Thursday, 21 January 2010

Tuscany Walking Holiday



Walking Holiday in Tuscany with Travelsphere.  The beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany is the perfect backdrop for this wonderful holiday. The programme of scenic walks will introduce you to this unspoilt region with its enchanting hilltop towns, wine estates and historic architecture. You are guaranteed a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Highlights Include
- Walks through beautiful Tuscan countryside
- Castello di Banfi wine tasting

What's Included
- Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager

- Return scheduled flights to Rome

- Transfers between airport and hotel

- Services of an air-conditioned coach

- Three walks with a local guide

- Visit to Castello Banfi

- Six nights’ half board accommodation

- Welcome drink

- All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Optional excursion
- Siena & San Gimignano

Included walks
- Monte Amiata
- Montalcino to Sant' Antimo Abbey
- Bagno Vignoni to Pienza

Walking Information
This Tour contains walks up to Grade 2 - Moderate

Grade 1 - Easy
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable.

Grade 2 - Moderate
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended.

Accommodation
You will stay in the comfortable Hotel Mizar centrally located in Chianciano Terme. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and garden, along with a terrace. All bedrooms have private facilities, satellite TV, minibar, safe, air-conditioning and telephone.

Itinerary
Your base is the popular resort of Chianciano Terme, close to the border between Tuscany and Umbria. The town’s historic centre offers narrow streets and picturesque piazzas to explore and there is a selection of bars, cafés and shops.

Included excursions

DAY 1: UK/Italy
Depart on your flight to Rome. On arrival transfer to your hotel in the attractive town of Chianciano Terme for a six night stay.

DAYS 2 TO 6: Chianciano Terme
Located close to the border between Tuscany and Umbria, the town of Chianciano has a historic centre with narrow streets and picturesque piazzas waiting to be explored. The town also has a selection of bars, cafés and shops. You are free to relax and join our great range of included walks and excursions:

Monte Amiata - We start high on the slopes of this dormant volcano, which are covered in forests and are home to wild boar, deer and the occasional wolf. Enjoy marvellous views over the surrounding countryside (approx. 3 hours’ walk).

Montalcino to Sant’ Antimo Abbey - After a short drive, we start from the beautiful hilltop town of Montalcino and take a pleasant walk through the farmland of Brunello country – home to the most famous wine of the region. We pass by typical Tuscan villas and farmhouses with panoramic views of the historic countryside and Monte Amiata. Your walk ends at the stunning Romanesque abbey of Sant’ Antimo (approx. 2½ hours’ walk).

Castello di Banfi - After our coach journey to the castle, enjoy time at leisure, or take the pleasant three mile walk to the Cantina entrance. Established only 20 years ago, this family-owned vineyard has been voted ‘International Winery of the Year’ in its category many times. Enjoy a tour of the cellars, plus a tasting of some of the estate’s wines and the chance to buy your favourite in the wine store.

Bagno Vignoni to Pienza - Departing from the picturesque spa resort of Bagno Vignoni we enjoy a leisurely walk through rolling fields and along a trail to Pienza (approx. 2½ hours’ walk). You will have free time in this picture-postcard town to sample some of the local specialities, such as Pecorino cheese.

Optional excursion
Siena & San Gimignano - Siena is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe. Its narrow streets lined with palaces and mansions lead to the famous Piazza del Campo. The enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano is known as the ‘town of beautiful towers’, a striking feature of the Tuscan landscape.

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEIT
12/05/2010 - £752
09/06/2010 - £802
08/09/2010 - £802
06/10/2010 - £752

Deposit £100 per person
Prices based on two people sharing a twin or double bedded room with private facilities.

Visit the Travelsphere Website or Tel 0845 358 2368

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