Walking in Tuscany, Italy
£2299.00
Walks & Treks
7 nights in Italy | Solos Board
What to expect
Four Guided Walks
Expertly guided walks through rolling Tuscan hills
Vineyard Visit
Taste world-famous Chianti wines
Florence Guided Tour
From Ponte Vecchio to the Duomo
Cooking Class
Traditional Tuscan food experience
About this trip...
What's included?
Return flights & transfers-
One piece of checked baggage
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Airport taxes & charges
Double/Twin room for sole use
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches & 3 dinners-
Wine tasting paired with Tuscan specialities
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Tuscan cooking class
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Olive oil tasting
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Aperatif at Caffè Storico Tettuccio
Welcome drink & information meeting
4 half day guided walks-
Guided tours of Lucca, Florence & Montecatini Terme
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Entrance to Leonardo Da Vinci museum and house
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Entrance to Tettuccio Spa
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully financially protected
Health requirements
- Insurance see here
- Tourist Tax €1.40 per night (payable locally)
Itinerary
- Arrival Day
- Vinci & Wine Tasting
- The Suspended Bridge & Lucca
- A Walk Through Time in Valdinievole & Cooking Class
- Florence
- Montecatini and the Thermal City
- Pisa, Ghizzano & Peccioli
- “Arrivederci”
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival Day
- Dinner included
Day Two: Vinci & Wine Tasting
After breakfast, we meet with our local walking guide, and travel by bus to Vinci - the birthplace of the great Leonardo da Vinci. Our walking tour begins among scenic vineyards and olive groves, leading us to a charming country house known for its wine production. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and wine cellar, followed by a tasting of select wines, paired with traditional Tuscan snacks, including local cured meats and cheeses.
We then continue to Vinci, to explore the historic village and museum, where we can admire models of Leonardo’s most important inventions. After our visit to the Museum of the Genius, we’ll take a short bus ride to see the house where Anchiano spent his childhood.
- Distance: 6km
- Minimal elevation gain
- Breakfast and aperitivo lunch included
Day Three: The Suspended Bridge & Lucca
After breakfast, we depart for the Ponte Sospeso di San Marcello Pistoiese, a striking pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Lima River between Mammiano Basso and Popiglio. Built on four steel cables, it stretches 227m long and rises 36m above the river. From here, we’ll enjoy a scenic walk through the Lima Valley. Lunch will be taken at a nearby farmhouse.
After lunch, we’ll continue to Lucca, birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini and one of Tuscany’s most beautiful artistic cities in. Famed for its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, we’ll explore Lucca on foot with our local guide. Stroll along the charming Via Fillungo, the city’s vibrant main street lined with elegant medieval buildings.
Discover Lucca’s fascinating underground passages and visit Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built in 1830 atop the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. The medieval houses surrounding the square form a perfect oval, creating a uniquely beautiful architectural setting. The tour concludes with a peaceful walk atop Lucca’s tree-lined city walls—a splendid pedestrian path immersed in centuries-old greenery, offering serene views of the city’s timeless charm.
- Distance: 5km
- Ascent: 100m approx
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Four: A Walk Through Time in Valdinievole
After breakfast, we’ll meet our guide and depart by bus to reach the most beautiful hills and villages of the Valdinievole: Buggiano, Colle di Buggiano and Buggiano Castle. In these timeless places, you’ll stroll along ancient paths once travelled by knights, discover storybook castles and take in breathtaking panoramic views. Take a moment to pause, breathe in the fragrances of wild herbs and olive trees, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the landscape.
