We walked the Via from San Miniato to Buonconvento, a major life experience.
The Tuscan countryside unfolds and offers picture-perfect vistas every day. The track is very quiet, some days we would only see one or two other walking groups, so plenty of time for reflection.
The days were longer than we expected, we certainly weren't fast walkers, so obviously that plays in, but we did find that some of the stretches were uncomfortably hot, in full sun. Often there was long stretches between water, and not many places to stop. You need to factor this in to your thinking and expectations. We had thought about this in advance and carried sun umbrellas that clipped onto our belts and backpacks so that we could walk with our own shade with hands free to use poles... strongly recommend investment.
Some of the accommodations were fantastic, others quirky and fun, and a couple disappointing. Highlights in Gambassi Terme and our last night before Buonconvento.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tuscany, Buonconvento, San Minia
Tuscany, Buonconvento, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Gracciano, Monteriggioni, Siena, Lucignano D Arbia
Your tour involves an intimate weaving of the Sicilian people and their lives and customs. We saw church celebrations ate special foods, saw volcanic activity, toured organic farms and gardens and much more!
MountainsLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Palermo, Catania, Marsala, Sicil
Palermo, Catania, Marsala, Sicily, Ragusa, Syracuse, Taormina
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Travelling at your own pace, you'll combine the elegance of eternal favourites like Ravello, Positano and Sorrento with discoveries most travellers never make such as farmers harvesting olives, fishermen crouched over brightly painted boats mending their nets and the bird's eye view of the entire peninsula from the Path of the Gods above Positano.
From Ravello, whose exotic formal gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone seem to float ethereally between sea and sky, your route takes you first to Positano's chic pastel houses and enticing pebble beach. It's then on to Marina del Cantone, and the hidden shingle coves few visitors ever find. Finally you reach cliff-top Sorrento. With balcony views over Vesuvius, it's a great base to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum by train, or Capri or Ischia by boat.
Trekking and HikingHoneymoon
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa, Resort
Age Range
13-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Sorrent
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Marina Del Cantone
I chose this trip because of the 6 nights in Tuscany - Montecatini Terme. Cinque Terre, Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano were highlights of this tour. The food for the special dinners was amazing. Rosella and Massimo kept things on track. Organizing and coordinating tickets, transportation (2 ferries, train and bus) and firsthand knowledge of the areas visited was well exhibited by Rosella. The specialty tour guides were knowledgeable and added extra flair to the excursions. Enjoyed the trip immensely.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rome, Montecatini, Florence, Vin
Rome, Montecatini, Florence, Vinci, San Gimignano
14% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This Self-drive journey starts from Rome the capital of Italy towards the Siena Area and continues through Orvieto famous for its majestic Gothic Cathedral and the beautiful Perugia region home of the Baci (world-famous chocolate). Drive along beautiful scenic roads in the Tuscan hills. Explore the village of Montalcino and taste the famous Brunello wine. Then you will reach Bagno Vignoni renowned for its spa with a large swimming pool. Visit Pienza famous for its sheep cheese “Pecorino”. Your last stop of the day will be in Montepulciano where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines. Next day, continue your journey through Chianti Landscape, famous for its wines. Driving ahead towards San Casciano Val di Pesa where local oil and wine tasting is scheduled. Then you will reach Florence. The following day, discover Florence, renowned for Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio with its goldsmith's shops. Late afternoon you will depart for Bologna. The next day drives to Parma and enjoys the visit to the vinegar factory in Modena and returns to Bologna. The following day explore Bologna and in the afternoon drive through Ferrara city with a wonderful castle and reach Padua. Next day, Enjoy a visit to picturesque places in Padua: Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes, the St Antony’s Basilica, Prato della Valle and Palazzo della Ragione. Next, you will drive to Venice, also known as The Floating City. Sail the Gondola, an iconic Venetian wooden boat and be amused by the Venice lagoon. This itinerary is a perfect example of what you’ll find in Exclusive Italy tours and packages, combining historic cities, culinary experiences, and iconic landscapes into one unforgettable journey.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
This journey through the Campania region of Southern Italy gives you an incredible opportunity to discover its rich history, amazing architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and lively beaches. Your tour starts with your arrival at Naples, visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Pompeii as your drive to Sorrento. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Gulf of Naples with an excursion boat tour through the beautiful waters of Capri. Spend leisurely time at Sorrento- the town of lemons, here you can perhaps experience a walk around Piazza Tasso, one of Italy’s most enchanting walks. Next travel to Minori for some more leisurely time at its lively beaches. Discover the beauty of the wonderful coastal resort of Amalfi. Return back to discover the romantic Naples, the largest city in southern Italy, often called an open-air museum, because of its many historic statues and monuments. Try your hand at Pizza making before you end your tryst with Campanian Region and return home with memorable memories
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-soaked coast of the Italian Riviera, a romantic rendezvous with Italia awaits. Discover regal Turin, surrounded by alpine peaks. Spend a day exploring Cinque Terre’s rugged coastline. Relax with a 3-night stay in a Tuscan village and savor the sprawling vineyards and charming medieval hill towns of the region. Enjoy an interactive pasta-making demonstration. Visit Lucca, encircled by a stunning set of 16th century walls. Explore the iconic sites of Florence and the medieval charm of Greve in Chianti. Throughout your journey, discover a land rich in history, culture, and cuisine.
