Tuscany & Umbria Adventures
Frequently Asked Questions
We will send you detailed information about the Adventure in a Pre-Departure Packet once you register.
What is the weather going to be like?
The average high temperature in Tuscany and Umbria in May is a moderate
69 degrees Fahrenheit while in September it is about five degrees
warmer. Evenings are nice, with low
temperatures of an average 53 and 60 degrees for the two
months.
It averages only 7
days of rain in either month, so while we might get a few showers our
chances are excellent for good weather. We like these should seasons
because they tend to have the best weather and fewer crowds.
What is the best way to get to the tour location and
where do we meet?
For our Tuscany & Umbria Hike & Bike tour, we meet in
the town
of Chiusi in south central Tuscany and finish in
Spoleto in Umbria. Both Chiusi and Spoleto are on main train lines from
Rome and we will send you detailed information on getting to and from
the tour location in your Pre-Departure Packet upon booking. For our
Tuscany Hike & Bike private tour we meet and drop you back off
at
the Florence airport.
What should I do if I want to extend my vacation in
the area?
Wow. Italy has so many things to do it is hard to choose. If you are
interested in ancient monuments, visit Rome for sure. If you
are interested in art, stay after the tour in Florence and see
Michelangelo's David sculpture. If you
want to do a little more hiking, head north to the Dolomites.
What is the Wine and Food component of the tour?
As everyone knows, Italy has outstanding wine and food. Just being
there, taking in the incredible meals accompanied by delecious local
wines, is fantastic. We augment this by providing specific food and
wine experiences, including a visit to a sheep cheese farm, a tour of a
traditional olive oil mill, a night's stay in an agriturismo
(farm-based lodging), a cooking class, and several wine tastings. You
definitely don't need to be a wine or food expert to enjoy this tour.
In
fact, you don't even need any specific knowledge at all. All you need
is an open mind, an ability to discern what you like and don't like,
and an adventurous spirit.
How much bicycling do we do?
Each biking day
we have three different route options with an average of about 35, 50,
and 70 kilometers (or 22, 31, or 44 miles). Our goal is to have short
options everyone can complete and long options that will tire out even
avid cyclists. We have found in the past that non-cyclists
who join us in Italy will do just fine and avid
cyclists will find our longer hill routes absolutely amazing.
What ability level do I really need to be for this
tour?
This Adventure is rated For All
Abilities. With our multiple routes and support van, everyone
can enjoy this tour.
Do you have bicycles for rent? Can I bring my own
pedals and seat for the biking?
Yes. We rent excellent 27-speed Cannondale bikes for 25 Euros
per day that are designed to handle the mix of pavement and gravel
roads we use on this tour. You can bring your own pedals, shoes, and
bike seat if you wish to "personalize" your bike with what you are used
to at home.
For what type of people would you recommend this trip?
Wine lovers! Pasta lovers! Actually, we can
recommend this trip for almost everyone. If you are a serious
adventurer, we have plenty of distance for you. If you prefer hanging
out
in towns and sampling the wines, we have more than enough of that to
satisfy. If you are into food and wine, we think our active Food
& Wine tours are the best.
Where can I find more information about the area?
Following are a few links we think you will find useful or interesting
in researching this tour location: