Hiking Through
Tuscany

Group members gather in Toronto for the transatlantic overnight flight to Rome, Italy. 

Upon arrival in Rome, a warm greeting from our national guide marks the start of our incredible journey. We will venture north along the picturesque Appenin Mountain range to the popular hill town and spa centre of Montecatini Terme. Tonight we will celebrate with a welcome reception and dinner at our centrally located hotel, complete with superb spa facilities. 

Hotel Columbia Wellness & Spa (6 nights)

Our adventure takes us to the breathtaking Florence area today. We'll embark on a hike from the beautiful hills of Fiesole, journeying along the stunning Arno Valley and descending into the heart of Florence. Delight in a lunch of your choice in the charming old town, where traditional Florentine cuisine awaits. Spend your afternoon exploring the cradle of the Renaissance, a city renowned for its artistic brilliance and timeless beauty. We'll return to Montecatini for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay. (2 hours hiking)

Embark on an exhilarating hike from Colle di Val d'Elsa, weaving through picturesque vineyards and enchanting wooded areas until we arrive at a charming garden restaurant. Indulge in a rustic meal with crostini and various types of pasta, wine, and water. For those interested, there will be various draft beers on tap (optional). Travelling by bus, we journey down a bustling road to the historic town of San Gimignano. In medieval times, each merchant family built its own fortress tower and residential area, many of which still stand, earning the town its nickname “Town of the Fine Towers.” Enjoy some free time to explore San Gimignano and visit Tuscany’s most famous ice cream parlour before heading back to Montecatini. (3 hrs hiking)

We drive to the world-famous Chianti Classico wine region, where our hike begins in the picturesque wine village of Greve in Chianti. As we hike through the wonderful landscapes of central Tuscany, passing through serene forests and vibrant vineyards, we make our way to the renowned Verrazzano winery. After a tour of the centuries-old wine cellars, we will savour a traditional wine-grower’s lunch, featuring homemade sausages and other ham specialties. Paired with our meal, we will have a choice of excellent wines. We return to Montecatini for a delightful dinner. (3 hours hiking) 

Walk along the low Montalbano mountain range through olive groves and vineyards. We start in Vinci, the hometown of the world-renowned genius, Leonardo da Vinci. Our path takes us to his picturesque birthplace where we’ll stop at a vineyard and olive oil mill. During a traditional oil farmer’s lunch, a specially appointed sommelier will familiarize us with the different types of wines we’ll be served. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short walk from the small village of San Baronto to an Italian Villa for some wine and appetizers, before returning to Montecatini. (1.5 hours hiking)

Today, we hike around the hills of the wine village of Montecarlo. Lunch will be in an old farmhouse with excellent cuisine and wines. Afterward, we will visit the well-known art city of Lucca with free time for shopping in the many elegant boutiques or perhaps enjoy a cappuccino in a cozy café before we return to Montecatini. (2.5 hours hiking)

After bidding farewell to Montecatini Terme, we drive west towards Pisa. Visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the ’Miracle Square,’ where the Leaning Tower is a must-see in Tuscany. After a brief exploration, we shall continue along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, driving south to Castiglione della Pescaia, likely the most beautiful seaside village in Tuscany. Tonight, we enjoy a cocktail and a dinner of local dishes.

Hotel L’Approdo (6 nights)

During today’s hike we will explore the Natural Park of Maremma, a completely untouched area with rich, unspoiled flora and fauna. Afterward, we transfer to a small medieval town for lunch at a traditional Maremma restaurant featuring local cuisines like homemade pasta, wild boar stew, and more. We return to Castiglione with free time to explore the beautiful city. (3 hours hiking)

Hike between the towns of Sovana and Pitigliano, both of which were important in Etruscan times and went on to become powerful republics in the Middle Ages. Enjoy a packed lunch and free time in Pitigliano to explore before returning to Castiglione. (2.5 hours hiking) 
 

We travel by bus to the port of Piombino where we board a ferry to the enchanting Island of Elba, famed as the site of Napoleon’s first exile. During our journey, we will take a brief bus tour of the island and make several exciting stops along the way.

Today has been left completely free to enjoy our hotel’s amenities, unwind at the beach, or head out and explore this beautiful seaside village.

For our last hiking day, we have chosen a spectacular area and an ambitious route. We will walk along the Lagoon of Orbetello down to Monte Argentario. Originally part of the Tuscan archipelago, Monte Argentario’s rocky massif is now connected to the mainland by two dunes. Our main destination is the historic port village of Porto Ercole, with its three fortifications. After a short visit, our bus will take us to a restaurant with select local fish specialties. At the end of our journey, we drive to the elegant main town of Porto San Stefano for free time. Back in Castiglione, we gather for our farewell dinner. (3.5 hours hiking)

All too soon we say goodbye to Italy as we transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for our return flights to Canada.