When in Florence Cycling along the Tuscan
Transcription
When in Florence Cycling along the Tuscan
2014 When in Florence Cycling along the Tuscan Coast Cycling in Chianti A Tuscan Cooking Experience When in Paris A Taste of Paris & London avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 WHEN IN FLORENCE Florence Delve into this magical and magnificent city known for its arts, history and culture with our tour package to Italy - From Brunelleschi's Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio to Michelangelo's David at the Accademia and the city's breathtaking view from Pitti Palace overlooking the famous Boboli Gardens, Florence inspires and delights at every turn. Begin your Italy vacation in Florence, you'll find amazing Renaissance architecture, world-renowned paintings and sculptures, fine leatherwork and jewelry, plus sumptuous food, wine, and culture brimming with historical attractions such as the Piazza della Signoria, the Baptistery, the Duomo Cathedral, and much more. This Italy vacation you will forever treasure. Included Features: TRAVEL IN SIMPLICITY ... FROM $729 Tourist class hotel accommodation for 5 nights Daily buffet breakfast Half day city tour, including entrance fee for the Accademia Full day excursion to Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti region and Pisa, including wine tasting and lunch Renaissance banquet-style dinner Shopping excursion to Gucci and Prada outlets Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges TRAVEL IN STYLE ... FROM $1,319 First class hotel accommodation for 5 nights Daily buffet breakfast Private guided half day walking tour of Florence with visit of Accademia, including entrance fee Private guided half day excursion to Siena Private guided half day excursion to the Chianti region, including wine tasting Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges TRAVEL IN LUXURY ... FROM $2,561 Deluxe class hotel accommodation for 5 nights Daily buffet breakfast Private guided half day walking tour of Florence with visit of Accademia, including entrance fee Private guided full day excursion to Arezzo and Cortona Private guided half day excursion to the Chianti region, including lunch and wine tasting Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges Best Price starting at $729 (Based on per person in Double Occupancy) avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 7 Days / 6 Nights CYCLING ALONG THE TUSCAN COAST Forte dei Marmi Day 1 - Lerici and Montemarcello Length: 38.5 miles (62 km) As we depart from Forte, we ride along the coast, eventually reaching the Castel of Marina di Massa. Through 3.1 miles (5 km) of gently rolling roads, the ocean and the beautiful port of Marina di Carrara is to our left. Soaking up an hour and a half of staggering scenery has given us an appetite, so it's time to take a break for lunch at one of our favorite spots, perched on the veranda overlooking the ocean. After leaving the ocean, we head towards the gulf of La Spezia on our first uphill grade. It's only half a mile long but it will bring us to La Serra and an incredible vantage point over the ocean. We continue on for 1.9 miles (3 km) through rolling hills before reaching Montemarcello, a medieval village nestled on top of a hill. As we circumnavigate the town, we start to head back, descending the wide switchbacks that bring us to the bridge over the Magra River. We head south with an alternative view of the coast, through the Marina di Carrara and Marina di Massa, eventually reaching Forte dei Marmi, where we began. Day 2 - Sanzara, Fosdinovo, Massa and Carrara Length: 47.8 miles (77 km) On our second day, we head north out of Forte. This gives us a chance to warm up at a leisurely pace as we zip along the totally flat coast line next to the beach, soaking up the fresh breeze from the ocean. We make our way to the Historical center of Sarzana. We gather a little momentum up the low-grade hills towards Fosdinovo. To fully enjoy these narrow streets, teeming with local culture, or the views from the road circumventing the city walls, we continue climbing the winding road, go through the Cyprus forest and reach the base of the medieval castle, Castello Dei Vescovi. At this point, we can take a break at one of the many local restaurants. After lunch, we head down towards Carrara. As we reach a fork in the road we will be tempted to stop because the panoramic is breathtaking; valleys, mountains, sea, snowcapped mountains all from one vantage point. It's all downhill, back to Massa for a quick zip back to Forte. Time for a gelato! Day 3 - Pruno Length: 24.9 miles (40 km) Starting at Forte Dei Marmi, we follow the main road up to Querceta. Leaving the downtown area, we go west through the villages of Corvaia and Seravezza. We cycle for a while through rolling hills that bring us to the village of Ruosina. At this point we turn left and go up to towards Pruno. After 2 miles we meet our