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ITALY

Walking & Hiking in Idyllic Tuscany and Mystical Umbria

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Road Scholar
Program #3573RJ

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12 Days | 11 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately Challenging
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Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
See our Small Group programs.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
Most scheduled activities take place above 3500, but no higher then 5580 feet.

 Equipment Requirements
Ankle High Hiking Boots - no exceptions.

Itinerary for Sep 19 — Sep 30, 2013

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Day One: Thursday, September 19 - Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe. 
In Transit: Overnight flight.

Close [ x ]
Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: Located only a few meters away from the ancient walled town of Pienza, in the heart of Tuscany. The hotel has an ideal situation, with the Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia in their backyard. The hotel was once a theater in the 1930's due to the patronage of the Pienzan baritone Benvenuto Franci. The hotel is a very unique structure which a large private courtyard.

Contact info:
Via della Madonnina4
Pienza, 53026 Italy
phone: +390579748175
web: www.sangregorioresidencehotel.it

Room amenities: Satellite TV, telephone, AC, heating, wireless access, mini-bar, and hairdryer.

Facility amenities: General facilities include a restaurant, bar, beautiful gardens and a outdoor swimming pool (in season) and a jacuzzi. Room service, laundry, dry cleaning, ironing service, and free Wi-fi throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Two: Friday, September 20 - Rome to Pienza 
Arrive To: Arrive Rome - transfer to Pienza.

Afternoon: Transfer by private coach (2.5 hours) to Pienza and your hotel for the next five (5) nights. Guided Pienza walk - 1.5 hours.

Dinner: Welcome reception, orientation and dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Residence San Gregorio

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: Located only a few meters away from the ancient walled town of Pienza, in the heart of Tuscany. The hotel has an ideal situation, with the Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia in their backyard. The hotel was once a theater in the 1930's due to the patronage of the Pienzan baritone Benvenuto Franci. The hotel is a very unique structure which a large private courtyard.

Contact info:
Via della Madonnina4
Pienza, 53026 Italy
phone: +390579748175
web: www.sangregorioresidencehotel.it

Room amenities: Satellite TV, telephone, AC, heating, wireless access, mini-bar, and hairdryer.

Facility amenities: General facilities include a restaurant, bar, beautiful gardens and a outdoor swimming pool (in season) and a jacuzzi. Room service, laundry, dry cleaning, ironing service, and free Wi-fi throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Three: Saturday, September 21 - "Pienza and Its Produces" - 5.5 hours of walking. 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Walk from the hotel to Pienza for a field lecture. Depart for the walk to Monticchiello (1667’), a small renovated village, known for its Teatro Povera (Poor Theatre).

Lunch: Lunch with cheese tasting in Monticchiello followed by a lecture on the cheese making.

Afternoon: This afternoon, optional walk to Montepulciano where the landscape is beautiful (the last part of this walk can be a bit of a climb, altitude difference of 600 feet). Montepulciano is a medieval village perched on the crest of a hill of volcanic rock. Its buildings represent the perfect style of the Florentine Renaissance. Please note: Should you decide NOT to take the afternoon walk, you will be transferred by coach to Montepulciano where you will meet the group. At the town square at 5:00 PM, walk through the town to the coach transfer back to the hotel (15 minutes).

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Residence San Gregorio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: Located only a few meters away from the ancient walled town of Pienza, in the heart of Tuscany. The hotel has an ideal situation, with the Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia in their backyard. The hotel was once a theater in the 1930's due to the patronage of the Pienzan baritone Benvenuto Franci. The hotel is a very unique structure which a large private courtyard.

Contact info:
Via della Madonnina4
Pienza, 53026 Italy
phone: +390579748175
web: www.sangregorioresidencehotel.it

Room amenities: Satellite TV, telephone, AC, heating, wireless access, mini-bar, and hairdryer.

