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Cycling Tuscany & Umbria

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Tuscany and Umbria

The Chianti Wine Tour and The Green Heart of Italy

Begin in Florence, the scene of more concentrated genius in a given period than anywhere else on earth. Then cycle south into Chianti Classico country through a landscape that is truly the most "Italian" in all of Italy; where cypress silhouettes lace every hilltop and ancient villages abound with rich food and good wine. Combine this enchanted scene with Umbria and a trip into history encompassing the Etruscans, Romans and Christians in a land that is laced with rivers, canals and mountain top villages that defy description. Cycle slowly visiting the wineries, enjoying the art, and absorbing the sheer beauty of it all.

Day 1 - We meet just outside Florence and take an afternoon warm-up ride, exploring the countryside around the city. This evening we'll enjoy a festive get-acquainted party and let the friendships begin.

Day 2 - Cross the banks of the Arno River into "Chianti Country," with vineyards as far as the eye can see. We then follow the wine roads to Greve, dominated by the Montefiorallie Castle.

Day 3 - Spend a day in breathtaking countryside all the way to San Gimignano, a town little changed from the Middle Ages, with thirteen of its original seventy towers still standing. Wander the streets, explore the shops and settle down for a long, splendid dinner.

Day 4 - Today we cycle the scenic route to Castellina, touring the wineries, tasting the wines and visiting with the growers. Enter Siena and step back to the Middle Ages --- a living masterpiece.

Day 5 - A beautiful ride today, cycling the crest of the world, to Pienza, "The Pearl of The Renaissance". Zefferelli filmed "Romeo and Juliet" here and every set was already in place.

Day 6 - Leaving Pienza, cycle through the famous Montepulciano Vineyards. We'll stop for a tour and tasting and continue into town. Renaissance palaces abound, and the city has been almost untouched over the centuries. Then cycle through old Etruscan country heading for Lake Castiglione and Passignano, a resort town on the shore of the lake. Go for a swim, take a ferry to the islands and have a wonderful Umbrian dinner.

Day 7 - Ride to Perugia, passing through Maggione, a Shoreline town with ancient castles and nice beaches. Perugia is considered the most beautiful city in Italy. Take time to explore it well.

Day 8 - Cycle to Torgiano stopping at LeTrevasselle for lunch. It is one of the best restaurants in Italy with, unquestionably, the best wine collection. Then ride to Bettona so typical of Umbria's famous hilltop towns. Arrive in Assisi in the early afternoon. Visit the Franciscan basilica with Giotto's "Life of St Francis" fresco series and explore the rest of this interesting town. This evening we'll enjoy our farewell party and dinner.

Day 9 - After breakfast we'll say our good-byes... Rome and Florence are both only a couple of hours away...

Overnight Itinerary:   Pontesieve,   Greve-en-Chianti,   San Gimignano,   Siena,   Pienza,   Passignano,   Perugia,   Assisi

Inn Tour:  Oct 4-12

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