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| Tuscan Bicycle Tour |
| What: |
Mountain biking, based out of charming country hotel, through the heartland of Tuscany's romantic Alta Maremma. Cyclers can meet-up with horseback riding friends around picnics, or even be joined by those who prefer their feet on the ground since walking tours are also on offer. Rides are far away from asphalted roads, and can be expanded or contracted to fit any level of cycler. The area is one of rugged changing landscape with plenty of uphill tests and downhill thrills. The well-marked trails are replete with historical flavor, including ancient cart paths and cattle trails and the remains of early Roman roads. |
| Dates and Rates: |
Hotel Prategiano opens in March and closes in early November. Weekly (8-days/7-nights) full board rates range from $635 US/338 GBP/505 E to $864 US/459 GBP/686 E per person, double occupancy. Guests can rent either front suspension mountain bikes for easy to medium tours at $25 US/13 GBP/19 E per day. For more challenging single tours we recommend high quality full suspension bikes at the rate of $39 US/21 GBP/30 E per day, or you can bring your own bike. |
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| General Description: Tuscany is a magical place, where Etruscan and Roman artifacts co-exist with modern Italy. The country hotel where the riding originates, which has been operating for years as an equestrian riding holiday center, boasts a pool (in season), a Jacuzzi-type spa (great for tired muscles), wonderful Italian cooking based on locally grown products, and a relaxing atmosphere. Good maps are provided for self-guided tours -- which most guests seem to prefer, but guided tours can be arranged for small groups. Riders will seldom meet a paved road, and when they do, it will be to cross over it, not ride on it. The Hotel Prategiano lies 750 metres above sea-level on the slopes of the "Poggio di Montieri," minutes from the village of the same name. At this altitude one enjoys a refreshing climate, even in the hottest summer months. From here there is a panoramic view of the seemingly endless untouched hilly landscape of the Alta Maremma. The diversity of animal and plant life is awe-inspiring. One can explore the varied landscapes of thick native chestnut and oak forests, olive groves, vineyards, pines and cypresses, as well as "Macchia” -- the Mediterranean evergreen. The quiet region surrounding the medieval village of Montieri is not only an oasis for nature lovers. If you are interested in culture and history, you will find this an ideal base for exciting outings to some of the most beautiful sights in Tuscany including Florence and Pisa. There are bike washing rooms and small repairs can be made on-site. |
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| WHAT TO EXPECT: |
| Getting There : |
| Roundtrip transfers can be arranged from Follonica train station for $70 US/37 GBP/55 E and $200 US/106 GBP/159 E from Sienna, Pisa or Florence. |
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| Room and Board: |
Telephone, television, shower and toilet in all 20 rooms ensure a comfortable stay. The cook will spoils you with delicious Tuscan cuisine accompanied by the excellent wines of the region. You won't want to miss the mid-day picnics, which serve as the central meeting point for bike riders, horseback riders, hikers and others who would like to make the most of these al fresco feasts. The Hotel is situated at 900 meters (3000 feet) which is an indication of the type of hilly terrain that surrounds the property. There is fine pool open during summer months and hydro-spa for tired muscles. |
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| Weather : |
Early spring and fall bring cooler weather, but even during the hottest part of summer, the altitude insures comfortable temperatures. |
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| Possible Biking Destinations: |
| While, in general, the cycling itinerary is yours to determine, you may opt for a guided tour. The following destinations give you some idea of the rides you can enjoy -- most of them originating at the Hotel. You will find at your disposal a place to wash and store bicycles, and assistance with small repairs. Riders can be directed to daily rides of various lengths and different levels of difficulty. |
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| Monte di Prata : After a long warm up course and a short steep uphill climb you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Maremma all the way to Corsica. Kilometers: 30; Altitude: 600 meters (1800+ feet). |
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| Anqua : Discover the impressive villa Anqua, the Etruscan baths at the Galleraie and the picturesque village of Travale. You will feel the change from the wildness of the Maremma to the hilly Senese landscape . Kilometers: 49; Altitude: 900 meters (2700+ feet) |
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| Cornate : During the morning you can climb two summits: Ritrovoli and Le Cornate. Wonderful views, precipitous downhill, and the picnic at the former silver mine of Gerfalco are the highlights of this tour. Kilometers: 35, Altitude: 1050 meters ( 3100 + feet) |
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| Natural Park Bandite di Scarlino: An endless network of paths lead a natural park of Mediterranean macchia and along coastal shelves to unpopulated sand beaches. More biking or relaxing at the beach -- the decision is up to you. Kilometers and altitude are flexible. |
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| Chiusdino : Via small forest paths and narrow tracks you reach a bar in the middle of the medieval village Chiusdino. After an exciting downhill ride, enjoy some rest and refreshment at the river Merse before ascending to Montieri. Kilometers: 35; Altitude: 650 meters (1950+ feet). |
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