CALL 1-866-563-4248 ITALY - Tuscany - Walking Tours RESERVATION FORM

TRIP DETAILS

Trip Length
6 Days / 5 Nights

2010
Dates & Prices

Trip Hotels
Choose
Premium Inns
or Classic Inns

Trip Meals
All breakfasts,
2 lunches and
all dinners but one

What's Included

Start - Finish
Florence - Chiusi
(Firenze - Chiusi)
ITALY

Trip Activity Level
Easy to
Moderately easy

Rated Ideal for Everyone !

NEED MORE INFO ?
Speak to a
Club Toscana
Senior Trip Leader

Click on Image for
TRIP MAP


Walking Journey Through the Heart of Tuscany

Take an epic journey through the best of Tuscany. Pursued by noted landscape artists, the majestic Tuscan countryside will inspire you and refresh your spirit. Start your Tuscan odyssey from the vibrant Chianti hills with its vineyards, olive groves and charming hilltop villages. Journey to Badia a Coltibuono and the dramatic Castello di Brolio where Chianti's finest wines await your approval. Walk through the soft Sienese Hills to the Val d'Orcia and discover the underground cellars of Montepulciano and the perfectly preserved Renaissance village of Pienza. Enjoy the Tuscan experience with all its splenders. Relish the fruits of its land, and toast a glass of your favorite vintage to its people, their vibrant history and their savory local cuisine.

Day 1 - Greve & Radda in Chianti - Meet at your Florence hotel for a private transfer to Greve in Chianti, the market town for the Chianti wine producing region.Private tour and wine tasting lesson at a Renaissance villa known for its award winning Chianti Classico wines.Follow countryside laneways overlooking a quintessential Tuscan landscape of vineyards, olive groves and stone farm houses.Visit the quiet fortified borgo of Montefioralle, the birthplace of Amerigo Vespucci, who gave America its name.Enjoy a welcoming lunch in a typical trattoria located among Greve's unique and charming arcaded main square.Discover Radda in Chianti, a hilltop wine village with some of the Chianti's best views from its Medieval walls.

Day 2 - Brolio & Coltibuono - Roam through the heart of Chianti's quiet and picturesque landscapes to the 8th-century abbey at Badia a Coltibuono, producers of fine Chianti Classico wines, aromatic honeys and the area's best olive oils.Visit the majestic Castello di Brolio, where the original recipe for Chianti Classico wines was established. Tour its Italianate gardens with views extending all the way to the towers of Siena.Take a diversion to a local family owned ceramics workshop.Relax at a sidewalk cafe with a glass of the your favorite vintage.

Day 3 - Siena's Le Crete - Enter into the beautiful clay landscapes of the "Crete Senese". Celebrated for their natural beauty, the evocative lines of these soft rolling hills have drawn artists from the time of Siena's Renaissance to today's renowned photographers and watercolor artists.Walk among bluffs, sheep pastures and through ancient farm communities to the 15th-century monastery at Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore. View its fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli and Sodoma.Dine on traditional southern Tuscan specialties in a renowned restaurant.

Day 4 - Montepulciano - Walk along a wonderfully panoramic ridge through the quiet rolling slopes that overlook the Chiana valley.Discover the Medieval streets and palaces of Montepulciano. Go underground into the town's wine cellars first carved out of the rock by its pre-Roman Etruscan inhabitants.Enjoy a tasting of its prized Nobile di Montepulciano red wines.

Day 5 - Pienza & the Val d'Orcia - Follow a meandering route overlooking the majestic Val d'Orcia, one of Italy's most beautiful valleys, for its graceful unspoiled landscapes, the subject of countless Tuscan calendars and photo albums.Discover this inspiring valley on your way to a picnic of local treats in the unique hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, a village with a Roman spa located in its public square once frequented by Florence's Medici family and Saint Catherine of Siena.Spend your evenings among the 15th-century palaces of the ideal Renaissance village of Pienza.Visit its many shops filled with locally produced wines and discover its prized "pecorino" cheeses.

Day 6 - Chiusi - Homeward bound.Bid a final farewell to the peaceful landscapes of the Val d'Orcia and take a private transfer to the Chiusi train station where guests heading to Rome or Florence will find convenient departures.As always, we would be more than pleased to help you with any of your post-trip travel planning.
Arrivederci and Buon Viaggio !