first hill and eventually arrive at Cardoso. It is here where we could discover the incredible delicacies of Norcineria Barsanti Ristorante. As we enter the valley, we find ourselves surrounded by unusual mountains with natural bridge formations from one hill to the next. As we circumnavigate a beautiful medieval church, we begin a climb of 1.9 miles (3 km), which gets a little challenging in the last 200 meters. We finally arrive in Pruno. The town sits right at the foothills of a large mountain called Procinto, which is nearly 4,000 feet. The Ristorante Monteforato where you can taste different kinds of homemade local delicacies is right off the road that leads to Volegno. Most churches along this course have shaded avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 piazzas where we can stop to fill up bottles with fresh water from the nearby fountains, or in Pruno, where the terrazzo overlooks the green "Pineta Verde" contrasting with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. We then return back down to the sea breeze of Forte, for a glass of wine or a pizza from one of our local restaurants, and the contemplation of where to venture next! Day 4 - Pietrasanta and Valdicastello Length: 28 miles (45 km) Starting from the Forte dei Marmi, we ride toward Viareggio along the coast. After reaching Lido di Camaiore, we reach an ancient Roman road that connected Rome to the Northern Provinces. We turn right and we go up toward the hills. Here, we can either go right where the road steadily ascends to what could be considered a hard ride towards the top of Cappezzano. A spectacular view of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, white beaches, and the city-scape below await us. If we go straight, without climbing, we will arrive at Pietrasanta. The ride up to Cappezzano is spectacular. After leaving the town square of Pietrasanta, a small narrow road leads us up the mountain and to a whole series of switchbacks to get us there. As we ascend, we might pass one of the locals with their donkeys pulling a three wheel cart, delivering supplies to one of the residents up the hill, or a group of older women contemplating which way to go on their morning constitutional. If you are feeling particularly energetic, you may want to get up out of the saddle and push past the turns for the occasional acceleration, or remain in the saddle for a steady ascent. Reaching the top is a gem, with a view that will take your breath away! After a moment of recovery, it's time to fly back down to the ocean! Day 5 - Fiumaretta, Marina di Carrara, Portovenere Length: 40.3 miles (65 km) Another day of glorious sightseeing on two wheels is calling us! As we ride from Lido, towards Forte dei Marmi, we ride along a flat road until we reach Fiumaretta and Marina di Carrara. Now it's time to dig in a little and make the climb to Montemarcello, but the view all the way is so beautiful, you will be lost in joy, and before you know it, you will be at the top. At this point, a breathtaking view and scenic descent brings us to Lerici, which overlooks the port of La Spezia. It's time to take a breather at this point. The van will take us from Lerici, to a fork in the road that goes to either Portovenere or Riomaggiore. We will then get on our bikes and ride to Portovenere. This village on the ocean cliffs will make you feel like you have arrived in another world, and you will be snapping your camera endlessly to get pictures of this remarkable and dramatic locale. For those who still want to ride the hills from Portovenere to Riomaggiore, they can do so. After a fantastic lunch, we will head back to the hotel in the van. Day 6 - Viareggio and Torre del Lago Puccini Length: 36 miles (58 km) We travel south along the ocean towards the town of Viareggio, and one of the most glorious beaches in all of Italy. As we soak up the sea breeze, we turn towards Marina Di Levante. From here, we enter an area of pine trees surrounding the road. As we ride up a gradual incline, we enter the beautiful Villa Borbone, a 16th century landmark. We continue straight for a few kilometers towards the town of Torre Del Lago Puccini. This is a beautiful little village, and the birthplace of the famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. We reach a lakeside area, and it's time to have lunch. As we take a break, we will have a view of the outdoor open theatre, which hosts a musical festival during the summer and the fall, featuring the operas and the music of Puccini. It is time to move on, and we head back on a downhill road with a contrasting view of the pine trees and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. After leaving the aroma of pine needles, we once again reach the beaches of Viareggio and head back along the coast to Forte Dei Marmi. Life is beautiful! Day 7 - Return to USA Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Included Features: avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 Hotel accommodations for 6 nights 14 included meals consisting of: - 6 buffet breakfasts - 6 lunches - 2 dinner 6 Day premium carbon bike rental, including: - Bike assistance & mechanic - 6 day route support - Escort guides Round trip transfers from airport or train station Hotel taxes and service charges Best Price starting at $3520 (Based on per person in Double Occupancy) avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 7 Days / 6 Nights CYCLING IN CHIANTI Monteriggioni Day 1 - Castellina in Chianti Road Cycling: 32.62 miles (52.5 km) We leave Monteriggioni for a moderate ride in the Tuscan countryside, passing below the fortress of Staggia Senese. We then make our way to the hill-top town of Castellina in Chianti where the small stone church in the center of the village has been restored to its original glory. We will stop here for lunch and enjoy the amazing view across the valley as we sip on a glass or spin the fresh pasta on our forks! As we leave Castellina, we will travel along a road lined with olive trees and "grappoli" of future Chianti Wine, until we arrive in San Leonino, then head back to Monteriggioni. Day 2 - Monte Oliveto Maggiore and the Crete Senesi Road Cycling: 49.71 miles (80 km) As we leave Monteriggioni, we head south toward Siena. After 12.42 miles (20 km), we reach the outskirts of Siena and pass through Taverne d'Arbia, continuing on to Crete Senesi where outdoor Italian bars offer freshly squeezed "aranciate". The view from this location is spectacular. These hill top views continue until Vescona Chiesa and Palazzina with ancient stone and brick houses. We take a break under the shady porticos of Ristorante La Mencia, that has a great selection of tasty salamini and seasonal cacciotelle, or you can taste the simple Ciaccino Crudo & Arucola next to the crunchy authentic Pizza Margherita. After sampling the grand collection of local wines like the Chianti Classico, we head to Chiusure, famous for its Artichoke Festival, the mystical Archabbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore with intricate sun dials, and past the roman walls of Buonconvento. We continue to climb, avoiding the traffic around Siena and arrive back at Monteriggioni. Time for a siesta! Day 3 - Colline Metallifere Road Cycling: 34.80 miles (56 km) We head west from Monteriggioni following the Strada Provinciale for 3.10 miles (5 km) and we then turn toward Strove, passing by Castel Pietraio. You will be transfixed by the endless fields of vineyards separated by the undulating terrain of Cypress trees surrounding private villas along the way. We make a sharp turn towards the beautiful town of Pievescola. We climb gently up to Osteria del Borgo going as we enter Mensano. This is the perfect place to take a break for lunch. After resting in the sun, we continue north to Casole d'Elsa as it rises out of the landscape. Going through Mensanello we are constantly surrounded by an array of flower beds as we dive down to the intersection with the Estrada Provinciale that brings us back to Monteriggioni. Since the day's ride has not been too difficult, you might want to sprint your fellow riders to the finish! Day 4 - The Etruscan Route Road Cycling: 45.36 miles (73 km) avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 The Etruscan ruins and medieval buildings of Valera call as we leave Monteriggioni toward Pian dell'Olmino. This part of the ride is basically flat as the Italian word says is all pretty much flat. Going through Mensanello once more, we follow a zigzag pattern that brings us into Piano. From this point we are headed northwest where the road gently follows an amazing array of gold and green hills for 3.10 miles (5 km) before merging into Strada Regionale that brings into San Gimignano, a beautiful fortress town on the hill, which is a sight to behold. We then head for Strove, climbing hills and passing the hilltop views of Sassi Bianchi, Castagno, and San Vivaldo. We head over to Osteria San Vivaldo for lunch. Here we can load up on proteins with "la fiorentina", a delicious oversized steak! Or you can try Pappardelle with Boar sauce or wild rabbit. A bottle of Chianti might also be calling your name. With new found energy you will be humming down the valley and then leap through the climb to Lano, a beautiful town on the way to Volterra. Once in Volterra, you will be able spend the rest of the day there before being transferred back to our hotel in Monteriggioni. Day 5 - Siena Road Cycling: 32.93 miles (53 km) From Monteriggioni, we head south. Following endless lines of pine trees and vineyards, we reach Badesse, an ancient walled town with a spectacular view across the city. As we circumvent its walls, we head further south along the Via Uopini, weaving our way through small villages and gentle rolling hills, until we reach the edge of Siena. We set our sights on the famed Cathedral of black and white