Tuscany Walking Tour 11 days / Walking Tours
About This Experience
Life seems simpler in Tuscany. In the land of cypress trees and Chianti, a leisurely stroll may not be the fastest way to get around, but it’s certainly the most memorable. On this walking tour of Tuscany, you’ll step into historic cities like Florence and Siena, and amble through charming hamlets like Montalcino and Cortona for an authentic glimpse into the heart of Italy.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 3 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
7 escorted walks
Why You'll Love It
Scenic isn’t a strong enough word for Tuscany’s backdrops
Being so active is a great excuse to eat more pasta
You’ll sip & savor Chianti in Chianti
History is always underfoot in San Gimignano & Volterra
Italian walks are good for the heart (in more than one way)
The Renaissance is still afloat in Florence
Overnight Flight1 night
Montecatini4 nights - hotel info
Day2
Let go, enjoy yourself, you’re in Montecatini
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Welcome to Italy! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then accompanies you via private motor coach to Montecatini, where you’ll be assisted with hotel check-in. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Two words: thermal spas (they’re an absolute must)
Breakfast
Today is free for you to relax and become acquainted with Montecatini, an inviting spa town in the hills of Tuscany. You might choose to join an optional excursion to Lucca, a walled medieval town, and Colle Verde, a typical Tuscan farm where olive oil is produced. Return to Montecatini for the night.
Optional Excursions
Lucca & Colle Verde $119* pp
Visit the gorgeous Tuscan town of Lucca, famous for its Renaissance-era city walls, medieval churches and awe-inspiring towers. Then travel to Colle Verde, a farm where some of Italy’s highest-quality olive oil is pressed. During your excursion, learn about the process by which olive oil is extracted and refined. Then, enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session.
Day4
Italian language, opera, the Renaissance—all born right here
Breakfast
Baptistery of St. John
Take a day trip to the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera. A guided walking tour introduces you to the city’s Renaissance splendor. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo. Then discover the Baptistery of St. John.
Day5
When in the Chianti Region: sip, savor, repeat
Lunch, Breakfast
Tuscan wine tasting
Spend the morning walking through the world-famous region of the Chianti Region, land of the Chianti League, recently restored in order to preserve the name and trademark of the Chianti wine. You’ll then attend a wine tasting to sample the region’s most famous local product, red wine, and enjoy a light lunch. On an afternoon walk, view a delightful panorama of valleys and rolling hills, ending in the town of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo.
Siena2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Walk through the eras, from medieval to Gothic
Lunch, Breakfast
Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library
Today’s walk is near the rounded walls of Monteriggioni, one of Tuscany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Continue on to Gothic Siena, where lunch is included after your arrival. A former independent republic, Siena was the richest city in Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries. Its architectural legacy is a testament to its former greatness. On your guided tour of Siena, enter the Campo, described by Montaigne as the most beautiful square in the world. This is where the annual Palio competition convenes. You’ll then visit the grand Piccolomini Library, a museum inside the Duomo whose well-preserved frescoes depict the life of Pope Pius II.
Day7
San Gigmignano is a fortress to be reckoned with
Breakfast
Today’s focus is on the fortress town of San Gimignano, with its dramatic skyline of huge, medieval towers. Fourteen of the original 70 towers remain, an ongoing testament to the Guelph-Ghibelline rivalry of the Middle Ages. Following your walk in San Gimignano is an included excursion to Volterra, a city with a history dating back 3,000 years to the ancient Etruscan civilization. Return to Siena for the night. This evening, join a special optional dinner, featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Optional Excursions
Tuscan Dinner $79* pp
A fascinating lesson in Tuscan culture and cuisine awaits you at this memorable dinner event. One of the region's most acclaimed restaurants, noted for its excellent food and wine cellar, serves up several courses of flavorful, culinary delights. After sampling the restaurant's wine collection and feasting on Pecorino cheese with honey and crostini, delicious barley soup, pici with duck sauce and beef stew à la Senese, you'll understand why Tuscany reigns as a prime destination for food-and-wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Val d'Orcia2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Age and beauty meet in Cortona, one of Italy’s oldest towns
Dinner, Breakfast
The destination for this morning’s walk is the lovely medieval town of Cortona, one of Italy’s oldest towns, which overlooks the fertile plains of Valdichiana. Later, stop in the Umbrian region at Lake Trasimeno, site of the fiercest battle between Hannibal and the Romans in 217 B.C. Continue to Montepulciano and begin the steep walk uphill to reach the last breathtaking view of the day. After a brief stop at the church of San Biagio on your way down from Montepulciano, you’ll reach the Val d’Orcia region, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Dinner is included tonight.
