Tuscany Walking Holiday

Today begins our Italian adventure! Let’s travel to the beautiful region of Tuscany, famous for its outstanding history, culture, wine and cuisine and stunning landscape waiting to be explored on our seven night walking holiday.

Upon our arrival, let’s meet our friendly local representative in the airport and travel together to our hotel based in Chianciano Terme. Surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Chianciano Terme enchants visitors both with its historic town centre and its spa facilities, rich in mineral healing waters.

After an orientation meeting with our local expert walking guide let’s travel by coach to San Quirico D'Orcia. Let’s wander through the captivating medieval town, enclosed by ancient city walls, and take in the beauty of the Horti Leonini garden, an exquisite creation from 1540. We will then strap up our laces and set out on a leisurely hike with our walking guide through the enchanting Val d’Orcia valley. Let’s discover some of the typical Tuscany countryside among rolling hills of green meadows, vineyards, and rows of cypresses before finishing today’s hike in Pienza.  Let’s visit this charming town, the birthplace of Pope Pius II, who transformed it into a splendid papal residence during the Renaissance, before returning to our hotel. A packed lunch is included today for you to enjoy en route.

Difficulty: Leisurely / Distance: 7 km / Duration: approximately 3 hours / Incline: 300 m

Let’s start todays walking adventure at the impressive Abbey of Sant'Antimo. After visiting what is probably the most beautiful 12^th century Romanesque church in Tuscany, let’s set out on a rewarding hike that treats us to panoramic views of the entire Val d'Orcia and Monte Amiata amongst shady woods and magical vineyards. A packed lunch is included today to eat at your leisure.

Difficulty: Leisurely / Distance: 9.5 km / Duration: approximately 4 hours / Incline: 350 m

Our circular route will bring us back to the Abbey Sant’Antimo from where we will travel to the town of Montalcino. Here let’s enjoy a wine tasting of what is considered the king of Italian wines, the red Brunello wine, and unwind after our full day walking in Tuscany

Let’s let's travel to the neighbouring region of Latium as we travel to the village of Lubriano. From here let’s embark on a captivating hike through the 'Calanchi' Valley, characterized by its intriguing eroded gullies. Our trail leads us to Civita di Bagnoregio, an evocative "Dying City" perched atop a pinnacle, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding vast canyon.

Difficulty: Leisurely / Distance: 4 km / Ascent: 150m / Duration: 2 hours

After some time at leisure to explore Civita di Bagnoregio, let’s continue to Lake Bolsena and its namesake the town of Bolsena. Enjoy some free time for lunch before we take a short walk along the historic Via Francigena, once traveled by the Archbishop of Canterbury on his pilgrimage to Rome. We will then finish the day at Montefiascone, situated on the highest of the Volsini hills offering a wonderful view down onto Lake Bolsena.

Difficulty: Leisurely / Distance: 3 km / Ascent: 50m / Duration: 1 hour

Let’s uncover more of Tuscany as we take a rest from hiking today to visit the beautiful town of Siena. Our knowledgeable local guide will lead us on a walking tour through the city's historical marvels, including the iconic shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the famous "Palio" horse race is held annually. Let’s also admire the grandeur of the imposing cathedral and immerse ourselves in Siena’s vibrant atmsophere. We will then enjoy some leisure time for lunch and further exploration before returning to the hotel in the afternoon.

Let’s hike today through some more beautiful landscapes towards one of Tuscany’s highlights, Montepulciano. First let’s wander through the gentle hills surrounding Chianciano Terme adorned with vineyards producing the wine for which this area is famous. After a slight climb we will reach one of the highlights of Tuscany, Montepulciano.

Let’s admire the 15th century church of San Biagio at the foot of the town before having some free time to explore the town's treasures, including the majestic Piazza Grande, the impressive Palazzo Pubblico, and the Cathedral with its intriguing unfinished façade as well as have lunch. During your stroll through the historic centre, why not treat yourself to a visit to one of the ancient underground wine cellars, where you'll have the chance to taste local specialties and the renowned "Vin Nobile."

Difficulty: Leisurely / Distance: 7.5 km / Ascent: 300m / Duration: 3 hours

Let’s discover more of Tuscany as we explore the Cortona wine area on foot. First let’s begin our day’s walking at the Basilica of Santa Margherita before embarking on a picturesque hike to Villa Bramasole, famed as the setting for the film "Under the Tuscan Sun." We will then continue our exploration along an ancient Roman road to the remarkable Eremo delle Celle, a Franciscan hermitage which exudes tranquility. Finally let’s conclude our day’s adventures in Cortona, where steep cobbled paths lead us through narrow streets that open up to lively squares teeming with daily life. Have some time to enjoy this beautiful Tuscan town and have lunch at your leisure before returning to our hotel.

Difficulty: Leisurely / Distance: 6 km / Ascent: 200m / Duration: 2.5 hours

Today it is time to say ‘ciao’ to the beautiful region of Tuscany as we return home. Let’s head to the airport with wonderful memories of our walking holiday in the Tuscan hills.