TYPICAL FEATURES INCLUDED
Quoted sample tour prices are based on your group of 10 people, double occupancy, for the dates selected. (Single supplement pricing is available upon request.) PRICES VARY depending the tour and dates selected, booking date, number of travelers in your group, any customization of the tour, currency fluctuations, etc. We are happy to provide pricing for customized tours for 2-20 people.
Unless otherwise indicated in the Itinerary for a specific tour, ALL 8 day / 7 night tours include the following features:
- Upon arrival at the airport in Rome (FCO), we take care of everything. You will be met at the exit of Customs and transported by private motor coach to your arrival hotel, usually in central Tuscany. Some tours include a site visit and/or lunch along the way. (Customized arrangements can be made for transfer from/to another airport or train station, upon advance request.)
- 6 or 7 nights’ accommodations in 4 or 5-star hotels or historical villa, with a first-class restaurant on-site.
- For early morning flights back the US, the 7th night will be at a 4 or 5-star hotel near the airport for easy morning departure on Day 8.
- Full American & Italian Breakfast Daily
- All, or almost all, lunches and dinners (unless otherwise noted), paired with local estate wines, in authentic Tuscan restaurants, castles, private villas and characteristic “agriturismos”
- Indicated tastings (wine, olive oil, truffles and other local delicacies) in Medieval castles and historical estates, as indicated in the Itinerary
- Two or more cocktail receptions (“Aperitivo), as indicated
- Two or more themed Dinners (Welcome Dinner and Arrivederci Dinner)
- A licensed, English-speaking Tour Leader who will accompany you throughout the tour, to respond to questions or special needs (Certain tours do not include Tour Leader after Day 1)
- Licensed, English-speaking Tour Guides who are experts at sites visited
- Private motor coach service for all transfers throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to all museums, churches, exhibitions, concerts and festivities listed in the Itinerary
- At least one day in Florence and/or Siena, with free time for shopping and discovery
- All VAT and other taxes, except city hotel taxes paid by the Guest at check-out.
We strive to accommodate special dietary needs and other special requests, if we are notified in writing upon booking. This information is requested in the Traveler Information Form, included at the end of the Booking Form on the website.
PRICES VARY DEPENDING ON TOURS AND DATES SELECTED, NUMBER OF TRAVELERS, BOOKING DATE, AVAILABILITY, CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS, CUSTOMIZAITON, ETC. AVAILABILITY AND SUPPLIER COSTS WILL BE RECONFIRMED AFTER BOOKING AND THE TOUR PRICE WILL BE ADJUSTED AS NEEDED.
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare or other transportation to/from Italy; Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, spa appointments, room service, etc.; Customization of quoted sample tour
"CucinArte” - The Art of Cooking
In Val d'Elsa, the passion for cooking has an irrefutable connection with its art, culture, architecture and poetry. This enchanting territory is the birthplace of such internationally known dishes such as Duck a l’Orange and Onion Soup - two exquisite dishes that were brought to the Paris court by Caterina de' Medici of Florence. Val d'Elsa is also the origin of the famed “Mediterranean Diet,” whose originator is said to be Medieval author, Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375).
Our daily cooking courses, for a group of 8 guests, feature internationally recognized Chefs, Gilberto Rossi and Paola Cattabriga, as well as regionally acclaimed chefs and restauranteurs. Our hands-on classes, demonstrations, dining experiences and wine tastings are held in Medieval castles, Renaissance villas, ancient historical estates, prestigious “aziende agricole” (working farms) and first-class restaurants. These locations highlight the area’s vast works of art, its multi-era architecture and vibrant culture, which are intertwined with cooking in our daily itineraries.
Learn about the culinary traditions of Tuscany while experiencing its contemporary authenticity. Our hands-on classes will immerse you in the rhythm of nature and its bounty. Our culinary tour is truly unique because you are introduced to a complete meal courses, taught by a variety of highly trained chefs, each in a different and exciting venue.
