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Taste and walk your way around the essence of Italy on a captivating 8-day gourmet walking adventure traversing Tuscany and Chianti. Learn its history, art, and wine-making culture on journeys to medieval town and cities including Florence, Siena, Cetraldo and San Gimignano. Engage your senses with more than just delectable specialties and wine tasting but never-ending moments of joy from your private villa on the edge of the Chianti Winelands in Tuscany.
Your journey begins in the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, home to your private farmhouse villa on the cusp of the Chianti winelands. Your base for your walking adventures over the next 8 days. Bask in the stunning scenery of vineyards, rolling hills, and historic architecture as you venture from San Donato through farm grounds towards Montauto and ...
Your journey begins in the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, home to your private farmhouse villa on the cusp of the Chianti winelands. Your base for your walking adventures over the next 8 days. Bask in the stunning scenery of vineyards, rolling hills, and historic architecture as you venture from San Donato through farm grounds towards Montauto and to San Gimignano centre. Visit vineyards and an ecofriendly estate where you'll learn the genesis of this world and sample world-renowned wines. Spend days delving into the beauty and wonders of medieval cities and towns of Siena, Florence and Certaldo and gain a glimpse of Italian history and literature and their iconic landmarks. You’ll enjoy a free day to explore Tuscany at your own leisure and curate adventures from venturing into medieval towns of Volterra and Luca or unleashing your inner chef with a private cooking class. Your gourmet journey ends in San Gimignano.
This Tuscany package includes 7 nights accommodation in the chic Villa Arnilu on a twin-share basis. Meals and activities are specified in the itinerary. A trip perfectly planned with immersive tour activities to discover the regions at your pace.
Relish a full week of luxury and thrilling adventures, savouring out-of-this-world cuisines, trekking scenic paths, and learning fascinating Italian history.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points
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Join a complimentary scheduled transfer or make your own way from the airport at your own cost, where your adventure begins the enchanting medieval town of San Gimignano at your hotel, Villa Arnilu, a charming Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves
Be welcomed by an aperitivo and unwind in your cozy room or take a refreshing dip by the picturesque pool. Take a stroll along the lovely property with a privileged hilltop location overlooking the stunning San Gimignano.
This evening, convene with the rest of the group for a welcome briefing, where your guide provides an overview of the week, tips on the areas, and answers to your questions. Savour an outstanding dinner prepared by your private chef in the villa. Delight in flavours that showcase the very best of Tuscan delights.
Level 2, Approx 9 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Savour a delectable breakfast before delving deeper into exploring San Gimignano. Embark on a short 10-minute drive to the scenic San Donato village, a picturesque mediaeval village located in the heart of Tuscany. Here, begin a relaxing 4 hour walk along open paths through farm grounds basking in spectacular panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside featuring olive groves, rolling hills, and vineyards towards the small village of Montauto, and to San Gimignano centre.
Relish a delicious lunch before taking your time to explore and soak up the atmosphere of this charming town. Choose to visit a 13th-century stone palace, Palazzo Communale. It is home to the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery), featuring an exceptional collection of mediaeval and Renaissance art and 177 ft (54 m) tall mediaeval Torre Grossa built in the 14th century offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside at the top.
Come afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the vineyards of Palagetto estate. Tantalise your tastebuds with appetisers and tastings of wines including their Chianti Classico, Vin Santo dessert wines, and super Tuscan blends before transferring back to Villa Arnilu.
Level 2, Approx. 9 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Enjoy a delightful breakfast before a 1 hour drive down the Chiantigiana, an infinitely scenic route separating chianti vineyards and olive groves. Stop at the small market town of Panzano, where we take to dusty tracks for a thrilling history walk through the heart of the Chianti region. Expect to encounter varying landscapes: from wooded areas to vineyard hills and fortified villages such as Montefioralle to traditional agriturismo. The walk ends in Greve's lively, authentic town, decorated with many restaurants.
End the day with a visit to the birthplace of chianti classico: the Ricasoli estate, located within the stretching grounds of the ancient Brolio Castle. Learn about the genesis of this world-renowned wine and sample the local produce at its true home.
Level 2, Approx. 7 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Today, venture to the mediaeval city of Siena, adorned with striking gothic monuments. It is divided into 17 contrade (districts), each going head to head in the twice-annual Palio, a thunderous horse race around the central square for which the whole city turns out.
