Incentive Tours ITALY YogaCycle Retreat 2018 June 20th - June 30th FUN TRAVEL Zaneta Auler Marina del Rey, CA 90292 zauler@icloud.com (818)434-5788
1 June 20th All roads lead to Rome So do ours! We fly from different airports to meet in this beautiful city and start our amazing journey through Italy. 1-2 Transfer from airport to hotel on your own (taxi, hotel shuttle bus or public transportation) The Spanish Suite Piazza di Spagna spanishsteps.thespanishsuite.com Check in, free time to relax. 2 June 21st Rome During this tour, you will have the opportunity to see what is considered to be the best of Rome: the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, with the famous and wonderful fountain of Bernini, the pride of Roman Baroque, Castel Sant Angelo, overlooking Saint Peter s Square, and Saint Peter s Dome in the Vatican State. You will also visit the most ancient parts of Rome: the Roman Forum, Imperial Forum, and the symbol of the greatness of the Empire: the Colosseum. We will also catch a glimpse of the magical Trevi Fountain, which will make us appreciate even more the magnificence and charm of Rome, and the reason it is called the Eternal City.
3 June 22nd Rome Today, you will have free time to wander the beautiful streets of Rome you can visit more famous sites and museums, or wander the small, less known streets and feel like a local. 3-4 4 June 23rd Rome - Florence We start with a transfer by train (3 hours) to Florence. Florence is Tuscany's capital known for its wealth in culture, architecture, and art. This bustling metropolis is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and from the moment we arrive, you will immediately see hints of artisan decor embellished upon buildings and plazas. We will visit many famous landmarks, such as Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Campanile, Piazza della Signora, and the shops at Ponte Vecchio. Tonight, get mentally ready because our biking adventure starts next morning See the route! But no worries, we will have a special support 9-seater van following us. You can skip biking, take a seat, relax and just enjoy the views for as long as you want. Just remember to rejoin us for wine tasting
5 June 24th Florence Greve in Chianti First stop is Impruneta, a neighboring district filled with terracotta art. After ten kilometers (6 miles), we ll reach a small town by the hills called Mercatale, where there will be winetasting opportunities from its local wine cellars. Next, we ll wander around Palagio castle and then head onward to the hotel in Greve. 5-6 Distance: 44 km / 27 miles Total Climb: 800 m / 2,625 ft Total Descent: 621 m / 2,037 ft 6 June 25th Greve Radda in Chianti Pedal off from the Greve public square where the famous Chianti Classico Wine Festival is held every year. On our way, we ll glimpse the Montefioralle village, a medieval town, and Panzano, a lush green district with a countryside charm. Next, Radda, a classic Chianti village, nestled inside the verdant hill region and full of remnants of the Etruscan age. Distance: 31 km / 19 miles Total Climb: 792 m / 2,598 ft Total Descent: 602 m / 1,975 ft
7 June 26th Radda in Chianti - Siena First stop is Meleto's Castle, a stern-looking architecture tucked in the elevated, tree covered lands. At Castagnolli, we will view the Castle of Brolio, home of the Ricasoli family and wine cellar. Siena is just ahead; easily distinguish it by old brick buildings and the crown of Torre del Mangia. Distance: 41 km / 25 miles Total Climb: 756 m / 2,480 ft Total Descent: 840 m / 2,756 ft 7-9 8 June 27th Siena Colle Val d Elsa By taking the olden paths of Via Francigena, we ll be welcomed by the views of Mount Maggio and the castle of Monteriggioni, Dante's subject in his famous literary pieces. Abbadia a Isola is our next stop, famous for its nostalgic architectures. Distance: 27 km / 17 miles Total Climb: 298 m / 978 ft Total Descent: 493 m / 1,617 ft 9 June 27th Colle Val d Elsa - Volterra We start with a visit to San Gimignano- a hilltop village offering medieval landscapes. This UNESCO - awarded walled village is known for its many towers. Next, we go to Volterra, a Tuscan industrial city famous for its alabaster works. Distance: 46 km / 29 miles Total Climb: 1,083 m / 3,553 ft Total Descent: 715 m / 2,346 ft
10 June 26th Volterra Pisa Today, we are heading towards the famous city of Pisa. Our ride will take us through olive groves and vineyards, perfect for an immersion with nature. After a two hour ride, we ll arrive in Pontedera. This rather modernized district is home to the wine company Castellani and a sweets factory called Amedei. Here, we ll take a train transfer to Pisa. In the evening you can wander around the city. Make sure you drop by some of Pisa's most famous highlights, such as the Leaning Tower, the Piazza del Miracoli, and Regatta of St. Ranieri famous for its boat race. To finish our adventure on a high note and say goodbye and thank you to everyone we will have a farewell dinner together. Distance: 54 km / 34 miles Total Climb: 294 m / 965 ft Total Descent: 789 m / 2,589 ft 10-11 11 June 27th Pisa Departure on your own from Pisa airport. Depending on your flights you may take a train back to Florence, Rome, or Milan. You can also extend your tour and visit and relax in sunny Sicily or Sardegna.
