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Home , Cinque Terre, Corniglia, Ligurian Sea, Manarola, Manarola railway station, Pitigliano

Tuscany and the FROM MEDIEVAL HILLTOWNS TO THE LIGURIAN

TRIP DATES

2017 September 6-15, 2017 September 26-October 5, 2017 October 16-25, 2017

2018 May 1-10, 2018 New Itinerary! May 23-June 1, 2018 New Itinerary! September 5-14, 2018 New Itinerary! September 19-28, 2018 New Itinerary!

® Wilderness Travel ITINERARY 3

TRIP COST, PAYMENT & INSURANCE 8

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE 9

LODGING 10

TRIP LEADERS 12

TRIP DETAILS 14 TOUCAN CLUB 15 and the Cinque Terre FROM MEDIEVAL HILLTOWNS TO THE

In Tuscany, ochre-colored hilltowns rise above a painterly landscape of cypress and olive groves. Our cultural hiking adventure pairs the beauty of this enchanting with the Cinque Terre, five lovely villages tucked beside the sparkling sea. To savor these dreamy landscapes, we’ll explore the medieval Tuscan gems of and , and enjoy a sunset hike into legendary . In the Cinque Terre, home of fabulous seafood and sweet Sciacchetra , our hikes bring you to tiny villages of pastel-hued palazzi. Gourmet picnics, wine tastings, and a cooking class round out our captivating experience of ’s la dolce vita.

® Wilderness Travel

1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 800-368-2794 • 510-558-2488 www.wildernesstravel.com • [email protected] Itinerary

DAY 1 / / After meeting in Rome, we head to the city of Tarquinia to explore its impressive painted Etruscan tombs. Our local guide here will give a great introduction to the history and culture of the region, and we'll enjoy lunch before driving to the trailhead for our short warm-up hike. Setting out on foot, we enjoy a splendid view of Sorano, the town where we will be staying for the next two nights. We then enter into shady Etruscan pathways, also called “cave pathways.” Carved out of the tuff stone, these paths have walls reaching up TRIP DETAILS AT-A-GLANCE to 30 feet high, and create a network of trails throughout the area. From our Length: 10 days trailhlead at San Rocco, we hike right to Sorano, exploring the town before Arrive: Rome, Italy entering the gate that leads on foot to our fortress hotel. Later in the afternoon, Depart: , Italy we visit Sorano's Orsini Fortress Museum, built by one of the most famous Lodging: 9 nights fine hotels, families of the area. Its rare treasures include parts of a 16th century musical including a restored score, a madrigal for four voices. The museum is also a fascinating structure, palazzo a wonderful example of military architecture of the 1500s. In the evening, we Meals: All meals included except gather for our Welcome Dinner. Overnight at Hotel della Fortezza, perched 3 dinners above the town and set within the Orsini ...LD Activity: Cultural Adventures, Hiking Details: 1 hour, 2 miles, 300 feet ascent/400 feet descent Hiking / Trekking DAY 2 Trip Level: / SORANO A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 3-6 We start our day with a short drive to the wine-producing town of Pitigliano, hours a day, van support located in one of Tuscany's wildest and least populated . Set on a (for luggage or if you wish promontory surrounded by bright green valleys, medieval Pitigliano was for to skip a day’s hike) centuries known for its flourishing Jewish community. We'll roam the narrow alleys and visit the old Jewish synagogue, then start our hike along old Etruscan HIGHLIGHTS "Cave Pathways" to a winery where we will enjoy a picnic lunch of local • Hike to charming medieval specialties including (sheep's milk cheese), seasonal fresh vegetables, hilltowns, explore Etruscan ruins and cured meats flavored with wild fennel. After lunch, we continue our hike • Stroll through Siena, with its into the town of Sovana and visit the famous tombs outside of the towns. At exquisite scallop-shaped piazza the end of the day, we return to Sorano. Dinner is on your own tonight. Your • Discover San Gimignano, the Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations. Overnight at Hotel della quintessential walled Tuscan town Fortezza...BL • Visit local wineries, taste fine Hiking Details: 3 hours total, 6 miles, 300 feet ascent/decent including Vernaccia and Brunello di DAY 3 / / SAN QUIRICO D’ORCIA • Hike seaside trails to the most beautiful villages of the Cinque We head north to the wonderful medieval town of Pienza. Before setting off on Terre, explore Portofino our hike, we take a look around Pienza’s , which has several splendid • Delight in charming hotels, from buildings constructed between 1459 and 1462. Pienza was named after a restored palazzo to a welcoming Pius the Second, born as Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, who commissioned seaside hotel the architect Bernardo Rossellino to rebuild his native city. The • Savor picnics of local culinary treats, Palazzo Piccolomini, considered Rossellino’s masterpiece, was inhabited by the including zesty salumi, aged cheeses, Piccolomini family until 1962. We leave town on foot, passing through some and foccacia al of the most impressive scenery (parts of the film Under the Tuscan Sun were shot in this area). Our hike brings us to a family-run organic farm where sheep cheese is made, and we'll have a chance to visit the farm as we enjoy our lunch

