ItalyTourTravel

Hiking in Tuscany & Umbria

In Europe, living well is nearly an art form. And nobody does it quite like the Italians! History and spirit meet with the land to create a vibrant nation of warmth and brio - an exuberance and love of life you can't help but fall in love with.

We've chosen two of our favorite regions to showcase this enviable talent: Tuscany, amazing for its light and for the landscapes crafted by generations of toiling Tuscans (it is, some say, simply perfect); and Umbria, considered the spiritual heart of Italy, close to Tuscany geographically, but culturally and historically unique. Our adventure here introduces you to the best of both: the historical and visual, the cultural and aesthetic, plus the gustatory delights of the celebrated food and wine - all in the company of expert guides who would like nothing better than to show you the region they call home.

New for 2003! You can now lengthen your Tuscany & Umbria adventure with an exciting four-day cooking extension. See the detailed itinerary for more information.

What's Included

What's Included

• expert leadership
   
• accommodations
   
• meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
   
• airport transfers
   
• sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
   
• ground transportation
   
• additional guides where necessary
   
• entrance fees and permits
   
• basic medical and evacuation insurance

  What's Not
  International airfare; meals not noted on itinerary; insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance noted above (we strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, which includes trip cancellation insurance); optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; cost of medical immunizations; items of a personal nature (sodas, wine at dinner, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

  Air Travel Options
  Air carriers impose strict ceilings on the special fares we are permitted to offer our travelers. With so many choices of air carriers and special promotional fares through newspapers, travel agents, and the Internet, not to mention "frequent flyer" miles, we suggest you call your local travel agent or the airline directly. We'll be happy to provide you with a list of toll-free numbers for some of the major air carriers after you sign up.

  Note - Please check with us before purchasing your air tickets. We need to ensure we have enough participants to operate the trip.

  Tier Pricing
  Adventure travel works best with a small group of people. In order to operate these small groups, our trips are priced according to the number of full-price passengers on the trip. (Tour Companystaff, trip doctors, and other discounted travelers are excluded from the count for this purpose.) We initially invoice you at the highest tier level price (the smallest group size we can operate). If the price drops due to an increase in group size, you will be refunded the difference.

What to Expect

Expert Leadership
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you'd never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You'll be in good hands with them every step of the way. Although leader assignments are subject to change, Silvia Giacon leads many of these trips. Silvia is a native Italian who lives in Venice. She is an architect by trade, and her knowledge of history, culture, and architecture is priceless and adds an extra dimension to the trip. When given the least amount of time, Silvia will find a way to travel. For the last 15 years, she has led tour groups throughout France and Italy.

Leader assignments will be confirmed in the Final Bulletin sent to you three weeks prior to departure.

Activity Level
Tour Company trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. The walks and hikes on this trip are moderate in nature and most range between three and five hours in length. Some are along unpaved country roads, others on wooded or mountain trails. Highest elevation reached is about 4,000 feet.

You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy this trip, with adequate muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and good balance. The level of fitness and endurance needed requires regular aerobic exercise at least one hour three to four times per week, performing moderate intensity hiking, cycling, swimming, or other forms of cardiovascular exercise. You must be able to hike four to six hours a day for at least two consecutive days and be comfortable hiking on rough terrain.

If you are not optimally conditioned, we recommend that you start a training program at least three months before departure, gradually increasing the intensity and duration. If your health is questionable or your physical stamina is limited, please discuss other trip options with us.

Seasonal Considerations
Italy benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It typically has hot summers and cooler springs and autumns. We offer this tour during the seasonal period when the weather is best suited for outdoor hiking. Daytime temperatures range from the 70s to 80s, with cooler temperatures in the evening. Though rain is always possible, it is most likely to come as passing showers.

Then Leave the Rest to Us
Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice prepared by our consulting physician (an expert in wilderness medicine), and other details.

Why Tour Company is Your First Choice for Adventure
Tour Company is the pioneer in active adventure travel. No other adventure travel company can lay claim to that title. We were the first to take Americans trekking in Nepal, raft the wild rivers of Africa, and open up many previously inaccessible corners of the world to curious travelers. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.

With Mountain Travel Sobek, you'll see Tuscany and Umbria as only an insider can, with friendly, hospitable guides who know the region intimately. They'll accompany you throughout the day, lending support and insights about where you are and what you see. Their close familiarity with the local geography, history, culture and traditions (plus their entertaining stories and great jokes) are the key to a superb, informative experience-one you just can't get on your own.

Note on Itinerary
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Please read the Limitations of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 ~ Fly to Italy
Leave your hometown and fly to Florence, Italy, arriving on Day 2.