Your tour group will be escorted from the airport on Sunday and returned to the airport late Saturday afternoon for Sunday departure flight, from Sunday, September 24 through Sunday, November 5, 2017. Dates are subject to availability. Pricing is based on groups of 8 travelers, double occupancy, and may vary depending on dates, group size and customization; approximate price is $4200 per person. See above, "Features Included in All Tours."
Sample Itineraries – Subject to Availability
DAY 1 (Sunday):
Pick up at Rome (or other) airport and transfer with tour leader by private bus to our 4-star hotel in central Tuscany, in the Val d’Elsa. After some free time, we meet for aperitivo (cocktail hour) on the terrace and our Welcome Dinner at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.
DAY 2:
Following an exquisite breakfast offered daily, we visit the Florentine city of Castelfiorentino and its special museum devoted to Renaissance painter, Benozzo Gozzoli. Next, we transfer to a former Medici castle for our first cooking class to prepare antipasto and a main course (such as wild boar stew), and pair each with fine wines produced on the estate.
After lunch, we visit the hill town of Certaldo Alto, home of author Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), for a guided tour of his home and works of art from the Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance periods. Later in the afternoon, we visit a family-run “agriturismo” to participate in the “vendemmia” – the harvest of the grapes! We will learn all about the process of wine-making, and enjoy a wine pairing and typical Tuscan supper with our host family.
DAY 3:
We depart early to a private estate where we will participate in a truffle hunt in the woods, followed by a tasting of truffle dishes paired with biodynamic wines from the estate. Then we transfer to nearby San Miniato for lunch at a famous butcher shop to learn about and enjoy Tuscan cured meats, such as prosciutto and local salami.
After lunch, we take a walking, guided tour of the main artistic and architectural sights of the city. In mid-afternoon, we transfer to a nearby villa where we indulge in a hands-on pastry and dessert course taught by Michelin-starred chef, Ghilberto Rossi. After class, we transfer to Chef Rossi’s restaurant for a four-course gourmet dinner, including our own desserts!
DAY 4:
We drive through some incredible landscapes to the mysterious city of Volterra to visit its excellent Etruscan museum and a brief tour of some of its major sites. Enjoy some free time shopping for Volterra’s world famous alabaster products and Etruscan reproduction jewelry and sculpture, before departing for a nearby agriturismo where we will witness the making of Tuscany’s famed pecorino cheese. We will be treated to a four-course lunch featuring a variety of dishes using cheeses made on the farm.
In the afternoon, we visit San Gimignano, famous for its many medieval towers. After touring its major artistic sites, and some free time to wander, we depart for a nearby estate for an incredible cooking and tasting experience. We will learn about and taste olive oils, while preparing 3 types of “primi piatti” such as pasta and risotto, followed by a dinner pairing multiple wines with our creations.
DAY 5:
A day out of the kitchen! We visit medieval Monteriggioni, a functioning castle village, before departing for Siena, Florence’s historic rival. We walk this marvelous walled city with our private guide to witness a few of its major artistic and cultural attractions, including points of interest of the Palio, Siena’s medieval horse race still run every July 2 and August 16. After a grand Sienese lunch, we visit its incredible Duomo and other sites before breaking for free time. Siena is full of boutiques offering all kinds of Italian artisan goods and fashion items. We reunite for aperitivo and a fantastic dinner at a restaurant near the famous Piazza del Campo, venue of the Palio.
DAY 6:
This a is an especially unique day! We meet in the seafood market of Italy’s main coastal city, Livorno, with acclaimed TV chef, Paola Cattabriga. Together, we purchase the ingredients, and proceed to Paola’s new restaurant, to prepare Livorno’s famous seafood stew, “Cacciucco.” After this sensory culinary experience, we relax while touring Livorno’s canals, before returning to our hotel for some early evening R&R, aperitivo on the terrace and our grand “Arrivederci Dinner.”
