Walking The World

“Our conversation ranged from peccadilloes to pecorino to pretzels, grappa to gelato, and the finer points of sipping versus chugging.”

September 10-22, 2006

Land Cost: $3595 U.S.
Single Supplement Rate: $500 U.S.
Trip Begins: Rome, Italy
Trip Ends: Rome, Italy
Lodging: Hotels & Country Inns

Detailed Itinerary
What we Provide

Welcome to the heart of Italy! Stroll with us through Italy’s sun-dappled countryside. Share special times with local Italian farmers as they prepare for the grape harvest. Be treated to their special wines, pressed olive oil, and fresh-baked breads. Hike through some of Europe’s best vineyards, bursting with grapes that will make the famed Chianti and Brunello wines. Visit such towns as Siena, Montepulciano, and Bracciano. Spend time walking through centuries-old villages, visit Etruscan tombs, and walk beneath Roman aqueducts. Siena’s history will delight you, Rome’s Coliseum is one of the world’s marvels, and of course you’ll want to make sure you try some of the world’s best pastas. You’ll be treated to a feast of food, wine, beautiful countryside, and ancient history hard to imagine.

This itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.
( B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included ) Adventure Trips: Tuscany, Italy

Pre-trip... We recommend that you plan to arrive at least one day in advance. Not only will you be ready and well rested this allows you to explore Rome on your own. We have made hotel arrangements for the night of September 10, if you would like to take advantage of this reservation please contact us.

Day 1... Trip begins at 9:30 a.m. During the drive north from Rome, you’ll see why Tuscany is noted for its beautiful rolling countryside. On the way we’ll stop in Orvieto and have some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch. Our day’s destination is the small town of San Querico D’Orcia, where we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and group orientation. D

Day 2 - Pienza... After breakfast, we’ll join our local guide for our introductory hike to the quaint community of Pienza. An historical walking tour of this Renaissance town culminates in the charming central piazza, laid out in the mid-15th century. After lunch we’ll visit a rural winery where our host, Master Adamo, will introduce us to the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and we’ll see if this wine lives up to its worldwide reputation. 4.5 miles. B, L, D

Day 3 - Bagno Vignoni... Leaving from San Quirico d’Orcia, we travel along vineyards and fields of olive trees to arrive at a medieval castle with panoramic views over the Orcia River valley. We’ll enjoy our picnic lunch and hike down to the river, then up to the ancient village of Bagno Vignoni, a thermal spa since Roman time. 6.8 miles. B, L, D

Adventure Trips: Tuscany, Italy

Day 4 - Siena... Like Rome, the medieval city of Siena is built on seven hills, providing an interesting network of narrow streets surrounding the famous Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena. The Campo is the setting for the Palio, the most famous festival held in Italy. Pennants ripple in the breeze, the tiles and stucco of the buildings glow in the sun, and surrounding Siena is a warm countryside filled with fragrant olive groves, numerous vineyards, friendly locals, and pastoral views you’ll long remember. B

Day 5... Today we’ll walk across a beautiful landscape, along an ancient route used by pilgrims to Rome, from the ancient fortified hill of Ripa d’Orcia to the renowned Abbazia di Sant’Antimo, where we can listen to Gregorian monks singing inspiring music. Then we’ll have some time to relax in Montalcino. 5 miles. B, L, D

Day 6 - Cortona... The charming town of Bracciano sits on the shores of two sparkling volcanic lakes. Our accommodation here is a wonderful farm in the countryside of Monterano, famous for its horses. B

Day 7... Visit to the city of Barbarano Romano and the nearby Etruscan burial tombs. The Etruscans built their tombs from the soft volcanic rock known as tufa in a lush forest carpeted with cyclamen. On our hike we’ll see many such tombs, including that of San Giuliano, dating from the 8th century B.C. B, L, D

Day 8 - Monterano, the Abandoned City... The first urban culture in the western Mediterranean can be traced to the Etruscans, who shaped civilization in central Italy from about the eighth to the first century B.C. Our hike will take us down an old Etruscan road, past sections of Roman aqueduct, and up a small hill to the Abandoned City. We will walk along ancient roads deeply excavated in the tufa rock beside waterfalls, caves, and woods. On the way home we will visit Altieri Place of Oriolo Romano, which hosts the unique Popes’ Gallery, with all of the Popes’ portraits since St. Peter. B, L, D

Day 9... In the morning we will spend time visiting the magnificent, impressive medieval castle. Then we’ll head to Abruzzo, crossing over mountains and through tunnels, to view another face of Italy, the small villages perched on top of high mountains. Everywhere high peaks, green meadows, lush trees. We are in one of the oldest protected areas of Europe: The Abruzzo National Parks. B, D

Day 10 - Abruzzo: Colle Sant’Janni – Camosciara – Civitella... Today we hike through one of the most beautiful forests of the park. Enjoy wonderful views of the high peaks of the Camosciara massif. Travel quietly and perhaps we will be lucky enough to hear a bear’s roar! B, L, D

Day 11... For our final hike of the trip we can only say we saved the best for last: the walnut hill, the spring, the lake. We will definitely work up our appetites for our special meal this evening, hosted by Carmelo, who will cook local meat specialties on an open fire. A local shepherd will also be on hand to make cheese and ricotta from goats’ milk and tempt us into overeating once again. B, L, D

Day 12 - Rome... Although a large metropolis, Rome is at the heart of Italy and is still a fascinating, wondrous, and romantic city. On his arrival in Rome in 1786, Goethe wrote, “I now realise all the dreams of my youth.” Our time here will include a choice to visit to St. Peter’s Square, San Castelgano and the Vatican church. For those spots we won’t have time to visit please consider extending your stay in Rome as you can see there is much to keep you busy. Of course, we’ll have time for last minute shopping and some more of Italy’s finest food. B, D

Day 13... To the airport for flights home. We will provide one transfer to the airport early in the morning.

Walking The World experienced guide
12 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
Good fun, humor, and companionship
All ground transportation while on tour
All meals except 5 lunches and 1 dinner
Local English-speaking guide
Unique and original Journal of your trip
Walking The World T-shirt or Hat
All entrance fees to schedule stops

Read about Tuscany

MAKE IT SIMPLE...
Simply make your travel arrangements through our agency - New Horizons Travel.
Working with Sarah-Miles Clark at New Horizons Travel, 1-800-864-4364,
will assist both you and us in negotiating the best rates and in the overall coordination of your trip plans. If you choose to use another agency, we must receive a copy of your detailed travel itinerary with your final full payment 60 days in advance of the trip. This information enables us to meet you at the airport whenever possible and to see that you are returned conveniently for your departure.

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