Day9
Montalcino: once a battleground, now your stomping grounds
Breakfast
Today’s series of walks begins in the neighboring town of Montalcino, famous for its fierce battles against Florence and the Medici family’s dominion. Here, you’ll visit Sant’Antimo Abbey, a Romanesque church surrounded by rolling hills. Continue on to Pienza, “Pearl of the Renaissance,” where you’ll explore the Duomo and Gothic churches. This evening, join our optional Country Evening for Tuscan country ambiance and hospitality, as you dine on a traditional meal and sip local Chianti wine.
Optional Excursions
Country Evening $79* pp
Travel to a family farm in the Tuscan countryside for an evening of wine, food and the charms of rural Italy. Upon arrival at the farm, you'll tour the family's wine cellars before a four-course meal of rustic Tuscan cuisine.
Rome1 night - hotel info
Day10
Sit back, relax and take the scenic route to Rome
Breakfast, Dinner
The day begins with a scenic drive to the Monte Amiata region. You’ll have time to explore the charming old town of Abbadia San Salvatore before continuing on to Rome. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $299*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Roam about Rome at your leisure
Breakfast
Arrive in Rome and take in all the art and architecture that greet the eye at every turn—from relics of Caesar’s reign to treasures of the Renaissance. Or you might embark on an optional tour of Imperial Rome. Tonight, choose to end the day at our Dinner with Tenors, an optional excursion that entails an evening of food and live music.
Optional Excursions
Imperial Rome $85* pp
Follow in the footsteps of Rome's emperors through the city's Imperial landmarks. Highlights include a visit to the Colosseum, where 50,000 spectators cheered their favorite gladiators to victory, and a panoramic bus tour of the city's Roman ruins. You might also stop to snap a photo of the ruins of the Roman Forum, from which the caesars ruled their vast empire.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Day2
Step into the world’s smallest state: Vatican City
Breakfast
Spend the day exploring Rome at your leisure. Or join an optional excursion to Vatican City including visits to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
About This Experience
Life seems simpler in Tuscany. In the land of cypress trees and Chianti, a leisurely stroll may not be the fastest way to get around, but it’s certainly the most memorable. On this walking tour of Tuscany, you’ll step into historic cities like Florence and Siena, and amble through charming hamlets like Montalcino and Cortona for an authentic glimpse into the heart of Italy.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 3 three-course dinners with wine or beer
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
7 escorted walks
Why You'll Love It
Scenic isn’t a strong enough word for Tuscany’s backdrops
Being so active is a great excuse to eat more pasta
You’ll sip & savor Chianti in Chianti
History is always underfoot in San Gimignano & Volterra
Italian walks are good for the heart (in more than one way)
The Renaissance is still afloat in Florence
Overnight Flight1 night
Montecatini4 nights - hotel info
Day2
Let go, enjoy yourself, you’re in Montecatini
Dinner, Breakfast (in flight)
Welcome to Italy! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then accompanies you to Montecatini, where you’ll be assisted with hotel check-in. Later, meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner.
Day3
Take a walk behind (and on) Lucca’s Renaissance-era walls
Breakfast
Today is free for you to relax and become acquainted with Montecatini, an inviting spa town in the hills of Tuscany. You might choose to join our optional excursion to Lucca, a walled medieval town, and Colle Verde, a typical Tuscan farm where olive oil is produced.
Optional Excursions
Lucca & Colle Verde $119* pp
Visit the gorgeous Tuscan town of Lucca, famous for its Renaissance-era city walls, medieval churches and awe-inspiring towers. Then travel to Colle Verde, a farm where some of Italy’s highest-quality olive oil is pressed. During your excursion, learn about the process by which olive oil is extracted and refined. Then, enjoy a light lunch and an olive oil tasting session.