DAY 7 (Saturday):
After a leisurely morning, we depart for your (included) hotel stay at Rome’s (or other) airport for tomorrow’s departure flight. We say “Arrivederci” to beautiful central Tuscany as we head for Tuscany’s southern coast and lunch overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. We arrive at the airport hotel with plenty of time to relax or take a bus into the city for dinner on your own.
DAY 8 (Sunday):
Departing flight.
Prices available upon request.
"LEONARDO, THE UNIVERSAL MAN”©
500 Years of Genius
(Coming in April through early November 2019)
May 2, 2019 will mark the 500th anniversary of the death of perhaps the greatest genius of all time: Leonardo da Vinci. Fascination with the genius of Leonardo is timeless. The quest to understand the virtuoso and mystery of this man have consumed many academic careers and inspired numerous best sellers and movies.
With our expert guides, we begin in the magnificent countryside near the town of Vinci, Province of Florence, where Leonardo was born in 1452. Then we follow young Leonardo to Florence, where at the age of 17, he was apprenticed to the great Florentine sculpture and painter Andrea del Verrocchio. In Florence we see the "Genius" emerge as a famed Renaissance painter. Next, we journey to Milan, where Da Vinci lived for nearly twenty years, and where he achieved his grandest works, earning him the title of Magnu Genio. The Maestro later moved to France where he died on May 2, 1519.
Tuscan Treasures Tours will transport you to the daily life of Leonardo, to understand his rivalry with Michelangelo, and to discover what made him “tick.” You will be immersed so deeply in the character of Leonardo that you will soon know him, not only as an acclaimed scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer, but also as a man: eccentric, mysterious, fascinating. Leonardo will no longer be a famous name, but a genius whom you know and truly appreciate!
DAY 1) ARRIVAL AT GALILEO GALILEI AIRPORT IN PISA / FLORENCE
You will be met by your Tour Leader at the exit of Customs to depart by private motor coach to Tuscany’s capital city, Florence. Depending on flight arrival time, before departing for the hotel, we offer an optional visit to Pisa' s Cathedral, Baptistry and Leaning Tower. Then check in to your historical palace hotel with the best modern amenities (your choice of either a 4-star or 5-star hotel selected for this tour) for the first three night's accommodations in the center of Florence. After free time, we gather for Aperitivo & Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2) FLORENCE / VINCI: The Young Leonardo
With our expert on Leonardo, we visit the genius' birth home near Vinci, to discover the coded secrets of the "Vitruvian Man," Leonardo' s most famous sketch. With young Leonardo we learn his "Code on the Flights of the Birds," leading mankind to flying. A short drive amidst splendid acreage and bell towers takes us to the intact Medieval village of Vinci, to tour the Museo Leonardiano da Vinci and view drawings and models of some of the Master’s scientific inventions and observations.
After this introductory morning, you are treated to an unforgettable lunch at "Villa Medicea - La Ferdinanda," a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Florence to enjoy some free time. In the evening, we gather for cocktails and light fare on the roof-top terrace of a medieval tower to be awed by magnificent views of the "City of Gold." Enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
DAY 3) FLORENCE: Leonardo Emerges as a Renaissance Painter
We begin the day at the world’s most-acclaimed painting museum, the Galleria degli Uffizi, where our expert guide comments on several of Leonardo' s most important paintings: "The Baptist of Christ," "The Annunciation" and "The Adoration of Magi, as well as works by his 15th century contemporaries. From the Uffizi, we walk to the Palazzo Vecchio and learn about the mysterious disappearance of Leonardo' s reportedly greatest work: "The Battle of Anghiari."
Enjoy lunch on your own, and the afternoon as you wish. You can select one of our half day tours, such as a tour of the ionic rotunda of the Cathedral in Florence, its Campanile and Baptistry, or just take time to explore and shop before reconvening for dinner at an authentic Florentine osteria. Return to the hotel at your leisure.