marble stripes and are surrounded by the scent of olive groves as we roll down the hill towards Il Campo at the heart of Siena. Lunch is in the making, and we stop at a small restaurant near the edge of the city for a break. After soaking up the sunshine and the expansive fields of vineyards and yellow flowers, we head north on our way to Quercegrossa, a beautiful village set in gentle rolling hills and very windy streets. After weaving our way through the local area, and perhaps partaking of the local gelato, we head to Villa Parigini and then on to Monteriggioni. Day 6 - San Donato in Poggio Road Cycling: 39.15 miles (63 km) As we leave Monteriggioni for a moderate ride, we head directly west to the small town of Quercegrossa once more. We go directly north to the hill-top town of Castellina in Chianti, and continue on along a windy road up to San Donato in Poggio. San Donato is a small medieval village at the top of a hill about halfway between Florence and Siena. The roads around this town are some of the most beautiful in Chianti, with rows of vineyards as far as the eye can see mixed in with olive tree orchards, small woods, hamlets, farmhouses and wineries. After having lunch here, we head south towards Castello della Paneretta, a beautiful fortress surrounded by landscaped gardens, close to Monsanto. Following the road south, we head back to Monteriggioni for a glass of wine that awaits us at the hotel. Later that evening, we meet up to have a dinner that will have you singing all the way across the village! Day 7 - Monteriggioni/USA Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Included Features: Hotel accommodations for 6 nights 14 included meals consisting of: - 6 buffet breakfasts - 6 lunches - 2 dinner 6 Day premium carbon bike rental, including: - Bike assistance & mechanic - 6 day route support - Escort guides Round trip transfers from airport or train station Hotel taxes and service charges avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 Best Price starting at $3749 (Based on per person in Double Occupancy) avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 A TUSCAN COOKING EXPERIENCE Pistoia Learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine on your Italy vacation with Central Holidays! Featuring exquisite cooking class vacations in Italy, our food and wine programs offer inspired hands-on experiences. This Italy vacation package takes you on a gastronomic adventure to discover regional flavors, enhance your cooking skills, explore exciting destinations, and savor memories to cherish for a lifetime. From delectable meals to succulent wine tastings in captivating surroundings, we invite you to indulge in this selection of trips created by our destination specialists in combination with renowned chefs...your ideal feast for all senses awaits! Our packages to Europe will leave you breathless. Included Features: First class hotel accommodation for 4 nights in Pistoia 8 included meals consisting of: - 4 buffet breakfasts - 2 dinners at hotel - 1 lunch at local restaurant in Florence - 1 lunch after cooking class Wine, mineral water and coffee with meals Private full day excursion to Florence, including guided city tour, entrance fee for the Accademia and chocolate tasting One two-hour cooking class at hotel Visit of a local winery including wine tasting and transportation by private car Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges Best Price starting at $1073 (Based on per person in Double Occupancy) avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 6 Days / 0 Nights WHEN IN PARIS Paris Take a journey to Paris, the "City of Lights", is the capital of fashion, art, and people watching with our France vacations.This France tour package gives you a change to see a city where Chanel-clad ladies walk poodles along grand boulevards; a place where the food is delicieux; a city where the nightlife is sublime... Home of croissants and French baguettes, there is no end to the breath-taking sites you can see in Paris. The Louvre Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Palais-Royal, and the Elysee Palace are enough to make a library of travel books...but your love affair with this amazing city will truly begin once you look beyond the Eiffel Tower and start exploring the backstreets... that's when you'll make Paris your own with our France vacation package! Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Included Features: TRAVEL IN SIMPLICITY ... FROM $586 Tourist class hotel accommodation for 5 nights Daily buffet breakfast One hour Seine River cruise Three day ''Paris a la carte'' by bus and by boat pass Two day museum pass 10% discount coupon at Galeries Lafayette Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges TRAVEL IN STYLE ... FROM $1,406 First class hotel accommodation for 5 nights Daily buffet breakfast One hour Seine River cruise Two day museum pass Five day metro pass Full day tour of Paris & Versailles, including lunch at the Eiffel Tower Dinner at "Le Procope", the oldest Cafe in Paris 10% discount coupon at Galeries Lafayette Travel bag, one per person Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges TRAVEL IN LUXURY ... FROM $2,377 Deluxe class hotel accommodation for 5 nights Daily buffet breakfast Two day museum pass avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 Five day metro pass Three hour retro-style Paris tour in a vintage and completely refurbished convertible 2CV Dinner cruise with music & dancing on the Bateaux Parisiens Dinner and show at Lido 10% discount coupon at Galeries Lafayette Travel bag, one per person Document holder and luggage tags Hotel taxes and service charges Best Price starting at $586 (Based on per person in Double Occupancy) avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 7 Days / 6 Nights A TASTE OF PARIS & LONDON Paris - London This Europe trip package where two of the world's most famous city's come to life and open their hearts to you on this 7-day world-class adventure from Central Holidays: A Taste of Paris and London. Travel to France and begin your vacation in the City of Lights--Paris, France--exploring the country's capital with its monuments, museums, architecture, nightlife and famous French cuisine. A private tour of the amazing city will take you to the Arc de Triomphe, Opera House, famed Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and so much more. Dine at outdoor cafes on baguettes and pastries while sampling the fine wines that are only produced in this specific region of the world. Board the Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London via the Channel Tunnel, and in just two short hours you will be on the second half of your journey-exploring London, the cosmopolitan capital of England. The historic city is packed with stunning architecture, famous sights and plenty of museums and restaurants to explore and sample. A bus tour will take you to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Theater, fashionable Chelsea and King's Road, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London along with so much more! Shop the markets at Portobello Road in Notting Hill or watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Ride the underground tube and be sure to mind the gap when boarding--and shop your way through Piccadilly Circus before stopping in a local pub for a pint of acclaimed beer and authentic fish and chips. Our Europe trip packages offer a vacation you won't soon forget! Day 1 - Paris Arrival in Paris. After check-in at your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Paris, the magnificent capital of France. Packed with monuments, museums, art, nightlife, eateries and shops, Paris remains - in spite of all the cliches - one of the most inspiring cities in the world. Day 2 - Paris Your included morning city tour features the Arc de Triomphe, Opera House, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and much more. There is so much to see and do in Paris, a city so aptly called the City of Lights, where exciting evening outings are a must. (B) Day 3 - Paris Full day at leisure to take an optional tour or to just relax and enjoy the warmth and charm of a traditional French bistro. (B) Day 4 - Paris/London This morning experience the Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London, via the Channel Tunnel. In just two hours you will be in London, England's cosmopolitan capital. After check-in at your hotel, use the balance of the day to start exploring the city that, with its perfect mix of the old and new world, has fascinated visitors from all over the world for many years. (B) Day 5 - London The day is yours to discover all the city has to offer. Your included hop on/hop off bus tour will take you to all major landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and many more. (B) avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580 Day 6 - London Full day at leisure. For a bird's-eye view of the city, take a spin on the London Eye, the Ferris wheel overlooking the Thames. A visit to one of the many museums or art galleries is a must. Watch the Changing of the Guard, take a stroll in one of the parks, or shop along Portobello Road in Notting Hill. (B) Day 7 - London to USA (or extend your stay) Say ''goodbye'' to London or extend your stay. (B) Included Features: Hotel accommodation for 6 nights Daily buffet breakfast Half day city tour of Paris Hop-on/hop-off tour of London Transportation Paris to London by First class rail 10% discount coupon at Galeries Lafayette Document holder and luggage tag Hotel taxes and service charges Best Price starting at $1028 (Based on per person in Double Occupancy) Contact: Name: christina Email: [email protected] Phone: 9496974580 Fax: 9497134344 Notes Terms & Conditions avanti travel service | 2 via barcaza | Coto de Caza | California | 92679 Phone:.9496974580