Walk & Discover: Florence & Tuscany

Experience the very heart and soul of Italy through the exquisite majesty of Florence, the picturesque Tuscan countryside, medieval hilltop towns, fine food and wine and scenic walks to soak up the quintessential Italian atmosphere.

Florence

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Florence

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Pisa and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2 – Walk: Florence

Duration: 3 hours (3.5 to 4.5 miles) / Altitude gain: 500 feet / Terrain: urban Today we discover Oltrarno, a charming and less-explored side of Florence south of the Arno River. We cross the Ponte Vecchio, the landmark bridge, and walk through the remarkably preserved medieval quarter of San Niccolò. We begin our gentle ascent up the hills, passing elegant villas with olive gardens. Before long we reach Piazzale Michelangelo, with panoramic views of Florence and continue along a cypresslined street to the splendid church of San Miniato al Monte. Our descent takes us through leafy streets to Porta Romana, the bestpreserved gate of the city’s ancient walls to the historic centre then veer off the beaten path to Oltrarno where we end today’s walk. Perhaps visit the magnificent Pitti Palace and resplendent Boboli Gardens. Or return to the old town centre to visit the Uffizi gallery. We recommend that you purchase tickets in advance – for details, visit the official Uffizi website. (B) + Included Experience – Guided walk of Oltrarno

As this is a two-centre tour, all dates stay in the same hand-picked hotels in Florence and Tuscany. Grand Hotel Mediterraneo HHHH Hotel Il Piccolo Castello HHH Park Hotel le Fonti, Volterra HHHH (2022 only)

DAY 3 – Discover: Lucca & Pisa

We leave for the delightful city of Lucca, birthplace of composer Puccini with a fine cathedral and impressive medieval ramparts. Forming a perfect ring, the thick walls have been transformed into a tree-lined park, which offers stunning views of the city and the Apuan Alps on the horizon. It’s an easy walk that’s just 2.5 miles long. Then we take the short drive to Pisa, whose most famous gems are on display in the Piazza dei Miracoli – the ‘Square of Miracles’. The Leaning Tower, one of the world’s most recognisable silhouettes, is your introduction to the rest. The decoration in the cathedral is breathtakingly detailed and its nave is where Galileo is said to have formulated his pendulum theory. We end the day back at our hotel. (B) + Included Experience – Visit Lucca and Pisa

DAY 4 – Walk: Chianti

After breakfast we explore the rural Tuscany made famous by Renaissance paintings, literature, films and travel posters. Today you have a choice of walks. (B) Easy walk – Duration: 2 hours (3 miles) / Altitude gain: 490 feet / Terrain: country roads Moderate walk – Duration: 3 hours (5 miles) / Altitude gain: 955 feet / Terrain: country roads We begin in medieval Greve, a jewel of Chianti and birthplace of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. The main square’s elegant palaces are reminders of the town’s illustrious past and today house restaurants, bars and food shops. Leaving Greve behind, we follow cypress-shaded country roads, which wind through vineyards and silvery olive groves set against undulating hills. Along the way we see Monte San Michele, the highest mountain in Chianti. The moderate walk follows a similar route but continues further through the Tuscan hills, giving us more time to enjoy the atmosphere and unforgettable views. (B,D) Later we visit a local winery, for a tasting of some fine Chianti wines followed by a light traditional lunch. + Included Experience – Guided walk in the Chianti region

DAY 5 – Discover: Siena

We take the short drive to Siena for an enriching guided tour of its treasures. Once one of the richest cities in the world, it’s a jewel of Italian Gothic and medieval architecture that’s been preserved to a remarkable degree centred around the Piazza del Campo, an architectural work of art. Formed in a half-moon shape, it’s lined by tall, striking buildings and with its abundance of pavement cafés, it’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. Siena is equally famous for its Duomo, one of Italy’s most intricate and fascinating cathedrals. The exterior is built from black and white marble, and the interior is even more breath-taking, with splendid stained-glass windows and works by leading artists, including the young Michelangelo. The afternoon is free to explore before returning to your hotel for dinner. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Siena

DAY 6 – Walk: San Gimignano

You have a choice of walks through the picturesque area around San Gimignano. Easy – Duration: 2 hours (3.5 miles) / Altitude gain: 847 feet / Terrain: country paths The easy walk follows part of the ancient Via Francigena pilgrim route, which in medieval times connected Canterbury to Rome. The picturepostcard sights of sand-coloured stone buildings, vine-clad hills and vibrant flowers will delight as we ramble towards San Gimignano. Moderate – Duration: 3 hours (5.5 miles) / Altitude gain: 820 feet / Terrain: country paths The longer walk takes us around San Gimignano, with its impressive skyline on the horizon. We hug the ridges of the gentle Tuscan hills, pausing to admire the spectacular views and the colours you’ve seen in countless oil paintings. We reconvene in San Gimignano and perhaps enjoy a refreshing gelato. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided walk around San Gimignano

DAY 7 – Discover: Monteriggioni

Today you have a free day. Just a few miles away are two utterly charming hilltop settlements, Monteriggioni and Colle Val d’Elsa. Lovers of literature may recall Monteriggioni in the Divine Comedy and there are plenty of boutiques to browse, as well as a 13th-century church. The sleepy village

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Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus hotel transfers • Seven nights in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful Tour Manager throughout

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 4 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 3 guided walks including Florence,

Chianti and San Gimignano • 2 visits including Pisa and Lucca • Guided tour of Siena

of Colle Val d’Elsa is best-known as the birthplace of sculptor and architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, whose works of art include the Palazzo Vecchio and the old basilica of Florence’s Duomo. Both hilltop gems can be reached by local bus, or you can wander along pleasant paths from the hotel. (B,D)

DAY 8 – Return home

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Please note: The use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Where hotels feature an outdoor swimming pool, this will be open during the summer months (weather permitting).

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