Treasures of Tuscany Walking Holiday

Treasures of Tuscany Walking Holiday with Sherpa Expeditions

Sherpa Expeditions walks through the gentle landscape of Tuscany take you through a countryside that is timeless. Tuscany is a region well suited to a walking pace and there is much to absorb. Here are some of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe with their Romanesque and gothic churches and buildings. We walk through a varied countryside of rolling hillsides, vineyards, olive groves and forests alive with colour. Tuscany offers many gastronomic delights: pecorino cheese, wild boar and porcini mushrooms to name but a few. It is also Chianti wine country with several wine tasting opportunities.

Linking some of the Tuscan hilltop towns, we start in the old Etruscan town of Volterra, where you can see the Roman Theatre and Pallaza Priori and enjoy a warm up walk from the village of Pignano. We spend two nights in Volterra and then our trail leads off through forested hills, occasionally crowned with stone farmhouses, olive groves and vineyards.

We visit San Gimignano noted for its famous towers and often called Tuscany’s Manhattan but it is perhaps the best preserved medieval town in Italy, We wend our way from here through intensive farmland and quiet woods to Colle Val D’Elsa.

From Colle, we take farm tracks and white roads, ‘Strada Bianca’, which lead us on to Monteriggioni, a medieval fortress town. From there we pass through thick holm oak forest to the village of San Columba and then by local bus on to Siena, the archetypal Tuscan city.

You can extend your stay by taking the 11 day tour which takes you through the heart of the Chianti vineyards and a landscape that will be familiar from the old paintings you have already seen along your route. It hasn’t changed very much. Finishing in Panzano, we transfer by bus to Florence for a final night in the Tuscan capital, a great place for art lovers and romantics of all ages.

Inn to Inn 7 or 11 days
Duration: 6 nights/7 days or 10 nights/11 days

Tour Code: JTT

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Day Stages: Minimum 8km, max 20km.

SELF-GUIDED Dates 2010
Start any day April - November

7 Day ESCORTED Dates 2010
Group Size: Min 4, max 15, plus trek leader
EJTT19 Wed 19 May - Tue 25 May
EJTT04 Mon 4 Oct - Sun 10 Oct

Visit the Sherpa Expeditions Website for more information

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Lonely Planet are currently offering a whopping 30% off all print and downloadable travel guides.

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Take a look at the following inspiring titles to aid, inform, and inspire your Italian Walking Holiday:

The Italian Lakes Travel Guide
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Naples and the Almafi Coast Travel Guide (3rd Ed.)
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Custom Guide. Made up of chapters from Lonely Planet's Italy, this guidebook covers the north, from Piedmont's truffle forests and Barolo vineyards to lakeside resorts in Lombardy and the arcaded walkways of Turin.

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Released January 2010. This is the Italian double-act you've always dreamed of: beautiful, majestic Tuscany and Umbria, her mysterious landlocked cousin. Expect a show full of wondrous art, gorgeous scenery and stunning food and wine. Book your ticket now.

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Tuscany Walking Holiday Late Availability

Walking holiday in Tuscany, Italy with Travelsphere - 8 days from £750.  Available in October 2009.  Fly from London Heathrow or your local airport.

The beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany is the perfect backdrop for this wonderful holiday. Our programme of scenic walks will introduce you to this unspoilt region with its enchanting hilltop towns, wine estates and historic architecture. It is sure to be a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 to find out more about this holiday

What's Included
- Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
- Return scheduled flights to Rome
- Transfers between airport and hotel
- Six nights’ half board accommodation
- Welcome drink
- All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Walking Information
This Tour contains walks up to Grade 2 - Moderate


Grade 1 - Easy
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable.

Grade 2 - Moderate
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended.


Grade 3 - Strenuous
These are quite strenuous, for the more accomplished hill walker. A larger number of continuous stretches of walking totalling about 5 hours a day, often in mountainous terrain where paths can be steep. Ascent up to 1000m per day. Walking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are recommended.


Accommodation
You will stay in the comfortable Hotel Mizar centrally located in Chianciano Terme. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and garden, along with a terrace. All bedrooms have private facilities, satellite TV, minibar, safe, air-conditioning and telephone.


Itinerary
Your base is the popular resort of Chianciano Terme, close to the border between Tuscany and Umbria. The town’s historic centre offers narrow streets and picturesque piazzas to explore and there is a selection of bars, cafés and shops.


Included excursions

Monte Amiata - We start high on the slopes of this dormant volcano, which are covered in forests and are home to wild boar, deer and the occasional wolf. Enjoy marvellous views over the surrounding countryside (approx. 3 hours’ walk).

