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Sept 27 - MONTÓPOLI IN VAL D’ARNO
We’ll
meet you at the Pisa airport and transport you to our hotel in nearby Montópoli. 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 28- VOLTERRA - 30mi, 2000ft 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 comb ine. 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 29 –
SASSETTA 34mi, 1100ft
After an
exhilarating descent from Volterra, we head west towards the
coast. A small road takes us over the low coastal hills to the
village of Bibbona. From here to Castagneto Carducci (12k) we
cycle through one of the best olive producing regions in Italy.
Castagneto is home to world famous US bike racer, Andy Hampsten,
retired from racing and now occupied with farming, wine making,
and managing his cycling camps. Once in Castagneto, we’ll take
a tour of the local olive mill, from which some of the finest
olive oil you’ll ever taste is produced. Be sure to allow time
to explore the village and sample some of its treats, including
the delicious assortment of icy-cold gelati. But save room,
because a late lunch will be provided at the mill, and we’ll
have the opportunity to purchase bottles or huge tins of olive
oil. Don’t worry; the van will be present, so you don’t have to
lug your purchases up the hill to Sassetta! From Castagneto,
it’s just 6lk to our country villa set amidst a splendid 150
acres of meadows, orchards, olive groves, and forest.
Sept 30 - ISOLA D’ELBA 56mi, 2000ft
We enjoyed a small taste of one of Andy
Hampsten’s favorite training routes yesterday, during the short
stretch from Castagneto to Sassetta; today, we’ll continue south
on this very winding, cork and chestnut tree-lined road to
Suvereto, enjoying a magnificent descent of about 300m over a
length of 13k. Suvereto is a charming medieval village,
hardly ever visited, and it is worth a stop to see its arcaded
Palazzo Comunale and the 12th century church of San Giusto.
We’ll continue riding south on small roads through pleasant
farmlands and small villages, then make a bee-line west across
the tidal flats to Piombino, where we board the ferry to Isola
d’Elba. A short ride across a narrow section of the island
brings us to Porto Azzurro, a town built by the Spaniards and
now a colorful resort destination.
Oct 1
- 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.
Oct 2- MONTIERI - 42mi, 3800ft
Andy has
arranged for us to visit the local olive oil refinery, a small farm still producing oil the old fashioned way. The product of this mill is perhaps some of the best olive oil in Italy. As a region, Tuscany is very hilly and even
mountainous; this topography has helped shape the history, architecture, and agriculture of this enchanting countryside. Today this topography will shape our route; plenty of hills, but the forested roads, mountain air and beautiful
setting of our hotel will help rejuvenate tired muscles, and dinner will refuel us for the next day’s challenge.
Oct 3 - 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.
Oct 4 - CORTONA - 45mi, 3000ft -or- 59mi, 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 the towns of Sinalunga and Lucignano. 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. Our delightful hotel does not have a restaurant, so while walking about town be sure to make reservations for dinner early,
as the best places fill up early.
Oct 5 - CORTONA - Rest day
or Umbrian loop ride
Oct 6 - ANGHIARI - 48mi, 3500ft -or- 44mi, 1800ft
Today we venture into the region of Umbria, 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. The long route includes Pieve San Stefano and Caprese Michelangelo
Oct 7 - 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 Arrezo; 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 along the hillsides above the Arno river, plus the five mile climb past Reggello to the hotel, tucked beautifully in the forested mountains above town. The long route
is for those who enjoy a little climbing. First is the scenic ride up the slopes of Monte Penna, and after lunch in Poppi, we’ll climb the Passo di Consuma. From here it is all downhill to Reggello on lovely winding roads through wooded
hills.
Oct 8 - SAN LEONINO (SIENA)
- 35mi, 2500ft -or- 40mi, 3000ft
Chianti ia 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! 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 9 - SAN LEONINO (SIENA)
- 0 - 12 mi
There is no riding planned for today, other than the
6 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 capuccino, 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 10 - SAN LEONINO (SIENA)
- 53mi, 3000ft -or- 70mi, 4000ft
Today’s loop ride has a lunchtime destination of San Gimignano,
Italy’s best preserved medieval city. Still standing are 15 towers (of the original 70), giving San Gimignano the most impressive skyline in Tuscany. On the morning’s ride, there are two other gems, the tiny fortified town of
Monteriggioni, and the beautiful hilltop town of Colle di Val d’Elsa. The long route heads west from Siena through steep, rolling farm lands to Casole d’Elsa, and then to San Gimignano. As much as there is to see, it is always a good
idea to save enough time for a dip in our hotel pool to finish off a great day of cycling.
Oct 11 - MONTÓPOLI IN VAL D’ARNO
- 42mi, 2000ft
The ride today, back to our beginning hotel, is through 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. Near the end of the ride, the hilltop town of San Miniato is worth
exploring, that is if you haven’t grown weary of yet another glorious medieval village that gives 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 12 - Van transport is provided to Pisa airport.
COST:
$2750.00 per person, Double Occupancy.
$500.00 Single Supplement
INCLUDES
·2-4 star Hotel Accommodations ·
·Breakfast daily (except arrival day) ·Dinner daily (except one night and arrival/departure
days)
·Airport transfers from/to Pisa 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, & items of a personal
nature
·Lunches and alcoholic beverages (a supplemental fee will be
charged for those who want wine with dinner, and can be prepaid
before departure)
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.
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