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italy
southern tuscany
InDEpEnDEnT
8 days, Siena to Pienza
Departs daily from Apr - Oct itiNerary... Days 1-2 siena to lucignano One of Italys most enchanting cities, Siena is a perfectly preserved medieval centre. Take time to wander through the narrow alleyways for a sense of Tuscany in the days of old. Then leave the romance of Siena behind, heading south, across the open hills to Lucignano. Day
Physical culture shock
3 lucignano to Buonconvento This walk passes vineyards and olive groves with views down to the Arbia and Ombrone valleys, making for a quintessentially Tuscan day. A side trip to see the magnificent frescoes of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is highly recommended. Days 4-5 Buonconvento to Montalcino After strolling through the famous vineyards of Brunello, a rest day in the pretty town of Montalcino affords plenty of time to sample the local vino. Set high above the Orcia Valley, there are plenty of wonderful views to accompany your wine. If perusing local architecture sounds enticing, pay a visit to the towns 14th century castle. Day 6 Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni Admire the superb Romanesque church of SantAntimo before continuing on through the Orcia Valley to Bagno Vignoni for a well-deserved soak in the Roman thermal baths. Days 7-8 Bagno Vignoni to Pienza The final days walk travels across farmland to Pienza, a wonderful example of Renaissance town planning and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is the option of finishing the journey here among Pienzas wonderful churches and piazzas, or extending the walking adventure to Montepulciano, set upon a lofty ridge of volcanic rock, high above the rolling Tuscan hills.
accoMMoDatioN Bed & breakfasts (7 nts) Meals 7 Breakfasts BuDGet Allow EU¬280 for meals not included DeParts Daily from 1 Apr - 24 Oct Notes This is a self-guided walking tour along a continuous route. Departure is subject to availability and is on request. This trip is also available as a 5 day itinerary and as a 5 or 8 day cycling itinerary. You can choose standard or superior accommodation traVeller ratiNG Not applicable as this is a new itinerary
triP coDe
" Walk from medieval siena to Pienza " see southern tuscanys superb art and architecture " experience the fine wines of the region
Tuscan countryside, Italy
ZAS
a taste of italy
COmFORT
15 days, Venice to Rome
itiNerary... Days 1-2 Venice Work up an appetite for Venetos specialties - creamy risotto or polenta - by exploring the narrow Single supplement available *plus Local Payment EU¬300
Physical culture shock
streets around the Grand Canal and climbing the bell tower on the island of San Giorgio. Day 3 Modena Visit an acetaia, where families produce the finest aged balsamic vinegar available. The vinegar is made in the eaves of family homes. Stock up on some bottles because once you have tasted it, theres no going back. Days 4-5 cinque terre Take in spectacular views of craggy cliffs and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, walking the coastal path that joins these five pretty pastel villages. Days 6-7 Pisa and Florence Once youve marvelled at the Leaning Tower, look for a taste of Tuscany in its capital. Theres plenty of opportunity to explore the romantic outdoor museum that is Florence and later, enjoy the great variety of excellent restaurants, pavement cafes and bars. Days 8-9 Perugia and spello Beautifully preserved medieval Perugia is a charming base for exploring the delicacies of Umbria. Take a day trip to the nearby town of Spello to sample fine local wine and food specialities at a quaint enoteca. Days 10-12 Naples and sorrento Judge if the pizza in Naples is really the worlds best, before visiting the seaside city of Sorrento. Visit the fantastically preserved ruins of ancient Pompeii and the mighty volcano that created them. Days 13-15 rome Grab a gelato and stroll through the streets of the Eternal City. Take snapshots of the enormous Colosseum, be awed by the Pantheon and be sure to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return.
Tuscan lunch - Natalie Kidd accoMMoDatioN Hotels (14 nts) traNsPort Train, vaporetto, local bus, metro, walking GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals 14 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners BuDGet Allow EU¬525 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sat GuaraNtee Subject to min 4 traVeller ratiNG Not applicable as this is a new itinerary start 2008 17 May 31 May 14 Jun 28 Jun 05 Jul 12 Jul 26 Jul Finish 31 May 14 Jun 28 Jun 12 Jul 19 Jul 26 Jul 09 Aug 09 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Sep 11 Oct 25 Oct 23 Aug 06 Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Sep 04 Oct 11 Oct 25 Oct 08 Nov 2009 04 Apr 18 Apr 02 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 Jun 13 Jun 18 Apr 02 May 16 May 30 May 06 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun 27 Jun 20 Jun 04 Jul 27 Jun 11 Jul
" explore the villages of the cinque terre " Wander around the outdoor museum of Florence " indulge in umbrian delicacies at a traditional enoteca
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