Bike Umbria & Hike the Dolomites

Join us on a tour that explores medieval walled towns, lovely cathedrals and distinctive whitewashed stone houses.  Umbria is Italy’s agricultural heart and has been dubbed the “Green Heart of Italy” with its expanse of gentle pastoral countryside.  Here you will have the opportunity to eat and drink some of Europe’s finest foods made from the freshest local ingredients.  No need to worry about gaining any unwanted calories after a day of biking or walking.

To many people, the Dolomites are the most impressive of the European Alps with their spectacular scenery.  Their sheer rock walls are distinctive landmarks that can be seen for miles.  The emerald green meadows and crystal clear lakes invite hikers from all over the world with a network of well maintained trails.

Plan to arrive in Perugia no later than Sunday afternoon June 10th. 

Sunday, Perugia. 
Arrive in time to explore the town’s old historic center.  The imposing palace, Palazzo dei Priori is considered to be Umbria’s finest public building with finely decorated rooms.  One of the floors contains the region’s most comprehensive art gallery.  Festive dinner in the evening.
Hotel Fortuna.  http://www.umbriahotels.com/

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, Poggio.  
Bike to Assisi, Italy’s most significant religious center where Saint Francis preached to birds from a simple stone altar.  You then continue on to the villa that is home for the next three nights.  If you arrive early enough you may want to enjoy the swimming pool.  Tuesday there is a transfer to Cortona, one of the region’s most scenic hill towns.  From here you bike back to Poggio in time for the cooking class in the afternoon.  Wednesday’s cycling route goes to Deruta, a town that has been famous for its ceramics since the 16th century.  There are more than 70 workshops to choose from.  Wine tasting in the afternoon.
Villa il Poggiolo. 

Thursday & Friday, Alleghe. 
Thursday you transfer to the Dolomites.  A luncheon stop in Ravenna, a pleasant town of peaceful piazzas, cobbled streets and fine shops.  The town is famous for its early Christian mosaics that span the years of Roman and Byzantine rule.  In the afternoon there will be another stop for a tasting of Prosecco, the fine Italian Champagne.  Friday’s hike of Monte Civetta will take about five hours.
Hotel Alleghe.  http://www.hotelalleghe.com/alleghe/inglese/hotel.htm

Saturday & Sunday, Cortina d’Ampezzo.  A short transfer on Saturday morning to Falzarego Pass and then hike to Cortina by means of the Cinque Torri (Five Towers Trail).  Sunday’s hike is a classic for the region as you hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.  Cortina is Italy’s top ski resort and it hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Hotel Ancora.  http://www.hotelancoracortina.com/html.htm

Monday, June 18th.  Leisurely breakfast and transfer to the Venice train station or airport for your flight home or to other parts of Europe.

Tour price: $2,495 per person
Tour dates:  June 10th to June 18th, 2007 (9 days/8 nights)
The tour is sold out to a private group.
Tour leaders: Local Italian guides

Includes eight nights hotel accommodation, all breakfasts and eight dinners with wine.  Bicycle rental, guides and entrance fees, cooking class, van support and the transfer to Venice is included.  The tour is limited to 12 guests. 

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