Montalcino to Sant’ Antimo Abbey - After a short drive, we start from the beautiful hilltop town of Montalcino and take a pleasant walk through the farmland of Brunello country – home to the most famous wine of the region. We pass by typical Tuscan villas and farmhouses with panoramic views of the historic countryside and Monte Amiata. Your walk ends at the stunning Romanesque abbey of Sant’ Antimo (approx. 2½ hours’ walk).


Castello di Banfi - After our coach journey to the castle, enjoy time at leisure, or take the pleasant three mile walk to the Cantina entrance. Established only 20 years ago, this family-owned vineyard has been voted ‘International Winery of the Year’ in its category many times. Enjoy a tour of the cellars, plus a tasting of some of the estate’s wines and the chance to buy your favourite in the wine store.

Bagno Vignoni to Pienza - Departing from the picturesque spa resort of Bagno Vignoni we enjoy a leisurely walk through rolling fields and along a trail to Pienza (approx. 2½ hours’ walk). You will have free time in this picture-postcard town to sample some of the local specialities, such as Pecorino cheese.

Optional excursion


Siena & San Gimignano - Siena is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe. Its narrow streets lined with palaces and mansions lead to the famous Piazza del Campo. The enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano is known as the ‘town of beautiful towers’, a striking feature of the Tuscan landscape.


Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEIT
05/10/2009 £758 - final tour of 2009
12/05/2010 £750
09/06/2010 £800
08/09/2010 £800
06/10/2010 £750

Deposit £100 per person
Prices based on two people sharing a twin or double bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges
The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.

Supplements
Single room supplement from £100
Holiday Insurance

Travel Information
Flights are by scheduled services of British Airways
Departing London Heathrow 1405 hrs, Return arrival 1955 hrs
All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation.

Fly From Your Local Airport
You can fly to your destination from the following airports at the supplement shown below (per person).
Leeds/Bradford £NIL
Manchester £NIL
Bristol £29

Regional connecting flights are also available.

Transfers
Transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approx. 3 hours.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 to find out more about this holiday

Walking Holidays in Italy - Late Availability

Page & Moy have availability for the following Italian Walking Holidays this September...

Walks of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
8 days from £780
Dates Available: 16th September 2009
The views you will experience as you explore Sorrento, Ravello and Crapolla are second to none. See mountains and quaint rural villages as you walk along the Pathway of the Gods, sample local delicacies and visit Pompeii and Vesuvius.

The Island of Sardinia
8 days from £770
Dates Available: 19th September 2009
This is an unforgettable holiday on Sardinia, one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning islands. Explore the stunning coastline, from the beautiful beaches of the Costa Smeralda to Alghero, visit charming towns and villages and take the opportunity to visit Corsica and the beautiful La Maddalena archipelago.

Telephone Page & Moy on 0845 358 2639 now to reserve your space

Late Availability - Walking Holidays in Italy

Travelsphere have late availability on the following walking holidays in Italy...

Walking in Tuscany
8 days from £780
Dates available: 07/09/2009
The beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany is the perfect backdrop for this wonderful holiday. Our programme of scenic walks will introduce you to this unspoilt region with its enchanting hilltop towns, wine estates and historic architecture. It’s a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Walking in Sicily
8 days from £855
Dates available: 09/09/2009
This superb holiday takes you to northern Sicily and the beautiful Saracen Coast. It is an area of secluded bays and coves, fertile mountains and charming villages. You will walk in the lovely Nebrodi National Park, rich in flora and fauna and, of course, on the slopes of the famous volcano, Mount Etna.

Walking in the Dolomites
10 days from £539
Dates available: 13/09/2009
Visitors have marvelled over Lake Molveno in northern Italy for over 100 years, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Brenta Dolomites. The region is a paradise of woods and meadows and is the ideal location for this walking programme.

For more information telephone 0845 358 2368

Walking in Lake Garda - 8 days from £730

Walking in Lake Garda - 8 days from £730 with Travelsphere.

Discover the beautiful scenery that surrounds Lake Garda, from waterfront resorts to the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains. Our three superb included walks take you through this stunning scenery, and with three optional excursions, you’ll get to see the best of this magnificent destination.

For more information visit the Travelsphere website or tel 0845 358 2368

What's Included
- Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
- Return scheduled flights to Verona
- Transfers between airport and hotel
- Services of an air-conditioned executive coach
- Seven nights’ half board accommodation
- All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Included excursions
Three walks in the company of a local guide: -
- The Paper Mills
- Manerba Park
- The Rock of Garda & St. Vigilio Point

Optional excursions
- Lake Garda
- Verona
- Foothills of the Dolomites

Walking Information
This Tour contains walks up to Grade 2 - Moderate

Grade 1 - Easy
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable.

