Highlights of Tuscany, Guided Walking Holiday

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in La Spezia

  We meet you at Pisa airport and take you to the lively coastal town of La Spezia (75 mins) where we spend the next three nights. Time for a stroll before a welcome drink and dinner.

• Day 2: Portovenere & the Poets' Gulf 6km/4mi/2.5hr

  This morning we charter a small boat to the nearby island of Palmaria, now a nature reserve. Here we follow a circular path around the island and are rewarded with spectacular views of the Gulf of Poets and nearby islands. After a picnic lunch we head back to explore the charming seaside town of Portovenere. Set in a beautiful sweeping bay (great swimming), and once the haunt of Byron and Shelley, it boasts an impressive C16 castle and several mediaeval churches.

• Day 3: Cinque Terre Walk 10km/6mi/4.5hr

  Today we discover the heart of the beautiful Cinque Terre following the Via dell'Amore to Manarola. Then past farmers working their precipitous vine terraces with 'funicular' railways to reach Volastra where we'll picnic by the small chapel. We descend to Comiglia for a well deserved swim before returning by ferry to enjoy stunning views over the five lands.

• Day 4: La Spezia to Florence

  After breakfast we set off for Florence (75 mins), stopping off at Pisa along the way to see the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the extraordinary 14C Trionfo della Morte frescoes in the Camposanto. Then Florence: you can visit the Uffizi gallery and Bargello, Duomo and Baptistery (pay locally). There's plenty of time to relax on a cafe terrace or hunt for bargains in one of the city's leather markets before returning to our central hotel where we stay for 2 nights.

• Day 5: Florence

  Free time in Florence . Explore the Uffizi, Duomo and Bapistery (pay locally) or cross tot he quieter side of teh Arno at the Boboli Gardens.

• Day 6: Florence to San Quirico d'Orcia

  Leave Florence late morning, stoping in C12th Monteriggioni for lunch. Then continue south to the mediaeval village of San Quirico d'Orcia - C12th collegiate church and formal renaissance gardens.

• Day 7: Etruscan Walk 11km/8mi/4hr or 16km/10mi/6hr

  It's like stepping back in time today as we walk south through truly unspoilt countryside, taking in fabulous views of Tuscan hill villages, castles and ruins, before arriving at the thermal spa town of Bagno Vignoni where we have lunch. The hot spring basin here was an important Etruscan site, and consecrated to the Nymphs by the Romans. There's the option to spend the afternoon at the thermal swimming pool and take the bus back to your hotel.

• Day 8: Siena

  For many, Siena is simply the most beautiful city in Italy. We start at the Campo to admire probably the most harmonious town square in the world. The market is on this morning which gives a lively bustling atmosphere. Then we visit the Civic Museum and 14C Cathedral. On our way back we enjoy a spot of wine and olive oil tasting at the Neri's farmhouse in the heart of the Sienese countryside.

• Day 9: Towers of San Gimignano

  Today, San Gimignano, one of Europe's best-preserved mediaeval citadels. The town is famous for its towers, built by quarrelsome neighbours to outdo each other. We climb the highest for a spectacular view. Then on to the immaculately preserved Mediaeval town of Lucca where we spend the next 2 nights. Time to explore its Roman streets, Mediaeval walls and Forum before dinner..

• Day 10: Grotta del Vento & the Apuan Alps 5km/3mi/2hr

  A short drive north, to reach the majestic splendour of the Apuan Alps. We visit the Grotta del Vento, one of Europe's most extensive cave networks to discover the alabaster draperies, emerald green underground lakes, limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then a woodland path lined with sweet chestnuts, beech and oak trees takes us to a woodland stream where we picnic. Then past Sorgente delle Turrite where there is an old water mill, then fantastic views over the chain of Alps as we descend to the tiny village of Fornovalasco, and return to Lucca.

• Day 11: Leave Lucca

  We take you to Pisa airport after breakfast

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.