Tuscan Vision & Vine. A special focus on the iconic landscapes, hilltowns and sensory treasures of Tuscany TUSCAN VISION & VINE 2018 ITINERARY OUTLINE

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1 TUSCAN VISION & VINE 2018 Tuscan Vision & Vine ITINERARY OUTLINE A special focus on the iconic landscapes, hilltowns and sensory treasures of Tuscany Daily Itinerary / Page 4-8 The dreamy landscapes and golden light has drawn artists to Tuscany for centuries. Join us as we take a peaceful and sensory plunge into the world s most beloved destinations and iconic photo locations: La Toscana! Trip Essence / Page 3 City Extensions / Page 9 Photography Guides / Page 10 Arrival & Departure / Page 11 A nature lover, history buff and foodie lover s photographic dream, this unique experience offers countless picture-perfect moments and an exploration of all things wonderful in very specific areas within Tuscany: the illustrious Val d Orcia and the Chianti hills. Terms & Conditions / Page 12 We ll focus on stunning landscapes and capturing the magic of this serene atmosphere, with its cultivated fields, flocks of resting animals and rural life, or of the ancient medieval villages perched on the hilltops. Most importantly, we will capture these places at just the right time, when the light is perfect! TRIP CONTACT Travel Vision Reserve Your Space / Page 12 Lauren Hefferon Lauren@ciclismoclassico.com info@ciclismoclassico.com 1

2 Along the way, we learn about the production of olive oil, wine, preserved meats, honey and specialty sweets (and enjoy abundant tastings). You ll photograph and absorb the rich, historical culture of the surrounding villages and cities. Our daily walks will take us through picture-perfect landscapes that reveal the land s magical beauty, while our taste buds delight in tasting regional specialties, including the region s renowned Brunello, Vino Nobile, Rosso di Montalcino and Chianti Classico wines. By the end of our Tuscan Vision & Vine tour, you ll not only have taken your photo passion to the next level, but you ll have gained new insights and inspirations and taken countless photos of the world s most beloved places. The trip will be led by photographer Ossian Lindholm and Travel Vision Director Lauren Hefferon, a passionate Italophile who has three decades of Tuscan travel experience and expertise to share. Ossian is a renowned nature photographer from Tucuman, Argentina. Trained as an agronomist, he turned his deep passion for nature to photography many years ago. In his work as a photographer, teacher and documentary filmmaker, he has dedicated his life to capturing, conserving and sustaining the landscape, nature and culture of the world s most precious environments. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 2

3 TRIP ESSENCE Get daily photographic, hands-on instruction by renowned photographer Ossian Lindholm Experience the Val d Orcia and its stunning hilltowns, like Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano Be enamored by Florence s art museums and architecture, food and markets, stunning landscapes and sunset points, all soaked in centuries of history Visit the local thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni, which were once enjoyed by the ancient Etruscans and Romans Sip and savor the finest wines in the world in Montalcino Visit a local, family-run winery that makes the famous Brunello wine Experience an authentic, homemade Tuscan lunch in the private home of a local friend And so much more! WHAT S INCLUDED Service of professional guides throughout the program All accommodations All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners TRIP DETAILS 2018 Trip Date April Ability Level Easy Trip Price 6-8 travelers: $6,095 pp 9 or 10 travelers: $5,695 pp 11 or 12 travelers: $5,395 pp EQUIPMENT For Hikes/Walks Robust walking shoes (with rubber soles) Lightweight outdoor activity gear Rain protection gear Sun protection and insect repellent For Photography Body SLR or compact digital camera, iphone Wide-angle lens Laptop (for selecting images) Tripod 3 winery visits 1 wine tasting Guided visit to a local farm Shuttle transfers at the beginning and end of the tour Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 3

