Current as of: May 20, 2019 - 12:35 Valid for departures: From July 16, 2018 to December 31, 2019

A Taste of Self-Guided Walking Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Self-Guided 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Min age: 12 Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking W07ST

Trip Overview

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, a cookery class 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 mediaeval, Roman and Etruscan towns and villages, sample the Vino di Nobile of , rich Peccorino cheese in or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.

At a Glance  7 nights single-centre accommodation  All buffet breakfasts and 4-course evening meals  Management by local hotelier  Route directions and maps  Wine and olive oil tasting  One spa entrance  Cookingclass

 Countries visited: Italy

Trip 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 with a passionate owner

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!)

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Average daily walk: 13.4km (8.5miles) No. of days walking: 5 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 accommodations, provide you with route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

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 local representative is normally able to dispatch 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. A local representative 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. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Please note: the walking and luggage 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: 18 Child min age: 12 Child max age: 17

Itinerary Land Only

Start City: End City: Chianciano Terme

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Chianciano Terme Take the train from Rome to -Chianciano, where you will take a taxi to your hotel (25 min, pay locally). Perhaps enjoy a stroll to the old town, before your evening briefing by the owner, Stefano, and the first of many superb dinners. (Staying at the Agriturismo La Pietriccia for 7 nights, Half Board)

Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Visit the Farms You’ll start this morning with a guided walk passing the different producers that make this a special part of the world, through fruit orchards and vineyards, visiting the Cinta Senese pigs, an area set up to allow truffles to grow, and finishing at Stefano’s own oil mill. From here you can continue your walk with great views of the up to Chianciano Vecchia or return to the hotel with the guide.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 3 Castiglioncello to the Hotel A short transfer takes you to the charming village of Castiglioncello; once abandoned it is now restored with a hotel and 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. A narrow trail with wonderful views takes you past a model of an Etruscan farm, before arriving in Chianchiano Terme. Two choices follow the white gravel roads passing farms, or through the town to return to the agriturismo. This evening before dinner you have wine-tasting in a charming cantina in the old town.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 4 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 . 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 14 km / 9 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 5

Afternoon Cooking Course This morning you have time to yourself, maybe walk into Chianciano Vecchia and visit the Etruscan Museum of Chianciano Terme, or use your voucher for the Theia Spa and relax in the healing waters or treat yourself to one of their many treatments. In the afternoon you begin your cooking class where you will learn classic Italian techniques and eat the meal you prepare for dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 6 Walk to the Wine Town of Montepulciano A short transfer out of Chianciano to start the 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, then detour to the Convento dei Cappucini (optional), 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 15 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 7 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 superb food.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles Activity (hours): 4

Day 8 Leave Chianciano Terme

Taxi (pay locally) back to the train station where you could possibly head to or Rome for extra

nights. Meals included: Breakfast

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. He will also lead the cookery course for you during your stay, and 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.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $520.80 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking 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 Fiorentina (a T-bone steak 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 . Arrival Instructions

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.

Transfers Details Recommended arrival airport is Rome Fiumicino airport. Then train to Chiuis (train tickets not included in tour price, inquire for details and prices).

*Typical Rail Rome Termini to Chiusi 13:00/14:49. Return: rail Chiusi to Rome Termini 10:54/12:48

*Rail not included in tour price, inquire for rail prices.

Location start: Chianciano Terme Location end: Chianciano Terme

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 swim suit

Waterproofs and warm clothes (essential for inclement weather)

Optional Equipment

Wool hat and gloves

Walking poles

Small umbrella in case of unexpected showers

Reading List

Lonely Planet Florence & Tuscany Rough Guide Tuscany & DK Eyewitness Florence & Tuscany Weather & Seasonality Weather Information 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

Practical Information Passport Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa Italy

No visa required for USA passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the USA we strongly recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CEST (GMT +02:00)

Electricity

Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Money Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

ATM Availability

An ATM is available in in all the major towns visited. Most places take major credit cards, however, cash is generally easier.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Allow about €5-15 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.

The public transport to the start and end point of the walks is not included and you should allow a maximum of €20 per person for this. Responsible Tourism At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances 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.

On all trips

In 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 you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 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.

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; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, 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.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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