Start your trip with a memorable visit to Siena, including the excitement of the Palio horse race. Leave the crowds behind and follow the trails of the butteri, the cowboys who still work the cattle in the Maremma region, as you walk to the coast, through a lesser-known area of Tuscany. Stay in the lovely city of Massa Marittima. Enjoy marvellous hospitality, outstanding food and wine and conclude this wonderful journey with a relaxing day on the coast with the opportunity to explore the Tuscan Archipelago.
Walking tour of Tuscany
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"Mick and Jackie made us feel totally pampered and very special. This trip far surpassed our expectations
which were quite high to start with. I would enthusiastically recommend Hedonistic Hiking to
anyone who wants a first-rate active vacation." T.S. Davis, CA
What is included?
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life.
- 9 nights beautiful accommodation (6 different hotels)
- All meals including wine.
- Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route.
- Dinner in a variety of superb restaurants.
- Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please.
- Transport to/from Pisa in air-conditioned minibus.
- Comprehensive pre-trip information.
- Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
Itinerary
Trip starts and ends in Pisa from where there are flights to many destinations within Europe. There are direct train services from Pisa to Rome, Florence, Milan and Genoa (Train Information).
Day 1
Meet Pisa airport at midday. Drive (2hours) to our beautifully restored medieval Hotel hidden in the Montagnola hills, 20 kilometres from Siena. Time to relax in this serene position or perhaps take a dip in the pool. Welcome drink and Introductory Talk on the Palio before dinner at the Hotel.
Day 2
We drive to Siena and take up position in the centre of the Campo (the place for the locals) and marvel at the pageantry of the wonderful spectacle of The Palio. After the race we enjoy a fabulous dinner of freshly made pasta in a local restaurant in the city. After dinner we return to our hotel.
Day 3
From Borgo Pretale (the hotel) we walk down to the valley, crossing the Rosia stream over the medieval Ponte della Pia. We climb up, enjoying magnificent views of the Colline Metallifiere - the metal-bearing hills which enriched the area from Etruscan times to the present day. In the afternoon we cross the Merse river before reaching the village of Monticiano. We stay in a small family-run hotel with a pool. (14.2km).
Day 4
We visit the Cistercian Abbey of San Galgano, whose Monks were once the book keepers for the City of Siena, and the adjoining hermitage of Montesiepi. We follow the old stock route of the Maremma cowboys through woodland, pasture and hills towards the village of Montieri. We stay in the beautifully restored farmhouse, La Meridiana, and eat in their restaurant. (20.5km)
Day 5
We walk through a rugged landscape, past vestiges of the Etruscan and Medieval mining industry of this area, before reaching the fabulous city of Massa Marittima, perched on a hill at 400m, with views to the Mediterranean. We stay in a lovely hotel (with pool) just outside the city walls for 2 nights. Dinner at a lively trattoria. (16.5km)
Day 6
Free day in Massa Marittima, the birth place of St Bernardino of Siena. Explore the city with its fortress, cathedral and many fascinating museums. Do a little shopping, put your feet up by the pool or simply relax in a Caffè in the Piazza. Dinner in one of the city’s fabulous restaurants.
Day 7
We leave Massa Marittima and descend to the fertile plain planted with olives, fruit trees and vines. Cross the plain and pass the Lago dell’Accesa before climbing to the fortified village of Gavorrano where we stay for the night. Dinner in the hotel (24.5km)
Day 8
From Gavorrano we climb up through woods and follow mule tracks over a limestone plateau. We take in spectacular coastal views before descending to the Alma valley. After lunch we continue to Vetulonia and see the Etruscan tombs and the fascinating Etruscan museum. We spend the next 2 nights in Castiglione della Pescaia - a busy fishing port overlooked by a medieval castle. (16km)
Day 9
Free day on the Tuscan coast. We join a cruise around the beautiful Tuscan archipelago. Opportunity to swim in the crystal clear sea and explore the picturesque coastal villages. Experience the lively passeggiata in Castiglione before dinner in one of the town's restaurants.
Day 10
Return to Pisa airport (1.5 hours)
Walking
Moderate Walking
Shortest day: 14.2km
Longest day: 24.5km
There are 5 days of walking on the trip, totalling 89.6km, and 4 free days. We walk on strade bianche (gravel roads), woodland tracks and quiet tarmac roads. This area of Tuscany is relatively hilly, with some significant ups and downs, but not mountainous. The walking is fairly rugged in sections so sturdy walking boots, with good ankle support, are recommended. Walking poles would be an advantage, especially on steeper sections.
Weather:
The weather in Tuscany in July is generally hot and dry, with scattered, heavy showers/storms
July: Max. 28º, Min. 18º.
Monthly rainfall average: 50mm
click map to enlarge
Dates:
1st - 10th July 2008
Price:
€2495. (currency converter). The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.
(Australia) +61 (03) 5755 2307