Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

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Trip Reviews

Price:

2013

REI member: $3,299

Non-member: $3,650

2014

REI member: $3,499

Non-member: $3,850

Additional Fees

2013/2014

Single supplement: $799

Trip Dates:

2013

  • May 12–18 Sold out
  • May 19–25
  • May 26 – Jun 1
  • Jun 9–15 Sold out
  • Jun 16–22
  • Sep 1–7
  • Sep 8–14
  • Sep 22–28
  • Oct 13–19

2014

  • May 11–17
  • May 25–31
  • Jun 8–14
  • Jun 15–21
  • Sep 7–13
  • Sep 21–27
  • Oct 5–11
  • Oct 12–18

Or, book a
private departure.

Total Days: 7
Group Size: 4-14

Activities:

  • Hiking

Accommodations:

Small hotels, 6 nights

europe: Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

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Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

"Rich and robust" describes the character of Tuscany's landscape, its luscious wines and warm, engaging people. From Florence to Siena, we'll see the finest expressions of Renaissance culture, and hike in beautiful areas of countryside beloved by local Tuscans. This is a region brimming with natural and historical splendors that surround us on each day's hike. Gentle hills dotted with olive groves and poppy fields line our way to medieval hilltowns. We're rewarded with superb views as we walk along the Via Francigena, as devout pilgrims did centuries ago. At museums and galleries, Renaissance and Etruscan artifacts vie for attention. And life moves at a leisurely pace on Siena's magnificent central piazza: "Il Campo"—a perfect place to relax over cappuccino and watch the world go by.

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking Itinerary:

Show more for all days

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

Note on Itinerary

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

Air Travel

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

Price Includes

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.

Not Included

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.

Single Travelers

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.

Qualifications

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!

Weather

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.

General Information

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.

Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

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

Official Papers
  • Valid passport
  • Airline tickets
Luggage
  • Medium-size duffel bag or soft sided suitcase (limiting luggage to one bag is recommended for ease in negotiating between airport and trains. Keep in mind that some train stations have numerous steps. Wheeled luggage is fine).
  • Daypack (2,000 cu. in. to carry camera, water bottles, lunch and extra clothing)
  • Luggage tags and luggage locks
  • Passport pouch or money belt
City Clothing
  • Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and evening wear
Clothing
  • Hiking pants - synthetic, quick-drying
  • Hiking shorts - synthetic, quick-drying
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear
  • Hiking socks
  • Liner socks
  • Casual socks
  • Swimsuit
Clothing Accessories
  • Sun hat
  • Bandana
Outerwear
  • Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
  • Rain pants, waterproof and breathable
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater
Footwear
  • Sturdy hiking boots, water resistant, lightweight, broken in, aggressive tread
  • Comfortable shoes
Travel Accessories
  • Two one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration pack
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Sunblock and lip balm
  • Toiletry kit
  • Small washcloth and small towel
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Hand sanitizer gel
  • Insect repellent
  • Several Ziploc plastic bags
  • Small travel clothesline
Optional Accessories
  • Camera, film/media cards and spare batteries
  • Spare contact lenses or glasses
  • Reading and writing materials
  • Travel pillow
  • Hiking staff or trekking poles
  • Ear plugs
  • Watch with alarm or travel clock
  • Electrical adapter plug/converter

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.

Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI AdventuresTuscan Hilltowns Hiking
 
4.9

(based on 9 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Activity level (9)
  • Group camaraderie (9)
  • Well organized itinerary (9)
  • Accommodations (8)
  • Exceeded expectations (8)

Cons

    Best Uses

        • Reviewer Profile:
        • Casual adventurer (4), Avid adventurer (3)
        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
        • Destination (9), I liked the itinerary (8), Active adventures (7), All the details planned for me (7), Travel with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts (6)

      Reviewed by 9 customers

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      Displaying reviews 1-9

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      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Wonderful experience, perfect adventure

      By GraceNote

      from Kingston Tennessee

      About Me Casual Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Accommodations
      • Activity Level
      • Exceeded Expectations
      • Food
      • Group Camaraderie
      • Guides
      • Once in a Lifetime Experience
      • REI quality
      • Well Organized Itinerary

      Cons

        Best Uses

          Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

          Kudos to our guides . . . you just couldn't get any better than the team we had. Both Stephanie and Ilaria we so knowledegable and helpful. With two REI trips under our belts now, we can truthfully say that you can count on an excellent experience.

          • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
          • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, REI dependability, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
          • Why did you choose this trip?:
          • The itinerary was perfect for a dream trip to Italy. We had always had the Tuscan hillsides on our "bucket list." You just cannot beat an active adventure ~ hiking while exploring Tuscany. The fact that we would visit "off-the-beaten-track" places was very appealing. Visiting the "touristy" places without staying there was a huge plus. Also, this is our 2nd REI Adventure, and we knew that quality and reliability could be counted on. Our group of ten already knew each other, and we really looked forward to traveling together. REI planned a trip just for us to fit our schedules. The staff was incredibly helpful and assisted us with many plans and travel issues.
          • What was the highlight of your trip?:
          • The guides ... Stephanie and Ilaria were just superb. They were so welcoming, attentive and accommodating, which made the trip especially amazing. The itinerary ... you couldn't have chosen a better mix of Tuscan villages. The accommodations ... exceeded our expectations. The food and the wine ... just wonderful, truly the best of Tuscany. All in all ... the variety and the fact that we were in less traveled places made for an especially memorable experience. As usual, REI's attention to detail is just unsurpassed.
          • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
          • Pack lightly, take less than you think you need. Heed the recommendations to condition for the trip. The hikes were awesome, and the scenery beautiful. Take plenty of pictures ... we were there when the hillsides were alive with red poppies and gorgeous flowers.
           
          4.0

          wonderful trip, beautiful landscapes!!!!

          By msrjmac

          from Kingston, Tn

          About Me Avid Adventurer

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Accommodations
          • Activity Level
          • Group Camaraderie
          • Guides
          • Once in a Lifetime Experience
          • Well Organized Itinerary

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

              The guides Stephanie and Elandria balanced each other perfectly. They really took care of us.

              • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
              • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
              • Why did you choose this trip?:
              • We have traveled with REI before and they always do a fabulous job and offer a fabulous trip! Always wanted to see the Tuscany area of Italy.
              • What was the highlight of your trip?:
              • probably the hikes with the wonderful scenery, the red poppies dancing in the winery fields and along the hillsides...ah.yes........and the wines.
              • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
              • You can always count on a great trip with REI, well organized, good accomodations, etc... All you do is pay and show up, the rest is taken care of!
               
              5.0

              What an experience

              By Karen Dubs

              from Baltimore, MD

              About Me Casual Adventurer

              Pros

              • Accommodations
              • Activity Level
              • Exceeded Expectations
              • Food
              • Group Camaraderie
              • Guides
              • Once in a Lifetime Experience
              • Well Organized Itinerary

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

                  A friend suggested to only pack a carry on for this trip, so that's what my husband and I did. Great advice. Travel light! We enjoyed the experiences and journey in Italy without worrying about luggage. Since we were in each hotel for just two nights, there was never a need to unpack. So we kept all our clothes in the carry on bags, just pulling out the essentials we needed. We each took a pair of hiking boots and a pair of dressy but comfortable shoes for evening.

                  If you love walking, beautiful scenery, wine, culture, good food, history, medieval towns and great company, this trip was all those things and more. We met a great group of people that all enjoyed the same things, and we came home feeling like we had a once in a lifetime adventure.

                  • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                  • Active Adventures, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
                  • Why did you choose this trip?:
                  • This was the first time we traveled to Europe, so we wanted to enjoy the adventure and experience without having to worry about transfers, picking good restaurants, or knowing the language.
                  • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                  • Experiencing the medieval town of Volterra was mind blowing. Hiking through the vineyard to enjoy lunch and wine overlooking San Gimignano was breathtaking and so much fun hiking home with a little wine buzz.
                  • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                  • This trip exceeded our expectations. It was such a wonderful combination of adventure, activity, beautiful scenery, outstanding food and culture. I would highly recommend this trip.
                   
                  5.0

                  I would take this trip all over again!

                  By Matt and Bert

                  from Norwich, Vermont

                  About Me First-Time Adventurer

                  Pros

                  • Accommodations
                  • Activity Level
                  • Exceeded Expectations
                  • Food
                  • Group Camaraderie
                  • Guides
                  • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                  • Quality Equipment Provided
                  • Well Organized Itinerary

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

                      This was a fabulous trip with excellent leaders and great group camraderie. The hotels, food, hiking trails, and towns were all uniformly excellent.

                      Count me in for next year with REI.

                      • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                      • All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                      • Why did you choose this trip?:
                      • Seem to offer what i was looking for. Certainly lived to expectations.
                      • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                      • Everyday brought new and different highlights.
                      • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                      • Book now!

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Excellent Experience

                      By Bonnie101

                      from Covington,KY

                      About Me Avid Adventurer

                      Site Member

                      Pros

                      • Accommodations
                      • Activity Level
                      • Exceeded Expectations
                      • Food
                      • Group Camaraderie
                      • Well Organized Itinerary

                      Cons

                      • Accommodations

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

                        Great experience
                        Food was outstanding as was hiking

                        Didn't care for Sienna or for many of the hotel beds

                        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                        • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                        • Why did you choose this trip?:
                        • Tuscany was on my bucket list
                        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                        • hiking through the countryside and the small towns of Volterra, Colle, San Gimingnano---
                        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                        • Pack light and carry on your luggage--plus take the time to learn some of the language--it helped me a lot

                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        fabulous -- highly recommended!

