NEW: Hiking Tour in Tuscany!

A new trip, not even posted yet on our site, but delivered to you subscribers first!

We will be posting shortly a new hiking tour in Tuscany. The program is more or less in the same area that we offer our cycling tours, but cuts across the countryside getting hikers into places a bike wouldn't be able to go.

Starting in Montepulciano where travelers find many art and architectural jewels ; the hikes leave toward Monticchiello and Pienza. The paths followed will put you in the pastures of the goats who's milk is used to make the famous pecorino cheese! After the itinerary continues to San Quirico and Bagno Vignoni where the central square has a natural thermal spring that originally attracted the Romans! On to Montalcino and vineyards. Enjoy some of the local produce at an "enoteca" and a nice dip in the swimming pool of your hotel!

Contact us for full details, or check out the soon to be published tour on our Italy Travel page of our website.

Czech Republic - Upcoming Info

While it is winter currently, and the cycling season for central Europe is a ways off, I came across some info for those who may be visiting the Czech Republic in the coming months. First, the Eurail pass will now include the Czech Republic; so for cyclists on our trips this can be good news. If you arrive in Vienna by train, you can depart from Prague on the same pass. See www.raileurope.com for info.

What about the money? Still in 2009 they use the Koruna (crown), the Czech Republic has not gone to the Euro yet; even though the CZ is taking the EU Presidency in 2009. (1 euro buys about 26 CZK crowns) And no, Czech is no longer attached to Slovakia as one country. That country did adopt the Euro starting on January 1. The former Czechoslovakia split in 1992 and officially the Czech Republic and Slovakia or the Slovak Republic became separate states on January 1, 1993.

So, it is in the Czech Republic we find Prague and where we offer our cycling tour from near Vienna to Cesky Krumlov and then onto Prague.

L

Prague is having a Carnivale of its own February 13-14; here is some info:

BOHEMIAN CARNIVAL IN PRAGUE
February 13-24, 2009

Come to have fun at Prague’s Bohemian Carnival- a festival inspired by the Venetian carnival and folklore traditions. You will get a chance to put on your favorite mask and join the allegorical parades! Part of the celebration includes food tasting that will take you to Prague’s hotels, restaurants and bars to experience the Mardi Gras culinary arts.

www.carnevale.cz

Hotels in Prague: