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BICYCLE
TOUR OF ITALY
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This is the classic Italy you dream about, and now you will see it on a bike!
Our tour begins in Assisi, Umbria, where the medieval flavor takes you back to the enchantment and mystery of the Middle Ages. The province of Umbria is known as the "Green Heart" of Italy and our route is surrounded by vineyard clad valleys and hillsides covered with olive trees. Ancient walled cities, Etruscan tombs and Renaissance art are a treat for the eye, and Baci, the world-famous chocolate covered hazelnuts from Perugia, are a delicious treat for the palate! The classic charm of Tuscany is picture book perfect with stately farmhouses set amid a patchwork of green fields silhouetted with Cyprus trees. Vineyards line the quiet country roads and acres of sunflowers bathe in pastel sunlight. Our route passes through several renowned wine regions as it takes us to some of Tuscany's most interesting hill top towns. Enjoy strolling the narrow winding streets that lead to magnificent cathedrals and grand plazas with charming shops and sidewalk cafes. This is a moderately hilly bike tour that fit riders of all abilities will enjoy. Our routes follow winding secondary roads and average 45 - 65 kilometers per day, with more riding available for the hearty. All riders will have a map with route directions, and you can choose to ride with the group or travel independently at your own pace. You will carry only what you need for the day on your bike while a vehicle transfers your baggage to the lodging. PLEASE NOTE: this is only a baggage service and not a sag vehicle. Chuck and Judy Nichols will accompany this tour and will handle bike maintenance and logistics. The Best of Tuscany and Umbria is more than just a great bike ride. It is your opportunity to fully experience the delightful countryside and wonderful people of Italy. This is budget travel with style, and we hope to see you there!
Day 2: Enjoy the backroad to Spello, a perfectly preserved town with Roman origins. A visit to Bevagna, another wonderful mideval village & a special wine tasting are afternoon hightlights. Return to Assisi. 45 Km. Day 4: A curvy road will lead us to Lake Trasimeno whose shores teem with migratory birds. We'll cycle near beautiful olive groves to Cortona, the setting for Francis Mayes’s best seller, Under the Tuscan Sun. 65 Km.
Day 6: Traveling through Pienza, home of Pope Pio II, we'll find a unique collection of palaces, churches and a charming square. This ride takes us through the Crete landscape, one of the most famous in the world: rolling hills in all shades of brown or green; sturdy brick farmhouses or imposing mansions crowning the hilltops and cypress lined alleys design a perfect scene that inspired painters since the Middle ages. We finish our ride among the vineyards en route to Montalcino, a 13th century paradise and the home of Brunello wine. We will enjoy a two night stay within the walled city. 50 Km. Day 7: Our loop ride takes us to the gorgeous abbey of Saint Antimo, a well preserved 12th-century church that still echoes with Gregorian chants. There is plenty of time today for shopping and sampling some of the fine Brunello wines. 50 Km. Day 8: The road winds through hills and oak woods to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the most impressive abbey in Italy. Then it's on to Siena, our final destination. Siena is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy. Its famous Piazza Del Campo is an open-air museum and architectural gem. 53 Km. Day 9: Your tour ends after breakfast. There are both train and bus stations in Siena with easy access to both Rome and Florence. While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.
TOUR
BEGINS / ENDS: Assisi, Italy / Siena, Italy | ||
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Nichols
Expeditions 497 North Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532 phone: 800-648-8488, fax: 435-259-2312 email: info@NicholExpeditions.com |
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Now you can stretch your travel budget and take the Italian bike tour you have always dreamed about! This unforgettable bicycle tour traverses Tuscany and Umbria, two of Italy's most scenic regions where quiet country roads lead to historic medieval cities. Our tour features great riding, fantastic scenery, comfortable lodgings with all breakfasts & dinners included and luggage transfers. Welcome to budget travel with style! 
All of the accommodations we have selected reflect the warmth and hospitality of the region and feature a splendid assortment of villas, quaint hotels and charming country inns that provide a real sense of living history. The scrumptious meals served on the tour are made with local ingredients and seasoned with tasty olive oil and fresh herbs. You will have a chance to sample some of Italy's best cheeses and most famous wines - the Brunellos from Montalcino and the bold Vino Noble from Montepulciano. 
Day
1: We meet in Assisi for an afternoon orientation and bike fitting. Join us for a Welcome dinner. Airlines from a variety
of European cities fly into Perugia and the airport is close to Assisi.
Trains from Rome, Florence and Milan service Assisi. 
Day 5: Today we will enter Tuscany through the magnificent wine country of Montepulciano, one of Tuscany's highest hilltop towns. Renowned for its Vino Nobile, Montepulciano also boasts a unique blend of Renaissance architecture and is perched on a narrow ridge of volcanic rock. 50 Km.
