Italy — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

EUROPE ITALY On foot in Tuscany/Sophie Gilligan Chianti Classico TREKKING GRADE A/B Ref LTY NEW! Island of Elba & Classic Tuscany TREKKING GRADE B Ref EL JFMAMJJASOND JFMA JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 8 DAYS CENTRE-BASED IN AN HISTORIC TUSCAN VILLA 9 DAYS HOTELS/LODGE ISLAND OF ELBA, TUSCANY'S ROLLING HILLS AND THE DELIGHTS OF FLORENCE AND PISA Tuscany has long attracted poets, artists and philosophers who have fallen in love with the romantic cities, rolling landscapes and fine wines for which this region is famed. Staying in the heart of Chianti our tour includes easy day walks through the lush countryside; visits to evocative Florence and Siena; opportunities for wine tasting and ample time to relax. This one-week, centre-based tour allows you to enjoy the best of classical Tuscany. Tuscan Landscapes Nestled deep in the rolling countryside are lonely farmhouses bordered by rows of cypress trees; miles of quiet sandy tracks meander their way between vineyards and acres of forest; perched on scattered hill-tops are fortified towns such as Monteriggioni and the incredible medieval towers of San Gimignano. Our tour offers four markedly different walks through the region, allowing an overview of the classic landscapes that have been so inspirational to artists and travellers throughout time. Cities of the Renaissance No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to the beautiful cities of Siena and Florence. Steeped in art, culture and architecture, we include a day in each. Our visits allow ample free time to explore their rambling streets, cobbled squares and an unrivalled collection churches, galleries and museums. (Between 13-16 Aug there is the opportunity to see a Pako Horse race in Siena including practice races in Siena during the tour). Chianti Classico Ref LTY I T A LY Arn Pisa San Gimignano Medieval towers Treasures of Renaissance art Florence o Panzano Greve CASALTA Castellina in Chianti A tour that allows one to enjoy all aspects of the region of Tuscany. From the Icon of the leaning tower of Pisa to the Etruscan Coast and the Island of Elba with its wild lavender flowers on coastal hills and local delights. We then take the train to Florence for a final day of exploration and a chance to experience the works of art of maybe Botichelli or a Michelangelo painting or sculpture. Elba Elba, where Napoleon was sent in exile, is an excellent area to walk. After a short ferry ride, we alight at the pretty Tuscan town of Cavo for an introductory walk and some local wine tasting. The time on Elba includes walking the trail of the Grande Traversata Elbana through wild fields of rosemary and lavender towards Monte Grosso, where we find the remains of old lookouts used during the second world war. We then walk through wine estates and the olive groves to the top of Monte Orello (377m). From its peak we cross through old cork forests and then pass through some great chalk quarries and old mills as we walk the path on the main ridge line of the island. From Marina di Campo we walk along the coast before a climb to San Piero in Campo. Walking on, we pass the water mill of Moncione, old archaeological sites with roman and Etruscan remains and on to the top of Monte Capanne, the highest mountain on Elba, with spectacular panoramic view of the whole island. Tuscany The tour then heads into southern Tuscany, famed for its wine production. Our days walking in this area take us from the amazing vantage point of Montalcino and its view across the whole of the Val D'Orcia, through wild landscapes and vineyards. To the hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, where the centre of town includes the old thermal pool an opportunity soak in its clear waters. Then we head for Montichiello and Pienza, passing through the idyllic "picture postcard" Tuscan countryside with Cypress avenues and lone hilltop farm houses. Ending the walk in Montepulciano is a perfect way to finish the trip with a tour of the medici wine cellars of the town. Florence & Pisa There is a free day for group to explore the treasures of Florence including; the Uffizzi Art Gallery, the Academia to see David or the great Dome of the Duomo of Florence built by Brunellaschi. There are ample things to do and the time spent gives a taster for the delights of this beautiful city. With works or art at every turn, you can even pull away and relax in the Boboli gardens, or up on the Piazzale Michelangelo. T U S C A N Y LIGURIAN SEA 0 Castelvecchio Sienese Citadel Siena Historic city km 50 Walks in classical Tuscany Traditional Tuscan Villa We stay in Casalta, the views from which are of vineyards and ancient woodland and a great panorama of the town of Castellina in Chianti, 15min away by foot. A recently converted old borgo, or village, with large villa, small outhouses and chapel, Casalta has its own grounds, with a rich ambience and history behind its location. The group will stay in the main villa of Casalta, all rooms with ensuite facilities and antique Tuscan furniture. There is a relaxing lounge and terrace at the villa from where we can relax in the sun or swim in the pool. Ideally located for taking short walks, visiting nearby Castellina and heading to the cities, our villas swimming pool makes it a great place to take days off, relax and soak up the Tuscan sun. Island Of Elba & Classic Tuscany Ref EL S E A Pisa FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Pisa; time in Pisa; transfer by ferry to the Island of Elba. 2 to 4 Full days walking on the Island of Elba. 5 Ferry back to the mainland and full day walking in the Tuscan Hills; bus transfer via Vetulonia Etruscan remains & wine tasting en route to Montalcino. 6 Full day walking; transfer to hotel in Bagno Vignoni, time to enjoy hot springs and thermal pool. 7 Full day walking through local wine areas to Montepulciano. 8 AM train to Florence and full day sightseeing. 9 Transfer to airport; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 8nts hotel; 8 breakfasts & 5 lunches included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Charter bus/On foot/Local bus/ Train/Ferry. Comment: Some long walks and sections of terrain that may require some scrambling. Walks can be tailored to the group. Although walks on Elba are relatively long days, with up to 7 hours walking. Walks in Southern Tuscany are up to 6hrs in duration, with similar and easier trails and walking paths. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus locally organised drivers. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. FACTFILE Duomo of Florence/Roger Coates Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Pisa; drive Castellina in Chianti. 2 Valley walk through local villages close in the Radda area, optional wine tasting tour. 3 Walks around San Gimignano and, after, around the Monteriggimi quintessential Tuscany. 4 Day visit to Siena. 5 Morning walk through Panzano in Chianti region near Greve. 6 Day visit to Florence. 7 Easy day walk with distant views of San Gimigriano and Siena. 8 Drive Pisa airport; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts traditional Tuscan villa with excellent facilities, including swimming pool; 7 breakfasts & 3 lunches included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot. Comment: An easy-paced centre-based tour, with a healthy balance between included activities and free time to enjoy gentle walks, cultural cities, interesting villages, fine wine or just a laze by the poolside. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus support vehicle. Group Size: Approx. 10 to 16. A rno FLORENCE Explore city of Renaissance art & architecture T Y R R E A N T U S C A N Y ITALY MONTEPULCIANO MONTALCINO Piombino Follonica MARCIANA MARINA CAVO BAGNO VIGNONI Vetulonia Hot springs PORTO Castiglione MARINA AZZURRO dello Pescaila DI CAMPO km 0 50 For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk 27

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