DAY 4) FLORENCE: Leonardo’s Rivalry with Michelangelo
In the morning, with your expert guide, visit some of Michelangelo’s greatest works: “David,” the Medici Chapels, and his unfinished “Pieta” in L’Opera del Duomo. Our guide will then lead you to the Via Tornabuoni, Florence’s main designer area to experience some modern-day fashion artistry! From here, take the rest of the day to wander, shop, or opt for one of our private half-day tours. In the evening, we enjoy an exclusive dinner in a private palazzo with a noble Florentine family, followed by leisure time to view reflections in the Arno River, grab a gelato, or people watch from a nearby caffè. Return to the hotel at your leisure.
DAY 5) FLORENCE / BOLOGNA / MILAN
We leave the "Cradle of Renaissance" and, like Leonardo, we journey to Milano, first stopping in the university city of Bologna for a guided tour of its Piazza Grande and Basilica di San Petronio. Following a superb “Bolognese” lunch, we continue to Milano, and check-in to the hotel, your choice of a 4-star or 5-star hotel in the city center. In the evening, we meet for dinner and then enjoy this walkable city on your own.
DAY 6) MILANO: Castello Sforzesco & Bibiloteca Trivulziana, “The Last Supper” and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science & Technology
We start with a guided tour of Castello Sforzesco and Biblioteca Trivulziana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see prestigious salons designed and painted by Leonardo, to learn about the architecture and legends of this complex, and about Leonardo' s untold adventures in Milano. Leaving the Castle and its Library, we walk a short distance to Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you will view Leonardo’s most prized work: “The Last Supper.”
After this breath-taking experience, we enjoy lunch at a nearby trattoria and then transfer to the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science & Technology, Italy's most important museum of its kind. Here, we discover the "Genius" as the most influential proponent of a "union between humanism & science." From the Museum, we transfer to the hotel, stopping at the nearby, designer-shopping mecca of Via Montenapoleone, for those who wish to explore further. The rest of the day and dinner are on your own. There are many exquisite shops, restaurants and bars surrounding the hotel, offering multiple options.
DAY 7) MILANO: The Duomo, Ambrosiana Library and Poldi Pezzoli Museum
We begin with a guided tour of the artistic treasures of Il Duomo di Milano, Italy's best example of high Gothic architecture, including a visit to the rooftop terrace overlooking the Piazza below and the Italian Alps. Next, we walk to the Biblioteca & Pinoteca Ambrosiana, one of the first libraries in Europe, to see the Codus Atlantis – the real “Da Vinci Code” - the largest collection of original drawings and writings by Leonardo. From the Biblioteca, we take a fascinating walk past Milan’s famous opera house, Teatro La Scala, Leonardo’s Monument and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s first “indoor shopping mall” housed within double arcades, one of Milan’s most notable landmarks. We visit one of Milan’s most extensive painting museums, the nearby Poldi Pezzoli, before lunch and the rest of the afternoon on your own. In the evening, we dine at the well-respected Don Lisander for authentic Milanese cuisine. (If the following optional day in Stresa is not included, this will be the grand Arrivederci Dinner on your last night in Italy.) Stroll the exciting streets of the area and return to the hotel at your leisure.
DAY 8) OPTIONAL DAY: STRESA, LAGO MAGGIORE
(This optional day is included in the 5-star package and may be added to the 4-star package upon request.) Checking out of our Milano hotel, we depart on a beautiful drive along the shores of Lago Maggiore to the town of Stresa. After check-in at the 5-star palace hotel, Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees, take the ferry to Isola Bella, to enjoy lunch on your own and shop for artisan wares produced in the Lake Region. Ferry back to the hotel at your leisure and enjoy the magnificence of your surroundings! Then reunite in the Hotel’s amazing restaurant for our gala Arrivederci Dinner.
DAY 8 / 9) DEPART FOR MALPENSA AIRPORT FOR RETURN FLIGHTS
Check out of the hotel very early for the drive to Malpensa Airport and your return flight to the US.
ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA!!
MUSIC TOUR
Through the vibrant voices of renowned artists, transformative settings and time-honored music, we will share immortal Italian melodies that will remain indelible in your souls. These sensations, embellished by the most delectable food and wines of the region, will make this tour the sensory feast of a lifetime!
