Tuscany Walking

PREMIERE INN

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-Route Rating

6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS


ROUTE RATING
Level 1 to level 4

MEET/ DEPART
Florence, Italy

SPECIAL INTEREST
Culture & History, Active Gourmet, Fine Wine & Cuisine

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Exploring Ancient Footpaths North of Siena As you make your way down a footpath strung along a wide-open hillside, imagine how this landscape appeared to those Renaissance artists who were inspired by its dramatic beauty. Vineyard-cloaked hills. Stately cypress trees ringing ancient hill towns. Sweeping vistas of a fertile valley bathed in golden sunlight. Your Backroads journey reveals how the region’s identity is forever linked to its history, architecture, art and culture. Rambling into the hills and through picturesque towns that color the landscape is a perfect way to see the countryside up close. At day’s end we settle into some of the region’s most charming hotels and savor hearty Tuscan cuisine and wines. Benvenuti in Toscana!

Days 1-2 Radda in Chianti Meet in Florence • Through a classic Tuscan landscape of gently rolling hills, make your way on foot to the hilltop village of Radda in Chianti • Explore medieval passageways and learn about this historic town—once the capital of the Chianti League—on a guided walking tour • Follow ancient footpaths through vineyards and along rolling terrain, perhaps sampling local vintages in an enoteca (wine bar) along the way • Arrive on foot at the charming town of Volpaia, boasting sweeping views.

Days 3-4 Gaiole in Chianti A winding route takes us into and out of Tuscany’s many valleys • Make a detour to the family-owned Ceramiche Rampini, known for distinctive Tuscan ceramics • Stroll the strade bianche (unpaved trails) of Gaiole, past cherry orchards and ancient olive trees to the town of Lecchi • At the 11th-century Castello di Monteluco, feast on local delicacies at a grand picnic.

Days 5-6 Candeli Our route leads us to Badia a Coltibuono, a restored medieval abbey that’s now a well-known wine and olive oil–producing estate • Learn the nuances of Tuscan olive oils with a tasting and tour • In the countryside outside of Florence, take in views of this grand city off in the distance.