Tuscany walking holiday, Italy
| country: | Italy |
| location: | Tuscany |
| trip type: | Moderate walking holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 9 May, 30 May, 20 Jun, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct 2011: 8 May, 29 May, 19 Jun |
| price: | From £1275 (8 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
check out similar holiday ideas...
introduction to Tuscany walking holiday, Italy
This journey takes you into the heart of the 'real,' Tuscany. The image so often lauded in film and print of a bucolic Tuscan paradise still genuinely exists and is the essence of this week long experience - so put on your rose coloured glasses!
Florence is the starting point of our tour, a treasure-trove of art, history and architecture that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We also visit Siena, arguably Italy's most enchanting medieval city, with its splendid redbrick streets and elegant public square set in the shadow of the glorious Palazzo Pubblico.
We then trade the grandeur of these Renaissance cities for the beautiful iconic Tuscan countryside. We base ourselves at our wonderful 'Agriturismo,' accommodation nestled on a farm estate in the rolling hills between Siena and Volterra, a location that delivers the true epitome of what Tuscany has to offer - peerless views, undulating landscapes speckled with rustic villas and a network of scenic trails.
Highlights include a visit to the celebrated town and signature towers of San Gimignano and as a interesting counterpoint we explore the charming medieval walled village of Colle di Val d'Elsa all but unknown to mass tourism. We then move to our next base, the hilltop village of Volterra, an important Etruscan settlement rich in history possessing a relaxed ambiance and perfect marriage of ancient, medieval and contemporary attractions. From Volterra we enjoy walks that deliver both magnificent scenery and traditional way-of-life in equal measure. You may just feel as though you are caught in the cross-hairs of a cinematographers lens as we explore the true 'Colours of Tuscany.'
Florence is the starting point of our tour, a treasure-trove of art, history and architecture that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We also visit Siena, arguably Italy's most enchanting medieval city, with its splendid redbrick streets and elegant public square set in the shadow of the glorious Palazzo Pubblico.
We then trade the grandeur of these Renaissance cities for the beautiful iconic Tuscan countryside. We base ourselves at our wonderful 'Agriturismo,' accommodation nestled on a farm estate in the rolling hills between Siena and Volterra, a location that delivers the true epitome of what Tuscany has to offer - peerless views, undulating landscapes speckled with rustic villas and a network of scenic trails.
Highlights include a visit to the celebrated town and signature towers of San Gimignano and as a interesting counterpoint we explore the charming medieval walled village of Colle di Val d'Elsa all but unknown to mass tourism. We then move to our next base, the hilltop village of Volterra, an important Etruscan settlement rich in history possessing a relaxed ambiance and perfect marriage of ancient, medieval and contemporary attractions. From Volterra we enjoy walks that deliver both magnificent scenery and traditional way-of-life in equal measure. You may just feel as though you are caught in the cross-hairs of a cinematographers lens as we explore the true 'Colours of Tuscany.'
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | (Sun) Arrive in Florence. |
| Day 2: | Travel to Siena; sightseeing (2 hours) and free time. Continue to agriturismo overlooking San Gimignano. |
| Day 3: | Beautiful walking through classic landscapes; visit San Gimignano (5 hours). Wine tasting and dinner. |
| Day 4: | Walk to medieval Colle di Val d'Elsa (4 hours). Travel to ancient Volterra. |
| Day 5: | Walk to hamlet of Prato d'Era, past chestnut groves and limestone cliffs. Pass Roman theatre and historical centre of Volterra on return (4.5 hours). |
| Day 6: | Walk through forest and the spectacular Calanchi region. Picnic lunch; walk to Montecatini (4.5 hours). |
| Day 7: | Walk towards Monte Voltraio and its crumbling castle. Walk to Villa Palagion; explore its buildings, frescos and perfumed gardens (5 hours). |
| Day 8: | Trip ends in Volterra this morning (Sun). |
traveller reviews for Tuscany walking holiday, Italy
Where do I start... great sites, wonderful food and enjoyable company. Walking is one of the best ways to see the REAL country. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
|
See Tuscany through the eyes of a local, as your Italian tour leader gives you a first-hand insight into the exotic and colourful tapestry that makes up this vibrant area. Wandering around historic towns and visiting secluded hilltop villages imparts to travellers an awareness of these valuable historical gems and the importance of them being preserved and protected, so that they can be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The people living in the region also have a rich and enduring culture, which is unveiled on this trip. Equally important, your local tour leader helps you to understand the traditions of these proud people, ensuring you don’t commit any cultural ‘faux pas’.
To support tour programs in Italy this operator is training their tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills. By only employing tour leaders born and bred in the regions they visit, they are supporting local economies. This operator prefers to give their patronage to small owner-managed hotels rather than those from international chains, as they feel these places offer quality and character and also directly benefit local people. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
check out similar holiday ideas...