Current as of: January 15, 2025 - 09:20
A Taste of Tuscany Self-Guided Walking Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 13+
- Trip Code: W07ST
Trip Overview
Based in the town of Chianciano Terme, on this single-centre walking holiday you’ll experience archetypal Tuscany: stunning timeless landscapes, delicious rustic cuisine, friendly local people and, of course, interesting walking routes.
This is not just a walking holiday it is a full immersion into local Tuscan life, from a guided walk passing the local produce providers to wine-tasting and a chance to bathe in sulphur-rich healing waters. You’ll walk through ancient chestnut forests, vineyards and olive groves, passing lakes and freshwater ponds alive with the sounds of frog chorus. Visit medieval, Roman and Etruscan towns and villages, sample the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.
At a Glance
- 7 nights single-centre accommodation in a HHH hotel
- Management by local hotelier
- Route directions and maps
Highlights
- Fabulous insight into traditional Tuscan life: the food, the wine, the culture
- Wonderfully varied walking, including the beautiful UNESCO Val d'Orcia
- Delicious classic Tuscan cuisine 'km 0' cooking (all local food)
- The wine and cheese towns of Montepulciano and Pienza
- Warm and welcoming agriturismo (farmhouse accommodation) with a passionate owner - the best of Italian hospitality
Is This Trip for You?
This is a self-guided tour; you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking your time and enjoying the sights!)
Terrain & route: The walking routes follow a mixture of paths, quiet roads, gravel track and woodland trails.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation and provide you with route notes so that you can walk at your own pace. The hotelier, Stefano, will be there to meet you and will be available, throughout the trip, should you need assistance.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotelier will be able to help arrange a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. The hotelier, Stefano, is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the hotelier would be able to help arrange a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Please note: the walking transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person is travelling on a departure date.
Adult min age: 13
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Chianciano Terme
- End City: Chianciano Terme
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Chianciano Terme
Arrive at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia and enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many home cooked dinners. (Staying at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia for 7 nights, Half Board)
Visit the Farms
You’ll start this morning with a guided walk of a local oil mill, then visiting the Cinta Senese pigs followed by an area set up to allow truffles to grow and finishing off in Chianciano Vecchia, with great views of the Valdichiana valley before enjoying wine and local produce tasting in a charming cantina in the old town.
A Walk to Lake Chiusi
As you descend into the Valdichiana, a mix of quiet lanes and gravel tracks provide perfect views of the vineyards and over to Monte Rufeno. Passing pretty farmhouses you make your way to the small town of Montallese, and from here you pick up the Sentiero della Bonifica, a long-distance path between Chiusi and Arezzo. This leads you to the charming Lake Chiusi, where you can enjoy the birdlife and perhaps lunch at the lakeside restaurant. You will be transferred back to the hotel.
Castiglioncello to the Hotel
A short transfer takes you to the charming village of Castiglioncello; once abandoned it is now restored with a hotel, a cafe and the interesting Etruscan burial site. From the village you follow a trail through the forest to pass wonderful viewpoints of the area, dropping down to Poggio Pietraporciana, a Nazi gun point in the war. Continuing through the Pietraporciana Nature Reserve you pass the Rifugio Pietraporciana, once owned by the Marchesa of Val d’Orcia, Iris Origo, who, during the war, cordoned off this area to create a neutral zone, which the allies, Nazis and partisans all obeyed. From here, a forest track takes you past a charming argiturismo before a trail along a dried up river alongside rocky cliffs and on to the outskirts of Chianchiano stopping at the Dopolavoro La Foce where an optional transfer back to the hotel awaits you. Alternative carry on walking along a narrow trail with wonderful views and past a model of an Etruscan farm, before arriving in Chianchiano Terme and a choice of following the white gravel roads passing farms or through the town to return to the agriturismo.
Free day
Today you have time to yourself, maybe walk into Chianciano Vecchia and visit the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme, enjoy olive oil tasting at the agriturismo or use your voucher for the Thermal Spa and relax in the healing waters or treat yourself to one of their many treatments.
