| Tuscany Vespa Culinary details |
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Departures 2008 :
June 14
September 20 | Departures 2009 :
September 12 | Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Departing from: Florence at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Day 1
Tour finishes: Montevarchi train station, 4 p.m., Day 6 (Thursday)
Trip price: €2,150 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement: €200.
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Amazing pasta at Il Borro
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There's room for two!
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Tour the grounds of
imposing Brolio Castle
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Too many cooks...??
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Ride down beautiful
country roads
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Taste some of the finest
wines in Italy
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Don't forget the mid-morning cappuccino
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Our pool at Fontebussi
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Ride like royalty
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In addition to 7 Vespas,
we have two 100cc "Mio" scooter
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Tuscany Vespa Culinary |
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Tuscany Vespa Culinary Itinerary
Preview - Hit the open road on your own Vespa scooter on this culinary tour of Tuscany's Chianti wine region. You spend one night in Florence and then five full days of touring on our 125 cc Vespa scooters. Each day features an in depth (and delicious!) look at Tuscan food and wine traditions, with winery visits, tastings, and cooking lessons. Traveling by Vespa is fun and easy. Our new scooters have an electric start and automatic transmission. Your local guide will lead you along quiet back roads amongst olive groves and vineyards to storybook castles and hilltop villages. This is a great holiday which combines the freedom and exhilaration of touring by Vespa with the delicious food, wine, and romantic landscapes of Tuscany.
Scooterbella in the news: our tours were featured in the travel section of The Guardian (UK) on Jan 20 2007 (See the article here). Another article was published by The Observer on April 23 2006. See it here! And a 3-page full-color article covering this trip was published in London's Telegraph. Click here and search for "The Vespa and Italy".
Note: Everyone who drives one of our scooters needs to have an international car drivers license (unless you have a European Union drivers license ). This is very easy to get! Please click here for more information.
The Hotels - The Hotels: In Florence you spend one night at the Hotel Royal, an elegant 18th century villa that has been transformed into a lovely hotel with garden and pool (some departures stay at the charming Orto de' Medici,
a superior 3-star hotel located on the former gardens of the powerful Medici family). We
then move to the countryside for our 4-night stay at the Borgo Fontebussi,
an 18th century manor house that has been lovingly restored and turned
into a beautiful four star boutique hotel. A new 25-meter swimming pool
has been added to the grounds to create a wonderfully relaxing
environment. Borgo Fontebussi is the perfect base for us to explore
Tuscany by Vespa.
The Scooters - We have seven new, bright red 125 cc Vespa
scooters. They are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to ride, with an
electric start and automatic transmission. The brakes are on the
handlebars, like on a bicycle. We provide you with helmets. The 125 cc
Vespa is powerful enough for two people to happily cruise through the
Tuscan countryside. Top speed is 80 kph but we will be touring at a
slower, more comfortable and safe speed. Indeed, we usually do not
exceed 50 kph (30 mph). Of course, couples can ride together on one
Vespa (and save €100 for one person!). We also have
two smaller 100cc Sym "Mio" scooters. Depending on availabilty, you
will recieve either the 125cc Vespa scooter ar the 100cc Mio scooter.
Touring
by Vespa is a wonderful way of exploring all that Tuscany has to offer.
You become a part of the environment rather than being sealed off from
it. You can stop when and wherever you want, and parking is never a
problem. Come and feel the thrill of cruising down the open road, under
the Tuscan sun!
NOTE: You must arrive at the start of the tour already able to drive a scooter safely. We are not a motorbike school!
Day 1 - Saturday: Independent arrival in Florence and check-in at your pre-booked hotel, the Hotel Royal,
an elegant 18th century villa that has been transformed into a lovely
hotel with garden and pool (some departures stay at the charming Orto de' Medici,
a superior 3-star hotel located on the former gardens of the powerful Medici family). Both hotels are conveniently located in the center of historic Florence. You will meet your guide and the rest of the group this evening at 6:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby and walk to a local enoteca (wine bar) for an introduction to four of the key ingredients to life in Tuscany: olive oil, pecorino cheese, Tuscan bread, and Chianti wine. This informal but informative degustazione will then lead into dinner. Should you wish to arrive in Florence early, please let us know as we would be happy to extend your reservation in Florence for you. Hotel, aperitvo/degustazione and dinner included.
