Tuscany first attracted the Etruscans in 800 BC and each succeeding culture has added to the region’s allure and charm. Marvel at the artistry of towns like Florence and Siena, which quickly give way to the rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards.
Florence, the center of the Renaissance, is the meeting point of your tour. From here we transfer south to explore the pristine beauty of the Tuscan Chianti Classico countryside. Your walks follow quiet country roads that wind along the hills and valleys of colorful fields of poppies, sunflowers and along the vast rows of vineyards that produce the delicious deep red Chianti wines and the crisp white Vernaccia wines of San Gimignano. We visit medieval fortresses, ancient Abbeys, Etruscan porticos and Renaissance palazzi. One vista after another leaves a lasting impression as we walk up to hilltop towns that offer stunning panoramas of the valleys below. You stroll through the surreal ashen landscape of deeply fissured hills known as “crete”, into the land of Brunello wines and through the inspiring scenery from where the “English Patient” was filmed.
After your walks, relax and enjoy la dolce vita with a gelato ice cream, a foamy cappuccino, or maybe try a glass of Vernaccia on a terrace over-looking the very vineyards where it was made. At night, watch the stars come out knowing that your only decision is which of the many delicious choices you’ll have to order for dinner. The ample dinners personify Italian cuisine and are made with the freshest local ingredients: try the famous Florentine steak, explore new tastes with some wild boar or enjoy the great fresh pasta with a variety of sauces. Then complete your meal with a creamy tiramisu, or a plateful of cantucci dipped into the sweet dessert wine, Vino Santo.
To visit Tuscany is to step back—to a time when people lived to appreciate the simple things in life: an orange sunset, a ripe peach, the shade of an olive tree, a church bell at dawn. As you walk through the countryside, you too will soon understand what drew some of history’s greatest figures to this magical area. Tuscany is truly a feast for both the body and the spirit.
Day 1-2: Chianti Countryside, Honey, Wine and Olive Oil
We transfer to a fattoria/winery that was once home to a 16th century bishop. After a look about the grounds walk to a beautiful little hamlet dominated by a 13th century Abbey. Pass by the many vineyards of the famous Chianti wineries, and for those that wish, we can stop in for a tasting. Our loop back via a trail lined by oak and pine forest passes several abandoned stone farmhouses en route to the estates vanishing edge pool where a crisp dry rose is waiting.
The following day a long ridge path allows us to enjoy the vast views for which the region acquires its fame. This gentle walk through serious wine country drops into a tiny hamlet of stone houses and vine-covered walkways. After lunch we visit one of the medieval villages that formed the Chianti Alliance 500 years ago as well as the ancient Abbey of Coltibuono, where the art of wine, honey and olive oil production has been perfected for hundreds of years which we sample. This first full day ends with a private tour of the winery we stay.
Lodgings: A very friendly & quiet farmstead/Villa within the Chianti Classico.
Dinner: Our farmstead has one of the finest kitchens in Tuscany a—favorite amongst locals.
Day 3: Etruscan Legacy & Medieval Towers
The soft colorful landscapes of finelinesformed 
by the numerous vineyards,gently rolling hills and fields of sunflowers are unforgettable within this idyllic route of the Chianti. At the end of our path westop at the important Etruscan tombs of 700 BC and following a tourof the grounds a grand gourmet picnic lunch, featuring many of the regions specialties, is fully appreciated. After lunch, and before we leave the Chianti Classico region we enjoy a brief visit of the 3rd medieval village that formed the Chianti Alliance, Castellina in Chianti.
It’s not long before one begins to see thediversity Tuscany offers. Our afternoon walking-path along old farm roads soon displays an entirely different panorama than any we have witnessed thus far as rolling hills dotted with farmsteads of wheat,sunflower unfold before us. This quiet backdoor approach to the northern gate of San Gimignano soon has everyone looking for their camera as the unforgettable sight of the “medieval skyscrapers" first come into view. Before dinner an optional informal city tour is arranged that includes a visit of the Torre Grosso, where incredible vistas of the region can be enjoyed.