Our 2018 “Music Tour" will take you to the most splendid locations of Tuscany, where music, poetry and atmosphere intertwine. At Torre del Lago, on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli overlooking the Apuan Mountains, we attend two operas (“al fresco”) composed by Giacomo Puccini in the town he called home: La Boheme and Turandot! …
On July 30, we will enjoy the best seats to experience Andrea Bocelli in open-air concert in his hometown…. In Florence, we will enjoy a private tour of the Museum of the Franco Zeffirelli Foundation for the Performing Arts, followed by a gourmet dinner and a concert of “Three Tenors” as they salute Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras.
In addition to these unforgettable musical events, you will enjoy special guided tours of the walled city of Lucca, Pistoia (the “Little Florence”), Volterra (seat of the Etruscan Legion), Siena (home to the famed Palio horserace), the castle-city of Monteriggioni, and of course, Florence, to view great works rarely visited by most tourists.
Three luscious meals per day are included (with the exception of two lunches on your own in Florence). We have carefully selected each menu item, to celebrate authentic Tuscan cuisine with appropriately-paired local wines, tastefully served in the most picturesque places. You will learn all about Tuscan wines, enjoy sunset cocktails (aperitivo) overlooking the hillsides, and sample traditional, as well as re-defined versions of, healthy, locally-produced foods, typical of each province.
"VIA FRANCIGENA & MEDIEVAL LEGENDS"
Before the year 1000 AD, on its way from Canterbury through France and Italy to Rome, the "Via Francigena" passed through the Elsa Valley and left numerous traces in the territory: Longobard fortresses, Templar castles, Gothic abbeys, Romanesque churches, Medieval castles, taverns and mills. Its flow of wayfarers from varied cultures integrated and enriched the Territory, making it indisputably one of the most economically and culturally advanced parts of Italy. Today, the Via Francigena remains one of the most important artistic, cultural and historic walks in Europe, and still offers pilgrims hospice and spiritual awakening.
SAMPLE TOUR
DAY 1 (Wednesday): ARRIVAL
(Available only for departures from FCO, before noon on arrival day.)
Departing from Rome’s airport we enjoy a pleasant drive, stopping for lunch before checking in at the hotel. In the early evening, we gather for Aperitivo (cocktail hour Tuscan-style) on the hotel terrace followed by a delicious Welcome Dinner in its award-winning restaurant.
DAY 2 (Thursday): SAN MINIATO / CASTELFIORENTINO / SAN VIVALDO
We begin in San Miniato where legends and art intertwine with the ancient walk of the Via Francigena. We learn of moments in history which influenced Michelangelo and Napoleon Bonaparte, and discover Renaissance frescoes not open to the public. We take a short ride to enjoy pranzo (lunch, the main meal of the day) in a private estate formerly owned by the Bonaparte Family, and to tour its biodynamic vineyards.
Moving on to medieval Castelfiorentino, we shall visit artistic treasures that acclaimed this village as the "seat of the first artistic revolution in Tuscany." We will be awed by Benozzo Gozzoli's famed "Tabernacle of the Visitation," which formerly acted as a 'welcome sign' to pilgrims on the road. Our next stop is near Montaione to visit the "Little Jerusalem of San Vivaldo," a wooded complex composed of 17 chapels which feature almost life-size, terracotta statuary depicting the Life of Jesus Christ.
We return early to the hotel for some relaxation and dinner on your own.
DAY 3 (Friday): COLLE DI VAL D' ELSA / CERTALDO ALTO / GAMBASSI TERME
In Colle, in addition to admiring its famous architecture and romantic streets, we discover a religious relic that influenced Medieval and Renaissance painters, particularly the early masters, Cimabue and Giotto. After a visit to the Crystal Museum, commemorating Colle as the ancient birthplace of the art of crystal-making, we dine in a former 11th century flour-mill.
