Self Guided Independent Walking Tours in Tuscany

Radda in Chianti: Classic Chianti Pathways

  • Price for 6 nights in Radda, $1,200 AUD per person
  • Price for 4 nights in Radda and 4 nights in San Gimignano $1,700 AUD per person
  • Price for 4 nights in Radda and 4 nights in Montalcino $1,750 AUD per person

Situated in the beautiful hilly region between Florence and Siena is Chianti. The 12C town of Radda, your base for walking offers spectacular views over the most beautiful area. Quiet pathways wind through a mixture of valleys and hills, woods, vineyards, ancient terracing, past Cypress, stone houses and churches all blending to form this classic area most typifying Tuscany. Your walking routes pass by the priories of San Giusto in Salcio and S.Maria Novella, through small hamlets of Poggio San Palo, Badia Montemuro, Lamole, Volpaia, Vertine, and finally the larger towns of Castellina and Gaolie which form the Chianti League with Radda.

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San Gimignano: Treasures of Central Tuscany

  • Price for 6 nights in San Gimignano, $1,300 AUD per person
  • Price for 4 nights in San Gimignano and 4 nights in Radda, $1,700 AUD per person
  • Price for 4 nights in San Gimignano and 4 nights in Montalcino, $1,800 AUD per person

San Gimignano is a preserved walled city protected by a UNESCO World Heritage listing and staying inside the walls provides endless nooks and crannies to explore. Don’t be put off by being told San Gimignano is too crowded, there is a very good reason for this, its magnificent. The very best views of San Gimignano are from the pathways crossing the gentle rolling hills of central Tuscany. The views are spectacular and you have them all to yourself.

Your walking routes in Central Tuscany will take you through areas of historical significance. Walking on pathways and quiet back roads, on sections of the Via Francigena pilgrim path, via the medieval Hilltowns of Monteriggioni, Certaldo, Colle di Val D’Elsa, Abbadia di Isola, plus Pieve di Santa Maria a Cellole and Il Santuario di Pancole.

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Montalcino: Hilltown Gems of Southern Tuscany

  • Price for 6 nights in Montalcino, $1,400 AUD per person
  • Price for 4 nights in Montalcino and 4 nights in San Gimignano, $1,800 AUD per person
  • Price for 4 nights in Montalcino and 4 nights in Radda, $1,750 AUD per person

Montalcino sits dramatically above the surrounding countryside. A broader and more untamed landscape with waves of rolling hills, expansive scenery with Italy’s highest extinct volcano, Mt Amiata dominating the view to the south. Montalcino is a perfect base to explore a region rich in history with the finest fortress Hilltowns and a centuries old spa town.

Your six walking options cover the best southern Tuscany has to offer with time to explore. Montepulciano, Pienza, Monticchiello, San Quirico D’Orcia and Castelnuovo dell’ Abata. The thermal springs at Bagno Vignoni a Roman spa town rise from Mt Amiata so take the opportunity to soak your feet in one of the pools before descending into the Val D’Orcia and the river Orcia. Hear the Gregorian chant at Abbazia di Sant’Antimo and walk along a lovely nature trail to Murlo with its small but excellent Etruscan museum.

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What’s Included in the Walkers Pack?

We take the mystery out of the map. Recognising we all see and think differently, our Walkers Pack has not only maps and detailed written directions but also colour photos of every key turning point. The walks are personally walked and assessed by the directors and fully updated each year.

  • Detailed written route notes with both times and distance
    View Sample Map
    View Sample Walking Notes
  • Marked up 1:25.000 Map
  • Colour Photos of every key turning point
  • General map of Tuscany
  • Each walk has a sheet covering amenities, shade and topography
  • Useful town information, history of the towns and hamlets
  • Accommodation contact numbers
  • International emergency number and 24 hour support number
  • More walks than days are included. We suggest a schedule of walks balanced between length and ease but you have the option to be flexible
  • We strongly advise carrying your own water. Potable water sources often depend on the seasons

What’s Included in the Transport Pack?

Public transport is easy to use and inexpensive. No separating yourself from the life and soul of Italy, rub shoulders with the locals, relax its fun.

The Transport Pack’s detailed notes and timetables begin at the two major transport hubs of Florence and Siena. Detailed “how to” notes have all the information you need for travelling to the base towns and in between base towns.

Options are also included if you choose to use private transport from the two hubs.

National buses and trains run on Sundays. Regional transport does not always run on Sundays or public holidays.

  • Timetables
  • Directions and maps to locate bus and train termini and platforms
  • Photos to help recognise the above
  • Departure and arrival times
  • Where and how to buy tickets
  • Ticket costs are based on 2010 prices
  • How and where to frank your tickets
  • Italian Public Holidays
  • More on Weather for date of departure

Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the package.  Your hotels are all situated inside the walls of the medieval base towns of Radda in Chianti, San Gimignano and Montalcino.

Your hosts in true Tuscan style are warm and welcoming and English is spoken.

There is an option of two categories of accommodation all with en-suite faculties. Breakfast is included. Lunch will be provided as an alternative to breakfast when a walk requires an early start. These daily details will all be covered within your Walkers Pack.