Cycling & Cooking in Tuscany, Italy

Inclusions

Six nights in private villa;
Six dinners

Two lunches
two cooking classes;
two wine tasting;
Cheese tasting;
All maps, trip notes and detailed route directions;
All Shuttles and technical assistance;
Support Van;
Services of experienced guide;
Our water bottle;
Transfer on day one from station;
Transfer on day seven to the station
Sales taxes

Not included
Airfare to Italy, train to Chiusi, 5 lunches, beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, laundry expenses and items of a personal nature

Bike Rental for entire tour
Hybrid bike euro 180
Race bike euro 210
E-Bike euro 210

Both Malpensa aiport in Milan and Fiumicino Aiport in Rome have trains and buses linking them to the city center. Fiumicino – Termini train station – Fiumicino
train Leonardo Express (takes about 30 minutes) start each half hour and is direct from Airport to termini train station.
from fiumicino airport to train station : the first at 07.37, 08.07, 8.37….the last at 22.37
From Termini station to airport : the first at 06.51, 07.21, 7.51 the last at 21.51

FOOD

Six nights in private villa;
Six dinners
Two lunches
two cooking classes;
two wine tasting;
Cheese tasting;

Meals in Italy follow a different course than what we’re accustomed to. You might begin with an appetizer if you like — called an antipasto — but from then on things change quite a bit. Italians prefer to eat one dish at a time, rather than having a number of items served on one plate, especially we don’t like mix pasta with other kind of food! So, after the antipasto comes the “primo” (first dish), usually some kind of pasta, ravioli or zuppa. Following this is the “secondo” (second dish), a meat or fish dish or Cheese. You can order a “contorni” (side dish) if you like — usually roasted vegetables, potatoes, or salad, but sometimes vegetables are included with second, is specified on menu. And finally dessert and/or coffe. Espresso of course.

Please Don’t think Italians at home have always a meal like that! All that food is just in special occasion or for the Sunday’s lunch. Also in Italy people “try” to have light lunch, a dish of pasta and some vegetable or just the second plate.


ACCOMMODATION

Hotels – in Italy it is common practice for the reception desk to register your passport, and only registered guests are allowed to use the rooms. This is done for security reason according with Italian law against terrorism: hotels must give list of guests to italian police carabinieri each day.

All hotels use the official star classification system, from 5 star luxury to 1 star.

All hotels have room with bathroom – only one star hotel have shared bathroom.

Most of hotel rates include breakfast “prima colazione”. It is served in a communal room and comprises a buffet with pastries, bread with butter and jam, cereals, fruits, cheese, yoghurt, fruit juice, coffe or cappuccino. Hotel regularly frequented by foreign tourists serve eggs and cheese.

We provide all group gear needed for trips.

The key to staying comfortable while cycling is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.

The weather in Tuscany is typically warm, with sunny days in the mid to high 70’s. Early spring and fall departures will have slightly cooler temperatures. Rain is possible on any of the departures, but not typical.

PROVIDED EQUIPMENT Beyond the bike you reserved:

Helmet;
Front handlebar bag;
New water bottle & cage;
Lock;
Repair kit, including spare tire;
Frame Pump;

We recommend the following gear:
BAGGAGE
Duffel bag or soft suitcase & Small fanny pack or neck pouch to keep travelers checks and passport

BICYCLE GEAR
Cycling shoes (or running shoes with stiff soles)
Clipless pedals and special cycling shoes (only if you usually use them!)

CYCLE CLOTHING:
Cycling jersey – long-sleeve
Cycling jersey – short-sleeve, quick-drying, lightweight
Cycling pants
Cycling padding shorts (3 pairs)
Cycling rain gear (jacket & pants)
Windbreaker

CASUAL CLOTHING
Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for city wear (dinner and sightseeing).
Slacks, travel skirts, mid-thigh shorts, button down shirts, etc. Comfortable and casual are great!
Sweater and/or light jacket
Long pants
Underwear/socks
Comfortable shoes/sandals
Swimsuit (pool and spa)

ACCESSORIES
Sunglasses and strap
Sunscreen/Chap stick
Baseball cap/Sun hat
Toiletries/Personal Prescriptions
Electric adaptor plug

OPTIONAL Camera and film; Reading and writing materials ;Favorite energy snacks

Dress for dinner: The restaurants we use have a very nice, pleasant atmosphere, but are not stuffy. Therefore, you will feel quite comfortable in casual clothes for these meals.
However, cycling clothes, running shorts and cycling shoes are not appropriate and should be reserved for biking.

Only a passport is needed to enter Italy from the U.S & Canada.

CANCELLATION

If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due to our company at the time (prior to departure) we receive written notice (via confirmed e-mail) of your cancellation. No refunds are made for unused portions of the tour once it has began.

Cancellations made before 30 days prior to departure: booking deposit is not refundable, it is considered the processing fee

Cancellation made 30 days or less prior to departure:

In Self guided bike tour

15- 30 days=50% of trip price

0-15 days=100% of trip price

In Guided bike tour

0 – 30 days= 100% of trip price

Please note, these terms may be amended to be more lenient depending on the pandemic global situation at the time of travel.

Cancellations by us
In very rare cases it may be necessary for us to cancel a tour. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be sent to the client and this constitutes full settlement. We are not responsible for other expenses incurred such as pre-paid hotel reservations or non-refundable airline tickets.
Scheduled guided tours with low enrollment may be subject to cancellation. Registrants will receive a sixty day notice and full refund or option to move to another scheduled week.

Changes to Your Trip
Clients are allowed to make minor changes to the itinerary once the trip is confirmed, within reason as determined by us  and with sufficient advance notice. We will try our best to accommodate your requests. However, major changes will incur additional planning fees and/or nonrefundable deposit payments in addition to the amount initially quoted. See the ‘Trip Cancellation’ section above for our fees should you need to cancel your trip entirely. “]

[efitems title=”Accommodations ” text=”Our accommodations are in excellent four and three-star hotels and country inns. We will do everything in our power to secure you lodgings in our first-choice hotels, but it may not be possible if you are booking less than three months before trip or during a particularly busy season. In that case we will secure you lodgings in comparable hotels. Additional nights can be arranged for early arrivals or late departures.

