Want to explore Tuscany without a rushed itinerary? Want a small group? Want to hike to wineries and hill towns? Stay in interesting hotels that are hundreds of years old? A wine and food buff? Then this is for you.
I had a great time on this trip. Had a full day in Sienna and a nice orientation tour of Florence (I spent a few extra days) Plus to get to visit lesser known towns that the big companies overlook. My favorite was Pienza. A nice little town that also had my favorite hotel and great places to eat. And yes, we tasted wonderful Italian wines, as well as the best cold cuts and cheeses I’ve ever tasted. And did I also mention hiking to wineries and hill towns? Wonderful sights, with spectacular views. One hike it rained towards the end, but that didn’t dampen our spirits.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, T
Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Pienza, Montalcino
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
This is your ticket to explore the best of Italy in just 15 days. From the ancient sites of Rome and visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colosseum – to staying in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to visiting the site of Pompeii with a local guide, this trip encompasses some of Italy's must-do experiences. You’ll visit ancient monuments, lively cities and sprawling vineyards, indulging in delicious traditional cuisine. Kick back on sparkling coastal beaches, get to know the locals and visit lesser-known spots with your knowledgeable local leader – what more could you ask for?
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Venice, Polignano A Mare, Bari
Venice, Polignano A Mare, Bari, San Gimignano, Florence, Nardò, Matera, Naples, Rome
Traverse from top to toe of Italy's 'boot' and explore ancient ruins and iconic sites. Eat your weight in pasta and tuck into giant piazzas as you get lost in Venice and find yourself in the Tuscan countryside. This 24-day trip will take you to all the best spots and teach you all the most important parts of Italian culture – like how to roll pasta like the pros! Visit Mount Etna, as you drive up the northern flank of the volcano and take a walk through the spectacular Valle del Bove. Visit a family-run winery, learn about ancient Pompeii, visit Rome’s famous sites and write home about your three amazing Feature Stays – all with a local leader by your side.
AdventureSightseeing 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
Venice, Palermo, Bari, Nardò, Ma
Venice, Palermo, Bari, Nardò, Matera, Naples, Rome, San Gimignano, Florence, Marsala, Agrigento, Siracusa, Catania
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