A Taste of Tuscany Self-Guided Walking

Experience Overview

This is not just a walking holiday it is a full immersion into local Tuscan life, from a guided walk passing the local produce providers to wine-tasting and a chance to bathe in sulphur-rich healing waters. You'll walk through ancient chestnut forests, vineyards and olive groves, passing lakes and freshwater ponds alive with the sounds of frog chorus. Visit medieval, Roman and Etruscan towns and villages, sample the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.
Profile
— 7 nights single-centre accommodation in a HHH hotel — Management by local hotelier — Route directions and maps
At a Glance
— 7 nights single-centre accommodation in a HHH hotel — Management by local hotelier — Route directions and maps
Trip For You
This is a self-guided tour; you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking your time and enjoying the sights!) Terrain & route: The walking routes follow a mixture of paths, quiet roads, gravel track and woodland trails. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation and provide you with route notes so that you can walk at your own pace. The hotelier, Stefano, will be there to meet you and will be available, throughout the trip, should you need assistance. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotelier will be able to help arrange a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. The hotelier, Stefano, is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the hotelier would be able to help arrange a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Please note: the walking transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person is travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of 'cucina povera' (poor cooking); simple inexpensive meals that can be made for large groups. Whilst this was once dictated by the economy and expense of the produce, the tradition has remained. The cuisine of this region doesn't use complicated seasonings or elaborate recipes, and instead focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients that allow the natural flavours in each dish to shine through. Typical dishes include fagioli con salsiccia (cannellini beans with sausage), tagliatelle al tartufo (pasta in a truffle sauce), bistecca alla Fiorentina (a T-bone steak which is only cooked blue/rare and often large enough to share!), pici (a fat, handmade spaghetti, often served with tomato and garlic sauce or game meat). Don't miss the local cacio and pecorino cheeses and sample the famous wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.
Transportation
All walking transfers detailed in the standard itinerary are included in the cost of the hoilday.
Joining Instructions
Alternative Air TravelAlternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices. Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers, then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge). Self DriveWe can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and prices.
Transfer Details
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers British Airways Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino 07:30/10:30 then rail Rome Termini to Chiusi 13:00/14:49 and transfer to hotel 25 minutes. Return: Transfer to Chiusi station 25 minutes then rail Chiusi to Rome Termini 10:54/12:48 then British Airways Rome Fiumicino to Heathrow 17:25/19:05. Business/club/first class seats are available on request. Standard transfers Standard return transfers are only included for flight inclusive bookings from Chiusi train station at 14:49, and back to Chiusi train station at 10:15. Customers booking a land only trip will be able to add arrival/departure transfers at a supplement payable in advance.
Weather Information
April and May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may still be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is usually better. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.
Spending Money
— Allow about €5-20 per day for lunch, depending on whether you have a picnic, snack or a light restaurant meal. For evening meals you should allow about €15-30 including drinks, although it is possible to spend more than this if you choose expensive dishes or drinks.

Highlights