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Tuscany 2008

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Explore Florence, Siena, Pienza, and romantic San Gimignano by bicycle. Cycle rolling hills through Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. Enjoy wine tastings and a lecture on the history of Siena.   Detailed Itinerary

ADMIRE handcrafted crystal in Colle Val d'Elsa EXPLORE romantic San Gimignano, with its 13 medieval towers and idyllic plazas LEARN about the Italian Renaissance and the history of Siena in a lecture by a local historian VISIT the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, dating to 1313 ENJOY an included language workshop with your native Italian VBT Trip Leaders VIEW the beautiful hills surrounding Pienza from the terrace of our historic Hotel Il Chiostro

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Air-Inclusive Tour Roundtrip international airfare 8 nights in 4-star historic hotels 13 meals - 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners Airport transfers And the option to add our Low-Cost Trip Extensions: Pre-trip: Florence - 2 nights for only $345 Post-trip: Rome - 2 nights for only $345 Free use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Welcome reception with local wine and hors d'oeuvres Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy discount Land-Only Tour 6 nights in 3- and 4-star Italian hotels 11 meals - 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners Free use of our custom VBT bicycle and helmet Service of two bilingual VBT Trip Leaders FULL VAN SUPPORT Daily route directions and maps Welcome reception with local wine and hors d'oeuvres Sightseeing and cultural activities 5% Frequent Traveler Credit to use on your next VBT vacation Special Good Buy discount

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Rating Level: Moderate/Challenging This tour offers the full range of easy terrain mixed with moderate and challenging hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance with the hills. Ideal for more experienced cyclist. Full Van Support: Enjoy more flexibility and choice with full van support throughout your vacation. Group Size: 14-20 Daily Mileage: 30-60 miles Daily Cycling Times: 3-6 hours Avg. Daily High Temperature: Florence: May 74°, Jun 81°, Jul 88°, Aug 87°, Sep 79°, Oct 70°

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Hotel Kraft Located in a quiet and elegant area overlooking the Arno River, this historical building has a rooftop terrace (with a small swimming pool) used for breakfast. Relax with panoramic views of Florence and the Tuscan hills. Managed by the Kraft family for two centuries, Hotel Kraft has a solid, long-standing tradition in Florentine hospitality. Nonsmoking rooms. website: www.krafthotel.it Il Chiostro Del Carmine Located in the heart of Siena, far from the city noise and near the city walls, this historic property was once a 14th-century Carmelite monastery and is now classified as a holiday resort. It features 17 comfortable rooms overlooking either the internal cloister or the valley south of Siena. The atmosphere is very peaceful and familiar. Breakfast is served in the ancient “barrel room” where monks used to press and store wine in big barrels. The cloister offers seating and relaxation. website: www.chiostrodelcarmine.com Il Chiostro di Pienza Set in the heart of Pienza, Il Chiostro di Pienza is a historic 15th-century cloister that has been renovated into a magnificent 4-star property. It was named after the beautiful cloister of the convent and church of San Francesco. As you relax in your comfortable accommodations, you find its central location enables you to explore this Renaissance city, well-preserved and rich in history. With views of the Orcia and Asso valleys, a refined restaurant featuring Tuscan specialties, and an outdoor swimming pool, Il Chiostro’s hospitality has delighted visitors for years. website: www.relaisilchiostrodipienza.com River Palace Hotel Located in the heart of the city, a few steps from Piazza Del Popolo and the wonderful Santa Maria del Popolo Church (with paintings by Caravaggio), this charming property is intimate and refined. It features a very good restaurant called “Caravaggio,” a nice breakfast room, and friendly staff at bar and reception. VBT has reserved only superior rooms, larger than the otherwise very small standard bedrooms. A great spot to discover the Eternal City! website: www.riverpalacehotel.it Villa Ducci The hotel was once the residential villa of the Ducci family, who in the 19th century built their house around the ancient medieval watchtower of San Biagio. The villa was completely restored in 2003 and transformed into an elegant small hotel, featuring an amazing view of the city of San Gimignano and its medieval towers from the swimming pool and garden. website: www.villaducci.com

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Florence 2008 (for Tuscany) 2 nights for only $ 345 Two nights at the Hotel Kraft (or Hotel Adler Cavalieri) • Daily breakfast • Full information packet • Airport transfers Begin your Italian bicycle tour with two magical days in Florence, the art lover’s paradise. The Italian province of Tuscany boasts more classified historical monuments than any other region in the world, and the most dazzling are in Florence. The Renaissance began here, and the period’s great works of art are on display throughout the city. Florence also has delightful cafés for relaxing and people-watching. A city that is fun to explore on foot, Florence has many attractions concentrated in the relatively small historic center stretching from Piazza del Duomo south to the Arno River. Only available with the Air Inclusive Package. Note: Single supplement for this extension is $ 155. top Rome 2008 (for Tuscany) 2 nights for only $ 345 Two nights at the River Palace Hotel • Daily breakfast • Full information packet and hospitality desk • Airport transfers Discover the Eternal City at your leisure as you spend two nights in Italy’s timeless capital. History, art and architecture abound, from Greek sculpture to Roman ruins. Marvel at the grandeur of the Vatican, where St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel await. Stroll through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the Coliseum. Take time to walk up the Spanish Steps, toss a coin in the Trevi fountain to ensure your return to Rome, or just spend a relaxing afternoon at a quiet outdoor café. Many attractions are within walking distance of your centrally located hotel. Only available with the Air Inclusive package. Note: Single supplement for this extension is $ 295.

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Group Discount Program: You can earn a FREE VBT tour with our generous group discount program. Click here for details. Refer a Friend and Earn $100 Travel Credit: If you refer a Friend to VBT and they choose to travel with us, you earn $100 travel credit toward your next trip and your friend gets $50 off their first VBT trip. Click here for details. Good Buy Plan: The earlier you pay, the more you save. If you book early and pay in full by check, you can lock in your trip cost plus earn up to a 10% discount. 5% Frequent Traveler Credit: You will automatically receive a 5% travel credit good for your next VBT trip. This credit is good for one full year. Savings for Single Travelers: If you are on a bicycle tour where sharing is possible and you would like to share a room, we will do our best to match you with a roommate. We will charge you only 50% of the single supplement; if a match is available, we will refund you the single supplement after you return. If requested and available, single supplement is $365. Best Value Guaranteed: Click here for details. We reserve the right to correct errors. top