4 DAY 1 FLORENCE CENTRO Accommodation - Ad Astra Florence Location: Florence Duration: 1 Night Website: adastraflorence.com Meals Included - D Benvenuti a Firenze! Today, you arrive to Florence and check into our hotel. As we follow the light in the birthplace of the Renaissance, we quickly see that Florence has something for everyone: art museums and architecture, food and markets, stunning landscapes and sunset points, all soaked in centuries of history. The best part? It s a photographer s heaven and director Lauren Hefferon lived here for three years she knows all of the sweet spots to capture the best angles at the right time! Wandering Florence s narrow cobblestone streets, welcoming piazzas and lively markets, we capture the color and pulse of Florentine life. Tonight, we have a welcome dinner in Florence. Ad Astra Florence overlooks the largest private garden in Europe, with the fragrance of flowers and plants and a blissful quiet in the air surrounding it. The result of a collaboration between the architect Francesco Maestrelli and Marco and Matteo Perduca, it is home to seven rooms on the main first floor of the villa and two immersed in the Torrigiani garden in Oltrarno the most real and authentic Florentine district. Palaces, squares, bridges, museums, churches, theaters, cinemas and shops are all within walking distance from the residence. DAY 2 TRANSFER TO VAL D ORCIA Accommodation - Palazzo del Capitano Location: San Quirico Val d Orcia Duration: 4 Nights Website: palazzodelcapitano.com/en/ Meals Included - B, L, D This morning, we transfer south to the big sky country of Tuscany as we enter the Val d Orcia. This is quintessential Toscana: layers of rolling verdant hills topped with cypress trees, stone farmhouses and wide-open vistas that appear in Renaissance paintings and have been coveted by artists and photographers from around the world. Dominated by the unmistakable form of volcanic Monte Amiata, the Val d Orcia is home to stunning landscapes and fascinating hilltowns Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano that grace the topography with their charm and ancient history. We spend the next few days exploring the area from our home base, the former Etruscan walled village of San Quirico. Streets lined with quaint boutiques and tiny osterie bustling with local flavor, we set our objectives on alternating class time and walks along the Via Francigena (the legendary pilgrimage walk from Canterbury to Rome). We start off our local adventures with a light lunch and hotel check-in in the quaint center of San Quirico d Orcia. Before embarking on our adventure, Ossian and Lauren will give a tour briefing and photo workshop introduction. In the afternoon, we visit the local thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni. These baths, enjoyed by the ancient Etruscans and Romans, became even more popular with medieval Christian pilgrims walking the Via Francigena. We have the luxury of soaking in the healing mineral waters either in the natural, outdoor hot springs or in one of the spring-fed indoor pools. Tonight, we have dinner in San Quirico Val d Orcia. The 4-star Palazzo del Capitano is just a few steps from Palazzo Chigi and La Collegiata Church and is a 14 th -century historic building. It boasts elegant suites with romantic canopy beds and precious linen fabrics, along with a beautiful garden, where you can relax under the olive trees. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 4

5 DAY 3 VAL D ORCIA: MONTALCINO & BRUNELLO WINE Accommodation - See Day 2 Meals Included - B, L We begin with a gorgeous sunrise stroll to capture the sun-dipped layers of mist rising above the rolling horizon. After a delicious breakfast, we take a slow drive to the hilltop of Montalcino, which offers gorgeous views over the Asso, Ombrone and Arbia valleys. We wander around the narrow cobblestone streets of Montalcino, capturing ancient still-life shots along the way and follow our noses to the delicious food shops, where we order treats for our afternoon picnic. The careful food arrangements that Tuscans have made into an artform will intrigue your imagination: endless shapes and sizes of pane toscano (saltless bread), finocchiona (salami with fennel), porchetta (seasoned roast pork), fresh tomatoes, olive spread, pepperoni and more. Montalcino boasts the finest wines in the world, which we see and taste in the town s extensive enoteca (wine library) housed inside the immense castle-fortress of Montalcino. After visiting Montalcino, we meander quiet roads to the beautiful Romanesque abbey of Sant Antimo, a former Benedictine monastery that is now inhabited by Augustinian priests. We arrive in time to hear the aweinspiring Gregorian chants and feast on a delicious picnic in the garden of the abbey. Next stop is a stop at a local, family-run winery that makes the famous Brunello wine, which is only made in a small limited area around Montalcino. We learn the secrets of Italian organic wine-making and enjoy a guided tasting of this prestigious wine. On our drive back to San Quirico, we slowly savor and capture the golden light. Tonight, we have a free evening in town to explore. DAY 4 VAL D ORCIA: CASTIGLIONE D ORCIA AND OFFICINA DELLA NATURA Accommodation - See Day 2 Meals Included - B, D Today after an early morning visit to the village of Castiglione d Orcia and its picturesque piazza Il Vecchietta and photogenic Rocca, we tour a local farm that grows medicinal and aromatic plants. It s the largest in the Val d Orcia. The project, headed by the University of Florence, is multi-faceted, eco-sustainable and bio-sustainable as well. The farm is self-sustaining in terms of energy and water and doesn t use any chemical products. We visit the fruit and vegetable farm, the animal farm (chickens and snails) and the labs where some of the bi-products of the farm are transformed into herbal medicine, cosmetics or other products. We also have a guided visit of the grounds, greenhouses and labs. We take the long way home tonight, stopping at the most picturesque points of La Cassia, an ancient and gorgeous Roman road that connects and holds the history of Tuscany and ancient Italy along its winding curves. Finally, we have dinner in San Quirico Val d Orcia. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 5