A heart-stopping panorama escorts us to the fabled village of Certaldo Alto, birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio and his “Decameron" (1349-1351), where we visit his home and nearby works of Florentine Renaissance Art. We break to enjoy Aperitivo in a private garden overlooking the towers of San Gimignano, before departing for the Church and Pilgrim Hospice of Santa Maria a Chianni, a most important Romanesque edifice near Gambassi Terme. We close the day with sunset views over the Chianti vineyards, and a family-style dinner paired with sublime wines produced at a nearby agriturismo.
DAY 4 (Saturday): ROCCA DI STAGGIA / SAN LEONARDO AL LAGO / ABBADIA ISOLA / MONTERIGGIONI
The drawbridge of the Florentine fortress of Rocca di Staggia is lowered…Upon entering, you are transported to the "beating heart" of Medieval times, only to discover contemporary art exhibits which connect us to Staggia's mystical legends.
After a short ride along a romantic road, we arrive at L' Eremo di San Leonardo al Lago, birthplace of the Augustinian Order, to view precious frescos of the Sienese Renaissance School of painting. We proceed to Abbadia Isola, an astonishing Romanesque abbey, lost-in time, where we also visit a renovated pilgrim’s hospice. Immersing ourselves in the pilgrim's spirit, we walk along the Via Francigena to Castello di Monteriggioni, “Gateway to the Middle Ages,” where you are treated to an unforgettable experience: Aperitivo and a costumed Medieval Dinner.
DAY 5 (Sunday): CASTELLO DELLA MAGIONE / SAN GALGANO / ARCHEODROMO
We attend a beautiful mass (optional) at the Templar Castle of the Magione near Poggibonsi, which dates to the 11th century and is the most complete Medieval complex in Western Europe. In centuries past, it provided shelter to pilgrims on their way to Rome. After enjoying coffee with the Grand Master of the Templar Knights, we enjoy a scenic drive south, stopping to enjoy an authentic Sunday pranzo at a rustic agriturismo which was once an ancient mill. We depart for the nearby Abbey of San Galgano, the most stunning and important Gothic architecture in Tuscany, and birthplace of the "Sword in the Rock."
Returning to Poggibonsi, we enter the Carolinian Age (9th and 10th centuries) at the Archeodromo archeological site where we experience the "Life & Times of Charlemagne," authentically re-enacted by costumed faculty of the University of Siena. We return early to the hotel early so you can enjoy a dip in the pool or a garden stroll, and dinner on your own.
DAY 6 (Monday): SIENA / ARRIVEDERCI DINNER
The Via Francigena in the walled and elegant city of Siena is a mystical walk through its ancient streets and famed Piazza del Campo. We enjoy a guided tour of Siena’s exquisite Duomo and other significant sites. You will enjoy a fabulous lunch, and then have free time for shopping and independent exploration in this fascinating city. We regroup for Aperitivo & a special “Arrivederci Dinner” overlooking the Piazza, home of “Il Palio,” the festive medieval horse race which still drives Sienese culture today.
DAY 7 (Tuesday): DEPARTURE FOR ROME / SAN GIMIGNANO /PORTO ERCOLE
After checking out of the hotel, we take a short drive to towered San Gimignano. We enter this UNESCO World Heritage Site through the ancient gate, just as pilgrims who journeyed to its historic center and art-filled Duomo. With an Augustinian Father, we will also tour the Church of St. Augustine to view the twenty-four painted cycles of the Saint's life.
We depart for the hotel near the Rome airport, via an inspiring drive along the Tuscan Coast, pausing in Porto Ercole for lunch with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We continue to the airport hotel for a late afternoon check-in with plenty of time to relax and prepare for your morning flight to the U.S. Dinner on your own.
DAY 8: (Wednesday): Depart from the Hotel to FCO for your return flight
"VAL D'ELSA: A BIKER'S PARADISE"
"Val d'Elsa: A Biker's Paradise" takes the bikers through the heart of Tuscany to experience its unique and magnificent landscapes: gentle hills lined with century-old olive trees, cypresses, Vernaccia and Chianti vineyards and a view of the Appennine and Apuan Mountains. Our biking itineraries intertwine with the pilgrim's walk of the Via Francigena, tracing art and civilization through the Etruscan, Roman, Carolinian, Medieval and Renaissance eras. Along the way, we visit some of its Medieval castles and abbeys, Romanesque churches and farmer's hamlets. A passion for biking combines seamlessly with an appreciation of art, culture and culinary traditions, as we inhale the beauty of the countryside.