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there. Rambling over the Tuscan hills after lunch, we reach the Rennaissance town of Montepulciano, the highest hill town in Tuscany (at 2,000 feet). The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from here is considered among Italy's best wines. (There is also an option of a shorter one-hour hike to the beautiful medieval village of , an overlooked gem in the heart of the Val d’Orcia.) At the end of the day, we head to San Quirico d’Orcia, our base for the next two nights. Perched on a hilltop, the small town of San Quirico d’Orcia is set right beside the famed La , a pilgrimage path that connected northern to Rome in the . Overnight at hotel... BLD Driving Time: 1.5 hours Hiking Details: 1.5 hours, 3 miles to agriturismo; 3 hours, 6.5 miles, 600 feet ascent to Montepulciano (shorter 1-hour hike to Monticchiello is available)

DAY 4 SANT’ANTIMO / MONTALCINO Hiking right out of town, we find the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, perhaps the largest and finest example of in Tuscany. This extraordinary structure, built in the 12th and 13th centuries by Abbot Azzo dei , has a fantastic setting in a large valley with views of the hilltown of Castelnuovo dell’Abate and rolling hills covered in olive groves, vineyards, and wild forests. After a delightful picnic lunch, we’ll enjoy a tasting at a local

4 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com winery, then visit the town of Montalcino, Tuscany’s most important wine town, home of the prestigious ruby-red wines. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in San Quirico d’Orcia...BL Hiking Details: 4 hours, approx. 9 miles, ascent of 620 feet, descent of 750 feet

DAY 5 SIENA / SAN GIMIGNANO We drive about 50 minutes to Siena, where a local guide will enliven our walking tour of this glorious city, one of the most flamboyant examples of medieval architecture in existence. In the center lies Il Campo, the shell-shaped town square, the focus of Sienese life since 1340. The 14th century dominates the Campo, topped by a high campanile (bell tower), the tallest in Tuscany. Siena’s grand cathedral, set on the highest hill in the city, is a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque elements in stripes of black and white marble. Most of the city walls survive intact, and the medieval interiors of many of Siena’s churches are in a good state of preservation. After lunch in Siena, we'll enjoy a scenic drive to a winery, where we sample some of the famous wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano before setting off on the trail. Our hike amid vineyards, olive groves, and fields of wheat and sunflowers into the quintessential walled Tuscan town of San Gimignano, just as the late afternoon sun burnishes its medieval stone towers in golden light. The town's towers (14 of the original 70 remain) make it instantly identifiable from miles away. After dinner is a great time to stroll through this ancient town and get a feel for what it must have been like during medieval times. In the early evening, the medieval atmosphere truly comes to life. Overnight in San Gimignano...BLD Hiking Details: 2.5-3 hours, approx. 5 miles, mostly on dirt road, with some asphalt