6 DAY 5 VAL D ORCIA: RENAISSANCE PIENZA & PECORINO CHEESE Accommodation - See Day 2 Meals Included - B, L, D This morning we take a leisurely walk from San Quirico to the beautiful town of Pienza. Lunch is held in the private home of our local friend and cesarina, Angela (a home cook). We meet our host Angela s entire family, learn about and taste the different ages of pecorino cheese, and sip wine on her terrazza overlooking Pienza, the miniature Renaissance town created by Pope Pius II, himself a Renaissance Man. We enjoy Angela s local Pienza specialties (made with the freshest of ingredients from her garden), such as risotto carnaroli con zucchine e crema di caprino or pici pasta fatti a mano (handmade) all aglione, paired with very local wines (like the nextdoor neighbor s wines) for an unforgettable Tuscan feast. Later, we capture the golden light on our slow and stunning drive back to Pienza and have a final dinner in San Quirico Val d Orcia. DAY 6 TRANSFER TO CHIANTI: VOLPAIA Accommodation - La Locanda Country Hotel Location: Radda in Chianti Duration: 3 Nights Website: lalocanda.it/en/index.html Meals Included - B, L, D This morning, we have a transfer to our villa base in the Chianti countryside for the next four nights. After we get settled, we then have a welcome aperitivo and lunch in the garden. And later, we review our photo goals and Ossian s objectives for the week and head out to capture the magical Tuscan light on our first afternoon walk into the Chianti bosco (woods). The following days include a mix of walking, class instruction, photo reviews and sunrise and sunset shoots, all interwoven with cultural visits to local wineries and farms. On any given day, we can have impromptu and fascinating conversations with local Tuscan farmers, producers and artisans to learn more about the traditions and way of life in this surreal town. As we wander through the streets of Volpaia, Radda in Chianti, Panzano, Lamole and other local villages and towns, the refined architecture of the towns set against an elegant agricultural backdrop is sure to charm us all. These stunning landscapes have been molded and shaped over many centuries by a powerful culture that fed powerful trading and banking states, imposing legal and social systems that existed unchanged for over 800 years. Our walks will take us down these memorable paths and lanes, through vineyards and olive groves and around colonial houses and stone castles as we seek to capture the essence of this rich place. This afternoon, we take a leisurely walk into the tiny village of Volpaia and have coffee and gelato on its tiny piazza before venturing out to capture the afternoon glow. Tonight, we have dinner at La Locanda Country Hotel, our accommodation for the next three nights. La Locanda Country Hotel stands on a plateau nearly 2,000 feet above sea level in the most beautiful part of Chianti. Surrounded by vineyards, woods and olive groves, it overlooks Volpaia. La Locanda is the perfect retreat after visiting the Chianti Classico countryside, hamlets and cellars, a walk through the woods or a hard day s sightseeing around the town. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 6

