TUSCANY & CINQUE TERRE HIKING TOUR

Experience a memorable journey in the enchanting countryside of Tuscany and Cinque Terre.
Our journey begins in the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence and continues through the medieval villages of Tuscany. We experience the essence of all that is Tuscany: open and undulating hills, medieval towers, captivating hamlets such as Colle Val D’Elsa, Volterra & Bagno Vignoni, sunflowers, endless vineyards, unforgettable Renaissance art, mouth-watering local cuisine & world famous wines.
After leaving Tuscany, we will enjoy a great hiking tour in the Cinque Terre & Italian Riviera with the charming Portofino Peninsula. One of the highlights of our journey in the Cinque Terre & Italian Riviera is the 4 star lodging we have chosen for you, where we will live a lovely experience.

ACTIVITY: guided hiking tour
GRADE: easy to moderate
TRIP CODE: ICT&CT
DURATION: 8 days/7 nights

GROUP SIZE: min 4, max 10

2013 Dates & Prices 
Please inquiry at info@icnosadventures.com - Prices depend on period required and size of your group.
Privately guided departures with minimum 2 persons on request

Day 1 – Welcome in Florence
Arrival on your own in Florence (Private transfer from Florence Airport on request).
Our Hotel*** is centrally located and it is a wonderful base for exploring, at your own pace, the cultural capital of the Renaissance, world known for its important cultural, architectural and artistic heritage.
At 6:00 p.m. we meet our tour leader in the hotel for a welcome meeting and a planning session for our adventure. Later in the evening we invite you to enjoy our welcome group dinner at a local restaurant in Florence.
Overnight: Hotel*** in Florence
Meal: Dinner

Day 2 – San Gimignano – Siena
Walking – easy 4 hrs + sightseeing time in San Gimignano & Siena (minimum 2 hrs)
After breakfast, we depart the city of Florence for the tranquillity of the Tuscan countryside. We travel by private bus to San Gimignano “of the fine towers”, one of the most attractive Tuscan medieval hill towns, (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We stroll along its attractive streets lined with ancient palaces before taking a walk, following a section of the “Via Francigena”, the ancient pilgrim road, through vineyards and past stone farmhouses. Along the way we stop at a farm house for a short visit of the vineyards and a peaceful wine tasting and then  we reach by private transfer our next destination: Siena. Free time to explore one of Italy’s most enchanting medieval cities with its famous square “Piazza del Campo” and its medieval treasures.
Our dinner tonight features delicious local produce and traditional Tuscan dishes.
Overnight: B&B in Siena
Meals: Breakfast, wine tasting & Dinner

Day 3 – Val D’Orcia
Walking easy to moderate 5 hrs - 16 km
This morning we are transferred by private bus to the World Heritage Site of the Val D’Orcia: an outstanding expression of the way the landscape was re-written in Renaissance times to reflect the ideals of good governance and to create an aesthetically pleasing images. We enjoy a sightseeing tour in the simply spellbinding village of Pienza. Then we start our walk to the village of San Quirico d’Orcia, one of the most important stops on the “Via Francigena”, the pilgrims’ way to Rome, with interesting remains of an ancient pilgrims hospital. We take a relaxing walk along a gentle country backroad, visiting a small vineyard where we have the opportunity of a wine tasting. Our walk takes us to the unique Spa town of Bagno Vignoni: here the main square is a scenic ornamental pool built by the Medici Family. We can enjoy a refreshing bath in the many Etruscan water channels that surround the old watermills just outside of the centre before taking our way back to Siena. Relax time prior to dinner on your own in a typical Tuscan Restaurant located in the heart of Siena.
Overnight: B&B or Hotel*** in Siena
Meals:  Breakfast; wine tasting

