Colors of Tuscany

8 days - from $2395

A wonderful walking adventure through the heart of Tuscany

This journey takes you into the heart of the 'real,' Tuscany. The image so often lauded in film and print of a bucolic Tuscan paradise still genuinely exists and is the essence of this week-long experience.

Florence is the starting point of our tour, a treasure-trove of art, history and architecture that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We also visit Siena, arguably Italy’s most enchanting medieval city, with its splendid redbrick streets and elegant public square set in the shadow of the glorious Palazzo Pubblico.

We then trade the grandeur of these Renaissance cities for the beautiful iconic Tuscan countryside. We base ourselves at our wonderful 'agriturismo,' accommodation nestled on a farm estate in the rolling hills between Siena and Volterra, a location that delivers the true epitome of what Tuscany has to offer – peerless views, undulating landscapes speckled with rustic villas and a network of scenic trails.

Highlights include a visit to the celebrated town and signature towers of San Gimignano and as a interesting counterpoint we explore the charming medieval walled village of Colle di Val d'Elsa all but unknown to mass tourism. We explore the hilltop village of Volterra, an important Etruscan settlement rich in history possessing a relaxed ambiance and perfect marriage of ancient, medieval and contemporary attractions. From Volterra we enjoy walks that deliver both magnificent scenery and traditional way-of-life in equal measure. You may just feel as though you are caught in the cross-hairs of a cinematographers lens as we explore the true ‘Colours of Tuscany’.

Highlights

• Tuscan towns and villages
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval Siena

Itinerary:

Day 1: Florence2: Florence3: Florence - Siena - Volterra4: Volterra5: Volterra - Monte Volltraio6: Volterra - Colle Val d'Elsa - San Gimignano7: San Gimignano and surrounds8: End Poggibonsi
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): city tour of Siena; San Gimignano; Convent of Monte Oliveto, Colle Val d’Elsa; Volterra’s Etruscan walls; medieval village of Montecatini; and Villa Palagione.

• Guided walks including: through the countryside near San Gimignano, to the town of Colle Val d’Elsa via Villa Il Convento and hamlet of Bibbiano; along an ancient Etruscan road near Volterra, passing Prato d’Era, Etruscan Acropolis and the Roman theatre; and towards Monte Voltraio.

• 2 nights ‘Feature Stay’ in an agriturismo overlooking San Gimignano, enjoying home cooked meals.

• Free time to explore Siena, San Gimignano, Colle Val d’Elsa and Volterra.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure taxes, visa fees, insurance (compulsory on all trips), additional meals, drinks, optional additional tours/activities/entrance fees during free time, tips and spending of a personal nature, city/tourist tax in San Gimignano.