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Tuscany by the Sea 2008 - Detailed Itinerary

The scenic coast of Tuscany at an easy pace!

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart US/Fly overnight to Rome

Depart from the U.S. for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Rome/Begin your Trip Extension in Orvieto

Upon arrival at the Rome Fiumicino Airport, meet your VBT representative outside the customs area in your arrival terminal, then transfer by private car (approximately 2 hours) to your hotel in Orvieto. The representative will be holding a VBT sign. Please note: At this time, please verify with your airport representative the time of your transfer from your Rome hotel to the airport at the end of your trip. At the hotel, you receive a city information package containing a map and information for your stay in Orvieto. The rest of the day you are free to explore the city or rest. Choose a restaurant for dinner on your own. Tomorrow morning, a local guide will come to meet you for an orientation tour of the city and a guided visit. Please note: If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk.

Hotel: Hotel Duomo Alternate Hotel: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini .   This quaint hotel overlooks Piazza Ranieri in downtown Orvieto, and is a short walk to monuments and the Duomo. The property was constructed in an ancient palace built at the end of the 16th century for the pontifical family Piccolomini. Its unique features include underground rooms, cut into tufa rock like some old and typical Etruscan homes in Orvieto. Restoration has also allowed for preservation of some structural highlights from the Renaissance, medieval and Etruscan eras.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Orvieto

After breakfast at 9:00, meet your local guide for an orientation tour of the city and a guided visit to the remarkable cathedral—in particular, its Chapel of San Brizio. She will also share inside tips on what to see and do in Orvieto, including a 2-mile hike to the Etruscan necropolis, or an optional guided visit to the underground cave park. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries and shopping.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel Duomo Alternate Hotel: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini .   This quaint hotel overlooks Piazza Ranieri in downtown Orvieto, and is a short walk to monuments and the Duomo. The property was constructed in an ancient palace built at the end of the 16th century for the pontifical family Piccolomini. Its unique features include underground rooms, cut into tufa rock like some old and typical Etruscan homes in Orvieto. Restoration has also allowed for preservation of some structural highlights from the Renaissance, medieval and Etruscan eras.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Orvieto/Join VBT Air Package guests

Today, continue exploring Orvieto. If it's a Saturday, visit the local market this morning. In the evening, relax in one of the city's restaurants and sample the local cuisine. Dinner is on your own tonight. Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel Duomo Alternate Hotel: Hotel Piccolomini .   The Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini is remarkable for its beautiful palace created for the pontifical family Piccolomini at the end of the 16th century, above of the preexisting medieval buildings. A recent and accurate restoration has given new splendor to the different age-long structures; from refined facade overlooking Piazza Ranieri down to the underground rooms cut into the tufa mass, on which the Etruscan Orvieto rises.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart US/Fly overnight to Rome

Depart from the U.S. for Italy. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Rome/Transfer to Orvieto

Upon arrival at the Rome airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. VBT's local representative will meet you outside the customs area in your arrival terminal and will be holding a VBT sign. (At this time, please verify with your airport representative the time of your transfer at the end of your trip from your Rome hotel to the airport). Your local representative helps you transfer by private car (approximately 2 hours) to your hotel in Orvieto to begin your trip. At the hotel, you receive a city information package that includes a city map to help you explore Orvieto. If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 1 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. You have the rest of the day free to explore this wonderful, historic city. Situated in the Paglia River valley, Orvieto boasts centuries of history and architecture such as towers, palaces and noble houses. It began as an important Etruscan center, and became prosperous in Roman times thanks to its production of ceramics. After being overrun by several invasions, Orvieto became a free common in the 11th and 12th centuries. In 1354, it became a city of the Church Estate until 1798. After a brief Napoleonic domination, it was finally annexed to the kingdom of Italy in 1860. During your stay, be sure to visit Orvieto's impressive Gothic cathedral and archeological museum. In the evening, relax in one of the city's restaurants and sample the local cuisine.

Hotel: Hotel Duomo Alternate Hotel: Hotel Piccolomini .   The Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini is remarkable for its beautiful palace created for the pontifical family Piccolomini at the end of the 16th century, above of the preexisting medieval buildings. A recent and accurate restoration has given new splendor to the different age-long structures; from refined facade overlooking Piazza Ranieri down to the underground rooms cut into the tufa mass, on which the Etruscan Orvieto rises.

