on small country on our journey
to Massa Marittima. Climbing up to Massa we’re able to view
this jewel from many sides, finally arriving in the star-shaped
Garibaldi square, dominated by the recently restored 13th
century Duomo. Numerous sidewalk cafes and gelaterias will
tempt us to consider a light lunch before leaving town for the
final climb to our rifugio in Montieri. Situated high above the
Tuscan valleys surrounding the Poggio di Montieri (1037m), we’ll
settle in to enjoy dinner and a crackling fire in the great room
of the rifugio.
Sept 29-
MONTALCINO 50mi, 2400ft -or- 56mi, 3400ft
The first half of today’s route is through rugged, forested
hills, while the second half is along vineyard-covered valleys.
The wineries in this area produce some of Italy’s best tasting
wines, but they are not as well known as some of the more famous
wines. The long route takes us along more winding, peaceful
farming roads, to Porrona, a small walled city and monastery,
which has been recently restored to its original beauty. Our
hotel is on the northern edge of town, hanging precariously over
the valley far below; the view from the pool is spectacular. As
one of the best hilltop villages in Tuscany, it will be a
delight to wander the small streets and investigate the many
small shops with friendly proprietors and great values on wine
olive oil, and other locally made items. since the hotel is
without restaurant, dinner will be on your own tonight.
Sept 30
- CORTONA 45mi, 3000ft -or– 49mi, 4000ft
We’ll cycle through some of Tuscany’s most famous towns; San
Quirco d’Orcia, Pienza, and Montepulciano. While traversing
vineyard covered hillsides, the long route adds a rolling ,
small country road, including one of the most photographed
scenes in Tuscany, a twisting cypress tree lined road climbing
through farm land and disappearing in the forests above. Pienza
is truly worth a long visit; built by Pope Pius II in his own
honor, this walled town is a model Renaissance town. The route
is quite scenic with plenty of beautiful views along the way,
but the most impressive view is saved for last. Cortona is one
of the outstanding jewels among Tuscan towns; it sits high above
the valley floating in the clouds, when they are present.
Cobblestone streets climb to the Medici fortress, where the
views are enormous in all directions. Dinner will be at our
hotel tonight.
Oct 1 - CORTONA Rest day or Umbrian loop ride
Sightseeing in town or cycling today; you cannot make the wrong
decision! Strolling the steep narrow streets of Cortona, one
feels a strong sense of Cortona’s predominant medieval
architectural theme. The Municipal Museum of the Etruscan
Academy houses an archaeological section; an Egyptian collection
with items dating from 2,000BC; a medieval and Renaissance
section; and 15-19th
century paintings by Pinturichio, Signorelli and Romano. Not to
be missed is remarkable exhibit of a fifth-century BC Etruscan
bronze pendant weighing 58kg found in 1840 near Cortona. The
Umbria loop ride takes us over a few hills then along the shores
of Lago di Trasimeno, Italy’s largest lake. The quiet roads and
peaceful vistas instill us with a sense of going back in time to
a simpler way of life. As we descend from the ancient hill
towns to the lake shore it is possible to find two historic
locales, Sangguiento (“the place of blood”) and Ossaia (“the
place of bones”) commemorating the event of Hannibal’s conquest
of two Roman legions in 217BC. Dinner tonight is on your own,
so while walking about town be sure to make reservations for
dinner at any of several charming restaurants, as the best
places fill up early.
Oct 2 - ANGHIARI 48mi, 3500ft -or- 44mi, 1800ft
As we leave Cortona we pass the pink villa and gardens of
Francis Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun and other books on
life in the region. After a gentle climb we will enjoy one of
the longer descents of the tour. Here we are venturing into
Umbria, and will be enjoying the same scenery and sights as in
Tuscany; majestic medieval towns, beautiful hills and
valleys, and of course just wonderful cycling. Three cities of
note are Monte S. Maria, Monterchi, plus our destination town of
Anghiari.
Oct 3 - REGGELLO 53mi, 2000ft -or- 60mi, 4800ft
Two completely different rides are available
today; one easy, one hard. The first takes us west over a small
pass and descends to Arrezzo; this is a great shopping town,
especially for jewelry and antiques. With so much to see and do
here, you can easily stay well past lunch. The remainder of the
ride is down the Arno river valley, except for the last 5 miles
up to Reggello. The long route is for those who enjoy a little
climbing. First is the scenic ride up the slopes of Monte Penna
to Caprese Michelangelo, where we can view Renaissance
furniture, books and reproductions of the great artist’s works.