Day4
Italian language, opera, the Renaissance—all born right here
Breakfast
Baptistery of St. John
Take a day trip to the timeless city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera. A guided walking tour introduces you to the city’s Renaissance relics. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s masterpiece—Florence’s massive pink, white and green Duomo. Then, discover the Baptistery of St. John. You’ll have the afternoon to explore Florence on your own before returning to Montecatini for the evening.
Day5
When in the Chianti Region: sip, savor, repeat
Lunch, Breakfast
Tuscan wine tasting
Spend the morning walking through the world-famous Chianti Region, land of the Chianti League, recently restored in order to preserve the name and trademark of Chianti wine. You’ll then attend a wine tasting to sample the region’s most famous local product, red wine, and enjoy a light lunch. On an afternoon walk, view a panorama of valleys and rolling hills, ending in the town of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo.
Siena2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Walk through the eras, from medieval to Gothic
Lunch, Breakfast
Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library
Today’s walk is near the rounded walls of Monteriggioni, one of Tuscany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Continue on to Gothic Siena, where lunch is included after your arrival. A former independent republic, Siena was the richest city in Italy during the 13th and 14th centuries. Its architectural legacy is a testament to its former greatness. On your guided tour of Siena, enter the Campo, described by Montaigne as the most beautiful square in the world. This is where the annual Palio competition convenes. You’ll then visit the grand Piccolomini Library, a museum inside the Duomo whose wellpreserved frescoes depict the life of Pope Pius II.
Day7
San Gigmignano is a fortress to be reckoned with
Breakfast
Today’s focus is on the fortress town of San Gimignano, with its dramatic skyline of huge, medieval towers. Fourteen of the original 70 towers remain, an ongoing testament to the Guelph-Ghibelline rivalry of the Middle Ages. Following your walk in San Gimignano is an included excursion to Volterra, a city with a history dating back 3,000 years to the ancient Etruscan civilization. After returning to Siena for the night, consider joining our optional dinner, featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Optional Excursions
Tuscan Dinner $79* pp
A fascinating lesson in Tuscan culture and cuisine awaits you at this memorable dinner event. One of the region's most acclaimed restaurants, noted for its excellent food and wine cellar, serves up several courses of flavorful, culinary delights. After sampling the restaurant's wine collection and feasting on Pecorino cheese with honey and crostini, delicious barley soup, pici with duck sauce and beef stew à la Senese, you'll understand why Tuscany reigns as a prime destination for food-and-wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Val d'Orcia2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Age and beauty meet in Cortona, one of Italy’s oldest towns
Dinner, Breakfast
The destination for this morning’s walk is the lovely medieval town of Cortona, one of Italy’s oldest towns, which overlooks the fertile plains of Valdichiana. Later, stop in the Umbrian region at Lake Trasimeno, site of the fiercest battle between Hannibal and the Romans in 217 B.C. Continue to Montepulciano and begin the steep walk uphill to reach thelast breathtaking view of the day. After a brief stop at the church of San Biagio on your way down from Montepulciano, you’ll reach the Val d’Orcia region,where you’ll spend the next two nights. Dinner is included tonight.
Day9
Montalcino: once a battleground, now your stomping grounds
Breakfast
Today’s series of walks begins in the neighboring town of Montalcino, famous for its fierce battles against Florence and the Medici family’s dominion. Here, you’ll visit Sant’Antimo Abbey, a Romanesque church surrounded by rolling hills. Continue on to Pienza, “Pearl of the Renaissance,” where you’ll have free time to see the Duomo and Gothic churches. This evening, experience Tuscan country ambiance and hospitality as you dine on a traditional meal and sip local Chianti wine on our Country Evening excursion.
Optional Excursions
Country Evening $79* pp
Travel to a family farm in the Tuscan countryside for an evening of wine, food and the charms of rural Italy. Upon arrival at the farm, you'll tour the family's wine cellars before a four-course meal of rustic Tuscan cuisine.
Rome1 night - hotel info
Day10
Sit back, relax and take the scenic route to Rome
Breakfast, Dinner
The day begins with a scenic drive to the Monte Amiata region. You’ll have time to explore the charming old town of Abbadia San Salvatore before continuing on to Rome. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Extend Your Stay
Add Rome $359*
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a cafe in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.