The Itinerary below can be customized according to the group's biking ability, from intermediate to advanced, and may also be revised due to weather, changing road conditions, etc. Upon booking, each cyclist will be asked to complete a Biker's Information Form so that all reserved bicycles can be prepared prior to your group's arrival, and custom-adjusted at the beginning of the tour. Detailed elevation maps are provided on a daily basis so that your group can determine whether it wishes to alter the following day's suggested route. Cyclists are always accompanied by a devoted support van with technician to assist at any point along the route. At pre-designated locations, or whenever cycling become too tiring or challenging, cyclists will be transferred by passenger van for the remainder of the day's itinerary.
Your bicycle and personal accessory (such as helmets, etc.) rental fees are NOT included in the tour price. You will receive technical information and the opportunity to select which type of equipment you prefer before departure. You pay these fees directly to the Cycle Shop at the time of your custom fitting.
SAMPLE TOUR
DAY 1 (Wednesday): ARRIVAL
(Available only for departures from FCO no later than 11am on arrival day.)
Departing from Rome’s airport, we enjoy a pleasant drive as we head for central Tuscany, stopping for a light lunch along the way. After checking in at the hotel, we will visit the nearby biking center where your reserved bike will be custom-adjusted for you. After returning to our hotel, we will gather for Aperitivo (cocktail hour Tuscan-style) on the hotel terrace and a delicious Welcome Dinner in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant.
DAY 2 (Thursday): SAN GIMIGNANO / COLLE DI VAL D' ELSA
Cycling past Longobard defense towers and Vernaccia vineyards, we arrive at the walled, towered city of San Gimignano (17 km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the historic center, the Duomo (cathedral) and the Church of Sant' Agostino to view the twenty-four cycles of the Saint's life - a masterpiece of Florentine Renaissance painting. After savoring a lunch of local specialties paired with San Gimignano's famed Vernaccia wine, we cycle to Colle di Val d' Elsa (21 km), a Medieval village built above an Etruscan settlement. We visit several of its impressive architectural sites and witness traces that influenced Medieval and Renaissance painters, such as the revolutionary painter, Cimabue.
To end a leisurely first day, we cycle back to our hotel (7km) for some R&R before enjoying dinner on your own at your leisure.
DAY 3 (Friday): CERTALDO ALTO / CASTELFIORENTINO / GAMBASSI TERME
In the morning, we cycle through an enchanting landscape to the hilltop village of Certaldo Alto (27 km), the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio and his literary masterpiece, "The Decameron" (1349-1351). We visit Boccaccio's home and international library, as well as nearby works of Florentine Renaissance Art, housed in medieval buildings with Etruscan traces. We pause for pranzo in the private garden of an award-winning restaurant overlooking the not-too-distant Towers of San Gimignano, before cycling to the ancient village of Castelfiorentino (14 km), "seat of the first artistic revolution in Tuscany" to view some of its most important works.
Our next destination is the Abbey Church and Pilgrim Hospice of Santa Maria a Chianni, a most important Romanesque edifice near Gambassi Terme (11km). We close the day with sunset views over Chianti vineyards (4.5 km), and a family-style dinner paired with sublime wines produced at a lovely agriturismo, built on the ruins of an 14th Century convent. Following dinner, we transfer by van to the hotel in time for an evening stroll in the garden or a refreshing dip in the pool.