Tour Terms & Conditions – Tour package guided and self guided Bike tour

Fundamental rights of the traveler under the EU Decree 2015/2302

1. Before the conclusion of the contract Travelers will receive all the essential information about the package.
2. There is always at least one expert responsible for the proper implementation of all the tourist services included in the contract.
3. An emergency telephone number or contact point address to reach the Organizer or Travel agent will be communicated to the Travelers.
4. Travelers may transfer the package to another person, subject to reasonable notice and possibly upon payment of additional costs.
5. The price of the package can be increased only if specific costs increase (for example, fuel prices) and if expressly stated in the contract and, in any case, no later than 20 days before the start of the package. If the price increase is more than 8% of the package price, the Traveler can terminate the contract. If the organizer reserves the right to increase the price, the Traveler is entitled to a price reduction if there is a decrease in the relevant costs.
6. Travelers may terminate the contract without having to pay termination fees and obtain full repayment of payments if any of the essential elements of the package, other than the price, has changed substantially. If, before the start of the package, the expert responsible for the package cancels the package, Travelers have the right to obtain reimbursement and, where appropriate, indemnity.
7. Travelers may, under exceptional circumstances, terminate the contract without having to pay termination fees before the start of the package, for example if there are serious safety problems at the place of destination which may affect the package. Furthermore, Travelers may at any time, before the start of the package, withdraw from the contract upon the payment of standard penalties previously accorded or, failing that, the adequate and justifiable penalties calculated pursuant to art. 41, paragraph 1 of the Tourism Code.
8. If, after the start of the package, substantial elements cannot be provided according to what was agreed, suitable alternative solutions must be offered to the Traveler, without a surcharge. Travelers can withdraw from the contract, without the cost of termination fees, if the services are not performed as agreed and this significantly affects the execution of the package and the organizer has not solved the problem.
9. Travelers have the right to a price reduction and / or compensation for damages in the event of failure to comply with or incomplete performance of the tourist services.
10. The Organizer is required to provide assistance if the Traveler is in difficulty.
11. If the Organizer-Seller becomes insolvent, the payments will be refunded by the Insurance company. If the Organizer-Seller becomes insolvent after the start of the package and if transportation is included in the package, the repatriation of Travelers is guaranteed. We are covered by the following insurance: TUA Assicurazione policy number 4032151200084 – Consorzio FOGAR
12. Travelers can contact the insurance company: operation centre H24 call number +39 02 24128 578 – or, if necessary, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism – General Directorate of Tourism, Italian Competent Authority according to art. 48, paragraph 2 of the Tourism Code (Via del Collegio Romano, 27 – 00166 Rome – phone +39 06/67232131 mail dg-t@beniculturali.it) if, due to the insolvency of the Organizer-Seller, the above mentioned services are denied.
13. The Traveler is informed that s/he can underwrite insurance policies to cover the withdrawal penalties by the Traveler or the costs of assistance and repatriation, in case of accident, illness or death. The insurance policies may be indicated by the Organizer as mandatory for their package offers.
14. For further information on the fundamental rights of the Traveler purchasing travel packages (as defined in Article 32, paragraph 1, letter g of the Tourism Code) refer to Directive (EU) 2015/2302, and of D. Lgs 21.5.2018, n. 62 transposed into local law and published here.

Tour Terms & Conditions (Package Tour Contract)

Limitation of Liability, Release and Indemnity

Responsibility

Clients are responsible for selecting a tour suitable for their athletic ability, informing us of any medical or dietary restrictions, signing our release form prior to the start of their tour, and obeying all safe biking rules. We reserves the right to decline or withhold service to any person who, for physical or other reasons, is deemed unfit for the trip. We are not responsible for cancellations or amendments due to acts of nature, civil unrest or inclement weather. Every care will be taken to respect your luggage at all times. However, We are not responsible for damage, loss or theft of your personal belongings.

Your Responsibilities
We are committed to making your trip as rewarding and fun as possible. But we require your help to do so. For example, we rely on you to provide us with necessary personal information (age, passport & flight details, allergies, etc.) and travel preferences (type of bed, dietary needs, special interests, etc.) so we can craft the right trip for you. We also ask that you respond to our questions in a timely manner so as not to delay the planning process.

Our Responsibilities
We recognizes the faith and trust you put in us to plan your travel. We will do our utmost to create and deliver the perfect trip for you. Our aim is to provide you with reliable and personalized service. We will respond to your messages promptly and will keep you informed as your itinerary evolves. If at any time you have questions or concerns we ask that you let us know immediately so we can address them.

Payment Conditions

We changed our payment condition due to pandemic – a deposit of 300 per person reserves space on the trip (as opposed to our usual 400 Euro for Self guided and 500 euro per Guided tour).

For all tour in 2023 final payment is due 45-30 days before commencement of the tour.

The tour price is based on double occupancy and includes the services specified in the itinerary plus optional activities listed. Single room requests are subject to supplemental charges, and must be requested at time of booking. The price does not include services and meals not listed specifically in the itinerary.
Final Payment can be made by credit card, or wire transfer usually between 45 days to 30 days before the trip. We will remind you of your final payment date in advance and give you the option to pay using any of these methods.

Travel Documents and Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid passport and meet all necessary entry requirements of the country or countries you will be visiting. These requirements vary by country and nationality and can change from time to time. We will do its best to inform Travelers of these general requirements, but we ask that you contact the appropriate embassy(ies)/consulate(s) in your country of residence. We are not responsible for delays, changes or costs of any kind due to incomplete, expired or inaccurate Traveller documentation.