Rome2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Roam about Rome at your leisure
Breakfast
Colosseum
Arrive in Rome and take in art and architecture at every turn—from relics of Ancient Rome’s reign to treasures of the Renaissance. Embark on an included tour of Imperial Rome with a guide. Tonight, choose to end the day at our Dinner with Tenors, our optional excursion featuring an evening of food and live music.
Optional Excursions
Dinner with Tenors $79* pp
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner at one of our favorite Roman restaurants. While you dine, you’ll be treated to some of opera's best-loved arias…and you might even join the singers on stage. Don’t miss this lighthearted evening of food and fun!
Day2
Step into the world’s smallest state: Vatican City
Breakfast
Spend the day exploring Rome at your leisure. Or, join an optional excursion to Vatican City, including visits to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Optional Excursions
Vatican City $85* pp
This guided tour takes you inside the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Upon arrival, you'll first visit the Vatican Museums, which recently celebrated a 500-year anniversary and hold many of the world's most important Classical and Renaissance-era sculptures. Next, you'll visit the Sistine Chapel, where you'll gaze on what is perhaps Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece. Finally, you'll visit the enormous St. Peter’s Basilica, the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The artists whose efforts have contributed to its glory are some of the best Italy has ever known, including Bramante, Peruzzi, Raphael and Michelangelo. Masterpieces await at every turn, from Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy to Michelangelo’s Pietà. Please note: This excursion is not available on Sunday. Advanced reservation and booking is required prior to your final payment deadline.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to Italy. Travelers should be in reasonable health to take our scheduled walks, although we will make every effort to accommodate those who chose to stay behind. It is alwaysadvisable to check with your doctor or local health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in either Florence or Pisa and depart from Rome. Upon arrival in Italy, a Go Ahead representative escorts you via private motor coach to Montecatini. When you first arrive at the airport in Italy, a Go Ahead representative will meet you after clearing customs. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
All other included transportation on “Walking through Tuscany” is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities of Florence and Rome by public transportation. Florence is split up into two separate sections by the Arno River, with most of the attractions spread out around the Duomo. The city is walkable, although frequent local buses are also available. Purchase tickets at tobacconists or at vending machines. Rome has one of Europe’s best metro systems, serving all the major attractions from the Roman ruins to Vatican City. Tickets can be purchased separately or in bulk and also cover bus and tram travel.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Shorts are comfortable to walk in, but they might deny you access to churches. Hiking boots are recommended. If you don’t have them, then sturdy, comfortable athletic shoes will do. A change of footwear is also essential. A plastic water bottle is handy for staying hydrated on your walking tours, and a pair of binoculars enhances your enjoyment of the scenery. Insect repellent, a sun hat, sunscreen, bandages, lip balm and a flashlight are also a good idea. It’s always key to be prepared for any eventuality—so a lightweight sports jacket, rainwear and light, loose-fitting clothing that can be layered are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
Currency
The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Italy rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to access cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
Suggested Reading
http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/8404/r/GV/mcms.html
Traveler Tips
Leather, glassware, ceramics, Venetian glass and clothing are some of Italy's quality buys.
Take note of the fact that while there is a restroom facility on the motor coach bus, there are no public restrooms in Italy or Europe for that matter and on the rare occasion that there are, they charge a small amount to be used. To use the restrooms in a restaurant or store you must be a paying customer.
Touring Rome can make you hungry, so you may want to head towards the wide selection of Italy restaurants at the historic Campo de Fiori, the city’s most famous outdoor food and market plaza.
- Sort By:
- Newest
- Highest Rating
- Lowest Rating
- Photo Reviews
Enjoyed Tuscany
We really enjoyed our Tuscan tour. The tour director was knowledgeable and very personable. We enjoyed our tour mates , and everyone got along well. The walks were beautiful, allowing sights of Tuscany that we wouldn't have seen from a vehicle. Our only issue was the first hotel, which was in a noisy neighborhood.
Wonderful
Walking through the vineyards and along the country lanes was absolutely the best way to see Tuscany. Great scenery, delicious food and wine; with a wonderful guide to lead the way.
