Walking the Tuscan Countryside, Italy

Tuscany's countryside is a patchwork of vineyards, olive groves and forests of oak and chestnut - home to most of Italy's better wines and many of its fine dishes. Staying in the heart of Chianti, the tour includes easy walks through the lush countryside as well as visits to the tantalising Florence and Siena - the ideal chance for wine tasting.

The tour offers four markedly varied walks through the region, allowing an overview of the classic landscapes that have been so inspirational to artists and travellers alike. You'll meander through a timeless vista, where secluded farmhouses nestle in amongst the peaceful landscape and miles of quiet sandy tracks winding their way between vineyards and acres of forest. Perched on scattered hilltops are fortified towns such as Monteriggioni Castle and the magnificent medieval towers of San Gimignano. Steeped in art, culture and architecture, the trip includes a day in both Siena and Florence, allowing ample free time to take to their rambling streets, cobbled squares and an unrivalled collection of churches, galleries and museums. This one-week, centre-based tour allows you to enjoy the best of classical Tuscany.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Join Tour in Florence

Day 2 - The Hills of Chianti: Volpaia and Radda
Start by visiting the chapel of Santa Maria Novella, then wander through vineyards up towards the hills of Chianti, cuting through the vineyards and fields of the castle of Castelvecchi.

Day 3 - San Grimignano and Monteriggioni
Cycle towards the thirteen towers of the medieval town of Grimignano, visit the Duomo and explore the hilltop village of Monterggioni.

Day 4 - Day visit to Siena
Wander the streets of the medieval city and marvel at its Gothic architecture.

Day 5 - Walking in the Greve region
Wander through the forest to Panazano in Chianti, then onwards to the beautiful village of Montefioralle.

Day 6 - Visit Florence
Visit the spiritual home of the Renaissance and marvel at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its giant dome or 'duomo'.

Day 7 - Castellina and Vineyards of Chianti Classico
Explore the waymarked trails from Castellina, encountering Mediterranean pine forests, poppy fields and some of France's top wine estates.

Day 8 - Tour ends Florence

This trip is rated 'Easy to Moderate'

Easy: Mostly short walks, around four to five hours in length. Paths are predominantly at a low altitude, and the routes are largely flat with only small hills and inclines (mostly during optional walks). You do not necessarily need previous walking experience, but it is advised that you have a certain level of fitness.

Moderate: You'll spend around five and seven hours a day walking. You'll walk along largely flat ground at low altitudes, but there will also be several challenging inclines reaching 800m a day. Again, no experience is necessary but you sohould be relatively fit and active.