DAY 2 ~ Florence - Greve in Chianti
Upon arrival in Florence, you'll meet with the trip leader and the group at 1:30 p.m. at the Hotel Villa Liberty, about a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. After a short trip orientation, we'll drive to the hills of southern Chianti to Greve in Chianti, the wine capital of the region. From here we'll take a walk to Montefioralle, a hilltop village overlooking the valley. Montefioralle, one of the most interesting villages of the Chianti District, is the hometown of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the great Florentine navigator and explorer of the Hudson River. Toward the end of the Middle Ages many people left here to establish new homes around the market that later became the town of Greve. In the late afternoon we'll visit the Castello di Uzzano, one of the strongest fortifications of the Greve Valley, which was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Nowadays the Castello di Uzzano produces a modern Chianti Classico "Gallo Nero" (a designation of quality). After a delicious homemade dinner at the home of professional cooking instructors, we'll return to Florence. (2 hours hiking.)
D…Hotel Villa Liberty, Florence

DAY 3 ~ Colle Val d'Elsa - San Gimignano
Transfer to the walled medieval town of Colle Val d'Elsa, renowned as the heart of the crystal industry in Italy. We'll take a walking tour of the old part of the town, and visit the workshop of Boreno Cigni, one of the best crystal makers. From Colle Val d'Elsa, we'll take a pleasant walk toward San Gimignano. We'll enjoy lunch near San Gimignano and take a tour of this small romantic old town with its 13 towers that remain from medieval times. The cathedral contains precious frescoes by Ghirlandaio illustrating the life of Santa Fina, the patron Saint of San Gimignano. Afterwards, we drive to San Lucchese, a small village above Poggibonsi, to stay at the Hotel Villa San Lucchese, a beautifully restored 16th-century villa with a beautiful garden and year-round swimming pool. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel San Lucchese. (3 hours hiking.)
B,L,D…Hotel San Lucchese, San Lucchese

DAY 4 ~ Volterra
Volterra (ancient Velhri) was one of the 12 city-states of the Etruscan nation and has been famous for alabaster working since the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. We will have a chance to visit a contemporary alabaster workshop and the superb Museum Guarnacci, which hosts one of the most important collections of Etruscan art, most notably the spectacular "Deposition" by Rosso Fiorentino (1495-1540). We'll then transfer to Val di Cecina and hike around the area of the "Saline di Volterra," a place where salt was extracted in ancient times. It's a reminder that salt was considered one of the most precious riches during the Middle Ages. Return to the Hotel San Lucchese for dinner and overnight. (3-4 hours hiking.)
B,L,D…Hotel San Lucchese, San Lucchese

DAY 5 ~ Siena
Transfer to Siena for a guided tour of this beautiful medieval city, the eternal rival of Florence. We will see how the traditional neighborhood affiliations (Contrade), dating back to ancient times, are still an important part of contemporary life, culminating in the impressive "Palio," the famous horse race. We'll tour the main sites, ending the visit in the central Piazza, Il Campo, for lunch on your own and some time to do a little shopping (Siena is known for its beautiful ceramics).

In the mid-afternoon, we will drive southeast through the "Crete Senesi," a geological clay formation that prevents much growth and gives the land a barren, desert look. Our destination is Pienza, a beautiful Renaissance jewel overlooking the Orcia Valley. The town, originally called Corsignano, took its name after Pope Pius II, who was born here as Enea Silvio Piccolomini. The architect Rossellino planned the town following the example of the "Ideal City," so loved by the Humanism culture. Along the way we will stop at the charming medieval town of Bagno Vignoni, famous since Roman times for its thermal baths. Our hotel is an ancient 15th-century convent transformed into a Hotel Relais. Dinner at the exclusive hotel restaurant. (2-3 hours walking.)
B,D…Il Chiostro di Pienza, Pienza

DAY 6 ~ Montalcino
Morning visit of the Piccolomini Palazzo, then transfer to the 13th-century abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, one of the main Benedectine monasteries. Here we'll admire the famous frescoes of Sodoma and Signorelli depicting the life of St. Benedict on the walls of the cloister. From the Abbey we will walk to Chiusure and on to Buonconvento, from where we'll drive to nearby Montalcino for a tasting of Brunello wine. Return to Pienza. Dinner on your own. (3 hours hiking.)
B,L…Hotel Il Chiostro di Pienza, Pienza

Note - As an alternative to visiting Monte Oliveto Maggiore, we can take a beautiful hike in Monte Amiata Park, home to the highest mountain of southern Tuscany. We will still conclude with the wine tasting in Montalcino.

DAY 7 ~ To Umbria - Lake Trasimeno
Leaving Tuscany we move southeast toward Umbria, often called the "green and spiritual heart" of Italy. Its hilly, forested countryside exudes a slightly wild aspect, making it perfect for hikes among ancient farmhouses and abundant orchards, olive groves and fertile vineyards. Its soft, misty light is portrayed in the paintings of Raphael, who apprenticed here. Classic medieval hill towns crammed with artistic and architectural treasures rise up steep hillsides to reveal a historical past and provide an interesting counterfoil to our countryside rambles.

A short transfer will take us to Castiglione del Lago, sitting on a promontory on the west side of Lake Trasimeno. The lake is famous since Roman times: during his march on Rome in 217 B.C., the Carthaginian general Hannibal, accompanied by a large army and a number of elephants, defeated the Romans in the Battle of Trasimeno. The lake is now part of a regional park and shelters some rare species of birds.

