Itinerary Expand all Chianciano Terme to Chianciano Terme Day 1 Arrive in Chianciano Terme Take the train from Rome to Chiusi-Chianciano, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Perhaps enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing and the first of many superb dinners. (Staying at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia for 7 nights, Half Board) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 The Lakes Circuit A gentle start to the week with a lovely descent from your hotel on quiet roads, with wonderful views across to the mountains. A forest tracks leads you to the small town of Montallese and on to Lake Chiusi. Enjoy lunch at the lake then take the Sentiero Della Bonifica, a long-distance path between Chiusi and Arezzo, to the small Lake Montepulciano. This is a nature reserve teeming with birdlife, and there is also a café to enjoy a refreshment. Returning to the agriturismo you climb on tarmac road passing vineyards for as far as the eye can see, before an undulating track leads you back to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 Radicofani The leg work is done for you this morning as we transfer you to Radicofani, the highest point in the Val d'Orcia - the views are incredible, be sure to take time to walk up to the highest point of the castle. Then follow the road downhill for the next 10 kilometres down into the valley. A gravel track takes you past pretty farms and through the forest to pass the beautiful private gardens of La Foce, before an up and over and down to the Agriturismo. You'll enjoy a spot of wine- tasting this evening before dinner in a beautiful cantina in the old town. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Sarteano Loop Descending from the agriturismo you follow country tracks passing a truffle-growing area before a boulevard of olive trees takes you to a lovely trail crossing the Astrone stream. Continue cycling along a road with beautiful views of the valleys which takes you into mediaeval Sarteano: here you circle the walls and can enjoy a coffee before you carry on to Cetona. A narrow tarmac road takes you up this town, before a climb to Mondo X, where one of the best restaurants in Italy, La Frateria, is housed inside a beautiful convent started by St Francis in 1212. An extraordinary priest uses the monastery as a rehabilitation centre for troubled youths. From here had back to the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Afternoon Cookery Course This morning you have time to yourself, maybe walk into Chianciano Vecchia and visit the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme, or use your voucher for the Theia Spa and relax in the healing waters or treat yourself to one of their many treatments. In the afternoon you begin your cookery class where you will learn classic Italian techniques and eat the meal you prepare for dinner. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Montepulciano Circle Today the route takes you through acres of vineyards as you make your way to Montepulciano. Views of Mount Amiata take your breath away as you ride into this famous wine town. Explore its streets and maybe taste a couple of wines before heading back, passing more vineyards and along the forest road, before cycling down back into Chianciano. You’ll pass the Theia Spa on your way; perhaps use your free entrance at the end of the day. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Pienza and Bagno Vignoni After a short transfer to Pienza take time to explore the town - it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy - and is beautiful mediaeval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with Porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy Pecorino. The ride takes you downhill to cross one of the stunning plains of the Val d’Orcia, and a short detour takes you to Roman Bagno Vignoni with its roman baths and sulphur springs. Follow a long straight Roman road then cross the valley and climb up and down into Chianciano. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 8 Leave Chianciano Terme We take you back to the train station where you could possibly head to Florence or Rome for extra nights before heading home. Meals included: Breakfast
Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.
Hotel Your base for the week is the modest but comfortable Agriturismo La Pietriccia, which stands on a hill with great views of Chianciano Vecchia. Stefano who runs the agriturismo will welcome you with his enthusiasm for everything to do with nature in the surrounding area. He will also lead the cookery course for you during your stay, and teach you all about the artisan products in the local area. The hotel produces 65% of what it serves on your table, and is surrounded by its own farm and orchards. There is a lovely terrace and swimming pool and lovely shady grassy area that looks out across the valley, where in the heat of summer you can take your dinner outside.
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