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Experience archetypal Tuscany: stunning landscapes, delicious rustic cuisine and friendly locals.
Arrive at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia and enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many home cooked dinners. (Staying at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia for 7 nights, Half Board)
You'll start this morning with a guided walk of a local oil mill, then visiting the Cinta Senese pigs followed by an area set up to allow truffles to grow and finishing off in Chianciano Vecchia, with great views of the Valdichiana valley before enjoying wine and local produce tasting in a charming cantina in the old town.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 5
As you descend into the Valdichiana, a mix of quiet lanes and gravel tracks provide perfect views of the vineyards and over to Monte Rufeno. Passing pretty farmhouses you make your way to the small town of Montallese, and from here you pick up the Sentiero della Bonifica, a long-distance path between Chiusi and Arezzo. This leads you to the charming Lake Chiusi, where you can enjoy the birdlife and perhaps lunch at the lakeside restaurant. You will be transferred back to the hotel.
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 4.5
A short transfer takes you to the charming village of Castiglioncello; once abandoned it is now restored with a hotel, a cafe and the interesting Etruscan burial site. From the village you follow a trail through the forest to pass wonderful viewpoints of the area, dropping down to Poggio Pietraporciana, a Nazi gun point in the war. Continuing through the Pietraporciana Nature Reserve you pass the Rifugio Pietraporciana, once owned by the Marchesa of Val d'Orcia, Iris Origo, who, during the war, cordoned off this area to create a neutral zone, which the allies, Nazis and partisans all obeyed. From here, a forest track takes you past a charming argiturismo before a trail along a dried up river alongside rocky cliffs and on to the outskirts of Chianchiano stopping at the Dopolavoro La Foce where an optional transfer back to the hotel awaits you. Alternative carry on walking along a narrow trail with wonderful views and past a model of an Etruscan farm, before arriving in Chianchiano Terme and a choice of following the white gravel roads passing farms or through the town to return to the agriturismo.
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 5.5
Activity Hours: 3.5
This morning you have time to yourself, maybe walk into Chianciano Vecchia and visit the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme, or use your voucher for the Theia Spa and relax in the healing waters or treat yourself to one of their many treatments. In the afternoon you begin your cookery class where you will learn classic Italian techniques and eat the meal you prepare for dinner.
Today you walk to the wine town of Montepulciano, where you will be rewarded with stunning views across the Valdichiana. Follow a chestnut-laden track to meet the forest road, before following a track around the vines and farmlands up to Montepulciano. You will be picked up here, but before this, take time to explore the town, which is full of wine bars and shops and has plenty of tasting opportunities.
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 10.5
Activity Hours: 4.5
After a short transfer to Pienza, take time to explore the town, it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy, and a beautiful mediaeval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy pecorino cheese. The walk takes you downhill from Pienza, crossing the stunning Val d’Orcia. It is an easy walk following a well-marked trail, giving you the chance to take in the views of mediaeval towns, rolling hills and rows of cypress trees. You will reach Bagno Vignoni then follow the river Orcia before climbing up to the town passing the spring baths and the old mill, before arriving in the Roman town, with its large baths in the centre of town. Perhaps treat yourself to the hot waters of the Hotel Posta Marcucci, where the baths come with a view! We transfer you back to the hotel for your final night of Stefano’s lovely food.
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 3.5
* 7 nights single-centre accommodation
* All buffet breakfasts and 4-course evening meals
* Management by local hotelier
* Route directions and maps
* Wine, olive oil and local produce tasting
* One spa entrance
* One cookery class
* One orientation tour
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.
* 7 nights single-centre accommodation
* All buffet breakfasts and 4-course evening meals
* Management by local hotelier
* Route directions and maps
* Wine, olive oil and local produce tasting
* One spa entrance
* One cookery class
* One orientation tour
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.
Hotel
Your base for the week is the modest but comfortable Agriturismo La
Pietricca, which stands on a hill with great views of Chianciano Vecchia.
Stefano who runs the agriturismo will welcome you with his enthusiasm for
everything to do with nature in the surrounding area. He will also lead the
cookery course for you during your stay, and teach you all about the artisan
products in the local area. The hotel produces 65% of what it serves on your
table, and is surrounded by its own farm and orchards. There is a lovely
terrace and swimming pool and lovely shady grassy area that looks out across
the valley, where in the heat of summer you can take your dinner outside.
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.
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.
All walking transfers detailed in the standard itinerary are included in the
cost of the hoilday.
*Alternative Air Travel*
Alternative 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 transfers*
If you require alternative transfers, then we can usually arrange these for
you (there may be an additional charge).
*Self Drive*
We can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and
prices.
*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.
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.
Walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)
Small sized day sack (30 litres capacity will be sufficient for camera, water
bottle, lunch and extra clothing)
Sun cream, hat and sun glasses
Towel and swimming things
Waterproofs and warm clothes (essential for inclement weather)
Woolly hat and gloves
Walking poles
Small umbrella in case of unexpected showers
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.
* Travel insurance
* Visas or vaccinations
* Arrival & departure transfers for land only bookings (available on request
and at a supplement)
* Single accommodation (available on request) - compulsory supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.