ItalyTourTravel

The Tuscan Miracle

Day 1
Arrival Day - Florence - Siena; 4 miles, easy to moderate with elevation gain of 150 feet
We depart Florence on foot, ascending a lovely lane to the church of San Miniato al Monte which commands a stunning view over the city and its valley. Our route follows the meandering Via San Leonardo past elegant private villas and gardens to the hilltop village of Pian de’ Giullari, or ‘field of minstrels’, where Galileo lived and worked in the 17th century. We continue through the hills reaching our final destination, one of the finest of all Tuscan Romanesque basilicas and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. San Miniato, built in 1013 by Bishop Hildebrand, holds exquisite artworks by some of the most celebrated Renaissance masters.  After visiting the church, we transfer to Siena and check into our first hotel. Here we enjoy a welcome cocktail in thegarden before feasting on succulent regional specialties this evening.
Hotel Santa Caterina, Siena

Day 2
San Giusto - Castello di Brolio; 6-8 miles, easy to moderate with an elevation gain of 600 feet; 2-hour historic city walking tour of Siena
After breakfast we have a short bus transfer to the start of our scenic stroll through the most classic of Tuscan landscapes, the Chianti region. Today’s itinerary offers uninterrupted, 360-degree views as we walk the country lane between two celebrated wineries: San Giusto alle Monache and Castello di Brolio. A brief ascent (castles were usually built on hilltops!) brings us to Brolio’s extensive grounds which we explore one step at a time. The view from the South Terrace, over the formal gardens to Siena and beyond, is one of the most famous in Italy. Following our visit, we continue to the nearby village of Villa a Sesta, where we enjoy lunch in a delightful country tavern. Before heading back to Siena after lunch, we may enjoy more spectacular views as we walk out of town along a ridge through the valley looking back on places we have just visited and keeping Siena in sight off in the distance. Late this afternoon we join our special guest lecturer for a brilliant introduction to Siena, its history, and its art.
This evening dinner is served in a characteristic Tuscan restaurant in the heart of town.Hotel Santa Caterina, Siena

Day 3
Castel Petraia-Monteriggioni; 5-8 miles, easy to moderate options
We begin with a short drive through rolling countryside to the medieval fortress of Castel Petraia, a fortified manor at the foot of Monte Maggio, the extinct volcano whose wooded slopes separate the valley of the river Elsa from Siena and its plain. Here a peaceful two-hour walk loops around the foot of the mountain through Mediterranean macchia (shrub) and fields of iron-rich red soil (from which the pigment known as raw Siena is drawn) to the castle of Monteriggioni. This imposing, circular fortress, likened by Dante to a stone crown upon its hill, was built by the Sienese to guard the border with Florence. Although we ascend a very steep, but short (10 minute) walk into the castle we are rewarded by browsing the village shops, which include a fine erboristoria (herb shop), sipping a cappuccino in the main square, and enjoying a casual panino (sandwich) lunch in one of the town’s cafes.

For those who would like a longer, three-hour walk, we may pick up another trail on Monte Maggio and head towards the Casa Gubileo which once served as headquarters of the partisan resistance movement during WWII. This option takes us through the woods on parts of the medieval Via Francigena, one of the most important pilgrim routes of the time. Eventually, our walk follows that of the rest of the group and we meet up in Monteriggioni. You will have time for a quick panino and a stroll of the village before heading out for San Gimignano. Upon arrival in San Gimignano we will have time for a rest before meeting again for a walk of this historic town. We will talk about the importance of the ‘town of the lovely towers’ in the Middle Ages, visit the cathedral which is home to one of the most beautiful cycles of 13th- and 14th- century frescoes, walk up to the fortress for a bird’s eye view of the towers, and stroll the alleyways.  This evening we enjoy dinner in the restaurant of Hotel La Cisterna while looking out over panoramic views of the valley.
La Cisterna Hotel, San Gimignano

Day 4
San Gimignano – Ruins of Castelvecchio; 6-12 miles moderate with a more challenging afternoon option; elevation gain of 600 feet
Today we leave San Gimignano on a road that gives us our first views of the town’s spectacular towers. The imposing and lofty skyline gives us an appreciation of the effect the sight must have had on medieval pilgrims. We continue our walk through rolling countryside planted with olives and grape vines and continue to the village
of San Donato to enjoy a farmhouse lunch al fresco. The farm is a family-run business that produces its own Vernaccia, Chianti, and olive oil. After lunch you may return to San Gimignano to browse shops, visit museums, or climb the highest tower!