Walking Tour of Tuscany
What an amazing journey through a breathtakingly beautiful land!!!!! Our tour director, Joel Reid, was truly a gem... he taught us Italian, made certain that we greeted our busdrivers & tourguides (Florence & Siena) properly... he taught us religion,culinary expectations and cultural differences... he read to us from local lore, he made us laugh.... The first night we arrived in Montecatini, Dan and I had already stayed 2 days in Firenze, then on to Pisa & Viareggio. Joel greeted us warmly when we arrived- and invited us for a get-together drink in the hotel lobby. About 2 hours later, 33 of us ( 34 with Joel) gathered, drank & dined together. Thanks to Joel's wit and warmness towards each of us, our "group" quickly became much more like a "family" :) In no time, we were exchanging email addresses, promising to post & share pictures, and to stay in touch! The tour took us to some pretty amazing places.... Firenze is spectacular! Siena rich with history and culture. And ALL the tiny little Tuscan Hilltop Towns we encountered along the way each had something special and unique to offer (Alabaster, Brunello wine, Olive Oils, Pecorino cheese...). We quickly learned to walk by the tons of shops, many of which turned out to be chains- we saw them in every town :( We all were quick to share our finds with the group... The amount of time on and off the bus was just right. Our bus time was perfect for Joel to prepare us for what we were doing/seeing that day, or to talk about what we'd seen afterwards. It also gave him a chance to read a book to us (Iris Origo) :) A nice respite after pouncing these tiny towns all day! The bus was very clean, and our bus drivers ( David, Antonio, and Jon Pierro) were excellent! The food was wonderful for the most part... As a non-meat eater, I, for one, was VERY blessed to have Joel around- he, too, is a vegetarian, and so wherever we went, excursion or hotel, he made certain that the staff was aware of my food preferences! I will say, that after hearing about how "Italians love their coffee strong", I did not once find a good,strong cup of coffee! I drank a lot of cappuccino.... Many times, that was the only way to sit, and then be able to use the bathrooms without having to pay for it! A very special stop on our tour occurred right after we drove out of Firenze..... Joel had the bus stop at the Florence American WWII cemetery.... an etherial spot on a misty morning- a really incredibly beautiful and moving place to be! Thank you, Joel! A few negatives did occur.... One, somehow my husband and I got "booked" for twin beds- for the entire trip!!! Yikes- Even after 23 years of marriage, we still enjoy sharing a bed! The first two hotels, the beds were really quite hard :( . The linens were clean, tho, and the staff at all our hotels were lovely. And, on our final night in Rome, Joel somehow managed to secure us a KING sized bed! What a guy :) Another big issue was the internet access and service. We were quite surprised to have to pay for it, and were equally surprised at the sketchy reception we were able to obtain.... One night, trying to skype with our son at home, Dan and I were forced to huddle at the bottom of the bed- it was the ONLY spot in the room that got reception!
Walking thru Tuscany
All in all we loved this tour and have talked about it with many people and recommended it. However the few things I did not like was for instance we arrived at a mountain town after a long walk and really wanted to stay in the town for a while talking to the people and visiting the unique shops but most time had very limited time to do that and had to rush off. i remember one particular day we arrived and it was the day of the food and craft market that traveled from one town to another we would have loved to have time to explore that but could not another time we got there just as it was closing. Another gripe with some tours is you get there on a holiday or Sunday and things are closed that happened to us on a Sicily tour and Capri also spoils my whole time. I loved loved spending three days in Sienna
Walking Tour of Tuscany
WOW! What a terrific trip.This was my first experience of travel to Europe and I was overwhelmed. I learned so much about the culture,art, food and the history of Tuscany. We made a short stop at the Amercian WWII cemetery near Florence. It took my breath away. This stop definitely should be included. Our tour guide Joel was beyond great.
Walking Tour of Tuscany
My wife and I had a trip of a lifetime! Our tour guide, Joel, was incredible. Not only did he teach us the history of the areas we visited, he also taught us a bit of Italian, Italian customs and customs of England and Scotland. He also read a book to us that spoke to the hardships in Italy during WW II. Joel arranged several spontaneous adventures which added to our experiences in Tuscany. Tuscany is such a beautiful area of Italy! We walked along vineyards and olive groves on our way to learn how olive oil is made. Lunch was often spent overlooking incredible sights. Oh, and the wine with lunch or dinner was a nice compliment to our day! We would not hesitate to take another GoAhead tour.
