Guided Rambling Holidays
Eastern Tuscany, Italy
Gentle to moderate rambles with English speaking guides.
May 23 - 30 Sept 12-19, 2009
Meeting Point: Florence Rail Station 4.00 pm.
Day One: Pick up at Florence Rail Station and transfer on our private bus through the Chianti wine area to the town of Cortona in Eastern Tuscany. This will be our base for the seven day walking holiday.
Day Two: Our bus will take us down the hill of Cortona and we start our warm-up walk along the Val di Chiana, on the way to Arezzo. The path follows the main canal of the Chiana Valley, which is the result of many centuries of ingenious engineering, started by the Romans, continued by the Medicis but accomplished only during the Tuscan Grand Duchy of the Asburgo-Lorena family. This is an opportunity for bird-watching, getting acquainted with each other and observing the fertile countryside. We admire the landscape of the mountain ranges on both our sides. We arrive in Arezzo just in time for lunch and for an afternoon exploring this lovely city. Founded 2,600 years ago by the Etruscans, Arezzo is one of the most interesting towns in central Italy. Rich in history, monuments, and artistic tradition, it is the birthplace of the poet Petrarch, of the painter Vasari, and of the medieval musician Guido d'Arezzo. It holds artistic treasures of the ancient, medieval, and Renaissance periods. Among them, the fresco cycle of the "Legend of the Cross" by Piero della Francesca is considered one of the highest achievements of Italian art. This was setting for part of the Academy Award winning film "La Vita e bella (Life is Beautiful).
Day Three: We begin with a short bus ride into the lovely Tuscan countryside. From here, our walk goes along a panoramic ridge from Portole to Pierle Castle, with the Tiber valley on one side and Lake Trasimeno on the other. Built in the 1300's, the castle of Pierle was destroyed by the Medicis in 1587. Only the exterior remains but still today it gives off an aura of power and magnificence. We picnic here then descend and return to Cortona where one can explore the many artistic and architectural treasures - the Piazza del Duomo and its Romanesque cathedral; the 13th century Praetorian Palace and the Etruscan Museum. The town has many cafes and shops and one gets the feeling that this is authentic Italy (The movie Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed here).
Day Four: We start early to head to Chiusi and from here walk on
quiet roads and woodland path up to the remote monastery of La Verna where
St. Francis of Assisi spent much of his life. This old monastery is
decorated with unique masterpieces by the great artist Della Robbia.
In the afternoon there is choice of taking another peaceful walk around
Monte Penna, starting from the monastery, or you might choose to relax and
enjoy strolling the small paths around La Verna. From here we walk
down to the town of Chiusi della Verna.
Day Six: Today our walk is near Lake Trasimeno where, in 217 BC, Hannibal defeated the Roman army. Our walk is through typical Mediterranean woods and countryside with spectacular views. Along the way are historical landmarks describing the great battle that took place here. We end the walk at the small town of Tuoro sul Trasimeno for a coffee or drink before heading back to Cortona.
Day Seven: We travel south to the hilltop town of Castiglioncello del Trinoro and from this extremely panoramic spot we walk towards La Foce with its spectacular renaissance gardens. La Foce is the home of the author Lady Iris Origo who wrote in her book "War in the Val D'Órcia" of her World War II experiences as an Englishwoman living in Italy. The Val D'Órcia is the Tuscan countryside of your imagination with cypress-lined roads and rolling golden hills. We picnic at a quaint roadside inn. From here we continue by bus to Pienza and Sant'Anna in Camprena where the movie The English Patient was filmed.
Day Eight: Return by private bus to the Florence Rail Station arriving about 11.00 am.
Level of Difficulty: The walking is moderate with a few steep ascents. Distance covered each day averages 11 - 15 kilometres. Our support bus is available to assist walkers where possible. Paths include paved roads, dirt tracks and stony paths.
Safety: Walkers' World has planned the walks with your safety in mind. We will not expose walkers to any unnecessary danger and your well being is our first concern. Please keep in mind, however, that this is an active holiday and so entails some minimal physical risk. If you choose to participate in the walks, it is at your own risk and your good physical condition will mean more enjoyment of the holiday. Walkers' World retains the right to refuse participation to anyone they feel will endanger either themselves or other members of the group.
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