When in Florence Cycling along the Tuscan

Transcription

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
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
TRAVEL IN LUXURY ... FROM $2,561
Deluxe class hotel accommodation for 5 nights
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
Best Price starting at $729 (Based on per person in Double Occupancy)
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
- 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
Phone:.9496974580
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
- 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
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
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
TRAVEL IN STYLE ... FROM $1,406
First class hotel accommodation for 5 nights
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
Travel bag, one per person
TRAVEL IN LUXURY ... FROM $2,377
Deluxe class hotel accommodation for 5 nights
Two day museum pass
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
Travel bag, one per person
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)
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
Half day city tour of Paris
Hop-on/hop-off tour of London
Transportation Paris to London by First class rail
Document holder and luggage tag
Contact:
Name: christina
Email: travelavanti@aol.com
Phone: 9496974580
Fax: 9497134344
Notes
Terms & Conditions
Phone:.9496974580

When in Florence Cycling along the Tuscan

Transcription

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