Saturday, March 19

Departure from United States

Sunday, March 20

Arrival in Florence

Bike fittings at shop

Welcome dinner and orientation.

Monday, March 21

Half-day bike tour of Florence (no van support today)

Your tour begins with a visit to the fresh food market of Sant Ambrogio. Here you will see how locals go about their daily shopping. Fresh fruits, vegetables and regional specialties abound.

After the market, a short climb takes us to Piazzale Michelangelo for an extraordinary panorama of Florence . Don't forget that camera, as you'll have great photo opportunities here!

Your knowledgeable guide will give a brief and interesting history of the one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Next, a short descent into San Niccolo , where you will see the old city walls that protected the heart of Florence from southern invaders. Then we will weave our way through tiny side streets avoiding the masses as we journey to the Piazza and Church of Santo Spirito . Here you will enjoy a traditional lunch followed by an espresso or gelato while your guide briefs you on one of the city's most picturesque nieghborhoods, which today is populated by craftsmen, restorers and antique dealers. Crossing over the Arno past the Uffizi, your tour concludes back at the hotel.

Tuesday, March 22

Full-day tour to Fiesole in the hills surrounding Florence .

Today you enjoy a truly memorable day of cycling combined with delicious food and wine! We start from the bike shop shop with a 20-minute warm-up ride to the outskirts of the city, followed by a short, but challenging climb into the Piazza of Fiesole where an incredible panorama of the city of Florence awaits.

Back on the bikes, we head into the Tuscan countryside filled with vineyards and olive groves. The terrain here is gentle rolling hills.

Lunch is a relaxed, two-hour affair at a farmer's trattoria where Paulo and his family will tempt you with some of Tuscany's most famous dishes like fried zucchini flowers and Tuscan white bean bruschetta.

You can also sample and purchase olive oil and wine. Rounding out the day is a thrilling descent through an ancient forest past castles and villas. A 15-minute cool-down and you're back in Florence in time to rest prior to your evening plans.

Wednesday, March 23

Full-day tour to Strada in Chianti

Today's classic ride takes in the famed Strada in Chianti. Our tour starts with a morning van transfer to the town of Impruneta , the �Citta di Cotto�where the terra cotta tiles for Florence 's famed Duomo were created.

Leaving Impruneta on bike we reach the Strada in Chianti and its rolling hills passing vineyards and olive groves. If we're up to it, we'll climb Passo Sugame (530 meters above sea level) and ride through the vineyards of Querceto. A long beautiful descent will take us directly across from the Piazza of Greve in Chianti , where we'll stop for sightseeing and shopping. Our lunch stop is with Tina of Café Le Logge. Tina is a true gourmet and will prepare a first class lunch complemented with the perfect wines and regional cheeses.

The day's mileage is about 25, but we can add more and visit the town of Panzano.

Tonight there's an optional wine dinner�a memorable evening of great fun, food and wine in a unique private setting: The highlight is a four-course Tuscan meal using only the freshest seasonal ingredients purchased daily from the S'Ambrogio market. Think traditional Tuscan served with an innovative twist accompanied by some of the regions top wines.

Each course is accompanied perfectly complemented by some of Italy 's truly exceptional regional wines including vintage Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile and Tignanello. We'll uncover hidden treasures and learn why drinking great Italian wine does not have to be expensive! If you like a particular wine, you can purchase it often for half of what you pay in the United States , and shipping can be arranged.

To finish, we'll enjoy sinful desserts, expresso and after dinner drinks including sweet limoncello and Vin Santo (wine of the saints) to round out the truly perfect gourmet experience.

Thursday, March 24

Activity Day

You can take the day off, ride on your own or participate in one of several optional activities (minimum of 6 registrations required):

Half-day walking tour of Florence (3 hours)
Vineyard tour with wine tasting (half-day)
Cooking class (3 hours) with lunch: �hands on� at Torre Guelfa restaurant in Figline Valdarno with Chef Claudio Piantini from 9:30 to 12:30 followed by lunch and local wine. Transfer by private minivan
Full-day tour to Pisa and Lucca with guide and lunch (morning departure and return mid- to late afternoon)

Friday, March 25

Half-day tour from Dicomano-Sagginale

The northern routes from Florence are beautiful and often overlooked. We start with a van transfer from Florence to the town of Dicomano and on to Sagginale, a quiet road along farmland and beautiful mountain scenery.

Here cyclists really �own the road,� as we cross very gentle terrain with little traffic. There's an optional five-mile climb into Borgo San Lorenzo, or take the van back to Florence. Either way, you'll be back in Florence in time for a late lunch.

We'll have our farewell dinner tonight, since tomorrow's a full-day's ride�the best of the week�and tonight's dinner is a full evening's event.

Saturday, March 26

Full-day tour: Sette Pointe (Roman Seven Bridges)

This is a breathtaking ride designed especially by Dom and will be the culminating event of the week. This route takes us through some amazing country side set against 900 meter mountain ranges. The land is extremely fertile here, where the Arno River takes a 180-degree turn and heads north back to Florence . The highlights of the ride are unique rock formations and wild flowers. The town of Piantravigne is straight from a story book set amongst some incredible views.