Grade 2 - Moderate
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended.

Grade 3 - Strenuous
These are quite strenuous, for the more accomplished hill walker. A larger number of continuous stretches of walking totalling about 5 hours a day, often in mountainous terrain where paths can be steep. Ascent up to 1000m per day. Walking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are recommended.

Itinerary

DAY 1: UK/Verona
Depart on your scheduled flight to Verona. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Desenzano on the shores of Lake Garda for a seven night stay.

DAYS 2 to 7: Lake Garda
During our time on Lake Garda, we include the following walks:

The Paper Mills - Head to Toscolano on the western shore of the lake for this charming walk along the valley past ruins of the paper mills that made this region famous. We visit the museum (entrance not included) before ascending to the old village of Camerate. We enjoy lunch (not included) at the Agriturismo in the hamlet of Gaino, from where we return to our original starting point in Toscolano on foot, where it is possible to visit the parish church and ruins of a Roman villa (approx. 6 hours’ walk).

Manerba Park - Discover the charms of Manerba and its surrounding area on this delightful walk. Starting at the church of St. George, follow the ridge path that overlooks the lake, making your way down to the water’s edge for a quick swim! We then cross the park, ascending towards the ruins of the medieval castle. After breaking for lunch, there is the opportunity to climb the steep slope up to the castle. Our walk returns us to Dusano, before returning to the hotel (approx. 5 hours’ walk).

The Rock of Garda & St. Vigilio Point - After visiting the village of Garda, climb the slope to the top of the Rock of Garda, standing 300m over the town and offering superb views across the lake. We also visit the Hermitage of the Camaldolesi Monks before taking the path back downhill to San Vigilio, where you can go swimming in the lake (approx. 4 hours’ walk).

We also offer a range of optional excursions:

Lake Garda - Full day tour to see some of the beauty spots of this fabulous lake, surrounded by lush groves of olives, vines and citrus trees. We will stop at one of the many delightful resorts where you can shop, relax, take a glass of wine and enjoy the spectacular scenery. You will also enjoy a boat trip on the lake.

Verona - This half day excursion takes you to one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities. Don’t miss the impressive square, Piazza Bra, with its ornate fountains and delightful pavement cafés, dominated by the magnificent Roman Arena, the third largest in the world.

Foothills of the Dolomites - A spectacular full day tour taking you through dramatic Alpine landscapes to view this rugged range of mountains which stretch from Lake Garda north to the Austrian border and reach a height of 11,000ft.

DAY 8: Verona/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEIG
06/05/2010 £760
03/06/2010 £760
16/09/2010 £760
07/10/2010 £730

Deposits are £100 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges
The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.

Supplements
Single room supplement from £100
Holiday Insurance

Travel Information
Flights are by scheduled services of British Airways
Departing London Gatwick 1215 hrs
Return arrival 1700 hrs
All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation

You can fly to your destination from the following airports at the supplement shown below (per person).
Edinburgh £29
Bristol £29

For more information visit the Travelsphere website or tel 0845 358 2368

Late Availability on Italian Walking Holidays

Tour specialists, Travelsphere, have just released details of some late availability on walking holidays in Italy. If you want to experience the stunning coastlines, hillsides, mountains & vineyards of this amazing country then take a look at the following holidays.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 for details of any of these holidays

Walking in the Cinque Terre - 7 days from GBP739
Discover the captivating resorts and stunning scenery of wild and beautiful northern Italian Ligurian coast. Our superb walks take you through lemon groves, wooded hillsides and vineyards as you explore the picturesque Cinque Terre, Portofino, Portovenere and the island of Palmaria.
Dates available: 11/05/2009

Walking in Tuscany - 8 days from £754
Our programme of scenic walks will introduce you to this unspoilt region with its enchanting hilltop towns, wine estates and historic architecture.
Dates available: 13/05/2009

Walking in Umbria - 8 days from £779
A lakeside resort and a wonderful programme of included walks and excursions await you on this holiday to Italy’s attractive Umbria region.
Dates available: 17/05/2009

Walking in the Italian Lakes - 8 days from £799
The Italian lakes of Maggiore, Garda and Ledro are among the most beautiful regions in Europe. Set against towering mountain peaks, these sparkling lakes are dotted with charming village resorts, perfectly situated for exploring the truly awe inspiring scenery on this superb two-centre holiday.
Dates available: 20/05/2009 & 27/05/2009

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 for details of any of these holidays