                        By snicklefritz

                        from USA

                        About Me Casual Adventurer

                        Site Member

                        Pros

                        • Activity Level
                        • Exceeded Expectations
                        • Food
                        • Group Camaraderie
                        • Guides
                        • Well Organized Itinerary

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

                            I highly recommend this trip. It was extremely well run and our guides were interesting, fun, and really good at handling all the details. You will eat really well, enjoy some great wine, and see incredible sights, all while enjoying some great treks in Tuscany -- which is incredibly beautiful.

                            • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                            • Active Adventures, Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                            • Why did you choose this trip?:
                            • Wanted an active walking trip with great food; I'm an REI member and REI trips had a good reputation.
                            • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                            • The days were just right -- 7-8 miles hiking most days, some free time, and the food was terrific. The views were stunning, and the guides were wonderful.
                            • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                            • The gear list says sturdy hiking boots. We were almost always on well worn trails or dirt roads -- except for the occasional section through a field. My Asolo boots were overkill, and they took up a lot of space when packing. A mid height boot or hiking shoe would work just fine. A couple of us used trekking poles... I found them useful to protect my knees, although the hills are not steep.
                             
                            5.0

                            Great scenery and food

                            By Walking Travelers

                            from California sierras

                            About Me Avid Adventurer

                            Pros

                            • Accommodations
                            • Activity Level
                            • Exceeded Expectations
                            • Food
                            • Group Camaraderie
                            • Guides
                            • Well Organized Itinerary

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

                                The itinerary was well planned. Hotel transfers were seamless. The guides were very knowledgeable and they had arranged in advance for special diet food for one of the members. Each time we went to a restaurant they had been notified in advance.

                                The chemistry between the two guides, Stephanie and Emanu mad it a very fun and enjoyable adventure. Both had a lot of informato share but from two different perspectives. More important are the guides in Volterra and Siena who added their expert information as licensed guides for their respective towns.

                                The walks provided vistas of some of the towns that we had visited. San Gimignano with its tall towers could be seen in the distance as we walked by some sunflowers.

                                • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
                                • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                • We had been to Italy before but not into the countryside. Seeing the fields of bright red poppies and sunflowers made the trip. The itinerary also included towns such as Siena and San Gimignano that we had never visited.
                                • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                • The fields of flowers, walking on the Via Francigena,which was used by pilgrims traveling from England to Rome.
                                • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                • Don't purchase train tickets in theUS; wait until you get to your destination. Europe Rail tickets cannot be changed in Europe. Bring cash to exchange for Euros to avoid hidden transfer fees. If you get cash from an ATM, some cards start charging for the cash as at a higher rate, AND, any charges made on your card earlier in the month are also charged at a higher rate.

                                (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Trip of a lifetime!!

                                By Dee C

                                from Marysville, Ohio

                                About Me Casual Adventurer

                                Pros

                                • Accommodations
                                • Activity Level
                                • Exceeded Expectations
                                • Food
                                • Group Camaraderie
                                • Guides
                                • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                                • Scenery
                                • Well Organized Itinerary

                                Cons

                                • None it was great

                                Best Uses

                                  Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

                                  This was a trip of a lifetime and I could not have been happier. The guides were the best I have ever had and the trip just kept getting better at every turn.

                                  • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                  • All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
                                  • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                  • It gave me the variety I was looking for. Always wanted to go to Tuscany and I checked many other sites and this one just fit me best.
                                  • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                  • Food, Wine, Scenery, Countryside, Great guides, lifetime experience, cultural/historical experience, the greatgrandmother and granddaughter we came across on our hike....I guess too many to consider. It was all such a wonderful experience.
                                  • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                  • If you are not in an area that has some fairly decent hills to get used to I would suggest taking treking poles. Also when they say a small towel, a hand towel or sham type towel will work to dry your feet when you cross the creeks if needed. Wash cloth I think was because none of the hotels provide them so if you are used to having one take it.

                                  (17 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Tuscan Hilltowns October 2008

                                  By CMOJPG

                                  from Minneapolis, MN

                                  About Me First-Time Adventurer

                                  Pros

                                  • Accommodations
                                  • Activity Level
                                  • Exceeded Expectations
                                  • Food
                                  • Group Camaraderie
                                  • Guides
                                  • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                                  • Well Organized Itinerary

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                      Comments about REI Adventures Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking:

                                      Travel companions were fun to meet and spend the week with. Guides Melissa and Claire were exceptional: well informed, approachable, friendly, all-around great! They did a wonderful job of tapping local resources to make our trip enjoyable and unique. Plenty of group activites and some time on our own was nice.

                                      • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                      • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                                      • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                      • We wanted to go to Italy, liked the idea of getting off the beaten path. Wanted to do something active, the 5-10 miles per day of hiking was perfect!
                                      • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                      • The beauty and charm of the medieval hill towns. Accomodations and meals were fantastic. Wine was fabulous. And gelatto, oooooh, the gelatto!
                                      • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                      • Do this!
                                        Springtime might be more scenic but weather was great and not a ton of people anywhere.

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