For those who would like to participate in the afternoon walk, this hearty meal will have nourished us for our visit to Castelvecchio, one of the last places in Tuscany to be hit by the Black Death of 1348. This terrifying outbreak of the bubonic plague took approximately two out of every three lives in Europe. When word reached neighboring towns that Castelvecchio had been infected, troops were sent to surround the village so that no one might enter or leave. After a few months, when the inhabitants were believed dead, a reconnaissance patrol discovered that the castle was empty. The villagers had apparently fled by a secret passage. The town was never inhabited again but today we are able to explore the ruins. This evening you are free for dinner and may choose from either a simple pizzeria, a bustling trattoria or an elegant restaurant.
La Cisterna Hotel, San Gimignano

Day 5
San Gimignano - Castellina in Chianti; 4 miles, easy
Leaving its lofty stone towers behind, we once again depart San Gimignano on foot as we set off on a road that almost wraps around the village. We get our last look at San Gimignano, its panorama never ceasing to delight our senses. After about two hours of sweeping views over the Elsa Valley, we meet our driver who is waiting to take us
to lunch at a local winery. In the late afternoon we reach our next home outside the town of Castellina in Chianti, a pleasant village with a 15th-century castle, magnificently situated on a ridge top 1800 feet above sea level. Our hotel for the next two nights, a grand, 19th-century villa in the countryside, awaits our arrival. Tonight we are treated to a wonderful dinner in a special restaurant in Castellina.
Villa Casalecchi, Castellina in Chianti

Day 6
Castellina - Radda-in-Chianti; 6-12 miles, moderate
Today’s walk starts in the tiny village of Fonterutoli, one of the oldest wine making estates in Tuscany. After a stroll through the hamlet, we set off for our walk along ancient paths lined with verdant woodlands, through some of the wilder countryside in Chianti. Little has changed since these paths were traveled centuries ago by the Romans, and before them by the Etruscans. We see an Etruscan tomb and glimpse a magnificent Romanesque castle and church, both dating from around the year 1000.
After being treated to a lunch of true Tuscan specialties, fresh pastas, and homemade soups, in a cozy country restaurant, we continue our walk toward Radda. The next part of the walk leads us once again through vineyards to the tiny church of San Giusto. Here we pause for a brief visit in the coolness of this thousand-year old church while admiring its simple elegance and grace. Upon arrival at our final destination, Radda in Chianti, we may explore this lovely town’s interesting architectural features or celebrate the final walk with a gelato! A festive farewell dinner awaits us this evening at our villa.Villa Casalecchi, Castellina in Chianti

Day 7
Departure - Florence
After breakfast we escort you to Florence and bid farewell as we reflect on new found friendships and the spirit that is Tuscany.

Itinerary Changes

Journey Highlights

	Visits to Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni
	Ancient Etruscan routes and artifacts
	Beautiful countryside dotted with cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards
	Italian history, art and architecture Chianti wine region
	Fine hotels and a countryside villa
	Easy to moderate terrain
	Average of 4-12 miles per day, with shorter and longer options on most days

Price: $3,098

Departure Dates:
     April 28, 2003    May 5,2003     May 12,2003    May 19, 2003    May 26, 2003   
    June 16, 2003    June 23, 2003  September 1, 2003    September 8, 2003   
    September 15, 2003    September 22, 2003    September 29, 2003
    October 6, 2003    October 13, 2003    October 20, 2003

Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.

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