Italy: Tuscany and Umbria Vineyard Walks

With golden light stretching across the rolling green hills, the Tuscan countryside is calling. The pace here is slower, coinciding with the wine produced in the region which is meant to be savoured rather than gulped. Your first day sees you begin the trek in the historic village of Abbadia a Isola, following the Via Francigena through the rolling Tuscan countryside. Walk past ancient stone farmhouses, cypress-lined paths, and picturesque landscapes as you make your way toward Colle Val d'Elsa. Welcome to Tuscany, and to Italy we invite you inner serenity in the countryside.

Monteriggioni is your quintessential Tuscan medieval walled village. Follow part of the ancient Francigena way; step back in time as you walk past donkeys in green pastures and lush bushes as the Tuscan countryside unfolds before you.

Chianti, recognized for its namesake red wine, lies between Florence and Siena in the very centre of Tuscany. Begin the trek from Montefioralle- a small town forming the perimeter around an historic castle. Start the day with a scenic walk through the rolling Chianti countryside, soaking in the breathtaking views of vineyards and olive groves. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious, rustic lunch at a traditional farmhouse, where you’ll savour local Tuscan flavours in a relaxed setting.

Start the day with a scenic transfer to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval cities. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a walking tour through its historic streets, exploring highlights like Piazza del Campo and the stunning Duomo. After the tour, sit down for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying authentic Tuscan flavors. Take some free time to soak in the atmosphere or browse local shops before heading back to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a special wine pairing dinner.

UNESCO World Heritage site Val d'Orcia extends from the provinces of Siena to Grosseto, offering up some of Tuscany's most picturesque vistas. The Pienza loop trail begins in historic Pienza, a Renaissance city commissioned by Pope Pius II. From Pienza, pass the Romanesque parish church of Corsignano as you make your way through the green and gold undulating hillside dotted with cypress trees. After a short time, enter the Strada dei Gladiatori, the exact setting of the panoramic countryside scene from Ridley Scott's film 'Gladiator'.

Walking the Italian countryside is the ultimate gift to yourself. Taking the time to step away from the hustle of your everyday life to intentionally move at a slower pace. Italy is about living and eating well. Speaking of eating, it's time to spend the morning with a local chef learning to prepare some of Italy's most loved dishes. A tagliatelle with ragù perhaps, or a creamy tiramisú. Buon Appetito!

Admittedly, Rome is one of those cities that is pretty OMG worthy on its own. If you have an entire week, its a great city to get lost in, wandering from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. To make the most of your time in Rome, you get to choose between a walking tour or a fully guided Vespa tour. No matter which way you choose to explore Rome, you will experience the very best the city has to offer.

Your adventure has come to an end, and you can depart at any time.