 A
walk in the sweeping hills of Tuscany and Umbria is
a journey into Italy's artistic and agricultural
heart. Our path follows history, beginning in
Siena — an important art center distinguished by its
remarkable cathedral — and on to Assisi to view the
art treasures of the Basilica of St. Francis.
A richly decorated Gothic cathedral graces Orvieto,
and our stay in the Roman town of Spello — known for
its frescoes — inspires with aesthetic balance and
timeless charm. Wandering rows of cypress
trees leading to a 12th-century Cistercian monastery
in southern Tuscany evoke the serenity that has
sustained this enchanting countryside through the
ages.
The cuisines of Tuscany
and Umbria blend refinement and simplicity. In the
towns and villages along our route, we dine in fine
restaurants and simple tavernas, sampling the sharp
pecorino cheese, hand-plucked truffles, and olive oil
pressed in the traditional way. Regional wines are
some of Italy's most renowned, such as the full-bodied
Brunello di Montalcino, and we experience them at
vineyard tastings and with memorable meals. Our
accommodations, charming hotels tucked into medieval
walls, welcome us in the region's enduring spirit of
hospitality
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Abbeys,
frescoed churches, Roman and Etruscan ruins
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Medieval
hill towns of Pienza, Montalcino, Assisi, and Gubbio
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Wine
tastings, local cheeses, olive oils, and truffles
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Elegant
lodgings with valley views
Includes:
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Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable
guides
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All transportation during the trip
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All accommodations while on tour,
including two fine town hotels, all private baths
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All meals included except one lunch and
two dinners; alcoholic beverages not included
MEETING POINT: Florence or Siena, Italy
DEPARTURE POINT: Orvieto, Italy
 DAY
1
Arrival in Siena; 2-hour city tour; easy (sneakers
acceptable). Transfer to Montalcino
We meet in the historic center of Siena and commence
with a tour of this most characteristic of Tuscan
cities. With its mixture of Gothic and Romanesque
architecture and its dramatic setting on three hills,
Siena rivals Florence not only in beauty but also in
culture. We start our tour in the world-famous Campo
square, which is presided over by the impressive town
hall. The Campo is also the setting of the celebrated
Palio horse race. Our walk is made truly special by a
visit to the Duomo cathedral with its stunning marble
façade. At the end of our exploration of Siena, we
transfer to Montalcino, our home for the next two days.
Unchanged since the 16th century, Montalcino is a
charming walled hilltop town and the birthplace of
Brunello, one of Italy’s finest wines. A magnificent
fortress built in 1361 crowns the hilltop. For our
welcome dinner we enjoy exquisite Tuscan fare at a small
winery that is nestled in the rolling vineyards on the
outskirts of Montalcino.
Hotel Dei Capitani, Montalcino
DAY 2
Montepulciano - Pienza; 7-9 miles, easy to moderate
Our exploration of southern Tuscany begins in
Montepulciano. As one of the highest of the Tuscan hill
towns, it offers views over southern Tuscany and Umbria.
Although known for its medieval and Renaissance
architecture, it is also famous for its excellent wine,
the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. From the ancient town
gates, we set out through green vineyards toward Pienza,
our day’s destination. Along the way we stop for lunch
in the walled village of Monticchiello, with its
distinctive, crooked watch tower and 13th-century parish
church, where we have a full view of the afternoon walk
stretching out in front of us. After a light lunch of
local specialties, our walk leads us through the fertile
land surrounding the town of Pienza. The entire town was
designed by a Florentine architect to unify civil and
religious authorities and is the first example of
Renaissance urban planning. Therefore, the important
monuments lie on the town’s main axis, the town hall
opposite the 15th-century cathedral. We stroll through
the harmonious main square and into narrow streets with
shops brimming with pecorino cheese. After returning to
our hotel in Montalcino, you may depart on foot for
dinner of your choice; perhaps a lively local trattoria.
Hotel Dei Capitani, Montalcino
DAY 3
Montalcino - Sant’Antimo Abbey; 6 miles, easy to
moderate. Transfer to Umbria (approximately 2 hours)
Today we depart Montalcino on foot. Our walk through
the neighboring hills alternates between ancient woods
and vineyards where the famous sangiovese grosso grape
is grown for Brunello wine. This picturesque walk later
continues through farmland, shady forests, old
farmsteads, and hamlets surrounded by olive groves and
cypress trees before we make the dramatic descent to the
Romanesque Sant’Antimo Abbey.
