TREASURES OF TUSCANY MAY 5-15, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Walking off the beaten path to Tuscan hillside towns, giving you an intimate experience of authentic Tuscany Seeing the sights of Siena and Florence Savoring delicious Tuscan cuisine, including truffles, pecorino cheese, and Italian wine Experiencing Tuscan farm life during a stay in an agriturismo Learning the art of Tuscan cooking during a cooking class Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: May 5-15, 2019 Location: Tuscany, Italy Cost: $3695.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive in Rome anytime on May 5 Depart: Depart Florence anytime on May 15 TRIP OVERVIEW Tuscany, home to famous artwork, superb cuisine, and impressive medieval towns, is widely regarded as one of the loveliest regions in Italy and a wonderful place to explore on foot. Hiking through a timeless landscape along back roads and paths that wind through vineyards and past ancient farmhouses, shopping for locally produced specialties, relaxing in romantic outdoor cafes, or exploring the art and architecture of the well-known towns of Florence and Siena, Tuscany is truly a feast for all the senses. RATING Women who want to combine hiking the Tuscan countryside with visits to some of its most famous sites and cities. Tuscany is very hilly and women should be comfortable walking up and down hills on well-marked paths, with occasional steep uphill grades, for five to six hours a day (usually split between the morning and afternoon). We have given it a split rating for the 2 longer days when you have a choice whether to walk or ride in the afternoon. Rating: 1 2 [3/4] 5 WHAT'S INCLUDED An Italian guide and an Adventures in Good Company guide Ten nights lodging, including one night in Rome and one in Florence All meals from dinner on May 5 to breakfast May except for four lunches (see the detailed itinerary below) All ground transportation within Italy A cooking class and two wine-tastings a half-day guided tour in Florence What's not included: Travel to Rome and from Florence, alcoholic beverages, (aside from wine tastings) snacks, guide gratuities, and travel insurance.
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 MAY 5, SUNDAY Meet in Rome at 5 pm. If your flight arrives in the morning, Rome is an easy place to find your way around and there are many sites to visit after dropping your luggage off. We will be spending that night at the Papavista Relais, a charming B&B within a 5 minute walk of the Vatican Museums. Regardless of when you get here, we meet at our lodging in Rome in late afternoon to start getting acquainted before going out for our first dinner together. While we plan an early evening so that those of us with jet lag can get to bed early, undoubtedly some of will go in search of our first creamy taste of gelato. Overnight in Rome (D) DAY 2 MAY 6, MONDAY Rome to Montepulciano. Today we will leave Rome on a morning train and head to Chiusi through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will meet our Italian guide in Chiusi for a shuttle to the ancient walled city of Montepulciano, a medieval and renaissance hill town of exceptional beauty. After dropping our luggage off at our lovely villa just outside of town we will have lunch at an historic winery were we will get to sample Nobile de Montepulciano, one of the regions famous wines. After lunch there will be free time to explore the town before heading back to our villa. Overnight in Montepulciano at a lovely Tuscan villa. (B, L, D) DAY 3 MAY 7, TUESDAY Pienza/San Quirico d'orcia/bagno Vignoni. The day starts with a short transfer to the town of Pienza. Pienza is the agricultural center of pecorino cheese and truffle production. We will have time to explore before walking out of town. The hiking today is across a beautiful region of rolling hills, oak woods, and quiet, pleasant villages. It ends in Bagno Vignoni, where we find both ancient and modern natural Roman thermal bathing pools. Once arriving in the village you are free to explore, sit in outside cafes and sample their wines, or indulge yourself with a dip in a private thermal bathing pool. Our hotel tonight is a wonderful family owned hotel, Albergo Le Terme in Bagno Vignoni. Walking time - 5 hours (B, D)
DAY 4 MAY 8, WEDNESDAY Bagno Vignoni/Sant'Antimo/Montalcino. This is our longest day, starting with a tough uphill (now you know why the towns are called Tuscan hill towns). After achieving the high point of our day we descent towards the Orcia river. Our path is shaded and we will be walk through beautiful untouched areas. It leads us to St. Antimo, a lovely abbey isolated in the middle of a pastoral landscape surrounded by grazing herds that add to the serenity of the scene. This Abbey can be seen long before arriving and gives us a feeling of peacefulness before even setting foot on the grounds. On our way there will be an opportunity to sample local gelato or cold beverages to refresh us from our hike. After exploring the Abbey we will met our van who will take us to the town of Montalcino. We will have a an aperitif before dinner at an an "Enoteca" (wine cellar) with a superb view. Our hotel, Hotel Dei Capitani, overlooks the Valleys of d'orcia and d'arbia. Walking time - 5 hours (B, D) DAY 5 MAY 9, THURSDAY Montalcino/Pieve a Salti. We will leave Montalcino and hike amongs the Brunello vineyards and stop at a winery which employs only women. We will visit, taste their delicous wines and have lunch. We will continue to Crete Senesi, Senesi, "Siennese clays," which gives the soil a distinctive grey colour and the landscape an appearance often described as lunar. This characteristic clay, known as mattaione, represents the sediments of the Pliocene sea which covered the area between 2.5 and 4.5 million years ago. From Montalcino the path takes us through some famous local wine estates and scenic meadows for sheep farming, and plots of land for crops like corn, tobacco, wheat and barley. Overnight at Pieve a Salti, a beautiful farmhouse. This agriturismo, known for its pastas and its olive oils, is the perfect place to relax. Walking time - 5 hours (B, L, D) DAY 6 MAY 10, FRIDAY Pieve a Salti/Monte Oliveto Maggiore/Pieve a Salti - We will begin with a transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, an imposing brick building in a rugged landscape. It is the mother house of the Olivetians, or White Benedictines, a congregation of monks founded in 1313 by Blessed Bernardo Tolomei of Siena. We will visit the closter with Signorelli's frescoes in the morning before the crowds arrive before we hike back to Pieve a Salti. We will have lunch at an 'Alimentari' (a small food shop similar to a deli) in the tiny village of Chiusure before returning to the agriturismo. We will arrive in time to relax and perhaps take a dip in the pool. Walking time - 3 hours (B, L, D)
