Magical landscapes, rich artistic heritage, and sumptuous wine and gastronomy experiences are powerful enough reasons for visiting enchanting Tuscany, but for a true “insider’s” look at this storied place, choose our Hiking Hidden Tuscany adventure! Beyond the crowds, and fully immersed in a local palette of experiences, we’ll connect you to this beautiful region in a way seldom experienced by the passing visitor. Our tour focuses on the Tuscan icons of Florence, the Chianti region, and Lucca. Visits to an art restoration workshop, artisan shops, local markets, and a wine and olive oil maker under the knowledgeable guidance of a true Florentine, allow you to see Tuscany with the eyes of a native. Country walks and optional bicycling excursions round out your adventure. Tuscany is very generous with its beauty and you will be richer for taking a little bit of it home with you.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an “insider’s” view of Florence, the Chianti region, and Lucca
• Hike in an undiscovered nature reserve and through the vineyards of Chianti
• Visit artisan workshops, local markets, and wine and oil production facilities

  Note—Our activities may vary without notice based on the availability of the artisans.

DAY 1 ~ Arrive in Florence

Your trip leader will meet you at your Bed & Breakfast in the center of town by 12 noon. We will then walk to a local restaurant for your first experience of traditional Tuscan food. After lunch, we will go for a casual stroll (favored by all Italians) around town, most likely stopping in a café for a jolt of an espresso coffee to help you recover from your air travel. In the late afternoon we'll enjoy an instructional walking tour of the some of the city's important sites and make Florence's history come alive. We'll sip a nice glass of wine as an aperitif while your guide outlines the activities of the week for you. After a light and early meal we'll settle in for the night.

Dinner...Palazzo Galletti or comparable B&B, Florence

DAY 2 ~ Around Florence

Because Florence was at the epicenter of European life for centuries during the Renaissance, it has accumulated a deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One of its proud contributions has been in the world of art. We begin our day with an introduction to what is considered one of the precious and labor-intensive tasks, that of art restoration. You will have an opportunity to meet art restorers as well as gain access to some of the priceless works of art currently being worked on. This is a unique opportunity to see some of Florence's tradition and legacy.

Following this introduction, we'll visit the central market (mercato centrale), another important hub in the life and culture of the city. This is where Italians select and purchase their coveted ingredients for the delectable food they are so well known for. The market is a center of activity and buzz as vendors vie for their customer's attention and business. We will have lunch at one of the market's informal eateries.

As the rhythm of the city slows down in the afternoon and many of the shops close for the traditional siesta, you can opt for repose in our B&B or continue exploring the city on your own before you meet with your guide again. In the afternoon, we will walk and explore the Santo Spirito neighborhood. This part of Florence, located on the other side of the Arno River, is known for its artisan workshops and traditional handicrafts. With its labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, which can be disorienting to those less familiar, we'll be introduced to the labor-intensive skills of the people whose job it is to carry on the traditional work of their forefathers. These are also opportunities for your own perusals of valuable objects for yourself.

Once we return to the heart of town you are free to walk around a little bit more on your own or with your guide. Florence has done much to reduce traffic in the city and the streets are now primarily dedicated to pedestrians. .

Dinner will be on your own.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Palazzo Galletti or comparable B&B, Florence

DAY 3 ~ Florence – Castellina in Chianti

Today we transfer about 30 miles south of Florence, and ten miles from Pisa, to Castellina in Chianti, a beautiful small hamlet of Etruscan and Roman origins in the heart of Chianti Classico hills. We will be based at Casa Frassi, a splendid, restored 18th-century villa that is also a wine and olive oil producing facility. This magical and serene area, strewn with vineyards and olive groves, is the setting for many inspiring stories of the region. The colors are especially vibrant in the spring and fall, but anytime from April through October is an ideal time to visit. On our way, we will stop in Greve, the wine capital of the region, where we will visit the town and have a light lunch. We may also visit the 11th-century Abbey of Passignano before continuing on to Castellina in Chianti. Upon arrival, you may choose to relax by the swimming pool or walk around the small hamlet on your own. We will then take a short, guided, walking tour (about one hour) through the vineyards of Casa Frassi, where you will be officially introduced to the artistry of wine making. We will then return to the Villa to sample some of their extraordinary wines followed by a traditional meal.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Casa Frassi, Castellina in Chianti