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Meet Trip Leaders/Warm-up ride/Welcome reception

VBT No-Air Package guests: Meet your VBT Trip Leaders and the rest of the group in the Orbetello-Monte Argentario train station at 2:15 p.m. Please plan to have lunch on your own before this meeting. Your Trip Leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments. If your arrival at Orbetello-Monte Argentario train station is scheduled later than 2:15 p.m., or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi at your own expense (approximately 30 euros/$40 USD) to Tenuta La Parrina (approximately 20 minutes). Please contact Tenuta La Parrina to advise of any travel delays or changes, and the staff will pass your message on to your VBT Trip Leaders. VBT Air Package guests & Pre-Trip Extension guests: Meet your VBT Trip Leaders at the hotel in Orvieto at 11:30 a.m. They will be wearing VBT staff garments. Please plan to have lunch on your own before meeting your Trip Leaders. From Orvieto, you transfer by motorcoach (approximately 2 1/2 hours) to Tenuta La Parrina. The coach will make a quick stop on the way to our first hotel. Tenuta La Parrina is a welcoming 4-star country resort that has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this hotel produces its own wine, cheese, yogurt, vegetables, oil, balsamic vinegar and flowers. Organic pasta, delicious jams and sauces, as well as cosmetics, are also partly prepared and marketed there. All products are based on and processed with natural and healthy ingredients. In the afternoon, join your Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session followed by a short warm-up ride along quiet country roads over the Tenuta. Later, gather with the group for a welcome cocktail reception on the terrace. Dinner is at the hotel.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: La Parrina

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle through Maremma Park/Explore Talamone

After breakfast, leave La Parrina and cycle to the coast and Talamone, where you have time to discover the many Greek legends linked to this little fortress village and take a swim in the glittering blue sea. This medieval hilltop town is set in the rolling countryside of the Maremma, one of the least-developed areas of central Italy. Talamone stands on a small promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, and is dominated by an ancient Sienese castle. This little town of fishermen originally stood on the Talamonaccio hill, and served as an ancient Etruscan port. Currently, Talamone is set inside of a World Wildlife Fund nature reserve known as the Parco dell' Uccellina (Park of the Birds), which features an incredible variety of protected flora and fauna. In the afternoon, cycle back to your hotel, where our hosts at La Parrina conduct a cooking class. Out on the terrace, learn to prepare a delicious Tuscan meal with freshly made cheese and vegetables grown on the farm. Afterward, relax at the wonderful pool or take a walk on the mapped trails that weave through the estate. Dinner is at the hotel.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: La Parrina

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Capalbio/Enjoy swimming

This morning, ride to the medieval town of Capalbio. Dating to the 11th century, historic Capalbio is surrounded by great walls with walkways on top. Stroll these ancient walls above the city and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. You can only enter the historic center via two gates: the Sienese and the Porticina. Once inside, explore the city's Romanesque Castle of Saint Nicholas, with its dramatic bell tower. The tower features two rows of mullioned windows dating to the 12th-century. Explore the town's winding cobblestone streets, medieval churches and shops. After lunch on your own in Capalbio, continue toward the coast, passing elegant villas, gardens built on the high hill of Ansedonia, and the old watchtower that once was used for defending this stretch of coast. You're rewarded with an inviting white-sand beach, where you can take a refreshing swim. From Ansedonia, pedal one of the most beautiful routes of the week to the old town of Orbetello, passing through a thick pine forest, along the beach and on a cycling strip built on the Orbetello lagoon. After exploring the lush byway around the lagoon, rejoin your Tour Leaders and follow them to a great gelato spot before a short shuttle ride back to the hotel. Tonight, you're treated to another evening of regional specialties at La Parrina, including a pre-dinner cheese class and tasting hosted by the Parrina producers.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: La Parrina

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR DISCOVERY DAY! Explore Giglio Island or Tarquinia

This morning, say goodbye to your hosts at La Parrina and transfer to the bustling harbor and quaint village of Porto Santo Stefano (except during March and October — see below). From this port town, board a ferry to Giglio Island, arriving in the village of Giglio Porto. Together with a local guide, shuttle to the walled hilltop town of Giglio Castello, dominated by a fortress called the Rocca Pisana, and explore the site with her. This town is the oldest inhabited center on the island and still retains much of its medieval atmosphere. After the tour, continue westward to Campese Beach for an informal lunch in one of the restaurants. You have free time to relax on the beach or swim. If you prefer, opt for a hike along the Faraglione cliffs, where your guide points out some of the 700 different species of wildflowers and plants growing on this remote little corner of Tuscany. On your way back to Giglio Porto, stop for a gelato before ferrying back to the mainland. If you want to shop in Porto Santo Stefano before dinner, you can take an earlier ferry. Dinner is at the hotel tonight. Please note: alternate itinerary in March and October: Due to a seasonal ferry schedule, guests on March and October departures spend this day exploring historic Tarquinia, a vibrant, welcoming town with medieval towers and Etruscan necropolises. From La Parrina, transfer by coach to the city of Tarquinia, about 45 minutes from the hotel. Then meet a local guide for a short presentation on Etruscan history and culture. The Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2004. Afterward, visit some of the most beautiful and well-preserved painted tombs from the ancient world. Because of their uniqueness, they are comparable only to Egyptian tombs. After visiting the necropolis, stroll to the city center of Tarquinia, where you have free time to explore this medieval Etruscan capital. The city, known as the heart of ancient Tuscany, gently rises to breathtaking views overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visit the archeological museum, stroll in the medieval district or have lunch in the beautiful city center. In the afternoon, cycle along the coast from Tarquinia to Montalto di Castro. In Montalto, board a coach to your hotel, Fattoria di Magliano, where you have time to swim in the hotel pool before dinner.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Fattoria di Magliano

