Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart U.S. / 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. Once in Orvieto you settle in at your hotel. The rest of the day you are free to explore the city with VBT's City Information in your Final Travel Booklet as your guide. 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.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart U.S. / 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 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Orvieto Tour / Independent exploration

After breakfast at 9 a.m., meet your local guide at the hotel. She will take you 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.

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. Your local representative helps you transfer by private car (approximately 2 hours) to your hotel in Orvieto to begin your trip. 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, including 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 enjoyed the status of a free state in the 11th and 12th centuries. In 1354, it became a city of the Church Estate until 1798. After 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 archaeological museum.

In the evening, relax in one of the city's restaurants and sample the local cuisine.

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

Spend another day enjoying Orvieto.

VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

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 buy some 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/$45 USD) to Antica Fattoria La Parrina (approximately 10 minutes). Please contact Antica Fattoria 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 11:00 a.m. They will be wearing VBT staff garments. We will transfer by motorcoach (approximately 2 1/2 hours) to Antica Fattoria La Parrina. The coach will make a stop on the way to the hotel in Pitigliano, where you can buy some lunch.

Antica Fattoria La Parrina is a welcoming 4-star country resort that has been featured in Condé 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 and cosmetics are also partly prepared and marketed there. All products are made with natural and healthy ingredients. In the afternoon, we join our Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session followed by a short warm-up ride over the Tenuta along quiet country roads. Later, gather with the group for a welcome cocktail reception on the terrace. Dinner is at the hotel.

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

After breakfast, we leave La Parrina and cycle to the coast and Talamone, where there'll be 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 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. Lunch today is a delicious picnic prepared by your Trip Leaders.

In the afternoon we cycle back to our hotel, where we can relax at the wonderful pool or take a walk on the mapped trails that weave through the estate. Or you may opt for horseback riding in the area, well-known for its local breed of Maremma horses.

Tonight our hosts at La Parrina conduct a cooking class. Out on the terrace, learn how to prepare a typical Tuscan cantucci – delicious almond cookies that are eaten dipped in sweet Vin Santo wine. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Porto Ercole and Orbetello / Enjoy swimming / Sunset lagoon cruise

This morning, ride through the countryside towards the coast and Ansedonia, passing elegant villas and gardens, with great views of the sea and the old watchtower that once was used for defending this stretch of coast. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before cycling through a thick pine forest, and then rolling along a sandy beach where you can take a refreshing swim. This is one of the most beautiful routes of the week before arriving in Porto Ercole. After a short visit in this fishing village, we continue to the old town of Orbetello, traversing a cycling strip built on the Orbetello lagoon. After exploring the lush byway around the lagoon, we rejoin our Trip Leaders and follow them to a great gelato spot. A short shuttle will take us back to our hotel.

Tonight enjoy dinner on your own after an included aperitivo and sunset cruise on the lagoon.

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

This morning, we say goodbye to our hosts at La Parrina and transfer to the bustling harbor and quaint village of Porto Santo Stefano (except during March and October — see note below). From this port town, we 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, we continue westward to Campese Beach for an informal lunch in one of the restaurants. You have free time to swim or relax on the beach. If you prefer, opt for a hike along the Faraglione cliffs, where our guide points out some of the 700 different species of wildflowers and plants growing in this remote little corner of Tuscany. On our way back to Giglio Porto, stop for a gelato before ferrying back to the mainland.

Please Note: Alternate Itinerary in mid-March, Late September and October: Due to the 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, we transfer by shuttle to the city of Tarquinia, about 45 minutes from the hotel. Then, we 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, we 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, we stroll to the city center of Tarquinia, where you have free time to explore this medieval Etruscan capital. Known as the heart of ancient Tuscany, Tarquinia gently rises to breathtaking views overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. We'll visit the archaeological museum, stroll through the medieval district, or have lunch in the beautiful city center. In the afternoon, we cycle along the coast from Tarquinia to Montalto di Castro. In Montalto, board a coach to our hotel, Fattoria di Magliano, where we have time to swim in the hotel pool before dinner.

If you prefer, you can opt for a bike ride to the Argentario promontory, or you can spend the entire day playing golf at the scenic Argentario Golf Resort & Spa in Porto Ercole, magnificently set on the hills of the Argentario peninsula with a view of the sea. Our Trip Leaders will facilitate your choice.

Dinner is at the hotel tonight.