PRICE Per person $2599 plus air ticket (reserve on your own) Single room - $775 supplement $599 first deposit to reserve your spot, not refundable $1000 second deposit by January 1st $1000 third deposit April 1st Cancellation Cut-off date with no cancellation fee 65 days prior to arrival If a person cancels 31 to 60 days 50% cancellation fee; 30 days or less prior to arrival 100% cancellation fee Attention: remember to book your flight one day ahead of 1 of the tour - you need to arrive to Rome June 20th Price includes Zaneta Auler zauler@icloud.com +1 818 434 5788 10 nights accommodation - 4 nights in a 4-star hotel and 6 nights in 3-star hotels Daily breakfast Daily lunch picnics 2 dinners (welcome dinner in Rome and farewell dinner in Pisa) YogaCycle guides YogaCycle yoga teacher + Hot Yoga Center Teacher Luggage transfers Marked maps, cue sheets, and route notes Tourist information Support of a 9 seater van on the biking route Hybrid bike rental All tax and service charges Train from Pontedera to Pisa on 7 These prices do not include: Expenses of a personal nature Travel insurance Tips in general
Zaneta Auler Marina del Rey, CA 90292 USA zauler@icloud.com +1 818 434 5788 IMPORTANT INFORMATION When is the best time to travel to Tuscany? The best months for visiting Tuscany are undoubtedly May and June, since the long days and the fairly moderate temperatures (generally between 77 F and 86 F) allow for pleasant rides. Plus, it s not high tourist season yet, so you can skip long lines at art museums! What is there to see and do in Tuscany? Tuscany is Italy s most photographed region, thanks to its alluring green hills and picture-perfect towns. The Etruscans and eventually the Romans made their mark here, thus there are plenty of ruins to explore. It s also where the Renaissance got its start, so there are major architectural achievements to visit as well as masterpieces like artists Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci. Known for its relaxed lifestyle, Tuscany is perfect for leisurely visits and gourmand experiences. The Terrain In general, Tuscany s topography is two-thirds hilly and one fourth mountainous. The rest is flat along the plains of the Arno River Valley. For cyclists, this means a few steep climbs, but mostly rolling hills and when you get to Florence on the Arno River, you ll be riding on flat land. Tuscany Weather and Climate Tuscany has a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cold, wet winters. Winter temperatures range from 50 F to 59 F (10 C to 15 C), while summer temperatures range between 77 F and 86 F (25 C and 30 C). Humidity can be high. Local goods and shopping Anything from Tuscany would be a great souvenir, especially if you can take the tastes of Tuscany home with you (like olive oil or wine). Other local goods are textiles, crystal glassware made in Colle Val d Elsa, leather products, and works of art whether they re contemporary pieces that speak to you, or antiques you found at a market. Gastronomy and wine Specific products of Tuscany include Fiorentina steak, fresh-made pasta, and cheeses like caciotta, pecorino, marzolino, and ricotta. Favorite dishes At your local ristorante, you ll definitely find Antipasti appetizers on the menu, like Crostini or Bruschetta. Soups (zuppa) are very popular in Tuscany, like Ribollita and Pappa al pomodoro. Try the Fiorentina steak in a dish called Bistecca, or a roast pork dish called Arista alla Fiorentina. For dessert, well, you can t go wrong with whatever you choose. Wine Here are Tuscany s most well-known wines: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and vernacci di San Gimignano.