We then transfer to the little village of Paciano on the southern shore of the lake and walk to the summit of Monte Pausillo through a magnificent natural reserve full of chestnut and oak trees. We continue to the charming village of Panicale, with its picture-postcard views of the lake. Transfer to Perugia, a splendid city of Etruscan origin. (It is called "the pink city" because of the color of its marble.) We'll enjoy a tasty fish dinner at a local restaurant. (3 hours hiking.)
B,L,D…Locanda della Posta, Perugia

DAY 8 ~ Assisi - Spello
In Umbria you'll find the country's mystical soul. The area is steeped in religion and is known as la terra dei santi, the "land of saints," since it's the homeland of St. Benedict and St. Francis of Assisi. We drive along the strada antica, the ancient pilgrimage road that, according to legend, St. Francis walked before meeting his death in Assisi. Upon arrival in Assisi, we'll visit the Basilica Inferiore, the recently restored Superiore, and we will enjoy the beautiful Giotto frescoes. After a little more exploring in town, we'll proceed to the Eremo delle Carceri at 2,300 feet, where St. Francis used to meditate and admire the beautiful views. Continuing up to the Rifugio Stazzi (4,000') we enter Subasio Regional Park and make a loop back to Assisi.

On our way back to Perugia, we will stop in Spello for an opportunity to taste several of the local wines, including the well-known blackberry-flavored Sagrantino. Spello has retained its Roman origins more than any other Umbrian city. The Portas (or entrances) of Venere, Urbica, and Consolare are the original entrance gates to the interior of this ancient city. After an optional walking tour of the town, we will return to Perugia for dinner on your own. (4 hours hiking).
B,L…Hotel Locanda della Posta, Perugia

DAY 9 ~ Bevagna - Montefalco - Spoleto
Transfer by van to the beautiful walled city of Bevagna. Here we'll visit an old Cartiera, where paper is produced following ancient techniques. From Bevagna, we hike across fields and vineyards to the town of Montefalco, from where we can enjoy balcony views of Spello, Assisi, and in the far off distance, Perugia. While here we'll also visit the Museum of the Convent of St. Francis, which holds the well-known fresco paintings of Benozzo Gozzoli. En route to Spoleto, we'll stop at a Marfuga farmhouse (producer of olive oil) for an olive oil tasting. Overnight at Hotel Gattapone, located just in front of the spectacular Ponte delle Torri (bridge of towers) in Spoleto. (3 hours hiking.)
B,D…Hotel Gattapone, Spoleto

DAY 10 ~ l'Eremita
After an early morning visit of Spoleto, we'll drive 30 minutes to the village of Macerino, passing through what was once called Terre Arnolfe, the territory encompassing the towns of Terni, Cesi, Acquasparta, and Spoleto, which were once owned by Arnolfo, a Longobard duke. (The Longobards were a Germanic people who invaded Italy during the 5th century. They ruled Italy for more than 100 years and the Duchy of Spoleto was established by the Longobards in 571.) From Macerino, we'll hike through thick woods of chestnuts and oaks toward the l'Eremita complex, the place where St. Francis first wrote the sublime "Cantico delle Creature." Here we will meet Brother Bernardino, who has restored the once-abandoned hermitage. From l'Eremita we descend to Poggio Azzuano, which overlooks the beautiful Roman ruins of Carsulae. Farewell dinner with the group. (4 hours hiking.)
B,L,D…Hotel Gattapone, Spoleto

DAY 11 ~ Fly home
Transfer two hours to the Rome airport and depart on homeward-bound flights. We can also drop you off at the local railway station for travel to other parts of Italy or Europe.
B…

Make the Most of Your Adventure! Pre-trip Cooking Extension
What better way to sample a slice of paradise? Before your trip, learn to combine nature’s bounty, art, and Italian culture with the glories of the table-the very essence of Tuscany! The Locanda Le Piazze, an ancient restored Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by olive trees, cypresses, swimming pool, and herb gardens, is the setting for a cooking experience fit for a Renaissance lord. Our cooking adventure will be inspired under the contagious enthusiasm of Olivia Greco, a gifted chef who has lived and worked in Rome, Florence, Mexico, the US, and London. She has lived in Tuscany for the last 15 years. Since gaining a level of international notoriety with the London-based “Books for Cooks in Tuscany,” Olivia offers cooking courses throughout Europe and the States.

During our stay, we will be introduced to a variety of traditional Tuscan dishes, including pastas, sauces, vegetable dishes, breads, and desserts (you will take home all the recipes!). In addition to visiting a local market in Greve, a local olive oil producer, and Chianti vintner, we’ll have plenty of time to relax, hike, and take it all in. On the last day of your pre-trip extension you will be transferred to Florence to join the rest of your hiking group.

In-country dates (do not include travel time from U.S.): May 11-14, May 25-28, Sep 7-10, Sep 21-24 (you will meet the group tour on the last day). From $1350. Single supplement $300. Minimum 4 members.

11 Days (10 in Italy)

8 days moderate hiking on hilly terrain

9 nights hotels

May 13 - May 23, 2003
May 27 - Jun 06, 2003
Sep 09 - Sep 19, 2003
Sep 23 - Oct 03, 2003

$3490 (11-16 members)
$3690 (6-10 members)
$459 single supplement