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Follow the Wine Road/Explore the medieval city of Magliano/Wine tasting

After a leisurely breakfast, ride or walk on quiet country roads, passing fields of poppies, sunflowers, and vineyards gently sloping down to the sea. Tour the wine roads south of Scansano, famous for the red Morellino wine. Then join the Andreini family for a picnic lunch at their olive-oil mill. Before lunch, your group follows them on a visit of the facility, as well as participates in an interesting olive oil talk and tasting. After lunch, cycle through Magliano, a walled city that in the Middle Ages housed the Aldobrandeschi mobile court in winter. Some of the 14th-century city walls are still intact. From Magliano, cyclists who wish to have a taste of hilly Tuscany can take an optional, gentle-but-steady climb to the lovely village of Pereta. Back at the hotel this afternoon, relax or swim in the pool before sipping local wines — produced right on the farm — during an included wine tasting. Dinner is on your own: You can opt to follow your Trip Leaders to Pereta, where you can choose an area restaurant, or dine at the hotel.

Meals: B, L  Hotel: Fattoria di Magliano

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Discover Pitigliano

Pitigliano is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Built up on a high and vertical tufa cliff, the houses and walls here seem to have grown right out of the rocks. Huge gorges surround the town on three sides. Lunch is on your own in town. Afterward, explore the treasures of Pitigliano with the local guide you met at Giglio. Tour the Medieval District and the Jewish synagogue, then walk the mysterious “sunken roads” said to have been carved by hand by the Etruscans. There will be free time to stroll on your own along the narrow lanes and twisting staircases. Shuttle back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at Guido's restaurant in Magliano.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Fattoria di Magliano

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Rome/Free time/VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer back to Orbetello-Monte Argentario train station by private motorcoach, arriving at approximately 9:30 a.m. Important: Flight departures from Rome airport prior to 3:30 p.m. are not recommended; if you depart earlier, you must make transfer arrangements from the last hotel at your own expense. Taxi cost to Rome airport is approximately 300 euros/$390 USD (travel time approximately 3½ hours). Taxi cost to the Orbetello-Monte Argentario train station is approximately 40 euros/$50 USD (travel time approximately 30 minutes). VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer by private motorcoach (approximately 3 hours) to the Hotel dei Mellini for your final overnight stay. The hotel is located in the heart of Rome and is beloved by VBT travelers. You arrive at approximately 11:30 a.m. and have the rest of the day to shop or relax in one of the city's outdoor cafés. If you have chosen the independent Post-Trip Extension to Rome, you remain at this hotel for the next three nights. When you arrive today, VBT's Rome representative can answer your questions. You receive a city information package that includes maps and recommendations for restaurants, museums and transportation in Rome while you explore on your own. An optional walking tour of Baroque Rome will be available. Highlights include Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the most famous Baroque Churches, Campo dei Fiori, Palazzo Farnese e Spada, and the Jewish Ghetto. This three-hour program may be booked with your VBT hotel representative upon arrival in Rome (it may not be booked in advance of travel). The approximate price is 30.00 Euro per person and includes the services of our local English-speaking guide.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel dei Mellini

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

After breakfast* this morning, transfer to the Rome airport (approximately 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic) for your departing flight **. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time. *Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served. **VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Meals: B

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Begin your optional extension

If you have chosen the optional Post-Trip Extension, you remain in Rome for an additional two nights and have all day to explore the city.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel dei Mellini

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Rome

Today's opportunities are endless. You might visit the Forum, the political and commercial center of ancient Rome when the empire was at its greatest power. Various emperors constructed the temples, monuments and other buildings here over a period of nine centuries. Today, you can still see the Curia where the Roman Senate met. Take a walk up the Palatine Hill, where tradition says the first settlers of Rome built their huts under the direction of Romulus, and which was later the home of Caligula, Nero, Tiberius and Domitian. Or you can step out of Italy while you're still in Rome with a visit to the Vatican, an independent state. The Vatican museums are filled with magnificent art that goes far beyond such well-known pieces as the Pieta and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Tour Rome's famous Catacombs, located in tunnels carved out of rock along the Via Appia (“Appian Way”). Or spend an idyllic afternoon in the gardens of the Villa Borghese, one of Europe's most elegant parks. And by all means, do as the Romans do — sip espresso, savor Italian wine and, even in the middle of the rush of modern European life, take the time to enjoy la dolce vita. After a full day of independent exploration, retire to your hotel or perhaps enjoy one of Rome's fine restaurants. Another optional walking tour of Ancient Rome is available also today. Highlights include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Capitolio, Marcello Theatre, and the Jewish Ghetto. This two-hour program may be booked with your VBT hotel representative upon arrival in Rome (it may not be booked in advance of travel). The approximate price is 20.00 Euro per person and includes the services of our local English-speaking guide.

Meals: B  Hotel: Hotel dei Mellini

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for U.S

After breakfast* this morning, transfer to the Rome airport (approximately 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic) for your departing flight **. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time. *Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served. **VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Meals: B