Day 2 - Sunday: Pick-up in Florence at your hotel at 9 a.m. A private van transfer takes us to the village of Gaiole in Chianti where we pick up our Vespas. Before hitting the open road we will have an orientation and safety talk. We start out in a parking lot and then we have picked a very quiet stretch of road to start on so you can get used to driving your Vespa. Indeed, today is designed to get you very well acquainted with your Vespa. We will ride along two scenic ridge roads that offer wonderful views over the romantic Tuscan landscape. We stop for a very special lunch with our friend Massimiliano Biagi. “Massi” is the farm manager at the famous Barone Ricasoli vineyards. He is responsible for the 2,500 acre estate of the Castello di Brolio, of which 500 acres is planted in vines which regularly make wines of exceptional quality, scoring consistent 90 plus points from Wine Spectator. Massi’s other passion is cooking. He loves to share his passion and he will invite us into his garden for a special “picnic” that he has prepared. After lunch we can visit the cellars and enjoy a tasting, although you will have to spit! A short ride and walk takes us up to the historic Castello di Brolio to visit the park and gardens of this magnificent castle. This part of Chianti was fought over by the Sienese and the Florentines for centuries, and Brolio castle was in the thick of it for 300 years. We then wind our way through Tuscan villages and hamlets to arrive at our home for the next four nights, the Borgo Fontebussi. Time for a dip in the pool before dinner, a short walk away in the village of Montegonzi. Hotel, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 3 - Monday: This morning we cross the Arno river and ride toward the imposing Pratomagno mountains. We stop for a cappuccino break in the picturesque medieval town of Loro Ciuffenna, once an important stop on the Roman "Cassia" road and now a colorful village that has retained its traditional character. Afterwards, we continue on to "Il Borro," a Tuscan village which has been bought in its entirety by the Florentine fashion house of Ferragamo and completely restored. We have lunch at the excellent "Osteria del Borro," then have some time to walk around the village shops. We then ride back to Fontebussi, park the Vespas, and transfer by van to a private home for a cooking course with Marie Zarro. Marie has been a professional cook in Chianti since 1986, working at the Ristorante Pietraffitta (near Castellina in Chianti) for more than a dozen years before taking over Ristorante Vescovino for three years in Panzano in Chianti. Marie has now been catering in Chianti for the past four years, her clientele reads like a "Who's Who" book. Besides being an excellent cook, Marie is a lovely person and has spent many years in Australia, so her English is pretty good too – which is often a help! After preparing dinner, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. And you can enjoy the wine because you are returned to the hotel by van. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included.
Day 4 - Tuesday: Today we ride to Siena, one of Italy's most beautiful and historic cities. We have a guided visit with Rita, a native of Siena and our favorite city guide. Only a native of this Gothic city can explain the furor and passion that surround the famous bareback Palio horserace, which is run around the city's 12th century Piazza del Campo twice a year. You will have free time to explore Siena's exquisite historic center and admire its Gothic architecture. Of course, you might get side-tracked by the shops and cafés along the Banchi di Sopra, Siena's main pedestrian shopping street. Rendez-vous for lunch in Siena. Our return ride is passes through the exquisite countryside near Monteaperti and Castelnuovo Berardenga. Dinner tonight is at the Fattoria "La Forra," a short distance from our hotel. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included.
Day 5 - Wednesday: We know you have come to Tuscany not only for its romantically beautiful landscapes and fascinating history but also for its excellent cuisine, so today you will learn some secrets of Tuscan cooking. A one-hour ride takes us to Starda Castle, a small, picturesque hamlet of medieval origin. Built around 1000 by the noble family of Conti Guidi it is now home to Gabriela and her husband Giovanni, their dog Grieg and cat Tris, all of whom are wonderful and gracious hosts. Gabriela's son Alessandro will invite us into the restaurant's kitchen, where he will teach you how to cook Tuscan style. You better pay attention, because you will be eating what you are cooking for lunch! Afterwards, we head for the Badia Coltibuono (Abbey of the good harvest) for a guided visit of this beautiful and historic site. The Badia was first established in the 11th century by Cistercian monks who soon started producing wine. Indeed, the Badia Coltibuono is still one of the area’s best producers of Chianti Classico and its olive oil is famous throughout the world. We dine tonight al fresco on the terrace of our hotel. Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 - Thursday: Today we depart at 10:15 to allow you time to pack your bags and enjoy a relaxing morning swim. A thirty minute ride takes us to the hilltop town of Radda in Chianti where you will have free time to enjoy the view from the medieval walls and check out its antique shops and cafés. Then it is on to Rampini ceramics, arguably the best producer of hand painted ceramics in all of Italy. The head designer will explain to us how majolica ceramics are made, a process that remains essentially unchanged since the Renaissance age. Of course you may also peruse the lovely showroom attached to their workshops (they ship worldwide!). One last beautiful ride on our trusty Vespas take us to the village of Gaiole in Chianti where we will have lunch at Trattoria Sfizio. Chef Fernanda serves up homemade dishes using the freshest ingredients. We will be picked up at the restaurant at 15:00 and transferred by van to the Montevarchi train station, via Borgo Fontebussi to pick up our luggage, for the 16:14 p.m. train to Florence and Rome. Travel time to Florence is 40 minutes, and 2 hours 50 minutes to Rome. If you need to leave the trip earlier, then please let us know and we can arrange a transfer for you at your expense. Breakfast included. Transfer to train station included.