Trip Insurance

We strongly recommends cancellation and accident insurance to prevent any losses in case of illness, accident or otherwise. It is the responsibility of the client to apply directly to the insurance company in own country. Please purchase trip cancellation insurance in case an illness forces you to cancel or depart early from a trip. Our cancellation fees are not negotiable.

Bike Rental Terms & Conditions

Payment Conditions
A credit card information is required to hold your rental.
Full payment is due 15 days from the start of the rental.

Cancellation & Refunds
All cancellations must be received in writing or via confirmed email.

The following table explains cancellation fees for all bike rentals and associated services:

No refunds are possible after the rental begins. Refunds take 2-4 weeks to process from the date written cancellation is received. We reserve the right to cancel a rental prior to pickup for any reason, in which case a full refund will be made if cancellation occurs 30 days or more prior to the scheduled pickup date of the rental. If we are forced to cancel a rental, we will award a 100% refund. Refunds are for rental price only and excludes expenses incurred by customers in instances where we are forced to cancel a rental.

Delivery Conditions
Renter acknowledges that we will do its best to deliver and pick up from locations at agreed upon times but force majeure or other exceptional circumstances (unusual traffic en route to drop-off or delivery) may cause delays. Renter agrees to adhere to delivery and pick-up times themselves and authorize us to charge their credit card if meeting times are not met and additional expenses are incurred due to renter lateness (i.e. staff time, highway tolls, staff meals and lodging, etc). If there are changes to the pick up location or time once the rental has started this must be communicated by confirmed email or direct telephone contact at least 48 hours before the rental equipment is returned to us.

If delivery location does not allow for easy access by van to drop off or pick up the rental equipment, please make necessary arrangements. We often deliver to beautiful remote villas in rural areas that have 17% grade gravel roads and low-hanging trees. We are not responsible therefore for any additional time and expense that may accrue if changes in delivery location or means have to be made. It is renter’s responsibility to know whether the pick up and drop of location is acceptable.
Rental Contract to be signed upon delivery whether you are simply renting services.

Note: by sending us your initial deposit (or any subsequent payment) toward your trip price, you are confirming your acceptance of the terms and conditions above.

Cycling Levels & Difficulty

Level Easy

Flat and easy gently rolling hills.
No strenuous activity. You should be in good health and ready for full days of travel and fun outdoors.
Marked Leisure

Level Moderate

Gently rolling terrain, some hills.
Entry-level skills recommended. Prepare for your trip with regular conditioning at least two months before departure.
Marked Leisure/Active

Level Challenging

Varied terrain, hills and climbs.
May involve high altitudes and challenging conditions. Prepare as you would for a moderate trip, but intensify your program for specific benefits.
Marked Active/Avid

How do you roll?

In the booking form you will find this part to be filled: what is your current rider type?
Use the descriptions to determine your current skill level and be aware that our tours are designed as a Vacation, not a race !
Pace at every level is relaxed, is enjoy the scenery, the people, the food.
Nevertheless on tour you will cycle almost every day and pre-trip training is always recommended.

Leisure

My Lifestyle is: I ride my bike on a regular basis either for fitness, to commute to work, or just for fun. Active lifestyle with an occasional physical challenge. I want to ride on my vacation, but not every day.
I enjoy: Rolling terrain with some hills that are not challenging. I feel great after reaching the top. I don’t mind hopping in the support van when I’ve ridden enough

Active

My Lifestyle is: Fitness is central to my life. I ride my bike regularly, on a weekly basis, and am comfortable with rides of 2 hours or more at a relatively strong pace. I like a physical challenge and to feel my heart rate increase.
I enjoy: All terrain, with hills and some moderate mountain passes that I can brag about. I like getting some speed on moderate descents as well. I track elevation and feel comfortable climbing.

Avid

My Lifestyle is: I ride my bike an average of 100 miles per week and enjoy a fast pace for an extended period of time. I love train, improve, and maybe even race my friends.
I enjoy: All terrain, with hills and big mountain passes. Steep technical descents are fun.