Facility amenities: General facilities include a restaurant, bar, beautiful gardens and a outdoor swimming pool (in season) and a jacuzzi. Room service, laundry, dry cleaning, ironing service, and free Wi-fi throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Four: Sunday, September 22 - "Siena" - 3 hours of walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Depart by coach to Siena for an in-depth walking field trip of this beautiful city draped on its hills and noted for its flamboyant ensemble of medieval buildings in honest brown (siena-colored) brick. On its lower slopes, you will find gardens and olive groves that fill half of the space within the old city wall. Above, you will find Tuscany’s tallest tower and dazzling cathedral.

Lunch: Lunch will be at a local trattoria.

Afternoon: Afternoon free to explore this city on your own. Meet at a previously determined point and return to the hotel by coach.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Residence San Gregorio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: Located only a few meters away from the ancient walled town of Pienza, in the heart of Tuscany. The hotel has an ideal situation, with the Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia in their backyard. The hotel was once a theater in the 1930's due to the patronage of the Pienzan baritone Benvenuto Franci. The hotel is a very unique structure which a large private courtyard.

Contact info:
Via della Madonnina4
Pienza, 53026 Italy
phone: +390579748175
web: www.sangregorioresidencehotel.it

Room amenities: Satellite TV, telephone, AC, heating, wireless access, mini-bar, and hairdryer.

Facility amenities: General facilities include a restaurant, bar, beautiful gardens and a outdoor swimming pool (in season) and a jacuzzi. Room service, laundry, dry cleaning, ironing service, and free Wi-fi throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Five: Monday, September 23 - "Monte Amiata & The Tuscan Mountains" - 4.5 hours of walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Coach ride to Monte Amiata, (5577’) the highest point and only real mountain in southern Tuscany. The mountains are covered with thick chestnut and beech forests, criss-crossed with brooks and streams. Monte Amiata is a broad-based mountain, visible for miles from the low hills with a well-maintained trail system in a gorgeous countryside. A circle of towns rings its lower slopes. The delightful spring-fed pools here belong to a geometrical system that more or less encircles Monte Amiata, producing an abundance of natural springs. This morning’s walk (approximately 5 miles, with an altitude difference of 1,300 feet) includes a bit of a climb, however, the scenery is well worth the effort.

Lunch: Lunch at a mountain hut, known for serving the best food in southern Tuscany.

Afternoon: Transfer by coach to Bagno Vignoni (1004 feet), famous for their hot springs. After dipping your feet in the soothing warm water, walk back to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Residence San Gregorio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: Located only a few meters away from the ancient walled town of Pienza, in the heart of Tuscany. The hotel has an ideal situation, with the Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia in their backyard. The hotel was once a theater in the 1930's due to the patronage of the Pienzan baritone Benvenuto Franci. The hotel is a very unique structure which a large private courtyard.

Contact info:
Via della Madonnina4
Pienza, 53026 Italy
phone: +390579748175
web: www.sangregorioresidencehotel.it

Room amenities: Satellite TV, telephone, AC, heating, wireless access, mini-bar, and hairdryer.

Facility amenities: General facilities include a restaurant, bar, beautiful gardens and a outdoor swimming pool (in season) and a jacuzzi. Room service, laundry, dry cleaning, ironing service, and free Wi-fi throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Six: Tuesday, September 24 - "Montalcino Walk" - 5 hours walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Depart by coach to Montalcino (1831’), home of the famous Brunello wine. After a short field trip of Montalcino, walk through vineyards towards the Abbey of Sant’ Antimo in the center of this charming valley.

Lunch: Wine with lunch at the local osteria offering their specialities.

Afternoon: Coach transfer back to the hotel for an independent afternoon.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Residence San Gregorio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Contact info:
AZ.Agraria Fabrizi Dott. Piero
Via Camiano Piccolo, 5
06036 Montefalco (PG), Italy Italy
phone: +390742379492
Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: Contact Travel Provider.
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Seven: Wednesday, September 25 - Pienza to Montefalco / Transfer Day - 3 hours of walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Coach along the banks of Lake Trasimeno to Perugia (855’) where a stop will be made for a city walk. Perugia is one of the 12 Etruscan city-states and is the regional capital. It also has one of the largest state universities in the country.

Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment in Perugia.

Afternoon: Continue coach transfer to Montefalco and hotel check-in.

Dinner: Orientation briefing followed by dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Camiano Piccolo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Contact info:
AZ.Agraria Fabrizi Dott. Piero
Via Camiano Piccolo, 5
06036 Montefalco (PG), Italy Italy
phone: +390742379492
Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: Contact Travel Provider.
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Eight: Thursday, September 26 - "Assisi Walk" - 2 hours walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Coach directly to St. Francis’ Hermitage for a field trip. Afterwards, walk down to Assisi (1815’) for walk of the town. Assisi is visible for miles around, tucked under the ridge of Monte Subasio. Enjoy the tranquil back streets and homes with geranium-filled window boxes in this famous town. Walking at a good pace, one can see almost all the sights of Assisi in one day.

Lunch: Lunch at a local establishment in Assisi.

Afternoon: Field trip of the Basilica with the remainder of the day to explore Assisi independently. Return to the hotel by private coach.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Camiano Piccolo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Contact info:
AZ.Agraria Fabrizi Dott. Piero
Via Camiano Piccolo, 5
06036 Montefalco (PG), Italy Italy
phone: +390742379492
Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: Contact Travel Provider.
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Nine: Friday, September 27 - "Valnerina and Truffle Walk" - 3.5 hours walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Coach to Monte Patrico (3340’) for a morning truffle hunt, followed by lunch with the farmers. Monte Patrico is located above the town of Spoleto, on the summit of the Valnerina Mountains known for its rugged beauty.

Lunch: Lunch with the farmers.

Afternoon: This afternoon, transfer by coach to the woods of Monteluco and walk down to Spoleto (1495’), one of Umbria’s loveliest hill towns. In Spoleto, you will view the Ponte delle Torri (one of the greatest engineering works of the trecento, a bridge and aqueduct of 10 towering arches linking Spoleto with the slopes of Monteluco). You will walk to the upper part of the town center before taking the coach back to Montefalco.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Camiano Piccolo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Contact info:
AZ.Agraria Fabrizi Dott. Piero
Via Camiano Piccolo, 5
06036 Montefalco (PG), Italy Italy
phone: +390742379492
Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: Contact Travel Provider.
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Ten: Saturday, September 28 - "Bevagna Walk" - 3.5 hours of walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Panoramic walk from the hotel to an olive mill and learn about olive oil production.

Lunch: Lunch in the field.

Afternoon: Walk through vineyards and olive groves to the serene and handsome medieval town of Bevagna (662 feet). This town has two of Umbria's finest Romanesque churches. After walking around the town, an excursion to a medieval paper manufacturer. Walk back to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Camiano Piccolo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Hotel

 Contact info:
AZ.Agraria Fabrizi Dott. Piero
Via Camiano Piccolo, 5
06036 Montefalco (PG), Italy Italy
phone: +390742379492
Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: Contact Travel Provider.
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Day Eleven: Sunday, September 29 - "Wine Country" - 4.5 hours of walking 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Walking field trip from the hotel to Adanti Winery for a learning experience in wine making. The winery is north of Montefalco and in a valley that offers wonderful views of th cities, Assisi and Trevi.

Lunch: Lunch and wine tasting at the winery's osteria.

Afternoon: In the afternoon walk the southern trail back to Montefalco.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Camiano Piccolo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Twelve: Monday, September 30 - Departure day back to the U.S.A. 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Private coach to the Rome airport for flights back to the USA. Program ends.

Meals Included: Breakfast


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Pienza
PienzaTwo afternoons of independent time. Group leader will assist you with additional information after your arrival.
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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at no additional cost on this date ...
•10 nights of accommodations
•27 meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners
•13 Expert-led lectures
•21 Field trips
•4 Hands-on experiences
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