(2^nd half)

The "Queen City of the Adriatic" awaits to be explored for a full day. A morning guided tour will feature the Doges Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and other timeless landmarks. Later we can visit the island of Murano and watch a glassblower perform his ancient craft. Explore the shops in and around the Piazza San Marco. Enjoy an espresso and have a dinner of risotto, pasta or seafood. To top the evening, take a gondola ride through the romantic canals of this unforgettable city.

Sunday, September 20, 2006 Venice/Florence

We start our day's biking at Castelfranco, a lovely walled medieval city which is surrounded by a moat. We ride to Asolo and on to Bassano del Grappa overlooking the low lands of the Veneto. After lunch we board our motorcoach for the drive into the province of Tuscany and on to Florence, "The Cradle of the Renaissance" - a city filled with unsurpassed art treasures. We arrive in the late afternoon and after a brief stop at our hotel we absorb the aura of this magnificent city and dine on Florentine specialties at the restaurant of your choice - either in the city or in Fiesole, a small town overlooking Florence.

Monday, September 21, 2006 Florence

Free day of sightseeing in this city that is a museum in itself: the splendid Duomo crowned with the magnificent dome by Brunelleschi, the Baptistry with exquisite bronze doors by Ghiberti, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Piazza Della Signoria with its celebrated Uffizi gallery, Michelangelo's spellbinding David in the Academia, the Ponte Vecchio with all its shops and the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Tuesday, September 22, 2006 Florence/Siena

This morning we start biking through Tuscany and the vineyards of the famous Chianti wine region experiencing firsthand this paradise of olive groves, hilltop villages and beautiful vistas that will bring memories to last a lifetime. Stop in Castellina for a taste of Chianti and enjoy the wonderful ride into Siena, the famous Renaissance city and best known Italian hill town.

Wednesday, September 23, 2006 Siena

This morning we bike on lightly traveled roads through the Tuscan hills to the photogenic deserted abbey of San Galgano. Afternoon free to stroll through Siena's narrow Gothic streets that are lined with Patrician Palaces which converge at the famous Piazza del Campo, site of the popular festival Palio delle Contrade. Relax and enjoy cappuccino and sample panforte - a traditional Sienese specialty.

Thursday, September 24, 2006 Siena/Volterra

The highlight of our ride today will take us through the idyllic rolling Tuscan countryside where vineyards and olive groves flourish to the beautiful walled town of San Gimignano renowned for its 15th century towers. It is also known as "The Manhattan of Tuscany." After lunch we will continue biking to the scenic town of Volterra, famous for its alabaster workshops. Our hotel, formerly a medieval convent, is located in the city center within walking distance of the Etruscan Museum and the ruins of the first century B.C. Teatro Romano.

Friday, September 25, 2006 Volterra/Pisa

Today's bike ride takes us from the hills of Tuscany to the beaches of the Mediterranean. A thrilling downhill and easy ride along the valley to Cecina is followed by a comfortable trip along the sea to Livorno. Plenty of opportunities to cool off are only challenged by our desire to get to Pisa where we will be dazzled by the marvels of one of the world's most stunning squares: Piazza dei Miracoli with the Leaning Tower. Our comfortable hotel complete with swimming pool is just a few minutes outside the city.

Saturday, September 26, 2006 Pisa/Portofino

A wonderful day of sightseeing, hiking and unwinding awaits us as we travel the Italian Riviera. The highlight will be the picturesque ancient fishing village of Portofino - a national monument for the last 60 years. We have the opportunity to hike to some of the most spectacular viewpoints of this rugged coastline. This evening we dissemble our bikes and have a farewell dinner at our seaside hotel restaurant overlooking the harbor.

Sunday, September 27, 2006 Portofino/Milan/U.S.A.

This morning we transfer to Milan for our return to the USA or you may extend your stay with an excursion to Rome, only 5 hours away by train. We will help you make travel arrangements for your post-tour plans.