"Thanks for the tour...
we find outselves recommending Club Toscana whenever anyone talks of visiting Italy."
- Renee and Jonathan, Sydney, Australia


Our Tuscany Travel
Specialists are Ready
to Help you with
All Your Travel Needs

  • Convenient pick up at your Florence hotel and drop off in Chiusi

  • Winery & garden visit, winetasting lesson & lunch at Chianti's most famous wine estate.

  • Touring the wine cellars and Renaissance gardens at Badia a Coltibuono

  • Viewing the frescoes at the 15th-century Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore

  • Discovering the underground wine cellars buried under Medieval Montepulciano

  • Walking through the spectacular Val d'Orcia to Bagno Vignoni

  • Chianti Classico, Nobile di Montepulciano & Brunello wines, Pecorino cheeses and succulent olive oils

TRIP DATES & PRICES
Please click here to see if your preferred travel dates below have been sold out.

Dates
2010
Premium Inns Guided
US $ Price p.p. dbl. occ.
Single Room
Charge
Classic Inns Guided
US $ Price p.p. dbl. occ.
Single Room
Charge
Self-Guided
Trips
March 29 - April 3
April 5 - 10
April 12 - 17
April 19 - 24
April 26 - May 1
May 3 - 8
May 10 - 15
May 17 - 22
May 24 - 29
May 31 - June 5
June 7 - 12
June 14 - 19
June 21 - 26
June 28 - July 3
July 5 - 10
July 12 - 17
July 19 - 24
July 26 - 31
Aug 30 - Sept 4
Sept 6 - 11
Sept 13 - 18
Sept 20 - 25
Sept 27 - Oct 2
Oct 4 - 9
Oct 11 - 16
Oct 18 - 23
Oct 25 - 30
All Dates

$ 3,398.

All Dates

$ 950.

All Dates

$ 2,898.

All Dates

$ 550.

Premium Inns Trips
Save $ 400. p.p.

Classic Inns Trips
Save $ 300. p.p.

TRIP PRICE REDUCTIONS (above itinerary only)
When booking 4 people together, reduce your trip price by $ 200. per person
When booking 5 - 8+ people together, reduce your trip price by $ 400. per person

Price Guarantee - Please note that if your booked trip (name, version and departure date) receives a price reduction from your original booked price, we will automatically give you the new reduced trip price. Additionally, as always with Club Toscana, once you have booked a trip (name, version and departure date), we guarantee that you will not have to pay any potential trip price increases above your original trip combo price before your departure.

Reduce your Trip Price - We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express for all your trip payments. Club Toscana offers a reduction of 2% off your trip payments when you pay by check, money order or bank transfer.

Trip Prices - Price variations (if above) are a reflection of seasonal hotel rates. All trip prices are per person based on a room with double occupancy. Single room charges are additional for guests traveling solo wishing a double room all to themselves. Self-Guided prices are listed as a savings per person off the Guided Trip Prices. Self-Guided trips require a minimum of 2 participants to reserve space on any of the above trips except dates highlighted above.

Featured Trips when highlighted above, have additional space available and include guaranteed departures hosted by one of Club Toscana's Senior Trip Leaders.

Other Trip Dates - to find other trips with space available on your preferred travel dates, click on our 2010 Calendar.


PREMIUM INNS HOTEL SELECTION

Palazzo Leopoldo (pictured) - Radda in Chianti (2 nights) - originally built in the 13th-century was once the home of Leopoldo II, Archduke of Tuscany. Luxurious sitting areas and guest rooms retain an authentic Tuscan ambiance with original art and elegant antiques. Visit the wine cellar or relax on the hotel terrace before dinner.

Casa Bianca - Asciano (1 night) - an historic Sienese olive oil estate with a manor surrounded by a hamlet, is now a luxury residence with lovely rooms and exposed wood beam ceilings, magnificent gardens, a welcoming pool, spa services, and dining on Sienese specialties in their renowned restaurant.

Il Chiostro di Pienza - Pienza (2 nights) - once a 15th-century convent, is now a luxury hotel and oasis of tranquility with a terrace pool, a refined restaurant and Italianate gardens overlooking the stunning Val d'Orcia.

Please note: The above selected inns are subject to accommodations availability upon trip request. As there are many beautiful Premium Inns located along our route, if we need to choose an alternative lodging, it will meet or exceed the above selection in ratings, settings, amenities and views.