IMPORTANT!! : QUALIFICATIONS
You must be over 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license
and an INTERNATIONAL driver's license to drive a Vespa. Of course
anyone can be a passenger. To drive a Vespa, previous experience on a
scooter or motorbike is advantageous and highly advised. If you have
not ridden or scooter or motorbike before then you should do so before
you do this trip. Rent a scooter locally, and learn how to ride it
before coming on the trip.
WE ARE NOT HERE TO TEACH YOU HOW TO
DRIVE A SCOOTER. YOU MUST ARRIVE AT THE START OF THE TRIP ALREADY A
COMPETENT
RIDER. In the last three
years we have been amazed by people who arrive to drive a scooter on
public
roads who have never ridden a scooter before and who are clearly
uncoordinated,
un-athletic, and who will clearly never, ever be able to drive a
scooter
safely. Please do not be one of these people. It would be funny if they
were not endangering themselves and the lives
of others.
Our Vespas are easy to ride, but a good sense of balance and
coordination is required. The Vespas have a 125cc engine and an
all-steel frame. They are lighter and easier to drive than a larger
motorbike but they are also heavier than a moped and other smaller 50cc
scooters (the Vespa weighs 110 kg, or about 235 lbs).
You
will be driving a motor vehicle on public roads. You are responsible
for your safety but also for the safety of other motorists, bikers and
pedestrians. You must be able to control the Vespa and drive it
competently. If we feel your driving skills put you and others at risk
we reserve the right to take the Vespa away from you.
In the event that you cannot ride as a passenger on one of the Vespas,
then we will help to arrange an alternative mode of transport, either
taxi, or rental car, but at your expense.
Finally,
age may be a factor. We have found that most people who are over 50 and
who have never ridden a scooter or motorbike have problems riding the
Vespa. If you have not used the “motorbike” part of your brain before
the age of 50, then it may be too late to learn. We don't know why this
is, but such are the mysteries of Life, Zen, and the Art of Vespa
maintenance. So if in doubt, please take the time to try a scooter at
home. Find a big vacant parking lot, put on a helmet, read our
accompanying document about motorcycle safety, and give it a whirl. If
you are happy with your abilities and you feel safe, then you are ready
to ride one of
Useful Links - The City of Florence: everything you need to know about the city
The Accademia: home of Michelangelo's David and other world-famous works
The Uffizi Gallery: one of the greatest collections in the world. We recommend you make reservations ahead of time.
The Duomo: one of the wonders of the Renaissance, Florence's cathedral.
Siena Tourist Authority: details on the city's history and events.
Chianti Classico wine consortium: a site devoted to this world-renown wine and its group of producers
Chianti History: concise article on the history of this famous region
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy: come see the marvels that await you in Italy!
Vespa on Wikipedia: very complete, interesting site with lots of trivia!
Vroom with a View:
check out Peter Moore's lively account of his solo trip from Milan to
Rome on a vintage Vespa. Cool website with lots of pictures & info.
General Information
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, such as the weather.
Arrival in Florence: Florence is on the main north-south rail line connecting Rome and Milan. It is served by frequent high-speed trains. There are also several low-cost airlines that fly into both Florence and nearby Pisa.
Weather: Our June and September departures avoid mid-summer heat while still benefitting from an ample amount of sunshine. July and August departures will be hot, but the 25-metre pool at Borgo Fontebussi awaits you, and there is always a breeze while you are on your Vespa! Temperatures generally range from 75° to 85° F during the day, dropping approx. 10 degrees at night. Some rainfall is possible on any of the departures so participants should bring appropriate raingear.
Trip Cost Includes: All accommodations (1 night at the superior 3-star Hotel Royal or Orto de' Medici in Florence and 4 nights at the 4-star Borgo Fontebussi); 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches as per itinerary, and 4 dinners; 2 cooking lessons; bilingual guide or guides; one 125cc Vespa scooter with rear carrier bin, helmet, related insurance, and fuel; guided tours as noted in the itinerary; all luggage transfers; pick-up in Florence and final transfer to Monevarchi train station at the end of the trip. Couples can save €100 by riding two to a scooter. Depending on availability at the time of booking, couples may be requested to share scooter and thereby recieve the discount.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare; airport/hotel transfers; four lunches; first night dinner in Florence; travel insurance; gratuities; alcoholic beverages; and items of a personal nature. Reservations and payment: In order to reserve a space on the trip, a non-refundable deposit of $200 USD or €200 (depending on the trip) is required. Please contact us at info@customwalks.com or go to the Reservations page on our website for more information. We will send you a trip agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of payment and cancellation.
Getting there (this will redirect you to our "Getting to the trip" page)
General Information: This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the CustomWalks Ltd. reservation information and trip agreement. Please read this information carefully and e-mail us (or use the "Contact Us" page) if you have any questions. We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance which you can do through CustomWalks Ltd or by clicking on the logo below (another window will open up on your screen).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited. Send us an email or fax to reserve your trip. Full trip details including detailed pre-departure information, train timetables, and a gear list are sent upon receipt of deposit.
Come join us!
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