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
Travel to the medieval village of Montecarlo, dotted with olive and fig trees, for a nature hike on the Querciona trail. Continue to a local farm, learn how to prepare Tuscan specialties, and then enjoy your creations. Upon return, take a ride to Montecatini Alto with your Tour Manager to admire the views and spend some free time
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Activity Level: Easy, 3.5 Miles, 3 Hours, +/- 495 ft
DAY 4, Tuesday - Cinque Terre Trail
Today, travel to the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comprises of five small villages nestled in the cliffs overlooking the sea and is one of the most beautiful areas of the Liguria region. Start your hike in Corniglia, perched on a small promontory with panoramic views of the entire Cinque Terre coast. Hike across the terrace fields and along gentle uphill and downhill paths, and steps, arriving in Vernazza, a picturesque village renowned for its colorful houses, charming harbor, and rich history. Enjoy some free time exploring the area. The day includes both bus and short local train rides
The exact tour itinerary and operation of the hike are subject to weather conditions.
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 2.5 Miles, 2.5 Hours, +/- 880 ft
DAY 5, Wednesday - Full Day in Montecatini
Today is free for independent exploration of Montecatini and its surroundings 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 follows mostly dirt paths, with some sections on paved roads, winding through the idyllic Tuscan countryside. Your efforts will be rewarded with a lunch paired with local wine. Return to Montecatini in the afternoon
Optional: Hike in Chianti with lunch
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 3.5 Miles, 3.5 Hours, +/- 750 ft
DAY 6, Thursday - Vinci and Leonardo's Landscapes
Begin the exploration of the land of Montalbano. A short drive will take you to Carmignano, the hometown of Leonardo's grandmother, where he spent part of his childhood practicing ceramics and sculpture. Begin your hike walking along a portion of the Medici route. Descend through rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, then continue on a gentle uphill and downhill hike, fully immersing yourself in the typical Tuscan landscape that Leonardo depicted in many of his works. Board your bus, and following lunch, arrive in Anchiano, Leonardo's birthplace, and hike to the town of Vinci. Free time to explore the town on your own and perhaps see Leonardo's museum before returning to Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 3.5 Miles, 3 Hours, +/- 815 ft
DAY 7, Friday - Apuan Mountain Route
Take a morning drive to the Apuan Alps, located at the northwestern edge of Tuscany, a fascinating mountain range renowned worldwide for its marble. Begin the loop trail uphill on paved and dirt stone roads with loose stones, around the Cardoso stone quarries, surrounded by ancient chestnut trees, locally known as 'bread trees." Quarries and ancient mills are part of the landscape, along with some Via di lizza - old steep paths once used to roll marble blocks downhill. 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 and returning to Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 3 Miles, 4 Hours, +/- 925 ft
DAY 8, Saturday - 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 the beautiful landscape, arrive in San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend free time to take in the quaint atmosphere, wandering through the alleyways and admiring the churches, palaces, and medieval houses. In the afternoon head back to Montecatini. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager and to Italy
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 5 Miles, 4 Hours, +/- 1000 ft
DAY 9, Sunday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport in Florence for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates
are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
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