DAY 4 ~ Chianti

Today we take advantage of our location in the heart of Chianti to explore the region. Depending on your energy level we have a few options. We may choose to take a daylong walk or hike punctuated with some unique visits, including learning the art of how terra cotta pots are made and kilned; we may rent bicycles in the morning to ride in the surrounding hills followed by an afternoon walk; or we may walk in the morning and enjoy a visit of Siena or Monteriggioni in the afternoon. However we may choose to spend the day, we will be fully immersed in the beauty of the region. The breathtaking views here have inspired numerous well-known stories, such as Under the Tuscan Sun and A Room with a View. Dinner tonight is on your own either at the Villa or at a local restaurant in Castellina.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Casa Frassi, Castellina in Chianti

DAY 5 ~ Chianti – Lucca

This morning we'll transfer through Chianti's back roads to Lucca and we may stop in a couple of villages along the way. One of the beauties of Tuscany, or Italy in general, is how the character of each town is different from its neighbors. Lucca is a distinctly attractive city deriving its considerable wealth from traditional sources such as olive oil and wine. Surrounded by an ancient wall and hosting a beautiful cathedral, Lucca displays an architecture and a compact urban plan that offer visitors exciting options, such as shopping and strolling along its celebrated Fillungo, the notorious street where during the early evening hours, local residents visit with each other and the art of people-watching is at its apex. Its beauty is also determined by its location. In fact, the town is not only surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, but also by the Versilian Coast and a landscape of sheer, soaring mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows, and a vast area of semi-wilderness where wolves are still spotted. Upon arrival, we will check into our Bed and Breakfast and have a light lunch. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town and enjoy a dinner on your own.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Palazzo Busdraghi or comparable B&B in Lucca

DAY 6 ~ Lucca's surroundings

Today we'll set out for an exploration of the region surrounding Lucca. We will start with a hike in the Garfagnana territory, a landscape so far removed from the traditional image of Tuscany as to make it seem from another country. This region, most of which is classified as a regional Nature Reserve, rises up from the valley of the river Serchio (Lucca's river), starting to the northwest of Lucca. The valley is flanked to the east by the start of the Appennines and to the west by the spur of the Apuan Alps. From this area you can enjoy a cool breeze at the height of summer, some breathtaking views of precipitous marble quarries, ancient chestnut forests, high alpine meadows that are blanketed with flowers in springtime, caves, spectacular ridges, cascading streams, and countless hilltop villages. Other activities may include a drive to Lago di Vagli. The construction of this large artificial lake, between 1941 and 1953, meant that the old part of Vagli di Sotto (lower Vagli) was completely submerged. The buildings are still there but under the water, and at low levels the church tower can be seen beneath the surface. During a particularly dry summer, the whole lake can run dry and the entire village is laid bare for all to see. We may also have an opportunity to visit Villa Torrigiani or Villa Reale. We will then return to our B&B in Lucca where you can relax a little before meeting for our farewell dinner. .

Breakfast, Dinner...Palazzo Busdraghi or comparable B&B in Lucca

DAY 7 ~ Lucca – Florence transfer and departure

Transfer to the Florence airport and depart on homeward-bound flights or to other destinations in Italy or Europe. (If you prefer, a transfer to the train station can be arranged.)

B…

Stay a Little Longer

Prefer a Group Adventure?
Check out our Hill Towns of Tuscany & Cinque Terre group adventure. Or you may wish to combine this trip with one of our regular group departure adventures in Europe , our Vineyards & Castles of Piemonte Private Adventure, or other independent travel on your own.

