Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Rendezvous in Florence and transfer to the Tuscan countryside. Afternoon hike to the picturesque hilltown of Volterra.

  Our trip begins in Florence, Italy. Our initial group rendezvous will take place in the lobby of a centrally-located hotel at 12 p.m. today. After meeting our guides and traveling companions, we'll take a 1½-hour private transfer to the outskirts of Volterra where we begin our first hike up to the city, picturesquely situated on a plateau overlooking the surrounding countryside. Our walk takes us up through olive groves and vineyards, past stone farmhouses, and eventually to the imposing city walls of Volterra itself. We check into our hotel and freshen up before reconvening for a guided walking tour of Volterra, whose history spans Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance periods. We visit the fascinating Etruscan Museum, where 3,000-year-old sculpted funerary urns, ceramics, and filigreed gold jewelry bear witness to the extraordinary sophistication of the Etruscan civilization. From atop Volterra's medieval walls we look down on the Roman Theater and out across the landscape of western Tuscany to the sea. On a clear day you can even see the islands of Elba and Corsica. We meet again at 7 p.m. for an aperitivo and a brief orientation, followed by dinner. Overnight in Volterra for the next two nights. Dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 4 miles, mostly uphill but on a gentle grade.

• Day 2 Enjoy a quintessential Tuscan country hike past stone farmhouses and through oak forests, olive groves and vineyards.

  Our morning starts with a 30-minute shuttle into the countryside where we begin our walk through oak forests, vast wheat fields, past solitary cypress trees and stone farmhouses. We eventually arrive at the hamlet of Ulignano were we stop for a picnic lunch at a farm stay. We carry on towards Volterra, whose towers and steeples stand out across the valley in the distance. After a van shuttle back to our hotel, we have some free time to further explore Volterra or unwind at a café before dinner. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 8 miles over rolling terrain.

• Day 3 Hike along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage trail, to the historic walled hilltown of San Gimignano.

  We bid farewell to Volterra and transfer by van towards Colle di Val d'Elsa. Our walk today takes us through rolling countryside, past vineyards and olive groves and past a 15th-century hunting lodge. We walk on an ancient trail called the "Via Francigena," where pilgrims and merchants once traveled north and south throughout Europe. Our route affords us wonderful views onto the storybook "city of the towers," San Gimignano. We have lunch in San Gimignano, then have time to explore the city before transferring by van to Colle di Val d'Elsa. "Colle," for short, is a charming walled town and home to Italy's finest crystal makers. We spend the next two nights in Colle. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 7 miles over rolling terrain.

• Day 4 Morning loop hike near Colle di Val d'Elsa. Enjoy lunch at a country residence followed by free time in the afternoon to shop or relax in Colle.

  Central Tuscany is well known for its delicious wines and today's scenic loop walk from Colle takes us to a country residence which makes award winning wine. Here we enjoy lunch on their terrace and enjoy a sublime view over the rolling Tuscan Hills and onto San Gimignano's distant towers. After a leisurely lunch we continue walking back to Colle or opt for a quick return to town to enjoy some free time to peruse Colle's crystal shops and its fascinating museum about the centuries long tradition of crystal making here in Colle di Val d'Elsa. We dine independently tonight giving us the opportunity to choose from a variety of authentic local trattorias and cafes. Breakfast included.
  
  Hiking: 6 miles over rolling terrain with an option to add an additional 3.5 miles.

• Day 5 This morning we explore medieval Siena with a guided visit to the Gothic city's most notable sites including Il Campo, the beautiful main square.

  This morning we take a break from hiking and do a little urban exploring, medieval-style! We transfer to beautiful Siena, one of Italy's most enchanting cities. Conquered by the Medicis in 1585, Siena became a backwater, frozen in time, making it one of Europe's finest examples of a preserved Gothic city. The high concentration of buildings from the 12th-14th centuries makes Siena unique, and the main square, "Il Campo," is considered by many to be Italy's most beautiful piazza (the famous bareback "Palio" horse race is held in the square twice each year). Our local guide will explain the mayhem and passion associated with the race and then take us to visit the Duomo and its medieval treasures. After lunch, join our guide to explore Siena's city walls and hidden neighborhoods or venture out on your own to shop or explore the city at your leisure. We'll regroup at 2:30 p.m. for a private transfer to the Enoteca & Cantina of the Marquese Mazzei, makers of fine Tuscan wines since 1427. Connoisseurs will know it as the producer of Ser Lapo and Siepi, two of the region's most sought-after wines. A quick stroll takes us to our home for the last two nights, the lovely Villa Casafrassi, an 18th century villa transformed into a four-star hotel in the serene Tuscan countryside. Magnificent Lebanese cedar trees spread their branches out over the villa's park, where on a hot summer afternoon the shade is welcome. Enjoy a swim in the pool or soak up the view over the surrounding hills while enjoying a cool glass of prosecco on the terrace. Our dinner tonight features delicious local produce and traditional Tuscan dishes. Breakfast and dinner included.

  Walking: Morning, city walking tour. Afternoon 40 minute country walk, about 1.5 miles.

• Day 6 Hike in Chianti past ancient castles and renaissance villas. Savor a traditional Tuscan celebration dinner in our four-star hotel.

  Our hike starts directly from the hotel and follows an ancient road called the "Via Romea," paved with rough hewn stones and lined with cypress trees. After an hour, our walking trail loops through the historic hamlet of Fonterutoli, passing medieval castles and renaissance villas. We eat lunch back in the village at the Osteria Fonterutoli. Return to the hotel for a swim before a delicious farewell dinner on the terrace. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 9 miles over rolling terrain.

• Day 7 Share a final breakfast with your guides and fellow travelers this morning before departing for home.

  After breakfast, our trip concludes with a group shuttle transfer to the Florence train station, arriving by 10:30 a.m. Depart for home this afternoon or continue your adventure in unforgettable Italy. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate. 

Hotel accommodations with private bathrooms; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; guide/leadership; luggage transfers; private in-country transportation; special wine tasting; local city guides in Volterra and Siena.

Air transportation to Italy; airport transfers; 6 lunches;1 dinner; entrance fees to museums, churches and other sites during leisure time; alcoholic beverages (except at wine tasting); travel insurance; excess baggage charges; gratuities and items of a personal nature.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. The daily hikes range from 4-9 miles and are over varied terrain - from grassy lanes to rocky, gravel pathways. Since some of the trails we hike can be steep and/or hilly, a conditioning regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure is highly recommended. Walking/hiking, running and biking are all great ways to physically prepare for this adventure. The better shape you are in, the more you'll be able to enjoy all that Tuscany has to offer!

We have scheduled our departures to avoid the mid-summer heat and crowds while still traveling during periods that typically offer abundant sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Temperatures in Tuscany in May, June and September range from 70-80° F with evening temperatures dropping approximately 10 degrees. October departures will experience slightly cooler temperatures and fewer daylight hours.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• Laundry facilities are not readily available during this trip and can be quite expensive. We suggest hand washing your clothes in your hotel room.