On this self-guided, hotel-to-hotel walking holiday, you'll explore the beautifully tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into Italy's north-western corner. Recently recognised by UNESCO, the countryside is a glorious mix of gently rippling, wave-shaped hills cloaked by layers of vines, sunflowers and oak forests, crowned with honey-hued hamlets and majestic Savoy castles.
Your route starts and ends in Benevello, nestling in the hazelnut-clad Alta Langa hills, from where you follow the limpid Tanaro River before climbing through a string of hamlets to your hotel in Fontanafredda, a renowned wine estate that was once owned by the first king of Italy! It's then on to La Morra, an atmospheric wine village known as the balcony of the Langhe for its stunning panorama over the surrounding rolling landscape. As you approach beautiful Monforte d'Alba, whose ochre-coloured houses seem to cling enchantingly to the hillside, you visit Barolo, home of the revered eponymous wine. This rich and fertile land produces some of Italy's finest food and wine, from robust Barolo and sweet Moscato to aromatic white truffles (exclusive to Alba), crunchy hazelnuts and tangy cheeses.
Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano, nestled in the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Enjoy free time in Montecatini or see the Gothic Line of WWII and visit the Museum of Liberation. Explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Resort, Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Montecatini Terme, Lucca, Floren
Montecatini Terme, Lucca, Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano
Head on the ultimate trip to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Italy with this 10-day self-drive tour of Tuscany! Your journey will begin in Catania, from where you will grab your car and set off to explore the Etna Area. Taste some local wines in a beautiful vineyard before you drive to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. From there you will explore Taormina, a gorgeous city known for its natural landscapes of the sea, city, and rocks. Your next stop will be in Syracuse, the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily. Discover the ancient Greek ruins dating 2,700 years back in time, such as the Teatro Greco and the Temple of Apollo, as you bask in the beauty of the deep blue Ionian Sea. Travel to Noto, known for its beautiful churches, extravagant palaces, and iron-wrought balconies. Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Marzamemi, a mesmerizing Italian village known for its bright blue waters. Visit Ragusa, famous for its late-baroque Sicilian style architecture, and explore Agrigento, one of the oldest cities in Sicily home to the Valley of the Temples, an area that preserves 11 Doric temples from the 5th century BC. From there you will drive to Alcamo, an area where many fine Italian wines are produced.Travel down the Western Coast through Marsala, a famous destination known for its stunning beaches and wide range of wines, before you explore Palermo, the capital of Sicily and a city that magnificently blends Norman-Arab, baroque medieval, and gothic architectural styles. See the Arab-Norman Cathedral among many other famous monuments and get a taste of the local cuisine with an astronomic walk-through Palermo before your tour of Sicily comes to an end! This journey captures the essence of Exclusive Italy tours, where culture, cuisine, and history are seamlessly woven into a luxurious travel experience.
Food tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Sici
Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, Sicily, Mount Etna, Agrigento, Alcamo
This walking holiday is based in the wonderfully unspoilt Euganean Hills, tucked in a quiet corner below the beautiful medieval city of Padua, west across the plain from Venice. Once volcanic islands, these hills have a striking conical appearance; they are cloaked in an astonishing variety of plant life including holm oak, maple, orchids, heather and poppies and have been recognised as a National Park. The lower slopes give way to colourful meadows and immaculately groomed vineyards so it's little wonder the region produces such a fine variety of wines!
Starting in the tiny hamlet of Cortela, nestled amongst vines, you head across poppy fields and through forests to Valnogaredo. You discover the jumbled cobbled streets of medieval Arqua Petrarca, where the famous 14th century Italian poet, Petrarch, made his home, before continuing through fertile fruit orchards to Galzignano. A convenient stone's throw from the Italian Baroque gardens of Valsanzibio, there's time to explore its magnificent maze before a series of outstanding views leads you to panoramically perched Teolo.