DAY 6 CAMPIGLIA / / MONTEROSSO A three-hour drive brings us to the coast and our trailhead just at the entry of the Cinque Terre National Park. Before we set out on our hike, we'll enjoy lunch at a traditional refuge in the little town of Campiglia, overlooking the sea. The bistro features natural handmade foods and pastries prepared fresh from their bakery. After filling up on some tasty regional dishes (it's famous for its sweet and savory focaccias), we'll head off on our trail, a mule path winding down through pine forests and vineyards that brings us to the Santuario del Nostra Signora di Montenero (Sanctuary of our Lady of Montenero), perfectly perched above the sparkling sea. The views from here are utterly bewitching, and we'll have ample time for capturing photos. Our hike continues right into Riomaggiore, the first of the small fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. After strolling its main street, we'll board the local train and head to our hotel in the town of Monterosso, at the northern end of the Cinque Terre. Monterosso, with its castle and bell towers, was a feudal holding given over to Genova in 1276, which fortified it against Turkish pirates and the Pisans. The parish church, built in 1244, is dedicated to San Giovanni Battista. The town retains a medieval center, Monterosso Vecchio, along with a modern district. It also has

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Cinque Terre’s largest collection of shops and restaurants and the region's nicest beach. From the of the Capuchins, with its crucifixion attributed to Van Dyck, there is a nice panorama of the village and promontories of Cinque Terre. Overnight at hotel...BLD Hiking Details: Approx. 4 miles, 3 hours, 300 feet ascent/1,200 feet descent. The trail starts on a fairly level path, then heads downhill on a rocky and occasionally steep path, becoming a stony mule path as we near the town.

DAY 7 / / Today we enjoy the classic Cinque Terre hike that links most of the villages (some trails are closed due to past landslides). These five hamlets, with their jumble of pastel-colored houses and tiny harbors, are wedged into a mountainous coast steeply terraced with ancient vineyards. Leaving early from our hotel to avoid the crowds, we head south up and over rocky trails and through flourishing vineyards and gardens, enjoying fantastic vistas of the sea all the while as we hike to Vernazza, arguably the most picturesque of the towns, with its tiny harbor and central piazza lined with restaurants and cafes. After exploring a bit, we continue to enchanting Corniglia, a town dating back to Roman times and perched 300 feet above the sea. Corniglia has always had a land-based economy, as it is too far above the sea to be a fishing village. The village’s Gothic-Ligurian style Church of San Pietro dates to 1334 and has a lovely stained-glass window framed by white marble from . In the fall, the small, private wine cellars of Corniglia are filled with clusters of grapes suspended from drying racks. These grapes are pressed to produce the Schiacchetra dessert wine particular to this region. After lunch in Corniglia, we board the local train to Manarola (the trail to Manarola is closed), with its colorful jumble of houses atop a rock outcrop. We visit Manarola's medieval Church of San Lorenzo (1338), then return to Monterosso by train. In the late afternoon we'll take a moment to sit, contemplate the view of the sea, and sip a glass of sweet Sciacchetra wine before enjoying dinner on your own in one of Monterosso's many outdoor restaurants. Your Trip Leader will be happy to make some recommendations based on how fancy or local you wish to go. Overnight at hotel...BL Hiking Details: 4.5 hours total, approx. 5 miles total. From Monterosso to Vernazza, it’s a narrow rocky trail with steps, with an elevation gain and loss of 600 feet. From Vernazza to Corniglia, it’s about 700 feet elevation gain and 400 feet loss.

DAY 8 / CAMOGLI Taking the train, we head to Sestri Levante, a resort town with spectacular twin bays, frescoed tower-houses, open-air markets, Romanesque and Baroque churches, crescent beaches, and port-side cafés along a palm-lined promenade. It's a classic of the . After exploring the town, we hike to Punta Manara, where on a clear day you can see part of the and even the island of . Upon returning to town, we enjoy a lesson in

6 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com making the area’s famous—and absolutely delicious— at one of the local restaurants. This flavorful concoction of basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and pecorino cheese is served with fresh and it will be our delightful lunch. Heading by train to Camogli, we enjoy a stroll through the charming town. This quintessential Italian resort offers fantastic bars and seaside restaurants. You might want to try some of the famous that the town is especially known for. Overnight at a lovely seaside hotel in Camogli...BLD Hiking Details: approx. 3 hours