Walk to the Wine Town of Montepulciano
Today you walk to the wine town of Montepulciano, where you will be rewarded with stunning views across the Valdichiana. Follow a chestnut-laden track to meet the forest road, before following a track around the vines and farmlands up to Montepulciano. You will be picked up here, but before this, take time to explore the town, which is full of wine bars and shops and has plenty of tasting opportunities.
Pienza to Bagno Vignoni
After a short transfer to Pienza, take time to explore the town, it is one of the cheese capitals of Italy, and a beautiful mediaeval historic centre. Perhaps pick up a sandwich filled with porchetta or a slab of rich and creamy pecorino cheese. The walk takes you downhill from Pienza, crossing the stunning Val d’Orcia. It is an easy walk following a well-marked trail, giving you the chance to take in the views of mediaeval towns, rolling hills and rows of cypress trees. You will reach Bagno Vignoni then follow the river Orcia before climbing up to the town passing the spring baths and the old mill, before arriving in the Roman town, with its large baths in the centre of town. Perhaps treat yourself to the hot waters of the Hotel Posta Marcucci, where the baths come with a view! We transfer you back to the hotel for your final night of Stefano’s lovely food.
Leave Chianciano Terme
Leave Chianciano Terme
Accommodation
Hotel
Your base for the week is the modest but comfortable Agriturismo La Pietricca, which stands on a hill with great views of Chianciano Vecchia. Stefano who runs the agriturismo will welcome you with his enthusiasm for everything to do with nature in the surrounding area and will also teach you all about the artisan products in the local area. The hotel produces 65% of what it serves on your table, and is surrounded by its own farm and orchards. There is a lovely terrace and swimming pool and lovely shady grassy area that looks out across the valley, where in the heat of summer you can take your dinner outside.
Single supplement from £ 279
Food & Drink
Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of ‘cucina povera’ (poor cooking); simple inexpensive meals that can be made for large groups. Whilst this was once dictated by the economy and expense of the produce, the tradition has remained. The cuisine of this region doesn’t use complicated seasonings or elaborate recipes, and instead focuses on fresh, high quality ingredients that allow the natural flavours in each dish to shine through. Typical dishes include fagioli con salsiccia (cannellini beans with sausage), tagliatelle al tartufo (pasta in a truffle sauce), bistecca alla Fiorentina (a T-bone steak which is only cooked blue/rare and often large enough to share!), pici (a fat, handmade spaghetti, often served with tomato and garlic sauce or game meat). Don’t miss the local cacio and pecorino cheeses and sample the famous wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.
Transport
All walking transfers detailed in the standard itinerary are included in the cost of the hoilday.
Weather & Seasonality
April and May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may still be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is usually better. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers, then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Self Drive
We can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and prices.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Chianciano Terme
Location end: Chianciano Terme
Transfer Details
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino 07:30/10:30 then rail Rome Termini to Chiusi 13:00/14:49 and transfer to hotel 25 minutes. Return: Transfer to Chiusi station 25 minutes then rail Chiusi to Rome Termini 10:54/12:48 then British Airways Rome Fiumicino to Heathrow 17:25/19:05.
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Standard transfers
Standard return transfers are only included for flight inclusive bookings from Chiusi train station at 14:49, and back to Chiusi train station at 10:15. Customers booking a land only trip will be able to add arrival/departure transfers at a supplement payable in advance.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)
Small sized day sack (30 litres capacity will be sufficient for camera, water bottle, lunch and extra clothing)
Sun cream, hat and sun glasses
Towel and swimming things
Waterproofs and warm clothes (essential for inclement weather)
Optional Equipment
Woolly hat and gloves
Walking poles
Small umbrella in case of unexpected showers
Reading List
DK Eyewitness Florence & Tuscany
Lonely Planet Florence & Tuscany
Rough Guide Tuscany & Umbria
Practical Information
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
An ATM is available in all the major towns visited. Most places take major credit cards, however, cash in Euros is generally easier.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow about €5-20 per day for lunch, depending on whether you have a picnic, snack or a light restaurant meal. For evening meals you should allow about €15-30 including drinks, although it is possible to spend more than this if you choose expensive dishes or drinks.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.