Italy
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Romantic Italy! Land of art, history, great
food, warm people, wonderful cities, charming
old villages and spectacular
scenery!
Tuscany has a wonderful history, a magnificent cultural heritage and splendid cuisine. It was the beloved homeland of Galileo, Dante and Machiavelli. It also was where Michelangelo, Donatello and da Vinci lived and created their artistic masterpieces. In the unspoiled countryside that still rings many of the walled cities, you’ll find villas, castles and estates that once belonged to the Tuscan rich and famous. The cypress-covered hills still resemble the backgrounds of Renaissance paintings. This is the Tuscany that Frances Mayes so elegantly describes in her “Under the Tuscan Sun” We start our 8 day tour in Castellina just two steps from Siena, the principal art and cultural center of the province and the Chianti Classico region. On our first day of cycling we’ll stop in charming Monteriggioni, a small hilltop village made famous by Dante’s description in his Divine Comedy. Then we’ll enter the ancient walled city of San Gimignano, easily recognizable by its many square towers, erected as signs of prosperity during medieval times. Stunning Siena, the “Heart of Tuscany” and once Florence’s most powerful rival, is next. Its dazzling Cathedral and the Piazza del Campo, one of the most remarkable squares in Italy and the site of the yearly Palio races will amaze you. A climb up to the Benedictine Monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is rewarded with a gorgeous fresco cycle on the life of St. Benedetto and with spectacular views on the eroded hills of “crete” and century old pines. Then continue to Montalcino, the capital of Brunello wine. Montalcino has numerous medieval houses with gardens, orchards and streets that climb up and down. A photographer’s delight! You’ll have a magnificent view over the mountains and plenty of chances to sampler the outstanding Brunello wines here. Via Pienza, an architectural jewel famous also for its cheese, the “pecorino di Pienza” we reach beautiful Montepulciano , one of Tuscany’s highest hilltop towns and the final stop on this Tuscan Journey!
Included
: 2010 Guided Tour Dates: May 22 – 29, This same tour is also possible as a self-guided option:
Tempting Tuscany
Self-Guided Tour: Included:
2010 Self-Guided
Tour Dates:
Hill Towns of Umbria Umbria is appropriately called "the heart of Italy" and "the land of artists, saints and warriors”. Less well known than its trendy neighbor Tuscany, Umbria is amazingly rich in every type of historic site from the Etruscan onward. Reminders of Roman, medieval and Renaissance life can be found everywhere and Umbria’s ancient walled cities and hilltop villages are surprisingly well preserved. Our tour begins in fascinating, historic Cortona, still in Tuscany and easily reached by train from Rome, Florence or Milan. It is a small but fascinating city in the province of Arezzo situated on a commanding hill overlooking Lake Trasimeno. From here we’ll cycle to Lake Trasimeno and stop for one night in the lush, surrounding countryside around the lake. We’ll pedal on to Perugia, once an important Etruscan and Roman city, still possessing an impressive, medieval town center and the impressive Umbrian National Art Gallery, one of the finest in Italy. We’ll enjoy an unusual tranquil ambience in our nicely renovated hotel conveniently located in the historic city center. Next is Assisi, where St. Francis was born and founded his religious order. Assisi is the symbol of the religious and mystical soul of Umbria. Many famous artists, first and foremost Giotto, have decorated its churches and you'll have ample time to admire most of the art works, painstakingly restored after the devastating recent earthquake. Our hotel with swimming pool is beautifully situated just outside of the center of town within walking distance of the incredible basilica. From the terrace we have a remarkable view over the surrounding hills. On the second day in Assisi we’ll bike to Spello , a lovely walled town, another “medieval jewel” with picturesque, steep, curving cobbled streets and peaceful squares. It is much less touristy and more quiet after Assisi and borders the Natural Park of Mount Subasio. We’ll spend our final two days in Spoleto and Orvieto. We’ll bike from Assisi to Bevagna, a perfectly preserved medieval town, well known for its historic market during the month of June. We’ll make a tough climb up to Montefalco, nicknamed "the balcony of Umbria" because of its spectacular views and then continue to Todi, another hilltop town built by the Etruscans with a main square said to be the most beautiful in Italy. We’ll enjoy more spectacular views of scenic hills before our transfer to Orvieto, another atmospheric Etruscan town. Orvieto is renowned for its Duomo, considered the finest cathedral of its period in Italy with some amazing frescoes by Signorelli. Walking up and down Orvieto’s narrow streets we’ll discover many charming shops for our last minute shopping.
Included: 2010 Guided Tour Dates: April 24 – May 1, This same tour is also possible as a self-guided option:
Hill Towns of Umbria Self-Guided Tour:
Included: 2010 Self-Guided Tour Dates:
Puglia and Basilicata - Guided Tour Fascinating Puglia and Basilicata are located in south-eastern Italy in the “heel of Italy’s boot” and offer extraordinary variety and beauty. The region is relatively unspoiled, breathtakingly beautiful and rich with archaeological sites recalling the region’s strategic importance to the ancient Romans and Greeks. White washed villages are nestled against the hillside vineyards; olive groves and wheat fields decorate the valleys. Puglia is Italy’s largest producer of vegetables, olive oil and wine. Fresh ingredients and legendary cooking skills combine to provide visitors with a first class culinary experience. Our tour begins with the Sassi of Matera in Basilicata, old dwellings and rock churches carved centuries ago out of the steep cliffs. Today Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is no wonder that Mel Gibson chose to film “The Passion of the Christ” here because of Matera’s amazing resemblance to ancient Jerusalem. From Matera we’ll bike through the Itria Valley, also called the Valley of the Trulloes. Here you’ll find thousands of “trulli”, limestone dwellings with conical roofs that are the architectural symbol of Puglia and are assembled without any mortar. We’ll cycle on to unique Alberobello in Puglia, capital of the “trulli” and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a postcard-pretty white village. From here we’ll pedal to Martina Franca, a real Baroque gem. All around you there is an explosion of color, olive trees and ancient farmhouses. Next comes a visit to Castellaneta and its beautiful beaches on the Ionian Sea. From here we circle back to the mysterious land of Basilicata, through the rolling hills of the Bradano Valley and past the Lake of San Giuliano. We’ll reach Matera to enjoy a free afternoon of shopping and your farewell dinner. You’ll certainly enjoy your stay in this fascinating and picturesque region well known for the hospitality of its friendly people. Puglia’s warm, dry, Mediterranean climate is ideal for walking and biking in spring and fall. Included: 2010 Guided Tour Dates: April 10-17, May 15-22, Tour Price: $1995 Single Supplement:
$255 This same tour is also possible as a self-guided option: Puglia and
Basilicata Self-Guided Tour: Included: 2010 Self-Guided Tour Dates:
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The trip was great and a great
value for the money. The rides
were very scenic. The countryside
is very beautiful. I really
enjoyed the hill towns, especially
San Gimignano and
Lucca.