UPGRADE YOUR TRIP HOTEL SELECTION
Upgrade the accomodations on your Club Toscana trip with any of the area's luxury hotels:

Have a favorite hotel or seen a recommendation in a travel magazine or internet site, or have you received a glowing recommendation from a friend. We can include any hotel located along our trip route to make your vacation experience customized to your specifications. Give us a call to see how we can include your favorite hotels into your trip. Some additional charges might apply to cover changes in hotel rates.


CLASSIC INNS HOTEL SELECTION

Radda in Chianti - pictured (2 nights) - join Roberto and Marie-Sylvie at their 16th-century Tuscan farm house and wine estate that has been converted into one of the Chianti's most sought after country guest house B&Bs. Wooden beams, terracotta-tiled floors and antique furnishings are witness to the long and interesting story of this estate. Accommodations are provided in cozy double rooms tastefully furnished with a touch of rustic elegance. A highlight is an evening banquet of traditional cuisine prepared and served al fresco with our gracious hosts.

Montefollonico - (1 night) - an historic village townhouse lovingly restored retaining its rustic roots blended with Tuscan elegance. The hotel dining room is located in the ex-grainery with a panoramic terrace open during summer evenings.

Pienza - (2 nights) - a family run boutique hotel with modern amenities and spectacular views of the Val d'Orcia from their terraced gardens, all located just footsteps from the historic village walls of Renaissance Pienza.

Please note: The above selected inns are subject to accommodations availability upon trip request. As there are many charming Classic Inns located along our route, if we need to choose an alternative lodging, it will meet or exceed the above selection in ratings, settings, amenities and views.


TRIP START AND FINISH INFORMATION

Trip Start - Florence (Firenze), Italy
As a convenience to our guests, we will meet you at your hotel in Florence at 10:00 am. or by special arrangement, the main train station or airport.

Florence is serviced by an international airport with connections to most major European cities and a main train station located on Italy's main express and high speed train service routes. Florence Santa Maria Novella main train station can be reached from Milan in about 2 - 3 hours depending on the train speed or from Rome in about 1.5 - 2.5 hours. Florence is also served by inter-European flights to Florence Peretola Airport. We would recommend spending your pre-trip evening in Florence. Our reservations office can make all your pre- & post-trip hotel, flight and train travel arrangements.

For Italian train information and online tickets, please go to the Italian FS National Train Schedules web site.

For pre-trip accommodations, we suggest a visit to Tripadvisor.com for a list of the most recommended hotels based on visitor reviews.

Trip Finish - Chiusi, Italy
On the final trip day, we would be pleased to drop you off at the Chiusi train station (located along the main train line from Rome to Florence) for trains heading south to Rome (1 - 1.5 hours) or north to Florence (1 - 1.5 hours).

Usual arrival at the Chiusi train station is around 10:00 am with earlier arrivals by request.

For Italian train information and online tickets, please go to the Italian FS National Train Schedules web site.

For post-trip accommodations, we suggest a visit to Tripadvisor.com for a list of the most recommended hotels in your destination city based on visitor reviews.


TRIP ACTIVITY LEVEL

THIS TRIP IS DESIGNED FOR ALL ABILITIES - Though rated easy to moderately easy, we have designed this trip to be suitable for everyone, from the casual or occasional walker with other travel and site seeing interests to the experienced hiking enthusiast looking for that extra challenge. Since your preferred walking pace and interests might vary from day to day, we have a daily list of optional routes, distances and route terrain to give you exactly the kind of walking & hiking you would like to experience. To learn more about how we rate the activity levels on our trips, please go to our Activity & Terrain Levels web page.

TRIP DAILY DISTANCES & WALKING TERRAIN
DAY 1 (6 kms. - 4 miles) - Easy to moderately easy uphill and downhill on smooth gravel surfaced and paved laneways (with a 3 km. / 2 mile longer downhill option).
DAY 2 (8 kms. - 5 miles) - Easy to moderately easy on flat gravel laneways through vineyards and oak forest.
DAY 3 (12 kms. - 8 miles) - Easy to moderately easy along a valley with sunflowers before a rolling route along dirt and gravel tractor lanes.
DAY 4 (10 kms. - 6 miles) - Easy to moderate on smooth gravel laneways down into and out of a valley.
DAY 5 (13 kms. - 9 miles) - Easy to moderately easy on smooth gravel laneways down into a valley of open landscapes.
Each of the above daily distances are typical on quieter, smooth surface paved roads and can be increased or decreased to suit your individual biking style, endurance and interests. Your Club Toscana trip guide and vehicle are always available to offer assistance including lifts up hills or to bypass any difficult sections.


