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Explore. Discover. Enjoy!
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Guided, Supported, Escorted
and Independent Self-guided Walking Holidays
Walking, Hiking and Trekking Holidays in Italy
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Escorted 'WALKS THROUGH ITALY' walking holiday
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| 3rd OCT | |
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| ESCORTED AND GUIDED DAY WALKS |
7 nights, 3-centre holiday from €740 pp B&B 3rd OCT
Guided walking holiday through the heart of Tuscan landscape and culture - in the areas south of Siena, the Valdorcia and the simply unique Crete Senesi.
| Where: |
Tuscany, Italy |
Region: |
Tuscany |
| Gallery: |
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Airport: |
 Pisa |
| FLY-TRAIN - 1h45 TRANSFER TIME from Pisa |
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Prices
in Euros |
This holiday takes you through the 'classic' Tuscany with stunning unspoilt views amongst medieval hill-top villages. Taste the local culture and feel completely immersed in many of those world famous images we all seem to have of this most beautiful region of Italy.
What's included |> B&B in charming family run hotels |> Holiday schedule and Trip Guide |> Daily, guided itineraries |> English speaking local Italian guide throughout the holiday.
Request  or email  or call +44
(0)845 0944 669
| Parco della Valdorcia | Siena | Crete Senesi | Pilgrims' route from Montalcino to San Quirico d’Orcia | Pienza | Montepulciano | Tuscan Poderi and medieval villages | Arezzo |
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| Day 1: Transfer day, arrive in Siena. Day 2: Bagno Vignoni and Ripa d'Orcia castle. Day 3: San Quirico d’Orcia to Pienza. Day 4: Montalcino to Abbazia di Sant'Antimo. Day 5: Montepulciano to Monticchiello. Day 6: Montepulciano to Arezzo. Day 7: Valdarno. Day 8: Transfer day, depart from Arezzo. |
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TRIP DETAILS
Day 1: Transfer day, arrive in Siena.
Meet in the morning at Siena railway station (easily reached from Pisa, Florence and Rome). We'll take an afternoon walk in this wonderful gothic town exploring its secret corners and the most important buildings and churches.
The sightseeing of Siena is followed by a transfer, using public bus, to San Quirico d'Orcia where you will be based for the first 3 nights. San Quirico d’Orcia was an important town in the middle ages and it is placed along the “Via Francigena”, the pilgrims' route from Canterbury to Rome. The original 'spedale' which offered shelter to pilgrims can still be seen in the centre.
Day 2: Bagno Vignoni and Ripa d'Orcia castle (5h).
A circular walk starting and ending at your hotel.
Today’s walk is in the area around San Quirico d’Orcia where you'll have the first impressions of the hills of Valdorcia and it's gravel lanes. During the walk you'll discover two impressive sites - the castle of Ripa d’Orcia (founded in the 13th century over a deep and sheer cliff) and Bagno Vignoni, an important thermal station since the roman period. In bagno Vognoni the hot water and the carbonates created an amazing landscape with many natural pools where you can take a relaxing bath in the therapeutic waters.
Day 3: San Quirico d’Orcia to Pienza (4h).
Walk from San Quirico d’Orcia to Pienza, the "utopian city" and explore flavours of local 'pecorino' cheese. Return by public bus.
We follow a gentle ascending lane to Pienza, the main town of this region. Pienza is a rare example of Renaissance town planning. It was described as the "ideal town" or the "utopia town", as architects of the day tried to realise a model of ideal life and government on earth.
Pienza is famous also for the production of 'pecorino' cheese which can be aged in many ways according to the tradition. In the narrow alleys there are many “botteghe” where it is possible to buy this fantastic product and wine bars for tasting local wines. This town is also situated on a large elevated 'terrace' giving impressive panoramas over all the Valdorcia.
Day 4: Montalcino to Abbazia di Sant'Antimo (3h).
A walk along the 'Via Francigena' (the ancient pilgrims route), then transfer to Montepulciano in the afternoon by private mini-bus (accomodation for the next 2 nights).
This day is dedicated to the area of “Brunello” wine which is strictly produced from vines cultivated only in the surroundings of Montalcino. Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we'll walk in a romantic countryside crossing vineyards where Brunello grapes grow and through the estates where the “divine nectar” is made.
The goal of this walk is Sant’Antimo abbey, a wonderful Benedictine monastery. According to tradition, Charles Magno (in 781) founded this abbey after returning from Rome along the Via Francigena.
