About You

You've seen the statues, looked in awe at the artworks in Florence, you've hired a car but now you're ready to take a walk down a stone-lined lane or a path traversed by pilgrims centuries ago.

You enjoy walking and love being outdoors. You want to see the land up close, experience daily rural life and savour the smells, taste and touch of an ageing vineyard. You want to rest in a shaded courtyard and dine as day fades, tired but happy with your day's walking.

You enjoy local food and wine and love to sample Italy's wonderful pecorinos, peppers and salamis or whatever restaurateurs can garner from local farms, orchards and vineyards that day.

You prefer to participate as well as just observing.

You're happy to travel lightly and carry your own luggage on public transport, and enjoy the freedom of carrying light daypacks only.

You prefer to be an individual than part of a crowd.

Finally, perhaps you want an invigorating break from working or travelling in Europe, but have little time to organise it. Perhaps you'd like to meet up with friends and spend time together, away from tourist hotspots but you're unsure of where to go and how to get there.

What to Bring and Wear

Walking requires no special equipment or clothes. It is a personal assessment of what's comfortable and what protection you need. Several thin layers are more useful than one thick layer.

The most popular seasons to walk are spring and autumn. Average temperatures range from 12C-24C in May and 15C-27C In September. Summer can get quite hot. Being able to layer your clothing allows better flexibility for changes of weather.

More on Weather

A good pair of shoes and socks, plus a small daypack for water, picnic lunch discarded clothes (as the day heats up) and other basics, is all you need. However, some planning will keep luggage weights low, improve comfort in varying weather and reduce the hassle of washing.

Restaurants are not dressy, so casual clothes are fine. Bring lightweight, low-crush and preferably non-iron clothes. Not too many.

Keep your luggage weight and size below the airline limit. Most Italian railway stations and hotels have stairs rather than lifts or escalators. We copy the locals in preferring a lightweight, medium size bag with wheels. You may prefer a travel backpack. You will need to be comfortable lifting your own bag as you move around.

We suggest you prepare for hand washing. As you are in the same location for a number of nights, this is generally not a problem. Buy a travel clothes line and blow-up clothes hangers before leaving home. The biggest challenge is finding an inventive place to hang them!

The less you carry the more comfortable you will be.

Specific Packing Advice

  • Think about investing in a pair of multi-purpose trail shoes with a firm strong sole that is shock absorbing. Low cut shoes are fine for most, although a higher cut for support is more appropriate for those with weaker ankles. Multi-purpose trail shoes are generally not waterproof; however they breathe which is important for walking. They are also ideal for pavement walking in cities. Sneakers are fine if they have good shock absorbing soles but may lack grip on slippery surfaces after rain.
  • Good walking socks. Try them with your shoes, consider comfort before style and bring at least two pairs.
  • It is important to road test your shoes and socks a few times before leaving home. Finding alternatives in a small village may be difficult. Your feet are your walking tools and the quality of your adventure depends on them.
  • At the outdoors shop, check out the lightweight travel pants and/or shorts that dry overnight when washed. Ditto for shirts that also have UV protection. Two pairs of each will get you by for your entire holiday.
  • For weather extremes, a lightweight rain coat that packs up into a small stuff bag, and sun hat.
  • A lightweight polar fleece will be invaluable and is good for wearing home from a restaurant at night yet practical to wear on a chilly early start.

Am I Fit Enough?

The “Walking for Fitness” plan by Maria Mascia is a guide for those who are interested in exercises, stretches and a program for walking. The walks are not difficult but yes Tuscany is hilly and very beautiful.

You will be happier and less tired if you have gained a little in fitness before leaving. Don't be concerned you will not be able to make the distance. We have designed the routes to for variety, interest, and fun exploring the Tuscan countryside.

More details on Walking and Fitness Program