DAY 4 (Saturday): CASTELLO DI SONNINO / ABBADIA A PASSIGNANO / SANT' APPIANO
Departing early for a intoxicating ride (40 km) through Chianti, we arrive at the 13th century Castello Sonnino in Montespertoli. Here we experience the area's olive oil culture and its connection to Renaissance Art. With the Baroness, we tour the Castle vineyards and cellars, and the family's private archives of memorabilia and private documents from WWI. We enjoy pranzo on the garden terrace, and discover the sublime olive oil and wines produced on the Estate. Following lunch, we visit some of Montespertoli's prized Renaissance masterpieces.
After viewing some of Montespertoli's treasures, we drive back to the hotel to enjoy some free time before dinner: La Grande Grigliata Toscana - Tuscan Mixed Grill including the famed Bistecca Fiorentina.
DAY 5 (Sunday): VILLA CALCINAIA & GREVE IN CHIANTI / ARCHEODROMO
After a brisk morning ride (41 km), we are welcomed to Villa Calcinaia, a 14th century Renaissance estate near Greve in Chianti. We sample its exquisite wines and enjoy treasured family recipes prepared by the Villa's private chef. Following pranzo, we take a short van ride to Greve's central piazza for some free time to wander and shop in its numerous artisan boutiques.
Next, we transfer by van to the Archeodromo (archeological site) of Poggibonsi, where we immerse ourselves in the times of Charlemagne (9th & 10th centuries), authentically re-enacted by faculty of the University of Siena.
We return to the hotel for free time, followed by Apericena: cocktails and buffet on the hotel's garden terrace.
DAY 6 (Monday): SIENA / MONTERIGGIONI & MEDIEVAL DINNER
Heading to Rome, the "Via Francigena" passed through the Elsa Valley leaving numerous traces in the territory: Medieval castles, Gothic abbeys, Romanesque churches, and ancient mills and taverns. These historic sites are today's guides as we cycle to proud Siena (37 km). After a short break in the Piazza del Campo, we visit Siena's magnificent Duomo, its awe-inspiring Renaissance Orphanage & Hospital, City Hall and other sites of great artistic and cultural importance. You will enjoy an outstanding pranzo, followed by free time for wandering and shopping in Siena's unique boutiques.
We regroup for a leisurely bike ride through green valleys to Castello di Monteriggioni, the "Gateway to the Middle Ages," as immortalized by Dante Alighieri in his "Divine Comedy." Following a tour of this still-functioning castle-village, you will be treated to an unforgettable experience: Aperitivo & Medieval Dinner, followed by a mystical Medieval walk.
DAY 7 (Tuesday): DEPARTURE for FCO via PORTO ERCOLE
We depart for our hotel near Rome's airport via an inspiring drive along the Tuscan Coast, making our last stop in Tuscany at Porto Ercole for our "Arrivederci Lunch" with an unforgettable view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We continue to the airport hotel for a late afternoon check-in with plenty of time to relax and prepare for your morning flight to the U.S. Dinner on your own.
DAY 8 (Wednesday): Depart from the Hotel to FCO for your return flight
DATES & PRICING
Prices below are approximate, are subject to change and may be adjusted prior to departure. Please review "Terms & Conditions" BEFORE booking your tour. Additional dates may be available upon request. Prices are based upon a group of 10 persons, double occupancy, in US dollars. Pricing for your group will be customized and will vary according to number of persons, dates, tour selections, currency fluctuations, etc.
Most tours are available from mid-April through October, except for the Palio and Music Tours which are dependent on event dates.
"Art & Culture"
Prices start at approximately $3999 pp based on a group of 10.
Price available upon request
"Via Francigena & Medieval Legends"
Prices start at approximately $3999 pp based on a group of 10.
Price available upon request
"Val d'Elsa: A Biker's Paradise"
Prices start at approximately $3999 pp based on a group of 10.
Price available upon request
"CucinArte" - the Art of Cooking
Sunday to Sunday, subject to availability.Prices start at approximately $4200 pp based on a group of 10. Price available upon request.
Prices for the Grand Tour, Il Palio Tour (early July and mid August only) and Music Tour (July through August only) are available upon request. Reservations are requested as soon as possible to reserve hotels and best tickets for these highly sought-after events.