Italy: Signature Tuscany

Trip Includes:

Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides

All transportation during the trip

All accommodations while on tour, including two fine town hotels, all private baths

All meals included except one lunch and two dinners; alcoholic beverages not included

DAY 1
Arrival Day: Florence. Transfer to San Gimignano; 4 miles, easy with elevation gain of 150 ft
You meet in central Florence and depart on foot, ascending a shaded lane to the church of San Miniato al Monte, which commands a stunning view over the city and the Arno Valley. The route follows Via San Leonardo, meandering past elegant private villas and gardens to the hilltop village of Pian de’ Giullari, or “field of minstrels,” where Galileo lived and worked in the 17th century. You stop for lunch at a quaint local restaurant, overlooking the enchanting landscape. Bucolic country paths bring you to your final destination, one of Tuscany’s finest Romanesque basilicas and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. Built in 1013 by Bishop Hildebrand, San Miniato holds exquisite artwork by some of the most revered Renaissance masters.
After visiting the church, you transfer to the striking town of San Gimignano. Upon arrival you enjoy an introductory walk of this historic town. As you stroll the alleyways you learn about the importance of the “town of the lovely towers” in the Middle Ages and its cathedral, which is home to one of the most beautiful cycles of 13th- and 14th-century frescoes. You move on to the town’s fortress for a bird’s-eye view of the towers. This evening you enjoy a welcome cocktail before feasting on regional specialties at your charming in-town hotel.
Hotel La Cisterna, San Gimignano

DAY 2
Villa Pignano to Volterra; 5 miles, easy to moderate. Short village walking tour of Volterra
After breakfast you have a short bus transfer to the start of a scenic stroll through a classic Tuscan landscape. Today’s itinerary offers sweeping views of distant hills as you walk a country lane between the tiny hamlet of Pignano and the walled, hilltop town of Volterra. The undulating walk crosses an exhilarating, open landscape toward Volterra. In this Etruscan, Roman, and medieval town, your visit begins with the Etruscan walls and tombs, and continuing on in history to the Roman baths and theater. Finally, you stroll along medieval streets, glimpsing romantic gardens. Time permitting, you may visit Volterra’s impressive Etruscan museum.
Following some independent time for strolling and lunch, you return to San Gimignano in the late afternoon. There is time to refresh before walking to dinner at a cozy restaurant in town. The restaurant is part of the Slow Food Movement, an international association promoting food and wine culture, while also protecting local food and agricultural biodiversity worldwide. Dinner features a tasty and inventive menu based on dishes from Etruscan, medieval, and Renaissance times.
Hotel La Cisterna, San Gimignano

DAY 3
San Gimignano to San Donato to Ruins of Castelvecchio; 6 miles, easy to moderate with an elevation gain of 600 ft; 6 miles, challenging afternoon option
You leave San Gimignano on foot, following a road that provides wonderful views of the town’s spectacular towers, a perspective on the imposing and lofty skyline that must have had a striking effect on medieval pilgrims. You walk through the rolling countryside of olive trees and vineyards and continue to the hamlet of San Donato to enjoy a farmhouse lunch al fresco. This family-run farm produces its own Vernaccia and Chianti wines and olive oil. After lunch, you may return to San Gimignano to browse shops, visit museums, or climb the highest tower!
For those who would like to participate in the afternoon walk, the hearty meal is sustenance for a moderate walk to Castelvecchio, one of the last places in Tuscany to be hit by the Black Death of 1348. This terrifying outbreak of the bubonic plague took approximately two out of every three lives in Europe. When word reached neighboring towns that Castelvecchio had been infected, troops were sent to surround the village so that no one would enter or leave. After a few months, when the inhabitants were believed dead, a reconnaissance patrol discovered that the town was empty. The villagers had apparently fled by a secret passage. The town was never inhabited again but today you are able to explore the ivy-covered ruins. This evening you have free time for an independent dinner, choices range from a simple pizzeria, a bustling trattoria, or an elegant restaurant all in the pedestrian center of San Gimignano.
Hotel La Cisterna, San Gimignano