DAY 9 PORTOFINO / SAN FRUTTUOSO A short drive brings us to the international yachting town of Portofino. This charming port, nestled between colorful tower-houses and the promontory, is home to jet setters in the summer. Following steps that lead right out of town, we climb to a balcony trail, then make a steep descent on switchbacks through an oak forest—a natural reserve run by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI)—to reach San Fruttuoso, a small isolated village tucked between the cliffs and sea and reached only on foot or by boat. We will explore the old Benedictine monastery, now a museum, and have a chance to take a dip in the Mediterranean—San Fruttuoso has beautiful waters for bathing. After lunch and time to relax by the sea, we return by boat to Camogli, enjoying views of the coast and towns—a great photo op! In the evening, we gather for a festive Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Camogli...BLD Hiking Details: 3 hours, 800 feet ascent and descent

DAY 10 DEPART Transfer to the airport in Pisa and depart on homeward-bound flight...B

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TRIP COST TRIP COST INCLUDES Prices are for 2017 • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader $5695 (10-14 members) and local guides $6195 (5-9 members) • Accommodations in small comfortable inns Single supplement: $1080 • All meals included except 3 dinners Forced single supplement: $880 • A glass of wine or beer with dinner • Land transportation, airport transfers as noted 2018 Pricing: Call for Itinerary TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced International airfare, any meals not specified after each according to the number of participants on the trip. All itinerary day, airport departure taxes, individual arrival or costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish departure transfers, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessary fee. If you are willing to share accommodations, we will due to airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip match you with a roommate if one is available. If we cannot expense of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance match you with a roommate, the “forced single supplement” or passports; and other expenses of a personal nature is listed above. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.). or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in PAYMENT SCHEDULE the tier pricing count. At time of reservation $600 75 days prior to departure Balance CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE Due to the volatility of currency markets, we can only offer CANCELLATION AND TRANSFER FEE SCHEDULE the most competitive pricing on our trips in Europe by Up to 91 days prior to departure: No charge! partially tying the trip cost directly to the value of the Euro. 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost In the late spring of 2016, when we set the rates for our 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 2017 program, the US Dollar equaled 0.9 Euros. While in 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost most years, no price changes are ever necessary, if there were to be a significant change in exchange rates, we may be TRAVEL INSURANCE forced to raise or able to lower our trip cost; if so, your final We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You invoice, sent two weeks before your final payment is due, can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection will reflect the difference. Please note that the calculation Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or will not be a straight proration. While most of the trip cost purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for is paid in Euros, the remainder of our expenses are paid in details. For specific questions about the plan, please contact US Dollars. The overall effect is to moderate any change; Travelex directly at 844-877-1885, and refer to plan 297A- thus, if the Euro were to rise in value, the land price would 0716. rise less than might be expected, and if the Euro were to fall, the drop in trip cost would also be less than might be expected.

8 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com Arrival & Departure

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE If you have a flight departing earlier than 12:30 pm, you Upon confirming your trip reservation, we will send will need to transfer on your own from Camogli to the you a Welcome Packet that includes a list of documents airport. (passport, visas, etc.) required for your trip. Please feel free to call if you would like this information before making For those wanting to continue to Genova, trains depart your air arrangements. every hour from Camogli. It’s about a 45-minute train ride, and tickets are around 4 Euro. You can purchase your ARRIVAL & MEETING PLACE tickets at the station in Camogli, or you can make your Hotel Nord Nuova Roma reservation online at www.trenitalia.com. Rome, Italy Date: Day 1 INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL Time: 8:30 am You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Europe. There are many online Suggested Airport for Arrival consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help Rome -Fiumicino Airport (airport code arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at FCO) 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. Suggested Arrival Time: before 7:00 am if arriving on Day They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to 1, or anytime if arriving a day or more prior to Day 1. even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito’s website at www.exitotravel.com. Your Trip Leader will meet trip members in the lobby of the Hotel Nord Nuova Roma in central Rome at 9:00 am Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from on the first day of the trip. After a brief trip orientation, we the U.S. one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip will set off on our 2-hour transfer to Pitigliano itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be There is a Leonardo Express train every 30 minutes from valid for at least six months after your date of return to the the Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport to the U.S. Roma Termini train station in central Rome. The train takes about 30 minutes and costs about 15 euros per person. Please do not purchase your tickets until you are The Hotel Nord Nuova Roma is just 250 meters from the confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been train station. purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule so we can reserve your airport transfers. It is your DEPARTURE responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi the arrival and departure logistics for this trip. Camogli, Italy Date: Day 10

Suggested Airport for Departure Pisa Airport (airport code PSA) Estimated drop-off time at airport: 10:45 am Suggested flight departure time: 12:30 pm or later

On Day 10, a group transfer will be provided at 9:00 am from the final hotel directly to the Pisa Airport. After the drop off at the Pisa airport, the group transfer will continue to the Pisa Train station for those traveling by train. Please do not plan for a train departure prior to 11:00 am.

