Italy
Walking & Hiking in Idyllic Tuscany and Mystical Umbria
Program No. 3573RJ
Embark on a fun and informative walking exploration of Italy’s rolling hills as you discover timeless villages, famed vineyards, friendly locals and world-class cuisine.
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12 days
11 nights
25 meals
10B 7L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
Montalcino Walk
Pienza
7
Transfer to Montefalco via Perugia
Montefalco
8
Sagrantino Wine Country, Montefalco
Montefalco
12
Transfer to Rome, Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Walk and hike through the incomparable Italian countryside and get up close to the culture, history, geology, art, flora and fauna of Tuscany and Umbria. Discover not only storied beauty and panoramic views of rolling pastures, famed vineyards and olive groves, but also learn about and appreciate some of the most historic and best-preserved medieval towns, villages and monuments in Europe.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking 2-6 miles daily over varied terrain; trails and dirt roads are well-marked, gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 5,700 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn about two of Umbria's finest Romanesque churches in the town of Bevagna and marvel at the medieval architecture made of sienna-colored brick while in Siena.
- Follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis as you visit his hermitage and explore the town of Assisi.
- Savor the best cuisine in Tuscany at a special lunch at a mountain hut, visit renowned wineries and sample local cheeses.
Suggested Reading List
(14 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Walking & Hiking in Idyllic Tuscany and Mystical Umbria
Program Number: 3573
A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany
A Tuscany resident for 30 years, Elon presents 100 recipes from a hand-picked selection of favorite restaurants in this charming cookbook and travel guide. With 10 itineraries highlighting largely undiscovered regions of Tuscany, restaurants, trattorie, shops, wineries, olive oil producers, markets and food festivals.
La Bella Figura, A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses their never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. The book opens with a snapshot of Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.
Catherine of Siena, A Passionate Life
Brophy sets this deeply researched biography of the saint against the backdrop of 14th-century Europe, showing Catherine's sheer fortitude and personal magnetism in her efforts to bring peace to a troubled time.
Under the Tuscan Sun
In this best-selling memoir of buying, renovating and living in an abandoned villa in Cortona, Tuscany, Mayes reveals the sensual pleasures found in rural Italy.
Italy, A Short History
Elegantly written, generous and informative, this compact book takes in the sweep of Italian history from the Roman Republic through the Renaissance, World War II and up to the present.
The Renaissance, A Short History
The history, background, literature, sculpture, paintings and architecture of the Renaissance in just over 200 lively, thought-provoking pages.
Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life
Twenty years after "Under the Tuscan Sun," Mayes is still besotted by Italy -- her house, the tumbling geraniums, the people and the food -- all lovingly documented in her best memoir yet. With interludes in Portofino, Assisi and Rome and a focus on Renaissance master artist Luca Signorelli.
Reluctant Saint, The Life of Francis of Assisi
Spoto draws on fascinating new research to explore the travels, spirit and work of the beloved saint. This engaging portrait provides an excellent overview of the life of St. Francis.
Lonely Planet Italian Phrasebook
A handy, palm-size guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
On The Road with Francis of Assisi
Assisi wandered for 20 years, affording Newsweek editor Francke and her patient husband plenty to see and do in the piazzas, sanctuaries and chapels of Assisi, Siena, Bologna, Venice, Gubbio, Rome and other choice spots.
Rough Guide Tuscany and Umbria
This comprehensive travel guide includes region-by-region descriptions and a good overview of history and culture. With chapters on Florence and surroundings -- Lucca, Pisa, Maremma, Siena, Arezzo, Peruguia, Assisi, Spoleto and Orvieto.
Songbirds, Truffles and Wolves, An American Naturalist in Italy
The author, a poet and naturalist, heads along the Franciscan Way from Florence to Assisi. This most unusual travelogue combines natural history, spirituality and a lively appreciation of local food and food traditions. A print-on-demand paperback.
Central Italy Map
A regional map of Central Italy, including Tuscany, Umbria and Rome, at a scale of 1:400,000.
The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany
This handsome oversize picture book is a portrait of the Tuscan landscape and people. It contains maps, a travel guide and many color photographs.