7 TUSCAN VISION & VINE 2018 DAY 7 CHIANTI: CASTELVECCHI & SURROUNDING VILLAGES Accommodation - See Day 6 Meals Included - B, D This morning, we walk to Castelvecchi the early morning is when the light is just right. We walk through vineyards, olive groves and across tiny streams, passing old and abandoned ancient mills, restored borghi (villages) and a tiny (but very unique) forest chapel. On this walk, we reach an elevation that allows views of the Valdarno, Chianti hills and the Casentino area of Tuscany. In the late afternoon, we visit a Castello di Lamole (a Florentine province) winery. The setting sun from Lamole paints the olive groves and vineyards with a golden glow that you will capture with your heart and your camera. Tonight, we have a delectable dinner at Ristoro di Lamole. DAY 8 Accommodation - See Day 6 Today, our photo walk takes us to the top of local Monte Querciabella. The views reach the other side (south and west of Volpaia), offering spectacular views of Tuscany s precious Monte Amiata. We pass through several tiny hamlets and Torniello Vineyard as we make our way along the famous battle boundaries between Siena and Florence provinces. Later in the day, we return to Volpaia for a mid-afternoon photo class. CHIANTI: CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA Meals Included - B, D Before dinner, we enjoy an in-depth visit to the Castello di Volpaia winery and learn all about the amazing vino-duct. Volpaia is a special Tuscan village that boasts exemplary ancient houses, churches, underground passages and deconsecrated churches that have been discreetly converted into wine cellars, bottling plants and olive presses. All of them use state-ofthe-art equipment and are all connected by an amazing underground vinoduct. To see it is to believe it. Later in the evening, the Tuscan sunset and its magical light are ready to be treasured and captured! Dinner tonight is at the La Locanda Country Hotel. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 7

8 DAY 9 ARRIVEDERCI! Meals Included - B This morning, it s time to say arrivederci to Tuscany! After breakfast, we have a 9 am transfer to Florence Airport. Interested in extending your stay in Florence, Rome or Venice? Check out our new city extensions! Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 8

9 CITY EXTENSIONS Live like we do. Live like a local. We know Italy better than anyone. Stay in quiet, off-the-beaten-path hotels and experience our favorite Italian cities like we do when we the Ciclismo Classico team travel around Italy. You can count on us to set you up in a quiet, but happening, neighborhood. There will always be lots to see and do and easy access to all the tourist hustle and bustle, including the most beautiful monuments, art and must-see sites. Simple hotels that are close to the very best restaurants that s important to us. We ll add in a day or day and-a-half with our favorite local expert guide who will not only share all the history of the place, but their favorite wines, restaurants, bars, markets, shops and more. An authentic, local experience like no other in Italy s most beautiful cities awaits you! VENICE Guide: There will be a local historian and sommelier that will take you around the center of Venice, do an overview tour of the important sites and then take you to tastings in Venice s various bacari, small wine bars where you can taste a sampling of Venice specialties. Optional: On day two, you can visit the gondola building and repair lot and take a gondola ride. Meals: Dinners will be on your own, with an extensive list of restaurants provided by Ciclismo Classico (CC). You ll also receive travel information for airports or continued travel in Italy. Hotel: Belle Epoque (in the Cannaregio neighborhood) ROME Guide: On day one, you ll receive an overview of the neighborhood by a local guide, followed by a few tastings in one of the many markets. Optional: A half or full day guided visit of Rome s most famous monuments can be arranged by CC. Meals: Dinners are on your own, with an extensive list of restaurants provided by CC. One lunch and all tastings are included. You ll also receive travel information for airports or continued travel in Italy. Hotel: Le Clarisse (in the Trastevere neighborhood) FLORENCE Guide: On day one, there will be a local sommelier who will give you a welcome, overview visit, and a tour of the three main markets (including tastings of Florentine specialties), followed by an aperitivo. Optional: Additional guided (or non-guided) visits to Uffizi, Accademia, Villa Bardini or other museums, which can be pre-arranged by CC for day two. An additional cooking lesson in a private home can also be arranged. Meals: Dinners are on your own, with an extensive list of restaurants provided by CC. One lunch and all tastings are included. You ll also receive travel information for airports or continued travel in Italy. Hotel: Ad Astra (in the San Frediano, Oltarno neighborhood) Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 9