Lodgings: Two days at a family run hotel in the historic center of San Gimignano.
Dinner: Excellent Trattoria.
Day 4: Trading Routes & Salt Roads
From a tiny quaint village known for its production of the famed Vernaccia whitewine we walk along a wooded path and into a peaceful nature reserve that was once an ancient Etruscan salt road that leads to a fascinating ruinous village and castle. This long-forgotten site of Castelvecchio not only offers us splendid views, photo-ops & exploration, but has recently roused archeological interest and allows us the chance to visit a site still being uncovered.
The afternoon offers us two great options. We can either end our walk here to visit the significant Etruscan and medieval-town of Voltera, where the finest Etruscan museum is considered a “must see”. Or we continue walking from the fortress, in which case we’d follow a trail that is lined by poppy and sunflower fields along a quiet country road to Isola d’Abazzia (island abbey) which we will explore before walking up to the completely walled multi-towered medieval outpost, Monteriggione.
No soldier of rank lived within the walls, but it was an important fortress for the Sienese foot-soldier during their middle age battles with Florence. Once Siena was conquered, the Florentines considered the fortress insignificant. We take time to explore the grounds that until 1960, when it was slowly brought back to life, was populated by fewer than 20 people.
For those interested in a Vernaccia wine tasting, both options allow for a return to the tiny hamlet we began our morning. Another wonderful dinner is planned in the old city.
Lodgings: Same as night before
Dinner: Free night out
Day 5: Brunello Wines & Strada Bianca
Our exploration now takes us south of Siena to a region much less known to the tourists that visit Tuscany. We witness the strange landscape known as Crete, a bare, ash gray soil of deeply fissured hills and vast views then walk along the original stone path of medieval & ancient Rome. These farm tracks within the rolling hills forested with black cypress & scrub oak and the "strada bianca", often seen as Mary’s pathway to heaven in medieval religious art are our primary walking routes. Along the way we visit the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Here the significant frescoes of Sodoma & Signorelli are on displayed.
Our route eventually leads us to the cloister of Sant'Anna di Camperna—the location for the filming of the "English Patient" and then to Pienza for a cheese tasting and on to our lodgings in the medieval historic center of the capital of the Brunello wine region, Montalcino. An extensive tasting of these Brunello wines, one of Italy's most prestigious, is scheduled at the end of our day.
If time allows we will visit the Abbey of San Antimo where the Gregorian music in the background offers a mystical air to the place.
Lodgings: A beautifully decorated quaint 3-star albergo w/ pool at the medieval gate of Montalcino.
Dinner: We enjoy a grand farewell dinner in the medieval center for those leaving on day six.
Day 6-7: Siena & Optional Cooking Class
In the morning we transfer north to Siena, the ancient arch rival of Florence, for a private tour of the regions most important town. We start from the what many think is the most beautiful square in the world, and location of the renowned “Palio” horse race and uncover its past and discover within the walls of this medieval treasure a unique spirit. For those partaking in the cooking class, we spend the afternoon learning about the art of Tuscan cooking. For those partaking in the 6-day package you will be on your own after the Siena tour and transferred within Siena as pre-arranged.
Lodgings: In Siena, a 3-star hotel with old-world charm and modern conveniences.
Dinner: Cook for yourself!
Transportation Logistics
The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.
Trains from Rome to Firenze/Florence (tour start): ~1.5 hour
#9310 Roma Termini departs 9:00 AM, arrives in Firenze S. M. Novella 10:37 AM
From Pisa to Firenze/Florence: ~1 hour
#3110 Pisa Centrale departs 10:27 AM, arrives Firenze S. M. Novella 12:45 PM
From Milan to Firenze/Florence: ~3.5 hour
#9433 Milano Centrale departs 10:00 AM, arrives Firenze S. M. Novella 12:45 PM
From Chiusi (tour end) to Rome: ~1.5 hour (departs every half hour)
#577 Chiusi-Chianciano Terme -09:35 AM, arrives Roma Termini 11:03 AM