DAY 4
Castel Petraia to Monteriggioni; 4 miles, easy to moderate. Transfer to Radda in Chianti
Today begins with a short drive through rolling countryside to the medieval fortress of Castel Petraia, a fortified manor at the foot of Monte Maggio, whose wooded slopes separate the valley of the river Elsa from Siena and its plain. It is an area of geological interest due to limestone with a preponderance of holes and bubbles producing many deep natural caves. Here a peaceful two-hour walk loops around the foot of the mountain through Mediterranean macchia (shrub) and fields of iron-rich red soil (from which the pigment known as raw Siena is drawn) to the castle of Monteriggioni. This imposing, circular fortress, likened by Dante to a stone crown upon its hill, was built by the Sienese to guard the border with Florence. You ascend a very steep, but short (10- minute) walk into the castle complex, where you are rewarded by browsing the village shops, which include a fine erboristoria (herb shop), sipping a cappuccino, and enjoying a casual panino (sandwich) lunch in one of the town’s cafés.
After lunch, you drive approximately one hour to your next home in the town of Radda in Chianti, once a Florentine fortress and the capital of the Chianti League in the 14th century. Situated on a ridge 1,700 feet above sea level, Radda has maintained its medieval elliptical shape with ancient streets radiating from the historic Piazza Ferrucci and its stately 15th-century town hall.
Your hotel for the next three nights combines the convenience of an in-town hotel with the ambiance of a country villa, thanks to its pool, spacious grounds, and views. Before dinner at a fine restaurant in town, you may choose to relax by the pool or sip an aperitivo in the garden.
Relais Fattoria Vignale, Radda in Chianti

DAY 5
Panzano in Chianti to Volpaia; 3-6 miles, easy to moderate. Transfer to Siena. Two-hour historic city walking tour of Siena
After breakfast a short bus transfer takes you to the starting point of the walk, midway between Florence and Siena. The walk begins at a point located between the Val di Greve and the Val di Pesa, and proceeds down a quintessential country road dotted with vineyards, olive trees, and farmhouses. The milk of the grazing sheep and goats is used for local specialty cheeses. Soon you see your final destination in the distance—the fortified, hillside hamlet of Volpaia. One of the best preserved villages of its period, the castle was built in the 11th century. Upon arrival you have some time to stroll picturesque lanes and alleys, yet lunch awaits in a lively country restaurant with homemade soups, crostini, and fresh pasta. After lunch you return to the hotel to rest and prepare for an afternoon exploration.
Crucial to understanding the art and history of Tuscany, this afternoon you visit the hill-top city of Siena. A special guest lecturer provides a lively introduction to the city’s history and art. The guided tour begins in the heart of Siena, the Piazza del Campo (main square) with its impressive town hall, or Palazzo Pubblico. The main square is also the setting of the celebrated Palio horse race. You wind through the pedestrian streets making your way to the 13th-century Duomo (cathedral) with its striking black-and-white-striped marble facade. Following this tour, the magical city is yours to enjoy for the evening. Whether you prefer shopping or strolling, the evening will surely culminate with a dinner of classic Tuscan delights; choices range from wild boar and risotto to simple, authentic pizza!
Relais Fattoria Vignale, Radda in Chianti

DAY 6
Radda in Chianti to San Donato in Perano; 6.5 miles, easy to moderate. San Donato in Perano to Vertine; 1 mile, easy. Fattoria di Vistarenni; 2 miles, easy to moderate afternoon option
After breakfast you leave the hotel on foot through the heart of the Chianti Classico wine-producing region. The walk begins on a country road where you pass picturesque, working farms as well as luxurious, private villas with landscaped gardens. Panoramic views of vineyards and olive trees provide an understanding of the landscape—shaped since Etruscan and Roman times. Skirting a vineyard, the walk arrives at the charming, fortified hamlet of Vertine, which once belonged to the noble, Florentine Ricasoli family. Soon you arrive at the recently restored 11th-century Estate of San Donato in Perano, just in time for a delightful lunch. The estate produces its own wine, olive oil, and local gastronomic specialties. An optional walk after lunch leads through a cypress-lined lane to the 18th-century noble villa of Vistarenni.
This evening you enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a former monastery known as Badia a Coltibuono, near the town of Gaiole-in-Chianti. Founded in 1051, the monastery was once owned by the Vallumbrosan order of Benedectine monks. Today the privately owned farmhouse villa produces its own wine and other agricultural products, features a well-known restaurant, and maintains graceful, manicured grounds and gardens. Time permitting, you can visit gardens of aromatic herbs and lemons before tasting regional wines.
Relais Fattoria Vignale, Radda in Chianti

DAY 7
Departure - Florence
After breakfast you are escorted to Florence where you bid your group farewell, reflecting on the spirit of Tuscany.
Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/9/2010 - 5/15/2010	$4,198
9/26/2010 - 10/2/2010	$4,198
10/10/2010 - 10/16/2010	$4,198
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Visits to Sienna, Volterra, and Florence – voted one of Travel & Leisure’s

Top Ten Best Cities, World’s Best Awards 2008

Wine tasting in the heart of the Chianti region

Medieval and Renaissance architecture and artwork

Etruscan museum visit

Classic Tuscan cuisine and accommodations

2010 Price: $4,198

2009 Single Supplement $475

Walk Ratings:

Easy to moderate terrain with one challenging option and additional mileage

6 to 8 miles walking per day with occasional options

Most walks are on dirt roads, country lanes, or well-maintained trails.

Occasionally you will encounter loose stones and tree roots.

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