In Montalcino we can have a wine tasting in the medieval fortress which towers offer a fantastic view toward the valleys of central Tuscany until the Apennines.
Day 5: Montepulciano to Monticchiello (4h).
From Montepulciano to Monticchiello; a walk to the area of “vino nobile” and discover medieval villages and typical Tuscan Poderi. Wine tasting in a local wine bar in Montepulciano after returning by private taxi.
Montepulciano is one of the most attractive hills towns in Tuscany and is built along a narrow limestone ridge. The town is encircled by walls and fortifications and the streets are crammed with Renaissance-style palaces and churches. Montepulciano is chiefly known for its good local "Vino Nobile" wine.
In the morning we cross the entire historic centre, before visiting the Sanctuary of San Biagio just outside the town. This place is the “gateway” to the surrounding countryside we'll be walking through. During the walk, you'll see many country houses which still maintain the original structure and support the peasants’ ancient style of life.
The goal of today’s stroll is Monticchiello, a small village whose beauty is derived from its geographical position and the medieval architecture. It is also famous for the so called “Teatro Povero” (Poor Theatre) where local people write, conceive and direct comedies speaking about the past, the present and future events of the community.
Day 6: Montepulciano to Arezzo (3h).
Transfer from Montepulciano to Arezzo (accomodation for the last 2 nights) by bus and train.
Visit the medieval town where the “Life is beautiful”. You have a choice of how to get to Arezzo; 1. Transfer from Montepulciano to Sinalunga by public bus (0h20), and then from Sinalunga to Arezzo by local train (0h40). The local train takes a single track railway and crosses through the countryside of Valdichiana, stopping at small village stations along the way. 2. Alternatively, walk from Montepulciano to Chianciano then catch the bus for Chiusi and then mainline train to Arezzo - this train journey is less interesting than the taking the local train.
Valdichiana is a charming valley which looks like an enormous garden thanks to the combination of grasslands, fields, olive groves and vineyards.
This “adventure” finishes directly in the centre of Arezzo, one of the most beautiful and interesting towns in Tuscany. The medieval centre maintains it's unchanged ancient architecture and in the Romanic churches there are many important art works (from Piero della Francesca and Cimabue, for example). Arezzo is important also for artisans and antiques dealers. Walking along the streets you can visit their workshops and shops.
Day 7: Valdarno (5h).
Walk in Valdarno using public bus. Return to Arezzo by public bus or train.
Moving with local bus we have the opportunity to discover a lesser known corner of Tuscany which is largely ignored by tourism. “Valdarno” is the valley of the river Arno between Arezzo and Florence. It hides many historical and cultural places of interest linked to the traditions and local life-style. In this area, the system of “Podere” and Villa Padronale” is still very much in evidence - ancient vital elements of the way the countryside was managed in Tuscany. In Valdarno, in fact, you can cross vast estates still operating as they did in the past when manpower was much more important than machinery.
Our walk takes place around Pergine Valdarno where vast olive groves produce one of the most delicious and scented oils in Italy. A local noble family receives visitors in it's villa to taste the classic “fetta unta” (bred and oil), their wines and other typical products of this area.
Day 8: Transfer day, depart Arezzo.
Clients can leave from Arezzo's main railway station for their onward journeys.
Minimum group size of 6 persons required for this tour to go ahead. For groups of 10 persons, holiday price reduced to 640pp. Hotels used are family run alberghi of 3-Star standard. Please request further information if higher standard hotels required. Half-board upgrade also possible for those preferring to eat at the hotel each night.
For lunch, it is generally the case that people buy food for a pic-nic lunch before leaving in the morning. We offer this holiday on a B&B basis so that client's have greater opportunity to taste local cuisine in the restaurants and 'trattorie' of their choice each evening.
To book:
Check  or email or call +44 (0)845 0944 669
NOTE:
1. Prices in 'euros' and based on 2 people sharing a double room,
otherwise a single supplement applies.
2. Flights not included unless
specified.
3. If you have particularly beautiful photographs of
this area showing it's true character and atmosphere, please forward them to us
for inclusion on our site - photos@xtrallusion.com
4. If you are the owner of charming
holiday accommodation in a special location, whether it be a
hotel, B&B, 'albergo', 'agriturismo' or self-catered apartments
- send us an email with details and we'll consider adding it
to our list - web@xtrallusion.com
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Xtrallusion Holidays
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info@xtrallusion.com
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UK 0845 0944 669
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Holidays
& Adventures in Italy and on the Italian Rivieras
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Guided, escorted and independent, self-guided
walking holidays in Italy
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