10 MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDES Ossian Lindholm is a renowned nature photographer from Tucuman, Argentina. Trained as an Agronomist, many years ago he turned his deep passion for nature to photography. In his work as a photographer, teacher and documentary filmmaker, he is dedicated to capturing, preserving, conserving, sharing and sustaining the landscape, nature and culture of Argentina in its most pristine state. Ossian has published five books, 14 calendars and he teaches photography courses throughout the year. Since 1998 he has been leading groups of photographers and naturalists on photographic journeys throughout his native Argentina. For the past four years has been the host of a very popular weekly nature TV documentary called Travesia Fotograficas. In each show He hopes to educate and inspire people to love, protect and keep sacred the places where they live using images, words and music to touch peoples emotional core. During his early years he loved reading National Geographic Magazine; it had a profound impact on him. It was his first inspiration and he became continually was drawn by nature photography. He went to college to pursue a career in agricultural engineering and here he began to develop a strong connection with the biological sciences that continues to be a strong influence in all his work. After obtaining his degree he worked for many years as a scientist but in 1998 he decided to dedicate himself to nature photography. At this time he began working as a photography and nature guide which allowed him to travel around Argentina and connect with other photographers and biologists in the world. After graduating in anthropology from Cornell University, Lauren Hefferon studied fine arts in Florence and cycled over 35,000 miles throughout Europe. She founded Ciclismo Classico in 1988 and drives all visionary aspects of the company, from itinerary design and tour leader training to marketing and company strategy. Her latest creation, Travel Vision Journeys was born from her love of photography and insatiable curiosity to find the most authentic cultural experiences as well as the most gorgeous views has served her well in designing exclusive learning experiences for the adventurous traveler. Lauren is considered a pioneer in adventure and educational travel and has been an advisor to the Adventure Travel World Summit, a panelist at the annual National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism, and founded the annual Ciclismo Classico Bike Travel Film Festival. Under Hefferon s leadership, Ciclismo Classico and Travel Vision Journeys has blossomed into one of the top companies in the adventure travel industry, garnering awards from Outside magazine and National Geographic Traveler, and being named one of Boston s top 100 woman-led businesses three years running. Hefferon has been profiled by Entrepreneur magazine, and her tours have been featured in an array of media outlets, ranging from USA Today and The Wall Street Journal, to Bicycling, CNN.com and Forbes. As a specialized boutique bicycle tour operator since 1988, her companies provide the most authentic, unique and exciting vacations in the adventure travel industry. Her award-winning educational trips in Europe, South America, New Zealand, Asia and New England are active immersions into local art, language, music, folklore and delicious cuisine. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 10

11 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE GETTING TO FLORENCE Fly to Florence Airport (FLR). There will be a group shuttle leaving from the airport at 12 pm to take you to your first hotel in Florence. * Please inform the office if you plan on taking this scheduled group shuttle at least one month in advance via this form. DEPARTING FROM RADDA IN CHIANTI At 9 am, there will be a group shuttle (approximately one hour) that will take you to Florence Airport to make your connections. OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations Valerie Wilson Travel Call: or ciclismoair@vwti.com Travel Insurance MH Ross Call: Transportation Rome2rio Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 11

12 INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via once trip deposit is received. We recommend MH Ross, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice. Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as follows: Days before departure Cancellation fee 91+ days - 50% of the deposit* days - 30% of the trip price days - 60% of the trip price days - 100% of the trip price *You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit ($600) may be rolled over to the following year as a credit towards the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group. To review our policies, please visit RESERVE YOUR SPACE To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at or Lauren Hefferon at You may also mail your deposit and contact information to: Ciclismo Classico attn: Rosa 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 12