Treasures of Tuscany
Tuscany. A province steeped in history and unmatched scenic beauty. The gentle landscape of Tuscany is perfect for walking, as you visit some of the best preserved medieval towns and villages of Europe, full of romanesque churches and ancient buildings. Our walks through the Tuscan countryside take us through rolling hillsides, vineyards, olive groves and incredible forests. Tuscany is a land of gastronomic delights: wild boar, a plethora of cheeses,porcini mushrooms and, of course, the famous Chianti wine. What a perfect holiday - walking during the day and gourmet delights by evening.
Linking the best of the Tuscan hilltop towns, we start in the old Etruscan town of Volterra, where you can visit the acropolis and tombs, and enjoy a warm up walk to Monte Voltraio. We spend two nights here. Our trail then leads through forested hills, occasionally crowned with tumbledown stone farmhouses, and old olive groves with cypresses. We visit San Gimignano noted for its famous towers. It is often called Tuscany's Manhattan, but it is perhaps the best preserved medieval town in Italy. From Colle Val D’Elsa, we take farm tracks and white roads, "Strada Bianca", which lead us on to Siena, the archetypal Tuscan town, where we have an extra day spent exploring medieval treasures.
You can extend your stay by walking from Siena to that other great Italian art centre, Florence. It takes 4 nights/ 5 days and takes you through the heart of the Chianti vineyards and a landscape that will already be familiar from the old paintings you have already seen along your route. It hasn't changed very much.
TRAIL MARKERS: Much of the route is marked with red and white signs; elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: Bed and breakfast throughout in 2 or 3 star hotels with en-suite facilities . On the 7 day tour 4 evening meals are included and on the 11 day tour 7 meals are included. On the 11 day tour two nights are spent in an excellent farm guesthouse.
ARRIVAL: Bus or train from Pisa to Volterra, journey time 2 hours. Both journeys involve a change at Pontedera.
END OF TOUR: After breakfast on the final day in Siena (7 day tour) or Florence (11 day tour). Train to Pisa for your return flight.
Self Guided Inn to Inn 7 or 11 days
CODE: STT
GRADE:
* This tour is also available as an ESCORTED DEPARTURE
CODE: STTE
P I P E S T O N E...T R A V E L
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