Why Choose Via Walking?

Why walk with us?

Our unique tours are about exploring the real Tuscany in a way that provides you with an approach that ensures you take in all the treasures of the area, but with spare time to follow your own curiosity or just relax.

• To tread lightly, we take groups of no more than eight at a time.
• Via Walking has been designed for couples, singles or groups of friends who prefer small non obtrusive travel
• We stay in one location either walking directly out or catching local transport to begin walks. Rather than constantly shifting accommodation, we allow time to be part of the daily rhythm and observe the subtleties of local village life.
• We’ll travel and walk with you. Whether walking during spring or autumn, in sunshine or rain, the countryside and the activities of local rural life weave a different pattern for us to discover together.
• We generally arrive back mid-afternoon giving you time to explore, snooze, wash socks or just sit and dream in the piazza.
• In sum, we decided we wanted to share our walking journeys in Tuscany, not so much as organisers and problem solvers, although we'll do that too, but as companions who walk with you. Shared exploration, healthy exercise, engaging conversation, good food and wine and friendship are our aims.
• Our approach begins when we meet you in Florence, where we will take public transport to our destination. There is no special tourist coach, no separating ourselves from the life and soul of Italy. Public transport will be used whenever possible.
• We stay in authentic, quality three-star accommodation with genuine Tuscan ambience and comfort rather soulless rooms often away from the village.
• We leave the towns in the morning and return after most have boarded their buses and left, allowing time to enjoy the rhythm of village life.

Who Are We?

Almost two decades ago, the first of Bowyangs Maps and Travel Guides retail shops was established in Melbourne, Australia. Although no longer involved in the retail world, this love of travel and walking has evolved into walking tours in Tuscany. Via Walking is Australian based with excellent relationships with Italian partners. Via Walking is a company whose directors walk with you. There is a commitment to the quality of the experience. Walking is a way of life for Via Walking whether for business or pleasure, it’s all about curiosity of the world and relaxation.

A unique strength your guides have is the knowledge and interest of rural life. Farming pomegranates, olives and bay trees organically and revegetating the landscape provides a depth of knowledge.

Some people come to Florence to see the statue of David at the Uffizi, but we think the Tuscan countryside with its ancient springs, stone walls, farms and villages, has a beauty that is just as compelling.

When should I go and which walk is best for me?

They are designed to help you chose the walks that best suits your interests.

Walks in May

• Cooler than September although very warm days can be experienced (12C-24C).
• It may rain but it rarely lasts for long.
• Lush green foliage with abundant wild flowers and herbage.
• Acacia blossom is prolific and can cause hay fever.
• Green leaves are just emerging on the vines.
• Nights are cooler than September so a light weight jacket needed.

September walks

• Warmer than May (15C-27C) with hot days.
• As in May there is a possibility of short rain spells.
• The countryside is busy with grape harvest and the bouquet of pressings is evident.
• Autumn colours are beginning to appear in the foliage.
• Sunsets have a lovely soft pink tinge that Tuscany is famous for.
• Even though the nights are warmer than May a light weight jacket is still recommended.

Chianti Pathways

• The landscape is intensely farmed on undulating slopes by smaller land holders.
• Good examples are still evident of the Mezzadria (feudal system) terraces that had to be created every year.
• There is a wonderful patchwork of forests, olive groves and vineyards.
• Radda is a small walled village with day visitors however very quite and pleasant in the evening.

San Gimignano Discovery

• A magnificently preserved walled city protected by a UNESCO World Heritage listing. 
• The winding quite back lane ways and fort are worth exploring in the late afternoon or early morning.
• More expansive views than The Chianti Pathways with the towers of San Gimignano often within sight.
• Rolling hills, open pasture, forests, pilgrim path ways ancient hill towns and monasteries are the basis for our walks

A Montalcino Experience

• One of the best walled hill town and forts of Tuscany sited in a beautiful position high above the surrounding country side.  It played a significant role in Europe’s history.
• A town to genuinely experience the daily working life with little change over the centuries.
• Our walks take us though a broader and at times more untamed landscape.
• This landscape includes larger grazing pastures famous for pecorino cheese, river valleys and silhouettes of cypress.
• We enjoy views of the best fortified hill towns knowing that we eventually walk through their gates to explore.
• Less frequented by tourists except for the Brunello wine lover.

 

Via Walking. 534 Park Street,
Princes Hill, 3054 Victoria, Australia
ABN: 1234 1234 1234 t: +61 3 9387 8045 f: +61 33 9380 2541
m: +61 417 590 535 e: sue@viawalking.com.au
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