Italy
Walking & Hiking in Idyllic Tuscany and Mystical Umbria
Program No. 3573RJ
Embark on a fun and informative walking exploration of Italy’s rolling hills as you discover timeless villages, famed vineyards, friendly locals and world-class cuisine.
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12 days
11 nights
25 meals
10B 7L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
Montalcino Walk
Pienza
7
Transfer to Montefalco via Perugia
Montefalco
8
Sagrantino Wine Country, Montefalco
Montefalco
12
Transfer to Rome, Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Walk and hike through the incomparable Italian countryside and get up close to the culture, history, geology, art, flora and fauna of Tuscany and Umbria. Discover not only storied beauty and panoramic views of rolling pastures, famed vineyards and olive groves, but also learn about and appreciate some of the most historic and best-preserved medieval towns, villages and monuments in Europe.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking 2-6 miles over mixed terrain including cobblestones, unavoidable stairs without railings, and natural trails with uneven surfaces, tree roots, rocky areas, gravel and dirt, and steep ascents and descents. Elevations up to 5,700 feet. Please refer to the activity notes in the day-by-day itinerary for further details.
Participants attending this program are should have hiking experience (this is not suitable for novice hikers), and are required to be steady on their feet, have good vision, can navigate stairs with no railings without assistance, and have the ability to navigate the types of terrain listed with little to no assistance.
Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Collapsible hiking poles are recommended.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn about two of Umbria's finest Romanesque churches in the town of Bevagna and marvel at the medieval architecture made of sienna-colored brick while in Siena.
- Follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis as you visit his hermitage and explore the town of Assisi.
- Savor the best cuisine in Tuscany at a special lunch at a mountain hut, visit renowned wineries and sample local cheeses.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Irene Befani
Irene Befani was born and raised in Italy, and holds a university degree in modern literature. Before leading educational explorations, Irene spent many years working for the international music and cultural celebration, Festival of Two Worlds. She currently teaches at a language school. Irene lives in Spoleto with her two kids, and she loves sports and traveling.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Irene Befani
View biography
Irene Befani was born and raised in Italy, and holds a university degree in modern literature. Before leading educational explorations, Irene spent many years working for the international music and cultural celebration, Festival of Two Worlds. She currently teaches at a language school. Irene lives in Spoleto with her two kids, and she loves sports and traveling.
Suggested Reading List
(14 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Walking & Hiking in Idyllic Tuscany and Mystical Umbria
Program Number: 3573
Central Italy Map
A regional map of Central Italy, including Tuscany, Umbria and Rome, at a scale of 1:400,000.
Lonely Planet Italian Phrasebook
A handy, palm-size guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
Songbirds, Truffles and Wolves, An American Naturalist in Italy
The author, a poet and naturalist, heads along the Franciscan Way from Florence to Assisi. This most unusual travelogue combines natural history, spirituality and a lively appreciation of local food and food traditions. A print-on-demand paperback.
La Bella Figura, A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses their never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. The book opens with a snapshot of Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.
On The Road with Francis of Assisi
Assisi wandered for 20 years, affording Newsweek editor Francke and her patient husband plenty to see and do in the piazzas, sanctuaries and chapels of Assisi, Siena, Bologna, Venice, Gubbio, Rome and other choice spots.
The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany
This handsome oversize picture book is a portrait of the Tuscan landscape and people. It contains maps, a travel guide and many color photographs.
Italy, A Short History
Elegantly written, generous and informative, this compact book takes in the sweep of Italian history from the Roman Republic through the Renaissance, World War II and up to the present.
Reluctant Saint, The Life of Francis of Assisi
Spoto draws on fascinating new research to explore the travels, spirit and work of the beloved saint. This engaging portrait provides an excellent overview of the life of St. Francis.
A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany
A Tuscany resident for 30 years, Elon presents 100 recipes from a hand-picked selection of favorite restaurants in this charming cookbook and travel guide. With 10 itineraries highlighting largely undiscovered regions of Tuscany, restaurants, trattorie, shops, wineries, olive oil producers, markets and food festivals.
Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life
Twenty years after "Under the Tuscan Sun," Mayes is still besotted by Italy -- her house, the tumbling geraniums, the people and the food -- all lovingly documented in her best memoir yet. With interludes in Portofino, Assisi and Rome and a focus on Renaissance master artist Luca Signorelli.
Under the Tuscan Sun
In this best-selling memoir of buying, renovating and living in an abandoned villa in Cortona, Tuscany, Mayes reveals the sensual pleasures found in rural Italy.
Rough Guide Tuscany and Umbria
This comprehensive travel guide includes region-by-region descriptions and a good overview of history and culture. With chapters on Florence and surroundings -- Lucca, Pisa, Maremma, Siena, Arezzo, Peruguia, Assisi, Spoleto and Orvieto.
The Renaissance, A Short History
The history, background, literature, sculpture, paintings and architecture of the Renaissance in just over 200 lively, thought-provoking pages.
Catherine of Siena, A Passionate Life
Brophy sets this deeply researched biography of the saint against the backdrop of 14th-century Europe, showing Catherine's sheer fortitude and personal magnetism in her efforts to bring peace to a troubled time.