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HOTEL DELLA FORTEZZA RELAIS PALAZZO DEL CAPITANO HOTEL LA CISTERNA Sorano, Italy San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy San Gimignano, Italy Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Day 5 (1 night),

Perched above the medieval hilltop This small hotel, a beautifully restored Set on the main piazza in the heart of town of Sorano is the Hotel della 15th century building with the medieval town of San Gimignano, Fortezza, located within the historic charm, is a nice surprise in the heart of the historic Hotel La Cisterna is well 11th century Orsini Castle, an ancient the unspoiled village of San Quirico. located for exploratory walks of this stronghold of the Tuscan countryside. Guest rooms are decorated in Tuscan beautiful town (and close to a great It’s been beautifully restored with a style, with wooden-beamed ceilings, shop). The simple rooms vary respect for the history of the place, antiques, and terracotta floors. Relax in size, but all are comfortable; many and a stay here is to take an evocative at the end of the day in the walled offer views of the valley. step back in time. Sixteen warm and garden of olive trees, grape arbors, and welcoming rooms offer views of the fruit trees, then head out for dinner at surrounding countryside, including the one of the town’s many restaurants or Etruscan necropolis of San Rocco. We at Al Vecchio Forno, the hotel’s own recommend having an aperitivo in the restaurant, renowned for its superb courtyard before heading to dinner. Tuscan specialties.

10 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com These are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary. To see more photos and descriptions, please visit our Tuscany, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre webpage and click on the HOTELS IN MONTEROSSO HOTEL CENOBIO DEI DOGI “Lodging” tab. Monterosso, Italy Camogli, Italy Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), In Monterosso we stay at one of the following properties: Tucked away in a picturesque corner of the Italian Riviera in the under-the- HOTEL PORTA ROCA radar fishing village of Camogli, this Nestled into a mountainside lovely old-fashioned hotel was once overlooking the sea, this 40-room the summer home of the Genovese hotel offers enchanting views from doges. Today it's a comfortable hotel almost every spot, from the outdoor with a delightful old world ambiance swimming pool to the guestrooms, and the perfect base from which to most of which have balconies with sea explore the area around Portofino. views—you'll feel like you're staying With its great sunsets, beautiful setting in your own private ! Relax on one above a private beach, pretty gardens, of the hotel’s many terraces and soak and outdoor terraces with exquisite up the view, or take a short walk into views of the sea, you'll feel you're in a Monterosso's Old Town. The hotel's setting for an Italian movie. There's secluded location makes it a wonderful also a saltwater swimming pool (but, place to escape the hustle and bustle of of course, you can always swim in the this popular town. sea!).

HOTEL MARGHERITA Surrounded by enchanting hiking trails and sandy beaches, Hotel Margherita is set in the ideal location to explore the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. Guestrooms are simple yet comfortable, with great views of Monterosso’s colorful town. Be sure to enjoy a drink at the hotel bar and relax on the outdoor terrace—the summer nights here are divine.

800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | [email protected] 11 Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the “Dates & Prices” tab on our Tuscany and the Cinque Terre webpage: http://www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/italy/tuscany-cinque- terre-hiking

GIUSEPPE ARUTA With an extensive background in geology and deep roots in his Italian heritage, Giuseppe Aruta leads guests through the Medieval Hilltowns, the and Italy’s Lake District. He was born in , studied and worked in , and is now a resident of , the culinary capital of Italy, yet often explores outside of his home country. “I consider myself curious about everything—art, science, food, human relationships, dancing, painting, math,” he says. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge with people from other countries, and in return, I also learn a lot from them."

