DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy
DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Florence, Transfer to Montecatini
Arrive in Florence and transfer to your hotel in Montecatini, known for its world-famous thermal baths. The rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Monday - Montecarlo Querciona Trail, Lunch in Fattoria, Lucca
Travel to the medieval village of Montecarlo for a nature hike on the Querciona trail. Enjoy a farm lunch before continuing through the rolling Tuscan countryside, dotted with olive and fig trees, to Lucca. With its massive 17th century walls that completely surround the city, Lucca is a jewel of medieval architecture. Walk along the winding streets of the original Roman grid revealing layers of history at every turn. Arrive at the Church of San Michele adorned by its beautiful piazza, occupying the site of the ancient Roman Forum
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Activity Level: Easy, 3.5 Miles, 3 Hours, +/- 495 ft
DAY 4, Tuesday - Apuan Mountain Route and Pietrasanta
Morning drive to the Apuan Alps, at the north-western edge of Tuscany, a fascinating mountain complex, worldwide known for its marble. Begin the loop trail uphill on paved and dirt stone roads with loose rocks, in the area of Cardoso stone quarries, surrounded by ancient chestnut trees also called 'bread trees' by the locals. Quarries and ancient mills are part of the landscape, along with some "via di lizza", old steep paths used to roll down marble blocks. Follow the trail to Pruno a lovely hilltop hamlet with gorgeous views, of some of the most famous Apuan peaks. Have a rustic lunch with local products before hiking back downhill. Proceed to Pietrasanta, the town of sculptors since the time of Michelangelo. Spend free time to explore on your own before returning to Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 3 Miles, 4 Hours, +/- 925 ft
DAY 5, Wednesday - Full Day in Montecatini
Spend the day at leisure to discover Montecatini and its surroundings on your own, or perhaps participate in the optional Hike in Chianti with lunch. Travel by bus to the land of Chianti where you embark on a loop trail from the town of Greve to Montefioralle. The trail consists mainly of a dirt path and partially on a paved road, through the idyllic Tuscan counryside. Your efforts will be rewarded by lunch with local wine! Return to Montecatini in the afternoon
Optional: Hike in Chianti with lunch
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 3.5 Miles, 3.5 Hours, +/- 750 ft
DAY 6, Thursday - Vinci and Leonardo Birthplace
Today, begin the exploration of the land of Montalbano. A short drive will take you to Vinci, Leonardo's hometown to begin your hike. Start uphill through a quiet paved road for about a mile, then the trail takes you over dirt paths, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Reach the monumental Holm Oak of Faltognano. From here, admire panoramic views of Vinci and the plain of Valdarno. Continue the hike through a forested area before reaching Leonardo's birthplace. Following a picnic lunch, hike to the town of Vinci. Free time to explore the town and see Leonardo's museum. Cap the day with dinner of local specialties and wine before returning to Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 5 Miles, 4 Hours, +/- 1000 ft
DAY 7, Friday - Via Francigena to San Gimignano
Today discover a small section of the Via Francigena. In medieval times it was an important pilgrimage route from Canterbury, England to Rome. Travel south to begin your walk from the Monastery of Pancole to the medieval village of Collemuccioli. Continuing your hike through beautiful landscape, arrive in San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend free time to take in the quaint atmosphere, wander through the alleyways, admiring the churches, palaces and medieval houses. In the afternoon head back to Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 5 Miles, 4 Hours, +/- 1000 ft
DAY 8, Saturday - Valleriana Appennine Valley
Today a short drive takes you to Valleriana, an Apennine hidden valley which marks the ancient border between Pisa, Lucca, and Florence. The need to control and defend this strategic border explains the presence of so many castles, the ten castella. Today's walking path, among chestnut groves, medieval villages, and panoramas is an impactful experience. Walk through San Quirico hamlet and its alleys, the centenarian chestnut groves, the romanic Pieve of SS Ansano and Tommaso, and Castelvecchio hamlet. At lunch, bid farewell to your Tour Manager and to Italy. Return to Montecatini and spend time at leisure
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 3 Miles, 2.5 Hours, +/-460 ft
DAY 9, Sunday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport in Florence for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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