After lunch in a local osteria we leave southern
Tuscany, winding through the rolling hills and medieval
hilltop villages we have walked through and explored,
and move on to the wider, more expansive valleys of
Umbria, which is known as the “Green Heart of Italy.”
Our home for the next four nights is in Spello, a walled
Roman and medieval town. Time permitting upon check-in,
a short introductory walking tour provides an overview
of Spello. This evening we enjoy a special treat—an
evening of wine-tasting and local specialties at a
16th-century family villa, with views of the surrounding
hills and valleys. Hotel La Bastiglia, Spello
DAY 4
Assisi city tour, 2 miles, easy. Outskirts of Assisi;
3-4 miles, easy to moderate
The morning and early afternoon are devoted to an
exploration of the walled city of Assisi. The city of
Assisi sits in a commanding position across the slopes
of Mount Subasio and has retained its charming medieval
qualities and strong associations with St. Francis. We
tour its many faceted historical center and the Basilica
of St. Francis with a local expert. Time is given for
independent exploration of its narrow streets for lunch
and browsing. The afternoon offers several options. You
may choose to return to our hotel from Assisi at your
leisure and relax by the pool or stroll the picturesque
streets of Spello. Alternatively, a walking option is
offered to further explore the magic of Assisi, this
time venturing further from the center to the lovely,
sorrounding countryside. Your guides provide ideas for
dinner on your own in Spello; choices range from our
Michelin-starred hotel dining room to a simple pizzeria.
Hotel La Bastiglia, Spello
DAY 5
Assisi to Spello via the Natural Park of Mount Subasio;
8 miles, easy to moderate
After breakfast there is a short transfer to the Natural
Park of Mount Subasio, a protected area with serene
paths, which meander through open meadows with ancient
oak and chestnut trees. Mount Subasio is the sprawling
mountain on whose flank Assisi is built. A haven of
subtle beauty and spirituality, it was here that St.
Francis preached to the birds from a simple stone altar.
Along our route traversing Mount Subasio we are likely
to see herds of sheep and semi-wild horses, before
descending to our lunch spot in a small, charming
village. After lunch you may choose to descend further
on foot, continuing through the wooded trails along the
eastern side of the mountain or ride down and meet the
group in the village of Colle Pino, where you can relax
and enjoy a refreshment in the picturesque town square.
The final descent into the town of Spello takes us
through gentle hills full of olive orchards and
cultivated fields framing the town. This evening we
enjoy a dinner at our hotel’s fine dining room. Hotel La
Bastiglia, Spello
DAY 6
Gubbio; 7-8 miles, easy to moderate
Gubbio, the medieval masterpiece of Umbria, will charm
us with its intimate alleys and surprisingly spacious,
panoramic piazza, flanked by the stunning palazzo
comunale. Following a short transfer, we start our walk
from a side valley on a gradually ascending dirt road,
which first follows a creek and then meanders through
woods and pastures, passing by impressive limestone
outcrops and a tiny chapel. After a brief stretch on a
small paved road, we reach the Church of Saint Ubaldo,
perched high in the mountainside overlooking Gubbio.
Here is where the annual famed “Race of the Ceri” ends,
a highly animated and colorful, historic event. We are
able to view the ceri (giant heavy wooden structures
that resemble candlesticks) and learn about the dynamic
festival before stopping for lunch at a local trattoria.
In the afternoon we have the option of taking a second
walk, most of which is atop a stunning Roman aqueduct
once used to channel water from a nearby stream into the
village. Those who choose to relax instead will be
driven to the center for free time and shopping, where
we all eventually convene for a gelato or caffe before
driving home to our hotel in Spello. Tonight we enjoy a
farewell dinner of Umbrian specialties at a festive,
local restaurant—a fitting celebratory finale to our
exploration of Tuscany and Umbria.
Hotel La Bastiglia, Spello
DAY 7
Transfer to Orvieto; easy city walking tour
We depart Spello for the picturesque city of Orvieto
situated atop a tufa (volcanic) mesa. This final visit
includes the main square, the Piazza del Duomo, with its
magnificent cathedral, considered to be one of the most
beautiful in Italy with its bold mosaic and gold façade.
You may choose to stay in this pleasant pedestrian city
or depart from Orvieto’s train station for the short
train connections to Rome or Florence.
Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary,
and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season,
special events or weather. We reserve the right to alter
the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a
year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that
mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to
improve the tour and your experience.
Sun., May 11, 2008
Sun., May 18, 2008
Sun., June 08, 2008
Sun., September 14, 2008
Sun., September 28, 2008
$3,648
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