Please note that the above itinerary and it's routes are typical for this trip and can be adjusted to accommodate different hotel choices, your choice of optional routes, optional shorter or longer daily distances, your personal daily walking pace and interests, and special local events that you might wish to join. Weather conditions and unannounced trail maintenance, etc. can also alter the routes, distances and daily schedules.

In an effort to enhance this itinerary and to help you get the most out this destination and your traveling experiences with Club Toscana, we are continually in the process of researching additional local routes, accommodations, dining establishments and interesting places to visit. Some of these "new finds" could be included in your specific trip.


WHAT'S INCLUDED ON YOUR CLUB TOSCANA WALKING & HIKING TRIP

Convenient pick-up directly from your pre-trip hotel's front door.

Over 20 years of European adventure travel experience.

Cheerful, professional and trusted bilingual trip leadership with intimate knowledge of this trip's travel area, its culinary secrets, art history and cultural distinctiveness.

All transportation from trip start to finish.

Exclusive lodging with private amenities in wine & olive oil estates, charming country inns and historic town houses.

All buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners featuring regional favorites and local specialties.

Private support vehicle for shuttles (throughout the trip), for welcome lifts (to bypass that extra effort or for a quick short cut to your hotel), and on-board refreshments.

Special events, private tours, local experts and entrance fees to historical sites and museums, and other events or tours listed on the itinerary.

Use of a set of lightweight telescoping walking sticks, and a new personal water bottle.

Detailed trip maps, route directions with options and a complimentary Club Toscana T-shirt.

All baggage transportation from rendezvous to final drop off.

Convenient drop-off directly to your post-trip hotel or the nearby major rail station, airport or rental car agency.

Unsurpassed customer service to compliment one of Italy's great walking & hiking vacations.


TOP REASONS WHY NEW GUESTS CHOSE CLUB TOSCANA & WHY OUR PAST GUESTS HAVE CHOSEN TO TRAVEL WITH US AGAIN

Since our beginnings, Club Toscana has prided itself in producing active vacations that are the closest thing to a private trip, complete with the sort of comforts and camaraderie that comes from visiting old friends.

We have spent over two decades designing itineraries that take in the most interesting countryside destinations, the most stimulating mix of history and culture, the best selection of terrain from flat to invigorating, and the region's most characteristic accommodations -- always with an eye on exceeding your expectations.

The Personal Touch - Many Club Toscana guests have traveled in large groups with some of our industry's major outfitters and have found traveling in those larger groups a little less convenient and relaxed compared with Club Toscana. These outfitters' somewhat inflexible rendezvous and trip drop-off locations, scheduled group meeting times and fixed dining locations & times are good for some, but perhaps a little too rigid for our guests.

Flexibility - We adapt every one of our trips to the interests and abilities of the guests that are booked on that particular trip. We design our daily routes and itineraries for maximum flexibility so you can have as much or as little activity as you would like each day -- with us you never need to follow the schedule. We are ready to go when you are ready to go, we are waiting at the start of every hill just in case you need a lift and we adjust each trip to your specific interests and time schedule.

Service - We take care of everything -- from making sure your luggage is safely transported to the next hotel, to always having a refreshment or a welcome lift when needed, to pointing out that special wine or antique shop, and always allowing you as much free time as you would like to get the most out of your European active vacation.

Knowledge - Traveling with Club Toscana is about discovering beautiful locations, its people, history and culture, all in a private-group-like setting -- the ideal vacation experience. After over 20 years traveling in this trip's location, we know the trip area intimately.

Trip Leadership - Our pleasant natured, well organized and informative North American trip guides individually have at least 20 years of experience guiding active travelers throughout every region visited by Club Toscana. We maintain a guest ratio of 8 guests to 1 guide plus a dedicated trip vehicle to ensure your comfort and security.


NEED MORE TRIP INFORMATION?

E-mail our office at travel@clubtoscana.com or call our professional travel advisers at
Club Toscana Reservations at 1-866-563-4248 toll free 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (EST) Mon. to Fri., 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Sat.
They are ready to answer your trip questions and arrange all your pre and post-trip travel needs for a truly all-inclusive European Active Vacation.



Royal City Travel / American Express Travel Services
10 Paisley Street, Suite 8, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1H 2N6
North America Toll Free 1-866-563-4248
travel@clubtoscana.com

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