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

After a leisurely breakfast, we ride on quiet country roads, passing fields of poppies and sunflowers, with vineyards gently sloping down to the sea. Tour the wine roads south of Scansano, famous for the red Morellino wine. Then, we join the Andreini family for a picnic lunch at their olive-oil mill. Before lunch, our group tours the facility and 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 villages of Pereta and Scansano. 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 Magliano, where you can choose an area restaurant, or dine at the hotel.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Discover Capalbio / Farewell dinner at local organic farm

Today we bike to the medieval town of Capalbio. Dating to the 11th century, historic Capalbio is surrounded by great walls. Stroll along these ancient ramparts above the city and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Enter the historic center through one of two gates—the Sienese or the Porticina—and visit 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. Finish your week with a rewarding bike ride all the way back to the hotel, or hop in a van shuttle.

Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell aperitivo watching the sunset and dinner at a local farm with organic vegetables from the garden and local wines.

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/$450 USD (travel time approximately 3½ hours). Taxi cost to the Orbetello-Monte Argentario train station is approximately 40 euros/$60 USD (travel time approximately 30 minutes). If you prefer, you are welcome to board our coach to Rome and get off at our Rome hotel.

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, we transfer by private motorcoach (approximately 3 hours) to our centrally located Rome hotel for your final overnight stay. We 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. Upon your arrival, a VBT Rome representative will be there to answer your questions. An optional walking tour of Baroque Rome will be offered.

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

After breakfast* this morning you will 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.

**Please note: 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

**Please note: 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.

Tuscany by the Sea 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Orvieto 2012 - 2 nights for only $245

Orvieto is situated in Umbria on top of a large platform of volcanic tufa. Rising above high cliffs and surrounded by defensive walls, it is among the most dramatic cities in Europe and is easily visited on foot. Some of Orvieto’s highlights include hiking, shopping for fine pottery and crafts and enjoying delightful dinners at simple trattorias, featuring local delicacies such as truffles and mushrooms.

The Etruscans founded Orvieto and left some remnants (now in the Archeological Museum) and a necropolis that you can reach on a popular two-mile hike. An underground city—a labyrinth of tunnels and caves long kept secret—lies beneath the city and is now open for guided tours, which can be booked on site. The Romans followed the Etruscans, and later the city became very closely connected to the Papacy. St. Patrick’s Well was built for the popes in the mid-16th century and has unique double helical ramps for one-way traffic (originally for mules carrying water).

A notable monument is the Gothic cathedral (the Duomo), with its striped façade in white and green stones, and its remarkable sculptures. On our included walking tour, you will visit the cathedral and San Brizio Chapel, adorned by Luca Signorelli’s masterful fresco, Last Judgment. Not many know that it inspired the famous Last Judgment of Michelangelo.

The city is also full of medieval palaces along narrow cobblestone streets, such as the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and Fortezza dell’Albornoz, which are very pleasant to discover.

Only available with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $195.

Post-Trip Extension

Rome 2012 - Tuscany by the Sea - 2 nights for only $295

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 $245.

Accommodations

Hotel Duomo

This historic property, centrally located and set off of a quiet side street, is just steps from the city sights and local restaurants. With only 17 rooms, the hotel is tastefully decorated. Some rooms look out toward Orvieto’s famous Duomo. An Internet connection is available in the hotel lobby.

Antica Fattoria La Parrina

This Tuscan treasure is a classic agriturismo. As the owner Marchesa Franca Spinola makes her guests feel at home, her century-old 1,200-acre farm produces wine, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, flowers and tasty cheeses. The main villa is part of a 4-star country resort, featured in Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The hotel is in a large park in the bucolic Maremma area, a few miles from a white-sand beach. You’ll find fresh ingredients on your plates during your delicious meals It truly is tranquility personified, as you’ll discover fully when you stroll the mapped walking trails and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool.

Fattoria di Magliano

This ancient villa, set in a secluded location in the Maremma, boasts many amenities for its visitors — even its own cantina! Converted into a comfortable hotel, the property has a warm, welcoming feel, with terra-cotta tile work and designer furniture. The Fattoria offers extensive park grounds for exploration, well-manicured gardens, and an outdoor swimming pool to refresh you after the day’s ride. An Internet connection is available in the hotel lobby.

Hotel Giulio Cesare

The Giulio Cesare is a family run hotel in Rome, quietly located a few steps from the Tiber River and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Del Popolo. Once a patrician villa, this hotel has been recently redecorated in an elegant, classical style. You’ll enjoy the garden where breakfast is served and a quiet lounge with an antique fireplace. These and other touches keep this four-star hotel feeling very much like a family home. Breakfast is said to be one of the best in Rome, because many of the products are grown by the owner in his fields north of the city, Internet is available for guests at the reception desk. Complimentary drinks are available from the minibar in the rooms.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain and moderate hills and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists. Our VBT support van is always available for those who need assistance with the hills.