Pistoia sits at the foot of the Appennini, has well-preserved medieval ramparts and is a world center for train manufacturing. It has a wealth of sites in the city center including a Duomo, baptistery and restored work dating back to the Etruscan times. It is also a short train ride from Pistoia to Florence.

Many beautiful roads can next take us to the very old town of Lucca. Founded by the Etruscans, Lucca became a Roman colony in 180 B.C. and in 56 B.C. Ceasar, Crassus and Pompey met in Lucca and agreed to rule the Roman Empire as a three-man ruling group. Lucca, hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, is an excellent base to explore the region, especially the Alpi Apuane or the seafaring village of Lerici. The town of Lucca features a nice 2 ½ mile hike around the city walls, a major Roman Amphitheatre, several important and beautiful cathedrals, and a National Picture Gallery. From Lucca, Pisa is a very short jaunt - about 20 km. Besides the Leaning Tower, Pisa features the Piazza del Duomo with an 11th century Duomo, a 12th century baptistery, museum and a Camposanto with many famous frescoes.

Next we’ll stay in Volterra, sitting at the top of a huge bluff. It features the Piazza dei Priori which is one of Italy's finest medieval squares, the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci which is a fascinating Etruscan museum, and a well- preserved Roman theatre and the Acropoli/Necropoli area in the 'Parco Archeologico.

From Volterra we’ll go to Colle di Val d'Elsa near San Gimignano - which has been called the “Manhattan of Tuscany” because of its many medieval towers. Located on the ancient Francigena road that transported medieval trade from northern Europe to Rome, San Gimignano features a beautiful square, a civic museum and a nice climb up in the Torre Grossa (the highest tower in San Gimignano) for a picturesque view of the city and the Val d’Elsa. There are also many nice day bike rides including Monteriggioni and Siena.

We’ll head next to Greve in Chianti, located in the heart of La Chiantigiana (The Aroma of the Grape) on the Greve River. Close by are the Castello di Verrazzano (10th century tower), the Castello di Uzzano (one of the region’s premier attractions,

 

built for the bishop of Florence in the 11th century with award winning gardens and 60 acres of vineyards), Vignamaggio (a beautiful Renaissance villa where Lisa Gheradini sat for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa), and other small unique towns with wineries, castles and historical treasures.

Vinci is a very nice place to stay on the way back to Pistoia. The birthplace of the boy Leonardo features an awesome museum with many replicas on Leonardo da Vinci’s work. There are also many excellent day rides from here including some climbs from the 2005 Giro d’Italia!

Finally we’ll bike back to our starting point, Pistoia, for our last night in Tuscany.

TRAVELING You'll travel lightly, as our van will carry your luggage. Ride at your own pace between lodgings; there are suggested routes but the choice of distance is yours. Choose the most direct route or meander through the countryside. There are gentle rides for novice and intermediate riders, and challenging routes with big climbs for more serious riders.

REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, & PAYMENTS Adults of any age are welcome, providing very good physical condition. Past participants have ranged in age from 18 to 84. Adaptability and a sense of adventure are more important than cycling experience. Formal registration must be accompanied by a NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $200. EARLY REGISTRATION IS ADVISED! A payment schedule will be sent on receipt of your application and deposit. Fees paid will be refunded, minus deposit, upon withdrawal up to 12 weeks before departure on written notice. After that, housing and airline cancellation charges will be assessed.