We'll meet with a local guide for a personalised tour of the city, stopping at the interesting landmarks and captivating sites most tourists visit. Traversing a local contrada museum and dipping into botteghe (small, traditional shops) to sample sweet local specialties, we will truly experience the history and traditions of this unique destination. You may also choose to visit the grand mediaeval duomo (cathedral), a beautiful Gothic cathedral, and a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Siena's historic centre. Marvel at the ornate facade of this 14th-century structure and its interior featuring intricate marble floors, spectacular stained-glass windows, and elaborate frescoes. Booking is required and we recommend a timeslot between 2 pm and 3.30 pm.
After exploring to our fill, we make our way back to our homely base and prepare for another delectable dinner.
Today, create your own adventures doing as little or as much as you please.
Venture to Volterra, an ancient hilltop town with an artistic style and mediaeval landmarks including the ancient Roman Theater carved into the hillside, dating back to the 1st century, or the spectacular Etruscan Acropolis, one of the perfectly preserved Etruscan ruins in Italy with a history going back as far as the 4th century BC. Explore the city’s streets filled with charming cafes, shops, and restaurants, where you can savour traditional Tuscan delicacies like wild boar stews and homemade pasta.
Discover Lucca, the city of 100 churches, home to a Roman theatre-turned-piazza and a grand, multi-arched duomo, Duomo di San Martino, a prime showcase of picturesque Roman architecture, featuring numerous spectacular works of art including a Last Supper Painting by Tintoretto.
For those in pursue of some creativity can unleash their inner chef exploring the local cuisine with a private cooking class or an extra-special olive oil-tasting experience. Your tour leader can walk you through the options and help you book - all the activities are at an additional cost.
Level 2, Approx. 4 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking
Today you’ll uncover the beauty of Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Most of the greats from the movement, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Sandro Botticelli, lived or passed through here. Join one of the free local tours to learn about it, which promises to be a major highlight.
Join one of the morning tours and visit the Uffizi, an art gallery housing works by Renaissance masters, including The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and the gruesome Medusa by Caravaggio. If you wish to visit the Uffizi, we recommend pre-booking your ticket online to avoid lengthy queues. The perfect time will be around 2 pm if you join the morning walking tour.
A short transfer takes you to the starting point of your last walking adventure of the week. Today, traverse the vineyards and hills surrounding Certaldo , a walled mediaeval town where Giovanni Boccaccio, author of the masterpiece The Decameron, was born in 1313. After walking for about 3 hr 30 min, arrive at the town centre, where you’ll enjoy lunch and use the free time to visit Italian history and literature attractions. Choose to visit Boccaccio’s house which has been turned into a museum. Peruse the grounds and learn more about his achievements and works.
Come afternoon, journey to an eco-friendly wine estate, where your discovery of Tuscan wines will reach a greater level with a sensory and aroma experience accompanied by sumptuous traditional appetizers.
Savour a relaxing countryside breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
- The departure and finish point is San Gimignano
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to San Gimignano. The nearest major international airport is Florence Airport which is 39.3 km away. Other nearby airports include Pisa 58 km and Bologna 119.7 km.
- Airport transfers are only included with scheduled group transfers from Pisa Airport. Alternatively, joining location starts in your accommodation in San Gimginano making your own arrangements there. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Tuscany can be very hot during summer, especially from June to August but heatwaves can also happen in April and May. During summer, temperatures can possibly reach the high 30Cs (around 100F). We will try to start our walks earlier to avoid the hottest hours of the day but please be aware that temperatures and humidity will be high. You should feel comfortable and be used to walking in the heat. The presence of mosquitos may increase (significantly) in summer, so we recommend you take mosquito repellent with you.
April and May departures can expect warm days; rain is possible, but it seldom lasts long. Nights may still be rather cool. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in these months. June sees the start of summer and July and August can become quite hot by mid-afternoon, so this time is kept free for lunch. Although rain is unusual, torrential bursts can happen. September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is often better. Swimming is usually still possible at this time.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
This trip offers a good mix of city and countryside walks. During the days with walking included, the terrain and path type will include paved tracks, roads, forest trails and gravel. The walks are not technically difficult, but there are some ascents and descents, so a reasonable amount of fitness is required. The area is quite hilly and the majority of drives, although short, follow mountain roads through areas.
A private minibus or licensed taxis and buses are used for all airport transfers and the majority of daily excursions. Transfers are no longer than 1hr 30min and road conditions are good.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 7 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.