Itinerary
- Day 1
Pistoia
You'll arrive at your hotel in Pistoia this evening and meet your Holiday Director for a welcome meeting. This gives you a chance to settle in and get oriented before the walking starts tomorrow.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Day 2
Chianti - Vicchiomaggio Castle
Start with a 6 km walk through Chianti beginning at Badia a Passignano Monastery. You'll pass through vineyards and olive groves on your way to Vicchiomaggio Castle. Once there, tour the cellars and taste Chianti wines while having a light lunch on a terrace with views across the Tuscan countryside.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Light lunch on terrace at Vicchiomaggio Castle winery)
Included Activities
- Walk through Chianti region from Badia a Passignano Monastery to Vicchiomaggio Castle (6 km, 2.5 hours)
- Castle cellars tour
- Chianti wine tasting with light lunch on terrace
Landmarks Badia a Passignano Monastery Vicchiomaggio Castle - Day 3
Florence
Florence is on the agenda today, and you'll explore it on foot. Begin at Piazzale Michelangelo for city views, then walk through the centre discovering hidden treasures including a fine Romanesque church and the Porcellino covered market. The afternoon gives you free time to grab lunch and shop at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walk through Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo to city centre (10 km, 3 hours)
- View Romanesque church
- Visit Porcellino covered market
Landmarks Piazzale Michelangelo Porcellino Market - Day 4
Pistoia
This day is yours to relax at the hotel in Pistoia, or join an optional advanced mountain trek if you're up for it. The trek includes a cable car to Doganaccia (1,500 metres/4,921 feet), hiking through mountain meadows to Lake Scaffaiolo, a traditional lunch, and the option to cross a famous suspension bridge on the way back.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Advanced mountain trek: Cable car to Doganaccia, walk through meadows and mountain pastures to Lake Scaffaiolo (12 km, 4 hours)
- Traditional lunch at mountain location with dishes such as polenta with sausages or mushrooms and cheese
- Optional walk across suspension bridge (claimed to be the second-longest in the world)
Landmarks Lake Scaffaiolo - Day 5
Pistoia
You have a free day to rest at the hotel or spend time with fellow travelers. If you're interested, there's an optional walk from Fornello to Vinci where you'll explore Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace with a local guide and visit a museum displaying models of his inventive designs based on his drawings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional walk from Fornello to Vinci (9 km, 2.5 hours)
- Explore Vinci hilltop town with Local Guide
- Visit Leonardo da Vinci museum with models demonstrating concepts from his drawings
Landmarks Vinci - Day 6
Medici Villas - Poggio a Caiano - Carmignano
This day focuses on the Medici family and their influence during the Renaissance. You'll walk through the region and visit the Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano. After that, head to the medieval town of Carmignano in the Montalbano hills where you have free time for lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walk through Medici region learning about Medici family history (8 km, 3 hours)
- Visit Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano
- Explore medieval town of Carmignano
Landmarks Poggio a Caiano Villa Carmignano - Day 7
Pistoia
Another leisure day in Pistoia, or choose to join an optional excursion to the medieval fortified town of Lucca. If you go, you'll walk along the impressive walls and enjoy views of the town and its surroundings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Lucca medieval fortified town
- Walk along town walls
- View the surroundings from the walls
Landmarks Lucca - Day 8
Pistoia - Departure
Your tour ends today. You'll depart and say goodbye to your fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
