Walking Holidays in Tuscany and Umbria
Dive into Florence’s wealth of art and historical structures, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance
Take in awe-inspiring panoramas from Cortona, perched atop a hill
Relish the celebrated vintages from Montepulciano
Experience the lively atmosphere of Perugia, a city steeped in cultural heritage
Uncover the architectural marvels of Pienza, a jewel of the Renaissance
Wander the age-old lanes of Siena, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the Tuscan and Umbrian towns
Uncover the secrets of scenic villages
Stroll through history in Tuscany's streets
Soak in the serenity of Lake Trasimeno
Savour the beauty of the region at sunrise
Sample renowned Montepulciano wines
Immerse yourself in the historic sights of Umbria
Revel in the grandeur of Siena
Itinerary
Step into the magical city of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the core of Tuscany. The city’s mediaeval brick structures and the iconic Piazza del Campo, famous for the Palio horse race, will instantly charm you. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Siena Cathedral, an epitome of Romanesque-Gothic design in Italy. Wander through the city’s maze-like alleys, home to quaint shops and cafes. Conclude your day with a sumptuous Tuscan dinner featuring local favourites like Pici pasta and Panforte.
Your morning is free to uncover more of Siena’s lesser-known treasures. In the afternoon, enjoy a picturesque train ride to Montepulciano, a town celebrated for its Vino Nobile wines and Renaissance architecture. Once there, a shuttle will take you to your accommodation. Use your evening to perhaps try some local wine while marvelling at the vineyard-clad landscapes.
A brief bus trip takes you to Pienza today, a Renaissance wonder located in the scenic Val d’Orcia. Roam its charming lanes, visit the stunning Pienza Cathedral, and try the town’s renowned pecorino cheese. Later, walk back to Montepulciano through the tranquil Tuscan landscapes.
Begin your day with a relaxed stroll from Montepulciano to Valiano, a small village encircled by verdant vineyards. A shuttle then takes you to Cortona, a hilltop town offering panoramic vistas of the Chiana Valley and Lake Trasimeno. Explore the town’s inviting streets and lively squares, and consider visiting the Museo Diocesano, which houses art by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli.
Today, walk from Cortona to Tuoro, a town rich in history and famous for the Battle of Lake Trasimeno. As you navigate the picturesque trails, absorb the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Spend your night in Tuoro, recharging for the adventures ahead.
Take a train to Perugia, Umbria’s capital, known for its ancient Etruscan walls. Roam through the city’s historical core and admire the grand Palazzo dei Priori. Make sure to try some local Umbrian dishes, like the mouthwatering torta al testo.
Kick off your day with a bus journey to Tavernelle, a town steeped in history. Walk from there to Panicale, a mediaeval village celebrated for its frescoes and sweeping views of Lake Trasimeno. After a full day, return to Perugia by bus for some well-earned relaxation.
Say goodbye to Perugia as you travel by train to Florence, renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Spend your day admiring the city’s globally acclaimed art and architectural wonders. Visit the iconic Duomo, walk over the Ponte Vecchio, and discover the artistic treasures in the Uffizi Gallery. End your day with a classic Florentine steak and a glass of Chianti as the sun dips below the horizon.
Head to Fiesole, a town famous for its archaeological sites and sweeping views over Florence. Explore the Roman amphitheatre, the Etruscan fortifications, and the Franciscan Monastery. In the evening, return to Florence and consider enjoying a gelato while walking along the Arno River.
Your Italian escapade concludes in the stunning city of Florence. Use your final morning to reflect on your travels, perhaps visiting the Mercato Centrale for some last-minute gifts. As you get ready to leave, take a final glance at the city’s remarkable skyline, a lasting memory of your incredible Italian journey. Safe journey home!
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Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
9x accommodation with breakfast in 3/4* hotels
Luggage transfer
Transfers as per itinerary
Description
You’re strolling through a mosaic of vineyards, where grapes ripen to perfection under the warm Tuscan sun. The rolling green hills stretch endlessly, forming a vivid backdrop that captures the essence of Italy’s rural heart. Ancient stone towers from mediaeval towns punctuate the horizon, beckoning you to explore their rich history.
This is the essence of Walking Holidays in Tuscany and Umbria.
