Day 2 Medici Walk & Poggio a Caiano Villa

Walk 8km/5mi – 3hrs

You’ll step back in time today and learn about the fascinating history of the Medici family, who rose to political power in Florence during the Renaissance period. Thanks to their success, the family amassed significant wealth and were passionate supporters of the arts. It was due to their influence and generosity that Renaissance culture flourished in the city of Florence.
On our walk today, we’ll learn how the Medicis ruled Florence for around three centuries and then we’ll head to the magnificent Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano, before heading to the stunning medieval town of Carmignano, nestled in the Montalbano hills. There will be free time to enjoy lunch here if you wish.
Meals included: B,D

Day 3 Florence Walk

10 km/6.2 mi – 3 hrs
We’re going to explore Florence on foot, starting at Piazzale Michelangelo, which sits on a hill and offers stunning views of the city. We’ll then make our way to the city centre, past hidden treasures including one of the finest Romanesque churches in Tuscany and the Porcellino covered market. Enjoy some free time for lunch and perhaps a spot of shopping this afternoon.

Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Pistoia – at leisure

Walk 9 km/5.6 mi – 2.5 hrs

You’ve a free day to relax at the hotel or explore at your own pace with your travelling companions. Alternatively, join our optional walk from Fornello to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. In the company of a Local Guide, we’ll explore this hilltop town and visit the museum dedicated to the artist’s work. Models bring to life the ideas captured in his drawings and provide a fascinating glimpse of his work.
Meals included: B,D

Day 5 Pistoia – at leisure

Walk 12 km/7.5 mi – 4 hrs

You can enjoy time to yourself today, or change the pace on a more advanced optional trek in the mountains north of Pistoia. We’ll admire breathtaking views as we ride a cable car to Doganaccia, about 1,500 metres above sea level. From here, we’ll walk through meadows and mountain pastures to the glistening mountain lake of Scaffaiolo. We’ll enjoy a lunch of traditional dishes, such as polenta with sausages or mushrooms and cheese. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll stop at a suspension bridge that’s said to be the second-longest in the world. If you’re feeling brave, you can walk across it!
Meals included: B,D

Day 6 Chianti Walk & Verrazzano Castle

Walk 6 km/4 mi – 2.5 hrs

Our walk today takes us to the famous region of Chianti. Beginning at the Badia a Passignano Monastery, we’ll stroll along quiet country roads, past vineyards and olive groves, and through a landscape dotted with quaint little villages and farmhouses. The walk ends at the magnificent Verrazzano Castle, a former Etruscan settlement that’s now a winery. We’ll see its cellars and then enjoy a tasting of Chianti along with a light lunch on a terrace, overlooking the Tuscan countryside.
Meals included: B,L,D

Day 7 Pistoia – at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure or join an optional excursion to Lucca, a medieval fortified town. Here, we’ll walk along the impressive walls and admire fabulous views of the town’s surroundings.
Meals included: B,D

Day 8 Pisa – UK

Today transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals included: B

Additional Information

Please note: we want you to get the most from your holiday with us. Please be advised this tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

Please note: There will be plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery. Most walks take place on paths and tracks. Some will be slightly more strenuous and may involve moderate slopes, tracks, hills, stiles and foot bridges, which may be rough underfoot at times. Sturdy walking shoes and walking poles are essential.

Pools are typically open from June-September, at the discretion of the hotel.

For 2023 itinerary, please see our latest brochure (September 2022).