Day 1:
After a short drive from Chuisi, begin a warm-up walk through the Renaissance town of Pienza and proceed to a welcome lunch in one of the old Monastaries overlooking the stunning Val d’Orcia. After lunch and an introductory talk, continue exploring the town of Pienza, birth place of 15th-century Pope Pius II, who commissioned the building of an ideal town based on Renaissance principles. Planned and built by architect Bernardo Rossellino in 1449, buildings are angled to show off the clear blue Tuscan skies. Then walk through some stunning landscape and into the surrounding countryside. Following this walk, continue to Montalcino, famous as the producer of the Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s finest wines. There is time on your own before dinner to visit the ramparts of the town’s fortress for a magnificent view across the Val d’Orcia, wander the streets and shops of Montalcino or simply relax by the pool with a glass of limoncello. For dinner, dine at a local restaurant in the medieval town of Montalcino. (L,D)
The Walk: 6 km/3.8 miles
Accommodations: La Vecchia Oliviera, Montalcino or similar property
A restored olive mill, tastefully renovated with carefully chosen furnishings and carpets. Take in the sunset from the pool and gardens that overlook expansive vistas of the Val d’Orcia. Day 2:
The day begins with an Italian buffet breakfast. Guides will take you to local specialty shops and grocers, where they will help you choose your own picnic lunch. Walking south from Montalcino through one of the best wine-producing zones in Italy, meander through cool forests to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo – a 12th-century Romanesque structure fashioned in large part from luminous alabaster. Following a luncheon feast, take a short walk to the nearby village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. Before dinner, there is time for a tour of the small historical city of Montalcino and some leisure time. Before dinner, enjoy a tasting of exclusive Brunello wines. The evening meal is on your own at one of many charming local restaurant within easy walking distance from your hotel.
The walk: 14 km/9 miles or 9 km/5.5 miles
Accommodations: La Vecchia Oliviera, Montalcino or similar property (B) Day 3:
Walk through fertile valleys to the village of Monticchiello, set high on one of the many Tuscan hills. After lunch, walk or transfer by car to Montepulciano, a miniature Florence famous for its Vino Nobile. Visit the Vintners’ cellars, dug deep beneath the town’s medieval quarter among ancient Etruscan tombs. Included in the tour is a visit to the cellars of the award-winning Avignonesi winery. At the end of the day, transfer to new accommodations for the night, just outside of Cortona. There is ample time to relax and freshen up before dinner, where the owners of the Relais Villa Baldelli will host you. (B,D)
The walk: 14 km/9 miles; shorter options available.
Accommodations: Relais Villa Baldelli
The 17th-century Villa of the Baldelli family has been mediculously restored to retain its orginal character as a country home. Stone floors, frescoed walls, a refreshing pool, and charming gardens await you. Relais Villa Baldelli is situated in a low-lying valley minutes away from Cortona. Day 4:
The morning begins with a walk around and into the old city of Cortona. Before lunch, local expert Giovanni will take you on a tour of the museum to discuss the artist interpretations of Etruscan life. Enjoy lunch on your own, and time to wander around Cortona. Visit local shops and special spots that were used in the filming of “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Evia recommends a visit to the Cortona theatre. At 2:30pm, the group reconvenes and proceeds by private transport to the plain below Cortona where you visit large tumuli, or Etruscan family graves. Guests are welcome to participate in the entire excursion, or opt for the morning only. Dinner is on your own in the lovely town of Cortona.
The walk: 14 km/9 miles; shorter options available.
Accommodations: Relais Villa Baldelli (B)
The 17th-century Villa of the Baldelli family has been mediculously restored to retain its orginal character as a country home. Stone floors, frescoed walls, a refreshing pool, and charming gardens await you. Relais Villa Baldelli is situated in a low-lying valley minutes away from Cortona. Day 5:
Begin with an early transfer to Orvieto, a city that rises graciously above the bedrock. Guides will help you choose a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, you have the option of transfering to Todi, ranked among the most liveable city in the world, or tranfer directly to your accommodations for the evening. In Todi, explore some of the maze of Roman aqueducts and tunnels that run beneath the streets of Todi. Join the group for drinks by the pool overlooking the dramatic landscape of Umbria followed by a farewell dinner.
The walk: 8 km/5 miles
Accommodations: Relais Todini or similar property (B,D)
Relais Todini, an eleganty restored 14th-century castle, is situated in the heart of 1300 hectacres of private agricultural grounds. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the quiet and unpolluted Umbrian countryside from its hilltop position or take advantage of the spa facilities and pool. Day 6:
Take an early morning walk around the private hills belonging to the Relais or enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens. Following breakfast, say goodbye and transfer to Chiusi train station, which offers easy access to Rome or Florence. (B)
Evia Active Travel is happy to book an extra night for you at the Relais Todini if you would like to take advantage of the spa and wellness center. (Additional charges apply) |
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