Continuing through the quiet countryside we arrive in Bibbiena
just in time for lunch, then afterward we’ll climb the Passo di
Consuma. From here it is all downhill to Reggello on lovely
winding roads through wooded hills
Oct 4 - SAN LEONINO (SIENA) 35mi, 2800ft -or–
52mi, 4000ft
Chianti is a geographical, as well as oenological name - both
describing something splendid! The wine produced in this region
is certainly the most notable in Italy, and the hills and
vineyards are feasts for the eyes; it is best to savor these
pleasures slowly, enjoying every last taste. Our first sip of
Chianti will be in Badia a Coltibuono, an 8th century abbey,
which is currently occupied by a winery and restaurant; we
strongly recommend taking lunch here. The specialty wine shops
are very much worth a visit, and we’ll plan to have the van
nearby to carry any purchases that don’t fit in our water bottle
holders! The long route includes an extra climb and descent to
Greve, the center of the Chianti wine industry. Save coffee and
dessert for Radda, whose location among the steep hillside
vineyards, is quite spectacular. The last village before
descending to our hotel is Castellina, officially designated as
yet another of Tuscany’s most beautiful villages. The very best
gelati in all of Tuscany is found here in Castellina. After
dinner, we might sneak back to Castellina for another
mouthwatering taste!
Oct 5 - SAN LEONINO (SIENA) 0 - 16 mi, bike,
bus, taxi, or van to Siena
There is no riding planned for today, other than the 8 miles to
and from Siena. Next to Florence, Siena is the most famous city
in Tuscany, but is considered the most beautiful of all in
Tuscany. The architecture demands scrutiny, with palaces,
churches and towers dominating the skyline, and the cathedral is
certainly one of the most delightful, decorative ornaments in
Christendom. History oozes from every nook and cranny; life here
is special, and always has been. The narrow streets are filled
with people strolling from shop to shop, stopping for a quick
cappuccino, and talking animatedly with friends along the way.
There is so much to see and do here that one day is not enough.
If you do nothing else, you will find the Campo, the central
plaza, perhaps the most impressive plaza in the world. This is
truly the heart of the city, the center of life in Siena. Enjoy!
Oct 6 - CASCIANA TERME 49mi, 3000ft –or– 53mi,
3000ft
We have two options for the ride today, back to our beginning
hotel. The first is to the hill top city of San Gimignano, one
of Tuscany’s most striking, with its 16 remaining towers and its
wonderful open walkways and plazas. There are great shops and
plenty of very good restaurants for lunch. The second option is
a spectacular ridge run over the beautiful vineyard covered
hills of the Chianti region. This is a day to enjoy the scenery
and take a nice picnic lunch of bread, cheese, tomato, and
sausage, and perhaps even a small bottle of wine. The small
hilltop villages along the way offer us all a glimpse of the
past, and a profound taste of history that we don’t often
experience in the USA. Farewell dinner tonight is at our hotel.
Oct 7
- Van transport is provided to Pisa or Firenze
airport.
COST:
$3095.00 per person, Double Occupancy.
$550.00 Single Supplement
INCLUDES
·3-4 star Hotel Accommodations Full breakfast daily (except arrival day)
·All dinners but 4
·Airport transfers from and to Pisa or Firenze airport,
·Bike mechanic and van support with cellular phone,
·Ground transportation for all passengers, luggage & bikes,
·Regional map plus detailed daily route maps & cue sheets.
NOT INCLUDED
·International airfare
·Tips, gratuities, laundry, telephone, & personal items
·Lunches and alcoholic beverages other than wine with dinner
PRE-TRIP PLANNING
A complete trip packet will be sent upon receipt of your final payment, including tour t-shirt, hotel lists, maps, and luggage tags. Our guidebook containing
information on what to bring, how to pack your bike for flying, equipment list, and changing currencies, will be sent upon receipt of your secondary deposit (due by March 1). All participants must possess a current passport.
TRAVEL
INSURANCE Erickson Cycle Tours strongly recommends purchasing insurance for trip cancellation, injury, illness, and loss of effects. A traveler's insurance brochure will be included in your confirmation letter.
AIRFARE
We offer the services of our
travel agent, Shannon or Steve of Rogue Travel, in obtaining
economical, expedient air reservations, and we can assist with
lodging for pre- and post-tour plans. For flight information,
contact Rogue Travel at 1.800.443.9216, or
shannon@mind.net. If you
prefer you may use the services of your own travel agent. |
