Tuscany & Enchanting Elba
Itinerary
Days 1-Reggello:
We meet at the Florence airport and have a short shuttle to our four-star
hotel, a 15 C restored villa surrounded by lush grounds and offering a peaceful
start to our Tuscan adventure. Our warm-up ride rambles to Figline, an ancient
market town whose historic center has preserved its charm and gracious past.
Days 2-Loro Ciuffenna:
Today's loop ride takes us along the panoramic " Strada di Sette
Ponte" (road of seven bridges) a Roman road that was once the upper shore
of an ancient lake. We zigzag through several small Medieval villages, including
the tiny village of Cascia, where a Romanesque church houses Masaccio's first
masterpiece. We stroll through the characteristic cobblestone streets of Loro
Ciuffenna before a hearty Tuscan lunch.
Days 3-Siena:
The peaceful route we travel today was once the scene of intense battles
between the Sienese and Florentines. The castles and fortresses are remnants of
a turbulent past harmonized by the League of Chianti, an organization of
wine-makers who decided it was better to make wine than war. We pass through
Radda in Chianti, Badia a Coltibuono, Gaiole, and Castello di Brolio, where
Bettino Ricasoli wrote the original recipe for Chianti.
Days 4-Siena:
Today is a rest day, allowing you to explore this gorgeous Italian
hill town or to enjoy an optional spin through the Tuscan hills. An ancient and
modern rival with Florence, Siena is known for her panforte, glowing Medieval
paintings, and the Palio horserace. We enjoy a hiking tour with our Sienese
guide, Nicoletta, visit a contrada and taste wine at the Enoteca Italiana.
Dinner on your own.
Days 5- Volterra:
 We pedal west through the lovely Sienese hills and enjoy a beautiful
Ciclismo Classico/par picnic. Continuing west we arrive at Volterra, a Medieval
hill town perched dramatically atop a ridge. On a clear day you/quote ll
see the Mediterranean!
Days 6-San Gimignano:
You may choose to take a day off from cycling to enjoy Volterra's many
sights, including its Etruscan museum, a walk along its ancient walls or a visit
to the Roman amphitheater. You may also opt for a ride to San Gimignano, the
"Manhattan of Tuscany," known for its 14 Medieval towers, visible from
miles away.
Days 7-Elba:
A 15-mile descent awaits us as we glide towards Cecina, a small resort
village on the coast, where we hop a one-hour ferry ride to Elba, with its green
mountains rising out of the sea. Elba's greatest attraction is its wealth of
beaches; with over 100 miles of coastline, there are beaches everywhere -large
and small, sand and pebbles, and the cycling is spectacular!
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