Day 4 – From Monteriggioni to Colle Val d’Elsa
Walking easy to moderate 6 hours/about 20 Km
After breakfast we take a local bus to the village of Monteriggioni and from here we start our walking day to the mediaeval village of Colle Val d’Elsa, a delightful walled town and home to Italy's finest crystal makers. Along the way  we will enjoy some superb views of Tuscan Countryside, the oak wood of Montagnola Senese and the small medieval village of Strove, before reaching Colle Val D’Elsa.
We have time to explore the historical centre and the most characteristic corners of town before reaching by private transfer our next destination: Volterra.
Overnight: Hotel*** in Volterra
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 – Volterra
Walking easy to moderate - 4 hours + sightseeing time in Volterra
Today we discover the attractive Volterra: a vibrant town constructed on the highest hill, whose history goes back at least 3000 years, spans Etruscan, Roman and Medieval periods. Wondering around the town it is possible to admire the workshops of the Alabaster artisans. There is plenty of time to explore at your leisure this magical place, with the option to visit the fascinating Etruscan Museum where 3,000 year old funerary urns, ceramics, and filigree gold jewels bear witness to the remarkable sophistication of the Etruscan civilization. We then walk through the countryside of Volterra and enjoy the magnetism of the city before enjoy our dinner in Volterra. (B,D)
Overnight: Hotel*** in Volterra
Meal: Breakfast

Day 6 – Italian Riviera & Portofino Peninsula
Walking easy to moderate –  4 hours
Today we say “arrivederci” to our hosts and slowly leave the Tuscan landscape, driving toward our new destination for the next two nights. The journey takes us in the charming Italian Riviera and offers a superb discovery of Portofino Peninsula. From Camogli we enjoy a lovely boat ride to San Fruttuoso.
The medieval Benedictine abbey of San Fruttuoso located in a tiny rocky cove is an hidden gem in a green bay. Take our time to visit the monastery before starting an impressive hike to Portofino, along a scenic trail that winds its way above the sea. Visit the glamorous village of Portofino called the Jewel of the Riviera. It’s a gorgeous fishing village with an atmosphere of pure elegance and a perfect spot to taste the charming atmosphere of the Italian Riviera.
From Portofino we take a pleasure walk to Santa Margherita Ligure before taking the train to Sestri Levante (about 25 min)
Overnight: Hotel**** in Sestri Levante
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 – Walking the Cinque Terre, from Riomaggiore to Monterosso
Walking easy to moderate –  5.5 hours
Today we enjoy a lovely walk along the five scenic villages from which the name of Cinque Terre is derived. The day starts with a train ride to the village of Riomaggiore . A brief paved coastal path, known as the "Love's Trail" , takes us  to the picturesque village of Manarola.
From Manarola to Corniglia the trail becomes narrow and steep and we reach the next village of the "five lands" walking up a beautiful switchback staircase which leads from the sea to the hamlet on the edge of a sheer cliff. The views are spectacular and an incredibly breath-taking walk.
In Corniglia we take our time wandering through the narrow alleyways of steep multi-coloured houses before taking your next section of the path to Vernazza. We walk through ancient cultivated terraces, olive groves and woodland, and then along the cliff edge with impressive views arriving in Vernazza: a cluster of rooftops around a lovely harbour.
There is plenty of time to explore the tiny village with its multi-coloured facades, before continuing to Monterosso. If we prefer to spend more time in the villages , there is a local train that inter connects all the villages. From Monterosso we take easily a local train to Sestri Levante
Overnight: Hotel**** in Sestri Levante
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 – departure
In the morning we will be transferred by private transfer to Florence  (the journey takes about 2hrs).
Your trip ends after breakfast

Included

• 1 night hotel *** in Florence
• 2 nights B&B in Siena
• 2 nights hotel***in Volterra  
• 2 nights hotel **** in Sestri Levante
• Meals: 7 breakfasts - 5 dinners (dinner does not include beverages)
• Private transfers according to the program included the transfer to Florence on day 8
• All activities as per itinerary
• English speaking local guide
• VAT and local taxes

Not Included

• Visas, Airfare & airport taxes
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Drinks
• Public transportations (train/bus/ferry tickets)
• Other meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature
• Anything not mentioned in “included”

NOTES:
A good level of fitness is required. The walking is graded moderate with 2 to 5 hours walking each day. We suggest that you start regular exercise. In the case of emergency, for reasons of safety, unexpected circumstances or weather conditions, it may be necessary to change the tour program without advance notice, every effort will be made to avoid this if at all possible

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