TERESA BALDI Teresa Baldi, daughter of veteran WT Trip Leader Stefano Baldi, was born in 1987 and grew up on a farm owned by her family on the hills surrounding Florence. She has a degree in at the University of Florence and when she is not helping on the farm, a working agriturismo, she is employed at a nearby first-class restaurant, where she developed a passion for good food and wines. “It was great for me to grow up on a farm with plenty of animals and fantastic trails to explore and, at the same time, have the opportunity to study the beauty of art right in the streets of my home town. A hop on the bus and you step from nature to the glories of the Renaissance.”

GIAMPIERO FAGA Giampiero Faga was born in in the far south of Italy and attended university in Rome. He indulged his passion for international travel during more than 20 years of service for Alitalia as a chief purser, and is a wonderful storyteller and engaging travel companion. Giampiero speaks five languages and lives in the Italian countryside.

LISA HALDERMAN Lisa Halderman experienced Italy in 1973 as a high school exchange student. She earned her degree in , completing her final year at the University of Padua. Her studies have immersed her in the world of , architecture, politics, and history. An avid gardener, Lisa also has a strong interest in natural history. She lives with her family in the small hill town of San Gimignano, Italy, and she has a son. In Tuscany, Lisa loves to go through every outdoor market with a fine-tooth comb.

12 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com

ISABELLE JOHNSON Isabelle was born in the UK and has lived in the Italian Dolomites since 1999. She is an Oxford history graduate and loves connecting travelers to the history of the area, and has nearly 20 years experience leading small group walking adventures throughout Italy. Isabelle also has a passion for alpine flora. When not leading trips, she enjoys walking long distance trails throughout Italy and the UK.

JOANN LANTZ From hiking the scenic peak of Monte Solare in Capri and staying at the picturesque Lagazuoi lodge in the beautiful Dolomites to ice-breaking (and often hilarious) karaoke nights in Naples, JoAnn Lantz manages to weave together unforgettable highlights from our group adventures and still have time to bring out the local charm of each place. “I became a Trip Leader to travel and to share the wonders of Italy with others,” she says. When not leading trips, JoAnn enjoys gardening and taking care of the farm animals around her home.

ELLEN SANTUCCI-MASI Ellen Santucci-Masi was born and raised in New Jersey, but always knew she would travel someday, and she did. She studied French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Latin, knowing that languages would allow her gather insights into different cultures. She eventually settled in Florence, Italy, where she lives with her husband and three children. Ellen has a BA degree from Syracuse University (New York) in Medieval and Renaissance History and an MA from Framingham State College (Massachusetts) in Education. Ellen has become a sommelier and continues her studies of the wines and foods of Italy. She also enjoys reading, yoga, and scuba diving.

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WHAT THE TRIP IS LIKE WEATHER This trip is Level 3, Moderate. The hikes vary from 2 to 8 The weather in Tuscany and Cinque Terre in late spring miles on trails that traverse a mix of terrain, from country and early fall is usually very pleasant, with temperatures in roads with rolling hills in the southern part of Tuscany to the 70s (80s in Tuscany) during the day and in the 50s and rocky and steep sections on the coastal paths in 60s at night. There can be cool breezes or showers at any (parts of certain trails are ancient stone staircases, and they time during these seasons. can be quite steep). Although you carry only a daypack on the hikes, we recommend you make a special effort to be in CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRIP good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear well- participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose broken-in hiking boots for maximum comfort on the trail. the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual Our van usually meets us at midday, bringing a wonderful interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about picnic lunch of local breads, cheeses, fruits, and wines. On the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this “town” days we will have lunch at local cafes. Our luggage is itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 transported for us by van, so it is always possible to ride in and ask for the Europe Manager or email us at europe@ the van if you wish to opt out of a day's hiking. wildernesstravel.com.

Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably This is a new adventure for 2016 and one that we are later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure particularly excited about offering. However, as with all early reservations for our groups, but most often the new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are evening meal will be at 7:30 pm. always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on We spend most nights in small, picturesque inns, full of weather conditions, the group, and other factors. Italian charm and ambiance. All hotels are chosen for their local history and central location. Since they are REFERENCES often in historic buildings the rooms may not conform to We’d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that the international standards that you may be accustomed has traveled with us on this or a similar trip. to in more cosmopolitan areas. We hope that you will be able to enjoy them for their charm and local color. Our VISIT OUR WEBSITE leaders always try to assign rooms in a fair way so that all At www.wildernesstravel.com, you can find out about added participants experience an equal advantage throughout the departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested, but are not that aren’t listed in our catalog. You can also access a always available, due to the limited space in some of our complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the hotels. If you require a single room, please make the request customized reading guides for each of our adventures.w as early as possible. European single rooms are often smaller than those in the US.

Average Daily Max/Min ºF Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Siena 48/34 53/34 59/39 63/43 74/51 82/57 87/61 87/62 77/56 68/51 56/43 49/37 Florence 48/34 52/36 57/41 64/45 73/52 79/57 86/63 86/63 79/57 68/50 57/43 50/36 Rainfall - Inches Siena 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.8 2.3 1.7 1.2 1.5 2.8 3.0 3.8 3.0 Florence 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.2 3.0 3.0 4.0 3.0

14 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com Toucan Club Rewards & Discounts

We are very proud to have one of the highest rates of repeat travelers in the business, and have established the Wilderness Travel Toucan Club to reward you for your loyalty. For more information, Please visit the Toucan Club page of our website at www.wildernesstravel.com/toucan.

Here’s how it works:

YOUR FIRST TRIP As a first time traveler, you receive a lightweight Wilderness Travel T-shirt and set of durable WT Luggage Tags. On subsequent trips, we’re happy to send you a new WT T-shirt and set of Luggage Tags by request.

YOUR SECOND TRIP A top quality Wilderness Travel stainless steel water bottle by Klean Kanteen and a cozy Wilderness Travel fleece vest by ($100 value).

YOUR THIRD TRIP A versatile Wilderness Travel R-1 pullover by Patagonia ($130 value).

YOUR FOURTH TRIP Discounts on the cost of your trip begin! You receive a 4% discount on the tour cost.

FIVE AND MORE TRIPS You receive a 5% discount on the tour cost. On your sixth trip, you receive a 6% discount, and so on up to your 10th trip. The maximum discount is 10%, with a ceiling of $500.

Note: Due to special pricing considerations, Toucan Club discounts do not apply to our Private Journeys or Special Events. However, your participation on these trips does count toward your Toucan discount on future departures of Wilderness Travel’s regular adventures.

TERMS & CONDITIONS Toucan Club travel discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, unless otherwise specified. Discounts are deducted from trip cost and shown on the final invoice, which is sent out 75 days prior to trip departure. Discounts apply to land cost only. Bonus gifts (T-shirts, luggage tags, vests, water bottles, and pullovers) will be mailed approximately three weeks prior to trip departure. Terms and conditions of Toucan Club bonuses are subject to change or cancellation at the discretion of Wilderness Travel, Inc.

800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | [email protected] 15 WILDERNESS TRAVEL HAS BEEN AWARDED:

Voted #1 Tour Operator: AFAR Magazine Best Outfitter in the World Award: Outside Magazine World’s Best Awards: Travel + Leisure, 9-time winner Trip of the Year: Outside Magazine, 9-time winner Best Adventure Travel Companies: National Geographic Adventure, 3-time winner 50 Tours of a Lifetime: National Geographic Traveler, 9 years in a row

Please be advised that California has established a Travel Consumer Restitution Fund under the California Seller of Travel Law that took effect January 1, 1996. This fund is designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices by discount airfare ticket sellers or air charter operators. Unfortunately, this law does not cover non-California residents and, even in the case of California residents, it does not cover any foreign travel where the foreign “providers of transportation or travel services” are not in compliance with the Sellers of Travel Law (compliance being defined as registered as a Seller of Travel in California and a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund). Thus none of Wilderness Travel’s tours qualify and we are required by law to advise each client that they are not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires sellers of travel to maintain a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account. California Seller of Travel #100769640

While as accurate as possible at the time of printing, this itinerary should be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of activities and trip routing, rather than an inflexible schedule of events; it is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. This trip is subject to the Limitation of Liability and all the terms and conditions as detailed in the General Information section of the Wilderness Travel Catalog.

July 10, 2017 2:30 PM