Guided Walking holiday in Tuscany
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A relaxed walking holiday where we stay for a week in beautiful villa accommodation in the heart of Chianti. Podere Patrignone is a delightful family-owned and run 15th century villa in the Tuscan countryside between Siena and Florence. Enjoying an idyllic, peaceful location, the villa is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and woodland – all part of the estate.
This guided walking holiday brings you the best of Chianti. Experience superb guided hikes taking you off the beaten track. Visit Tuscan gardens and castles, drop in to wine estates, chat to the winemakers and taste their wines and olive oil. Enjoy delicious meals, accompanied by fabulous local wines, showcasing the wonderful fresh produce that is at the heart of Tuscan cooking. Private cooking demonstration at the villa from a local Tuscan chef.
What is included?
- 7 nights accommodation at Podere Patrignone
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
- All meals including wine.
- Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route
- Dinner in a variety of superb restaurants.
- Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please
- Transport to/from Pisa in air-conditioned minibus
- Comprehensive pre-trip information.
- Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
Itinerary
Sunday
Meet Pisa Airport at 1pm. Drive(2 hours) to Podere Patrignone where we stay for 7 nights. Time to settle in and relax before we meet for a welcome drink in the gardens followed by a delicious home-cooked dinner in our private dining room.
Monday
Our walk from Patrignone takes us through woods and past small farms and wine estates. We stop for a guided visit and tasting at Isola e Olena, a small yet highly regarded producer of Chianti Classico. Picnic amongst the vines before continuing to Patrignone. Leisurely afternoon before visiting the village of Castellina in Chianti for dinner in a local Trattoria.
Tuesday
Walk in the wooded hills of the Montagnola west of Siena, past the Renaissance gardens of Villa Cetinale and the beautiful garden at Celsa Castle. Picnic in the open countryside with views across to the towers of Siena. Return to Patrignone where a guest chef will come and give a cookery demonstration of Tuscan cuisine, with plenty of opportunity for hands-on involvement, before preparing dinner.
Wednesday
Free morning at Patrignone. Explore the estate with a self-guided walk or relax by the pool. Later in the day we drive to Siena and have time to explore this beautiful medieval gem of a city before a wonderful dinner in the heart of the city.
Thursday
Starting above the village of Radda-in-Chianti we climb up to the ridge of Monti dei Chianti and the highest point in the region, Monte San Michele. From here you have views to the Arno valley and beyond to the ridge of the Appenine Mountains. Fabulous lunch at the renowned Ristorante Lamole high in the Chianti hills before returning to Patrignone. Time to relax before a light dinner al fresco at Patrignone.
Friday
Visit one of the oldest churches in Chianti near the village of Panzano in Chianti before walking through vineyards and woodlands to a local organic farm. Taste their wines and olive oil before a picnic lunch on the estate. In the afternoon, opportunity to continue on foot to the market town of Greve-in-Chianti. Dinner at a lively restaurant in a nearby village.
Saturday
Magnificent final walk in Tuscany in the more rugged region of Eastern Chianti. We pass through perfectly preserved villages en route to the magnificent Brolio Castle, owned by the Ricasoli family since the 11th century. Brolio Castle provides stunning views to Siena, the Tuscan Crete to the south and to the Chianti hills to the west. Visit the gardens and family chapel before returning to Patrignone. Gala dinner in a superb local restaurant.
Sunday
Return to Pisa Airport for 11am.
Walking
Shortest day: 9km
Longest day: 20km
There are 5 days of walking on the trip. We walk on strade bianche (gravel roads), through vineyards, along woodland tracks and quiet tarmac roads. There is always van support with the opportunity to walk a half-day and spend the afternoon at Podere Patrignone. This area of Tuscany is one of rolling hills with some significant ups and downs. Sturdy walking boots, with good ankle support, are recommended. Walking poles would be an advantage, especially on steeper sections.
Weather:
Spring and autumn are delightful times to walk in Tuscany. Warm, sunny days with cooler mornings and evenings.
May: Max 24° Min 15°. Rainfall 55mm
June: Max 27° Min 18°. Rainfall 55mm
Sept: Max 24° Min 18°. Rainfall 55mm
click map to enlarge
Dates:
26th April –3rd May
31st May –7th June
6th – 13th September
Cost:
€2145
The price represents the true cost of your holiday. No hidden extras.
(Australia) +61 (03) 5755 2307 
