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The ochre-hued hilltowns of Tuscany, Cinque Terre’s spectacular
coastal hamlets, and the cypress-clad harbors of the Italian Riviera are
the perfect settings for our stunning hiking and cultural adventure.
Experience these enchanting regions the WT way, with unique hikes,
bountiful picnics, wine tasting, and savoring the joys of Italian life and
culture. Between Tuscany and the sparkling sea, we visit private wine
cellars, hike to an organic farm, climb balcony trails, learn the secrets
of pesto-making, and have a private alfresco dinner at our own
exclusive villa. Our Trip Leaders bring this land to life for us every day,
sharing their passion for la dolce vita.
Day 1 Fiesole / Florence From Fiesole, overlooking
Florence, we hike to the gorgeous town of Settignano,
once home to the artist Michelangelo, with views
stretching down to Brunelleschi’s grand Duomo.
Days 2-3 Chianti / Casali Val di Chio / Cortona
The green hills, stone villages, and famous vineyards
of Chianti surround us on our hike (with a stop for
wine tasting!), and we explore the classic hill town of
Cortona of Under the Tuscan Sun fame. Our overnights
are in a Tuscan dream: stone-built villas that are part
of a 15th century private estate. We’ll be welcomed
to the olive orchards and the estate’s wine cellar for a
taste of its robust red wine.
Days 4-5 Pienza / San Gimignano / Volterra
We savor the beauty of medieval Pienza, hike to a
family farm for lunch, explore the Renaissance town
From Tuscany to the sea, we discover the beauty of Italy in the most exquisite settings imaginable. PHOTO: FRANCESCO RICCARDO IACOMINO
FRITS MEYST
PATRICK FRILET
FROM MEDIEVAL HILLTOWNS TO THE LIGURIAN SEA
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 54
of Montepulciano, and visit Etruscan Volterra. One hike
brings us through olive groves and fields of sunflowers
right through the gates of San Gimignano as the late
afternoon sun casts its glow on the medieval towers.
Days 6-7 Cinque Terre / Vernazza / Corniglia Our
trails lead through Cinque Terre’s vineyards to a chapel
overlooking the sea, and along the rocky coast from
impossibly picturesque Vernazza, with its brightly painted
homes and cobbled piazze, to tiny Corniglia, on a
promontory 300 feet above the Mediterranean.
Days 8-10 Italian Riviera / Portofino From elegant
Portofino, with its pastel-colored tower-houses, a balcony
trail brings us to the picturesque village of San Fruttuoso
for a seaside lunch—perhaps steamed mussels or fresh
grilled calamari—and a chance for a post-hike dip. Depart
on Day 10.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Fiesole, an ancient town overlooking
magnificent Florence
• Medieval hilltowns of Montepulciano,
Pienza, and San Gimignano
• Cliff-perched coastal villages of
Cinque Terre
• The Italian Riviera’s charming towns,
including elegant Portofino
• Delightful accommodations, including
a private estate owned by an Italian
noble family
DETAILS
• 10-day trip begins in Fiesole and ends
in Pisa
• 9 nights fine hotels, including a restored
palazzo
• All meals included except 2 dinners
DATES
May 1-10, 2018
May 23-Jun 1
Sep 5-14
Sep 19-28
TRIP COST
$5595 (11-14 members)
$6095 (4-10 members)
Single supplement: $1050
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A mix of easy to moderate walks and
hikes, 3-6 hours a day, van support, team
of up to 3 Trip Leaders