DAY 7 MAY 11, SATURDAY Siena - Today we will transfer to the trail head where we will hike into famous Siena. Siena, the best-preserved medieval city in Europe. After lunch on our own we met back in Piazza del Campo, where the "Palio" is run. We will visit Siena Duomo, the medieval cathedral built between 1215 and 1263. Our last stop for the day will be for gelato before transferring to our Agriturismo in San Gimignano. Walking time - 4 hours (B, D) DAY 8 MAY 12, SUNDAY Today we will transfer to Colle di Val D'Elsa and hike back to San Gimignano. The trail is lovely and goes through vineyards with stunning views along the way of the San Gimignano towers. We will have time to visit and explore San Gimignano before returning to our Agriturismo. (B, D) DAY 9 MAY 13, MONDAY Today we will explore the Chianti region. We start in Greve to walk to Panzano. Greve is a quaint town known for it's town square which is known for its unusual shape. We will walk to Panzano another lovely village. We will have lunch at a local butcher and learn about this local business. After lunch we will return to Fattoria Valle where weâ ll have a cooking course and enjoy our efforts for dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 MAY 14, TUESDAY Today we head to Firenza (Florence) birthplace of the Renaissance. There is more to see here than can be done in one day but we will explore the highlights with a guided tour where we will learn some of the famous cities history and see the cultural wonders. Tonight, we will enjoy our last Italian feast together. (B, D) DAY 11 MAY 15, WEDNESDAY Sadly our exploration of Tuscany has to end. You are free to leave anytime today. (B) ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE Note the trip begins in Rome and ends in Florence The first night hotel is near Vatican City. Vatican City is approximately 18 miles. You can take a taxi from the Rome airport (FCO) to the hotel. Cab fare is approximately 50Euros or $61. There is also regular bus and train service from the airport to the main train station, Termini Station. Bus fare is approximately 5-14 Euros or $4 - $17. The fare is based on whether you are on the express or local bus or the train. At the train station you can take the metro or a cab to the hotel. A taxi is approximately 12 Euros or $15. At the end of the trip the hotel is located near the train station. You can travel by train to the Florence airport (FLR). There are also flights and train service between Florence and Rome if you want to return to Rome. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Phillip, Scan East West Travel, at barbara@scaneastwest.com or call 206-209-5831.
ACCOMMODATIONS Modern tourist class hotels and agriturismos. Agriturismos are working farms that accommodate guests and provide the opportunity for a close-up view of rural Italian life. All offer double rooms with private bathrooms. Vegetarian options for this trip are available but limited; if you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, please plan to bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or a vegan if you have other dietary restrictions, you may need to bring some supplemental food with you. Please call the office so we can help you plan. Additionally, dinners are both larger and later in Italy than most Americans are used to, and while we usually try to have dinner between 7:30 and 8:00pm, it may occasionally be later. To prepare, before the trip make sure you practice pushing away a half full plate of really yummy food. WEATHER Spring is a wonderful time to visit Tuscany. The temperatures are mild and the flowers are typically blooming. You will want to be prepared for rain but a full day of rain is rare. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair midweight/midheight hiking boots. Must be water-proofed 2-3 pair hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent (Thorlo, Teko, Smartwool, etc) 2 pair thin liner socks: silk or synthetic equivalent (optional, bring only if you usually wear liner socks) CLOTHING 2 pair comfortable, lightweight, synthetic hiking pants (Supplex, or nylon/polyester/spandex blend) Zip offs work well. 1 pair shorts 2-3 synthetic or wool T-shirts (Light colors are suggested.) 1 long-sleeved, lightweight shirt for protection from sun while hiking - button up front is best 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, MTS, Polartec, or polypropylene) 1 medium-weight top layer. Fleece or wool vest works well for this layer 1 warm fleece or lightweight down jacket 1 rain parka/poncho and rain pants: a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex is preferable. Partial or full-length leg zippers are great for easily putting your pants on over your shoes or boots. 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves 1 warm/lightweight wool or fleece hat; a buff also works well for this 1 wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for protection from sun or rain Underwear and nightwear (long underwear can double as your nightwear) Swimsuit (optional, you can also wear underwear and bra in the hot tub) 1 2 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day EQUIPMENT 1 day pack 1800 2400 cubic inches (See Notes on Packing list (pg. 8) for specific details) Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. The capacity to carry 2 liters of water, either 2 water bottles or a hydration system that holds 2 L. Trekking poles (Highly recommended) ESSENTIALS Passport and Xeroxed copy Sunglasses (100% UV blocking) with retention strap Earplugs (for a good night s sleep) Sunscreen and lip block with SPF of at least 15 Tupperware-like container for sandwich/lunch 1-2 bandannas/buff Wristwatch/travel alarm clock Headlamp and extra batteries TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL 1 pair short gaiters your favorite snacks compact binoculars Deck of cards camera and film/memory 10 ft light cord and 4-6 clothespins, detergent
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Bringing a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase with wheels, rather than a hard-sided suitcase, is easier for packing in the van. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 24 36 Liters (1500 and 2200 cubic inches) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, mid-weight boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions.