Discover the Tuscan countryside and culture on this 8-day self-guided walking tour. Through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important ‘highways’ in medieval times, you walk from village to village and experience a full immersion in the world-famous Tuscan landscape. The tour is perfect as an introduction to the region and a great choice for people who love museums, galleries and Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You have plenty of time to visit attractions on most of the days.
You will also have time to visit all the beautiful medieval villages and historic towns along the Via Francigena: starting from beautiful Lucca, you’ll pass through Fucecchio, San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, the stunning San Gimignano with its medieval skyscrapers and Monteriggioni, admired by Dante in his Divine Comedy. An optional detour can bring you to beautiful Colle Val d’Elsa and the tour ends in Siena, arguably the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Tuscany. This tour threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent procession.
However, the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. The area north of Siena is an amazing landscape of rolling hills, alternating vineyards and forests, while cypresses line the way leading to the distant farmhouses. Walking here is an unforgettable experience and many of the views have barely changed for hundreds of years.
Accommodation and some meals are included. You spend a night in one of the best agriturismos in Tuscany, and the final night in the heart of Siena, in one of the most characteristic little hotels.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopasci
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopascio, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni
Very well organised trip. Logistics were excellent, accommodation was comfortable and central to all amenities of the towns. Hike maps and notes were extremely detailed. I would highly recommend them and am considering another trip in the near future.
From the canals of Venice to ancient Rome and a scenic cruise to the Isle of Capri, this is real Italy at its finest. Visit the Vatican with fast track access, discover the city of Pompeii and take in Renaissance Florence. Embrace the full Italian experience, rich with coastal views and Tuscan food and wine.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rome, Venice, Florence, Sorrento
Rome, Venice, Florence, Sorrento
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Escape the crowds with remote mountain walking exploring northern Tuscany. The Apuane Alps are a remote area of northern Tuscany - a world away from the towns and rolling hills of the south. There are few other walkers and the villagers make you feel truly welcome. This walk has many attractive ingredients, from wide mountain vistas, to remote hamlets surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. From the small unassuming town of Fornaci di Barga you'll enter the Apuane forests, climbing up through chestnut woods and dropping down through vineyards to the ancient village of Verni, home to an impressive series of limestone massifs rising up to 2000m. The Apuanes are famous for their scenery of white marble towers, abysses and the largest cave system in Italy. During the walk you'll explore remote chapels, climb Monte Forato (1223m) and visit the 'Grotta del Vento' with its subterranean lakes. You'll also have the option to ascend Pania della Croce (1860m) before visiting the hermitage at Calomini.
NB : On this tour there is a maximum of 2 single rooms available.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tuscany, Lucca, Fornaci Di Barga
Tuscany, Lucca, Fornaci Di Barga, Verni, Fornovolasco, Monte Forato, Eremo Di Calomini
Join this tour to explore the famous Amalfi Coast and visit its charming surroundings. A coastline of indescribable beauty, this region of Italy features Ravello with its elegant buildings, and pastel-colored Positano, one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
Start with a stop in the charming town of Sorrento, which features fantastic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Make a photo stop and admire the sea village Positano from the top of a hill, before continuing with a visit to the historical town of Amalfi.
Experience southern Italy - its romance, fashion, and laid-back lifestyle. A land of beauty, passion, and myths that inspires poets and artists from around the whole world, southern Italy awaits you.
Overall, my Europamundo experience and the 15-day Beautiful Europe tour was memorable. Accompanied and cared for by excellent tour guides, Gabriela, Maria Montserrat and Julio Magyar, the journey all over central and southern Europe made each day something to look forward to, despite the cold weather and occasional rains. Thank you so much, Europamundo, for the treasured memories.
My frst trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint. Massimo our guide was very good and all the events were excellent. I particularly loved the farm visit to see Mozzarella being made and the olive oil & wine tasting. I also loved the walks! The accomodation was ok but not always comfortable and I personally would have liked just a bit more time between activities as it seemed very rushed! I will certainly look at booking Explore again in the future!
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a great holiday. The hotel was in a perfect location at the quieter northern end of Lake Como with beautiful views of the lake and the Alps. Walks were varied. Tour leader Kristians was excellent and the group all got on well.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Make your way to the Mediterranean to discover all the natural beauty, warm hospitality and cuisine Italy and Sicily have to offer. On this 17-day adventure, you’ll travel from Rome to postcard-perfect Venice. From visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – to driving up the flank of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, this trip goes the extra mile to deliver experiences that go beyond the guidebooks. Visit the famous spots like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, then go off the path to a local’s favourite restaurant. Get ready to tuck into local eats, explore iconic sites and brush up on your ancient history, all with an experienced local by your side.
Sightseeing ToursWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Villa
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Palermo, Rome, Chianti, San Gimi
Palermo, Rome, Chianti, San Gimignano, Florence, Venice, Marsala, Agrigento, Siracusa, Catania
Discover Barletta starting with a visit to the medieval castle of the eleventh century, founded by the Normans and expanded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century.
Among the sculptures preserved in the castle, you can visit the bust of Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Swabia limestone, dating from the thirteenth century.
Next, visit a historic winery, called the "House of Poison", is the building now known as the "Winery of the Challenge".
It was here that was launched the challenge to a duel from 13 italian knights vs 13 French knights, fought in the countryside of the neighboring town of Trani.
After the winery, you will discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore of the twelfth century, the most important church in Barletta.
The cathedral is divided into two parts, the front is typically Romanesque architectural style of the twelfth century, while the final part is of Gothic architectural style of the fourteenth century.
The tour will end with a visit outside the palace of baroque architecture called "Della Marra" with paintings of the painter Giuseppe De Nittis and the visit of the bronze giant named Heraclius next to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.