Taste of Tuscany ~ Self-Guided Tours
May
to October 2010 ~ $1595
Tuscany has long
been an expression of the
Italian dream. Our self-guided adventure offers
quiet roads, cypress-covered hills and inspiring views of this famous and charming region of Italy.
Day
1 - Arrive
at Montopoli Val d’Arno, a classic Tuscan hilltop village
midway between Pisa and Florence. You’ll be welcomed by Luigi and Fulvia at our charming
headquarters hotel, known for its Renaissance ambience and Slow Food restaurant. Assemble
your bike and store your case, then take a warm-up ride through the local hills or relax
in the garden by the swimming pool, taking in the view of the valley.
Day
2 - Pedal
east along the edge of the
Arno valley on peaceful country roads through magical Tuscan terrain.
Pause for a leisurely pranzo toscano, marvel at the magical views, and perhaps taste
some wine. Then pedal south through the Chianti hills toward Colle Val d’Elsa,
the crystal capital of Italy and our lodging in a historic restored paper mill.
Day
3 - The
famed village of San Gimignano makes
an ideal espresso stop
on today’s ride west. Take a short morning loop and spend the afternoon shopping
and sightseeing in Colle
Val d'Elsa, or spend the
full day riding -- working
up an appetite for dinner,
perhaps at the Michelin-starred
Arnolfo?
Day
4 - The
Gallo Nero,
symbol of Chianti Classico
appears often on this ride
through vineyards and forests
where beautiful vistas appear
around every bend as you
wind along hillcrests
toward the Etruscan and Roman
hilltop city of Volterra.
Leave time to visit the ruins
and enjoy some refreshing
gelato before wandering among
medieval vicoli in search
of that perfect
trattoria.
Day
5 - Head
north for a loop among peaceful, cypress crowned hills, stopping for a lunch of crostini misti
and pappa al pomodoro while taking in the view of distant hilltop villages. A shorter ride will leave time to
explore Volterra’s museums, or to browse local artisan’s workshops for their famed alabaster and jewelry.
Day
6 - Your
final ride heads northwest and you might catch a glimpse of the Ligurian Sea before winding your way back to Montopoli. Roll through Palaia, where a world-record white truffle was recently found, pack your bikes, then relax with dinner complemented by one of Luigi’s special local wines on the peaceful terrace overlooking the valley.
Day
7 - Morning
departure.
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