- Distance: 10km
- Ascent: 330m approx
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Five: Florence: Cradle of the Renaissance
After breakfast we depart by train to Florence, the magnificent city of the Renaissance. On arrival, we’ll meet our local guide and begin a walking tour through the heart of the city. From Piazza della Signoria to Ponte Vecchio, and from the splendid Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to Piazza della Repubblica, we’ll be immersed in the artistic beauty and timeless charm that make Florence truly unique. Next, we’ll visit the historic covered Central Market, dating back to the period when Florence was Italy’s capital. Here we’ll have the chance to sample and purchase authentic Tuscan specialities. In the afternoon, We’ll return back by train and dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Six: Montecatini Alto and the Thermal City
After breakfast, we’ll meet our guide and walk to Montecatini Alto, the historic old town of Montecatini. This medieval village, perched on a hill overlooking the thermal city, is a place where history and beauty meet. Our walk follows an ancient stone path winding through olive groves and woodland. As we circle the hilltop village, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of Montecatini Terme and the surrounding landscapes of Lucca and Pistoia provinces. Montecatini Alto, originally a Roman castle standing at 299 m (981 ft.) above sea level, was the seat of the municipality until 1905. The birthplace of the Montecatini we know today. At the heart of the village lies the splendid square that offers its visitors a view of the past. We’ll then continue to an oil mill, where we can enjoy a tasting of local Tuscan products including the olive oil.
Afterward, we’ll walk back to Montecatini Alto and take the funicular down to Montecatini Terme. On arrival at Montecatini Terme we’ll meet our local guide for a walking tour of this Spa town, concluding at the elegant Tettuccio Spa. This jewel of Art Nouveau architecture includes the beautifully frescoed antique café with artworks by Giulio Bargellini and Maria Biseo, and the Galleria delle Bibite adorned with ceramics by Basilio Cascella.
Before returning to the hotel, we’ll enjoy an aperitif at the historic café, the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere of this iconic place.
- Distance: 5km
- Ascent: 180m approx
- Breakfast included
Day Seven: Pisa, Ghizzano & Peccioli
Today we depart for Pisa to enjoy an urban walk though this iconic city, world-renowned for its famous Leaning Tower. Stroll through the Piazza dei Miracoli, where we’ll have the chance to admire the Leaning Tower and the magnificent Cathedral. Continue your walk to the Lungarno, passing by Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to one of Italy’s most prestigious universities. After our visit to Pisa, we’ll depart for the Valdera region, a timeless landscape of rolling hills, artistic heritage, and small historic villages. Stop in Ghizzano, a charming village famous for its colourful houses and contemporary art installations. Here, we’ll enjoy a special home-cooking experience in a welcoming country house, where our host will prepare a traditional Tuscan lunch.
After lunch, take a short walk to the “Sound Garden,” a serene and symbolic space inspired by late-Renaissance harmony. The garden is designed with perfect symmetry and features three sacred trees—the cypress, olive, and cedar of Lebanon—representing the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. In the afternoon we continue to Peccioli, a town where medieval charm meets contemporary creativity. Named The Most Beautiful Village in Italy in 2024, Peccioli is a centre for modern art. We’ll walk along the Endless Sunset walkway, a vibrant spiral installation by Patrick Tuttofuoco linking the old town with its newer areas. Ascend to the Palazzo Senza Tempo and take in stunning panoramic views from its suspended terrace.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day Eight: “Arrivederci”
Today we check-out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring back to the airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Trip Reviews
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Panoramic
Set beneath the Tuscan hills and surrounded by lush gardens, the Grand Hotel Panoramic enjoys a prime location just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Montecatini Terme. Its convienient position also places iconic Tuscan cities such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca just an hour away. This hotel offers a truly pleasant and relaxing stay in the heart of Tuscany.
Facilities include
The hotel features and on-site restaurant and bar. We can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally), which is surrounded by a sun terrace furnished with loungers and rattan chairs. There is also a wellness area nestled among bamboo plants, which offers a whirlpool, sauna and fitness area. Massages are available at an extra cost (payable locally).
Room includes
Rooms are furnished in a classic style and are equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, safe, fridge, air conditioning and bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer.
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat and gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Passport validity requirements
If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.Your passport must be:- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Passport stamping
At Italian border control, you may need to:- show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if visiting your own property (for example, a second home)
- show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
- show a return or onward ticket
- prove that you have enough money for your stay. The minimum amount required depends on your accommodation
- follow procedures if you are hosting a guest at your property in Italy
Visa requirements
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
- check the latest information on health risks and find out what vaccinations you need for Italy on TravelHealthPro
- check where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