Walking in Tuscany
This was far more than we had expected in being a memorable trip. The walks were well thought out beforehand and beautiful. The small medieval towns were all so interesting. Our tour guide was definately the best we have ever had on a tour for his upbeat humor, intelligence, knowledge and genuine caring for each of us! We still miss seeing him each day! The dinner with tenors was the only thing I would say did not meet with our expections and was not a good value for the money. The dinner and entertainment were both just so so. The bus drivers were great. The hotels were all fine except maybe the first in Montecatini Terme that seemed a bit dark and old. The breakfast very uninviting after the first day. We enjoyed the town there though for dinners and the funicular to the old town. We definately would take another tour with you in future!
Walking Tour of Tuscany
This was a great trip full of many great walks and hikes. The scenery is beautiful. Our Tour Guy Raf was wonderful and very knowledgeable. He was very accommodating for our groups needs.
Best Travel Experience
This trip was by far one of the best travel experiences I’ve had! Although I love to travel, I had not done a group tour before for fear of missing out on my own individual trip experience, not having the the opportunity to explore on my own, or simply having the feeling of being moved along from place to place like a sheep. Thankfully this tour proved me wrong. While we did have an itinerary, there was ample opportunity for me to experience the things that interested me and I never felt I was just another tourist dragged from place to place. I believe part of what made the trip so great was the excellent Tour Director who quickly and easily created a warm and welcoming environment, and who seemed to be genuinely interested in making the trip a fun and memorable experience for each traveler. As I mentioned, this was my first group tour so it is difficult to compare. However, I did run into other travelers who were on tour with different agencies and it was clear they were not having as great an experience as we were and they were definitely not as excited about their tour director as our group was.
5 star tour
This was a great tour for many reasons- the tour leader Raf was outstanding. He was knowledgeable about the history, art and architecture of the region and went way beyond the call of duty to help many members of the group. The people in the group were also wonderful- we really bonded as a group. Part of the reason might be that you really get to talk to almost everyone in the group one on one while you are hiking all over Tuscany. I also like to think that people who take a tour like this are interesting people (like us of course). The itinerary is very well planned and you really get to see a lot of Tuscany. Two of the hikes ended at a winery and the food and wine at both places was fabulous. The tour guides in Florence and Sienna were first rate- Donatella- the guide in Sienna - was spectacular. Her enthusiasm and love of Sienna was contagious. We took the Rome extension as did almost all the group but because we had been in Rome the previous year we skipped the optional tours that were offered. However we did arrange to meet the group for dinner in a restaurant the Raf arranged the last night so that we could enjoy their company again. Although Go Ahead rates this the most difficult walk- 4 I think- if you are in reasonably good shape and are used to walking this is not extremely difficult. My wife and I are in our mid 60's and had no trouble although I do jog and she walks about an hour most days. The weather was warm but not hot so that did make the hikes easier. A few of the people did opt out of some of the hikes. I would definitely recommend this tour but there are some improvements that could be made. The Minerva Palace hotel in Montecatini had clean comfortable rooms with a very nice staff but the hotel rooms were very worn and the breakfast was not very good. The location is great and Montecatini is a beautiful town- you could walk everywhere. The other hotels were all fine although not always centrally located. In Sienna it was about a 20 minute walk into town but the bus was nearby and easy. In Chanciano the hotel was right in town and a good restaurant was an easy walk. In Rome you could take a tram to the historic center which we did but we took cabs home at night. We purchased the optional trip to Lucca and the winery. In Lucca you only had about an hour and a half to walk around on your own. It is larger than most of the other towns and we felt that you really needed a guide-even if only for a few hours. The winery had a interesting tour and a really nice lunch- they called it light but it was plenty. After Cortona we stopped at Lake Trasemino?(sp) Although it was only for a hour or less we didn't find this stop interesting at all. We think it could be eliminated. Other than Lucca, we didn't purchase any of the other optional tours or dinners. The members of the group who did had different reactions. Some loved the dinners, others thought they were overpriced. Everyone seemed to like the tours that were offered in Rome. Overall the trip was excellent- we loved it.
