CALL 1-866-563-4248 ITALY - Tuscany - Premium Inns Walking Tour RESERVATION FORM

PREMIUM INNS
TRIP DETAILS

2008
Dates & Prices

Premium Trip Hotels

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

What's Included

Other Trip Versions
Self-Guided Trips
Classic Inns

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


Premiere 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 - 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

  • Private tour and wine tasting lesson at a Renaissance villa

  • 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
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TRIP MAP

More Club Toscana
Walking Trips

TRIP DATES & PRICES

Dates Premium Inns Guided Single Room Availability Detailed Itinerary Self-Guided
2008 Price pp dbl. occ. Add for sgl. occ. printer version Version

March 31 - April 5 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 7 - 12 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 14 - 19 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 21 - 26 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
April 28 - May 3 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
May 5 - 10 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
May 12 - 17 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
May 19 - 24 $ 4,298. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
May 26 - 31 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 2 - 7 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 9 - 14 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
June 16 - 21 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
June 23 - 28 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
June 30 - July 5 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
July 7 - 12 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
July 14 - 19 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
July 21 - 26 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
July 28 - Aug 2 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
Sept 1 - 6 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 8 - 13 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 15 - 20 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 22 - 27 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Sept 29 - Oct 4 ---------- ---------- Sold Out ! ---------------- -------------------
Oct 6 - 11 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Oct 13 - 18 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Oct 20 - 25 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.
Oct 27 - Nov 1 $ 4,198. $ 1,450. Space Available E-mail us today Save $ 400. p.p.

Other Trip Dates - to find other trips with space available on your preferred travel dates, click on our 2008 Calendar.

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 with single occupancy. Self-Guided prices are listed as a savings per person. Once you book a trip, your trip price will not change.

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

OTHER TRIP VERSIONS

Classic Inns Trips - the above information represents our Premium Inns trip.
Click here to view trip prices and itinerary details for the Classic Inns version of this trip.

Self-Guided Trips - the above information represents our Premium Inns Guided trip.
The Self-Guided version of this trip uses the same itinerary as above with the exception that only breakfasts are included, with the rest of your meals "on your own" with our well researched recommendations list, paid site admissions are not included allowing you more trip flexibility and trip guiding is provided on a limited basis.
A minimum of 4 participants are required to reserve space on any trip except any featured dates highlighted above.
For additional exempted dates, please e-mail or call our office.
For more information on the differences between our Guided and Self-Guided trips, please click here.

PREMIUM INNS 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.

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 sections 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.

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

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.

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

TOP REASONS WHY TRAVELING WITH CLUB TOSCANA IS SO REWARDING

Since our beginnings, Club Toscana has prided itself in producing active vacations that are the closest thing to a private trip complete with all the comforts and companionship 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 best accommodations -- always with an eye on exceeding your expectations.

Flexibility - 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 group.

Service - We take care of everything -- from meeting you at your pre-trip hotel, to making sure your luggage is taken care of, to always having a refreshment or a welcome lift when needed, 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.

Trip Leadership - Our pleasant natured, well organized and informative North American trip leaders individually have at least 20 years of experience guiding active travelers throughout every region visited by Club Toscana.

NEED MORE TRIP INFORMATION?

E-mail our office 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
Contact Us      info@clubtoscana.com

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