Arrival & Departure Information

You will be met at Florence's International Airport or the train station on Day 1 and transferred to your first night's lodging. On Day 7, you will be transferred to the airport or train station for departure.

Air Travel

Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their "frequent flyer" miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets, so we may verify your arrival and departure schedule.

Activity Level

On a scale from 1 to 5, we rate this trip as a 2 (easy to moderate in nature). It's an excellent trip for those who are looking for a cultural experience combined with walks and light hikes. Since there is a support van, you'll be walking with only a light daypack.

If you are not optimally conditioned, we recommend that you start a training program at least three months before departure, gradually increasing the intensity and duration. If your health is questionable or your physical stamina is limited, please discuss other trip options with us.

Your Guide

Besides ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch, your guide will provide a unique perspective on the local life and culture as only a native can. Their close familiarity with the local geography, history, culture and traditions are the key to a superb, informative experience—one you just can't get on your own. In their friendly company, you will truly learn, enjoy, and share their passion for the country they call home. You'll be in good hands with them every step of the way. Guide assignments will be confirmed in the Final Bulletin sent to you three weeks prior to departure.

What's Included

• expert leadership
• accommodations
• wine with lunches and dinners
• airport/train transfers on Days 1 & 7
• sightseeing arrangements as noted in the itinerary
• ground transportation
• basic medical and evacuation insurance

What's Not

International airfare to Florence and return; optional tips to local guide; insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance noted above (we strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, which includes trip cancellation insurance); excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); cost of medical immunizations; and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.). Unused transportation to/during the tour will not be reimbursed.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

(This differs from regular Mountain Travel Sobek trips.)

I. Payment
At time of reservation: $800
120 days prior to departure: 25% of Land Cost ($747.50)
90 days prior to departure: Balance of Land Cost

II. Cancellation
If written notice of cancellation is received:
Cancellation Fee will be:
From time of reservation until
90 days prior to departure $800
89 to 60 days prior to departure 50% of Land Cost ($1495)
59 days or fewer prior to departure 100% of Land Cost

Note on Itinerary

This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.

Although we will do our best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change. Please read the Limitation of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form. You can find all this information on our website.

Limitation of Liability

“Mountain Travel Sobek” is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives and affiliates (collectively “Mountain Travel”). Except for the Alaska Discovery Inn, some small craft and some vans in Alaska, Mountain Travel does not own or operate any entity that provides goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of, access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form, which you can find on our website (or call us at 1-888-687-6235 and request a copy).

Arbitration

Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning this trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law without regard to the California Arbitration Act.

Conditions of Participation

Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. Specific information on payment and cancellation policies is also contained within this document, as well as in our current catalog and on our website. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you have any questions.

Why Mountain Travel Sobek is Your First Choice for Adventure

Mountain Travel Sobek is the pioneer in active adventure travel. No other adventure travel company can lay claim to that title. We were the first to take Americans trekking in Nepal, raft the wild rivers of Africa, and open up many previously inaccessible corners of the world to curious travelers. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.

References

Don't take our word for how great our trips are. We'll be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travelers. Just give us a call at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235).

Questions?

Feel free to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you still have any questions or concerns. We're here to help you.

Note on Itinerary

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Please read the Limitations of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form.

This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.

Conditions of Participation

Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us if you have any questions.

Note on Services

We often use local suppliers who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We do not own or operate these independent suppliers. We work with service providers who share our commitment to safety and quality, and work closely with them to develop itineraries unique to Mountain Travel Sobek.

Ready to go? Signing up is easy!

Just call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or make a reservation request online. Immediately after we receive your deposit, we will request your preferred dates. Upon confirmation (usually within four business days), we will send you a packet with all the information you need to get ready for your trip, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, and other details.

Approximately 30 days before your departure, we'll send you detailed, step-by-step instructions, with emergency contact numbers, a detailed map, and other important information. Upon arrival at your destination, you will be met by your in-country host who will help orient you and describe what to expect in the week to come.