Your adventure will guide you through captivating towns like Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona, Perugia, and Florence. Each location is a repository of history, art, and culture, radiating its own unique allure.
From the iconic Piazza del Campo in Siena to the Renaissance elegance of Pienza; from Cortona’s hilltop vistas to the bustling atmosphere of Perugia, and ultimately to Florence — the epicentre of Renaissance art and architecture.
The walks are relaxed, designed to give you plenty of time to absorb the landscapes, engage with local traditions, and truly live the Italian lifestyle. You’ll traverse some of the most scenic cities and towns in Tuscany and Umbria with ample opportunities to uncover hidden treasures, taste regional foods, and relish the breathtaking views.
We take care of all your accommodation needs, ensuring you have a cosy place to unwind after a day of discovery. A comprehensive guide, complete with day-by-day plans and GPS navigation through an easy-to-use app, will be at your fingertips.
We’ll also offer local tips to enhance your experience in each town. Should any logistical challenges come up, we’re on hand to resolve them, allowing you to concentrate on savouring your vacation.
So, are you prepared to exchange your office environment for the ambiance of a charming Italian café, your daily drive for a leisurely walk amidst sunlit vineyards, and your morning alarm for the chimes of an ancient bell tower?
Location
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Things to know
Our tours are designed to cater to a broad range of people, but some days can be quite challenging, with long distances and significant elevation gain. We aim to minimize this as much as possible while ensuring a high-quality experience. To fully enjoy our tours, you should be accustomed to walking for 4-6 hours, overcoming around 600 meters of elevation gain.
However, Alta Via 1 hut-to-hut hikes and Tour du Mont Blanc are more demanding and require a higher fitness level. On these tours, you may need to hike up to 8 hours per day and tackle substantial elevation gain.
Yes, our hiking holidays are appropriate for children who are physically prepared and have a good balance. However, to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of our young participants, we suggest that they should be at least eight years old to join our tours.
Proper footwear is crucial for our walking tours. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all our hikes. The terrain can be uneven, rocky, and slippery. Wearing sneakers can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to hiking on such surfaces, as they do not offer enough protection and support. Robust shoes also provide the necessary support when your legs get tired during long hikes.
Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. The earlier you book, the better the chances are of getting your preferred options. If you book close to the start of the season or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in the hotels and apartments. Therefore, it is best to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.
It is essential to note that accommodations at the destinations of our walking tours are in high demand during the summer season. Therefore, early booking is crucial to secure your preferred type of housing. However, we assure you that we will always try our best to provide you with the most suitable lodging based on your preferences. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to ensure that your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.
Our tours are well-organized, and all the destinations are easily accessible and straightforward to navigate. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will require a guide. Our comprehensive handout will provide you with all the essential information while still allowing you the freedom of a self-guided holiday.
However, if you prefer to have a guide, please let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.
Most of the accommodations we provide offer vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast. Additionally, you will find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan menus in restaurants during the tour. However, it is worth noting that some mountain huts on Alta Via 1 or Tour du Mont Blanc may not offer vegan meals. In such situations, it is advisable to bring your own food to ensure that your dietary needs are met.
The best time to go on a walking holiday in Italy varies depending on the location you plan to visit. Destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Sicily are best visited during early spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.
However, in areas like the Dolomites or around Mont Blanc, hiking is not possible when there is snow high up in the mountains. Therefore, the hiking season in these areas is limited from late June to late September. It is advisable to plan your trip accordingly to get the best out of your walking holiday in Italy.
We can best advise you after receiving a filled-out inquiry form.
While hiking in light rain is manageable, it is important to note that hiking during a storm can be dangerous. It is advisable to schedule hikes early in the day during the summer months to avoid thunderstorms. However, if the weather forecast predicts severe weather, it is best to reschedule your walk for another day or explore different tour options.
Your safety is our top priority, and we will always work with you to find a suitable solution in case of inclement weather.
Most of the destinations for our walking tours in Italy have excellent public transportation. While renting a car can provide flexibility, several locations cannot be comfortably accessed by car. Instead, we suggest relying on public transport to reduce stress and have a more environmentally friendly experience.
We provide all the necessary information for buses, trains, and ferries to ensure that you can reach your destination with ease. By using public transport, we can also reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable travel experience.
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