Exploration of Tuscany and Umbria - A Walking and Touring Experience
Monday 25th May - 4th June 2020.
Day 1. Monday May 25th.
Arrive and settle in. Explore the farmhouse area and perhaps a dip in the pool!! A welcome dinner at night.
Day 2. Tuesday May 26th.
A warm up walk at Montecchio in the morning and a trip to the beautiful hill top town of Cortona overlooking the Val Di Chiana
In the afternoon.
Day 3. Wed May 27th.
Today we travel to Castel Rigone in Umbria which overlooks Lake Trasimeno, Italy’s fourth largest lake. We walk from Castel Rigone to
Passignano on the lake and take in the spectacular views of the lake as well as some inland rolling hills. A walk of about three hours.
Day 4. Thurs May 28th.
We go on a tour to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful cities. It Is home to The Palio, that mad horse race around the main piazza -
‘Il Campo’.
Day 5. Friday May 29th.
Today is the Cortona walk. We leave Santa Margherita church at the top of Cortona and climb higher up a Roman Road. From there
we descend to Le Celle, a monastery built where St Francis stayed on his travels between Assisi and Siena.
After lunch we return to Cortona past ‘Bramasole’, the villa which is the subject of the book ‘Under the Tuscan Sun” and walk the tree
lined promenade with views out across the Val Di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno in the distance. (The walk to Le Celle is approximately
3 to 4 hours.}
Day 6. Sat. May 30th.
We drive to Assisi where St Francis was born. You can see the magnificent basilica where he is buried and the little chapel he
prayed in through his life.
Day 7. Sunday May 31st.
Another beautiful walk through the hills with glimpses of the lake. This time we are south of the lake and walk through woodlands
to a castle on a hill close to Panicale. There is the option to explore the town at the end of the walk. (The walk is approximately 3.5
hours.)
Day 8 Monday June 1st.
We go on a tour to Montepulciano, an Etruscan hilltop town surrounded by picture post card scenery. It is home to Vino Mobile
(noble wine). Visit the cellars (some in Etruscan tombs!) and enjoy the free wine tasting.
Day 9. Tuesday June 2nd.
There is the option today to go on an exploratory walk in the Chianti region. This walk is through vineyards with rolling hills
Indicative of the beautiful countryside of the Chianti region. We drive to Brolio, a castle owned by the Ricasoli family. Baron
Ricasoli was Italy’s first prime minister after Cavour died, and developed the modern chianti wine.
An alternative to the longer walk, is a walk through woodlands and the forest surrounding the castle and exploring the castle
grounds.
Day 10 Wed June 3rd.
A last chance to visit Cortona, either to catch up on the shopping, to walk or to relax around the farmhouse and the pool!!
Day 11 Thurs June. 4th.
Transfer to the station for the next stage of your holiday - or home!
Cost is $600AUD deposit plus 1500 euro final payment per person.
Included in price is accommodation, guided walks, four evening meals, all breakfasts, and transfers to and from the station.
Get in touch for more details here!