from medieval hilltowns to the ligurian sea · from medieval hilltowns to the ligurian sea trip...

Wilderness Travelreg

Tuscany and the Cinque TerreFROM MEDIEVAL HILLTOWNS TO THE LIGURIAN SEA

TRIP DATES

2017September 6-15 2017

September 26-October 5 2017October 16-25 2017

2018May 1-10 2018 New Itinerary

May 23-June 1 2018 New ItinerarySeptember 5-14 2018 New ItinerarySeptember 19-28 2018 New Itinerary

Wilderness Travel1102 Ninth Street Berkeley CA 94710

800-368-2794 bull 510-558-2488wwwwildernesstravelcom bull infowildernesstravelcom

reg


In Tuscany ochre-colored hilltowns rise above a painterly landscape of cypress

and olive groves Our cultural hiking adventure pairs the beauty of this

enchanting region with the Cinque Terre five lovely villages tucked beside the

sparkling sea To savor these dreamy landscapes wersquoll explore the medieval

Tuscan gems of Sovana and Siena and enjoy a sunset hike into legendary

San Gimignano In the Cinque Terre home of fabulous seafood and sweet

Sciacchetra wine our hikes bring you to tiny villages of pastel-hued palazzi

Gourmet picnics wine tastings and a cooking class round out our captivating

experience of Italyrsquos la dolce vita

ITINERARY 3

TRIP COST PAYMENT amp INSURANCE 8

ARRIVAL amp DEPARTURE 9

LODGING 10

TRIP LEADERS 12

TRIP DETAILS 14

TOUCAN CLUB 15

3800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | infowildernesstravelcom

DAY 1ROME TARQUINIA SORANOAfter meeting in Rome we head to the city of Tarquinia to explore its impressive painted Etruscan tombs Our local guide here will give a great introduction to the history and culture of the region and well enjoy lunch before driving to the trailhead for our short warm-up hike Setting out on foot we enjoy a splendid view of Sorano the town where we will be staying for the next two nights We then enter into shady Etruscan pathways also called ldquocave pathwaysrdquo Carved out of the tuff stone these paths have walls reaching up to 30 feet high and create a network of trails throughout the area From our trailhlead at San Rocco we hike right to Sorano exploring the town before entering the gate that leads on foot to our fortress hotel Later in the afternoon we visit Soranos Orsini Fortress Museum built by one of the most famous families of the area Its rare treasures include parts of a 16th century musical score a madrigal for four voices The museum is also a fascinating structure a wonderful example of military architecture of the 1500s In the evening we gather for our Welcome Dinner Overnight at Hotel della Fortezza perched above the town and set within the Orsini castleLDHiking Details 1 hour 2 miles 300 feet ascent400 feet descent

DAY 2PITIGLIANO SORANOWe start our day with a short drive to the wine-producing town of Pitigliano located in one of Tuscanys wildest and least populated regions Set on a promontory surrounded by bright green valleys medieval Pitigliano was for centuries known for its flourishing Jewish community Well roam the narrow alleys and visit the old Jewish synagogue then start our hike along old Etruscan Cave Pathways to a winery where we will enjoy a picnic lunch of local specialties including pecorino (sheeps milk cheese) seasonal fresh vegetables and cured meats flavored with wild fennel After lunch we continue our hike into the town of Sovana and visit the famous tombs outside of the towns At the end of the day we return to Sorano Dinner is on your own tonight Your Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations Overnight at Hotel della FortezzaBLHiking Details 3 hours total 6 miles 300 feet ascentdecent

DAY 3PIENZA MONTEPULCIANO SAN QUIRICO DrsquoORCIAWe head north to the wonderful medieval town of Pienza Before setting off on our hike we take a look around Pienzarsquos old town which has several splendid buildings constructed between 1459 and 1462 Pienza was named after Pope Pius the Second born as Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini who commissioned the Renaissance architect Bernardo Rossellino to rebuild his native city The Palazzo Piccolomini considered Rossellinorsquos masterpiece was inhabited by the Piccolomini family until 1962 We leave town on foot passing through some of the most impressive scenery (parts of the film Under the Tuscan Sun were shot in this area) Our hike brings us to a family-run organic farm where sheep cheese is made and well have a chance to visit the farm as we enjoy our lunch

Itinerary

TRIP DETAILS AT-A-GLANCELength 10 daysArrive Rome ItalyDepart Pisa ItalyLodging 9 nights fine hotels

including a restored palazzo

Meals All meals included except 3 dinners

Activity Cultural Adventures Hiking Trekking

Trip Level A mix of easy to moderate

walks and hikes 3-6 hours a day van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a dayrsquos hike)

HIGHLIGHTSbull Hike to charming medieval

hilltowns explore Etruscan ruinsbull Stroll through Siena with its

exquisite scallop-shaped piazzabull Discover San Gimignano the

quintessential walled Tuscan townbull Visit local wineries taste fine wines

including Vernaccia and Brunello di Montalcino

bull Hike seaside trails to the most beautiful villages of the Cinque Terre explore Portofino

bull Delight in charming hotels from a restored palazzo to a welcoming seaside hotel

bull Savor picnics of local culinary treats including zesty salumi aged cheeses and foccacia al stracchino

4 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | wwwwildernesstravelcom

there Rambling over the Tuscan hills after lunch we reach the Rennaissance town of Montepulciano the highest hill town in Tuscany (at 2000 feet) The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from here is considered among Italys best wines (There is also an option of a shorter one-hour hike to the beautiful medieval village of Monticchiello an overlooked gem in the heart of the Val drsquoOrcia) At the end of the day we head to San Quirico drsquoOrcia our base for the next two nights Perched on a hilltop the small town of San Quirico drsquoOrcia is set right beside the famed La Via Francigena a pilgrimage path that connected northern Europe to Rome in the Middle Ages Overnight at hotelBLDDriving Time 15 hoursHiking Details 15 hours 3 miles to agriturismo 3 hours 65 miles 600 feet ascent to Montepulciano (shorter 1-hour hike to Monticchiello is available)

DAY 4SANTrsquoANTIMO MONTALCINOHiking right out of town we find the Abbey of SantrsquoAntimo perhaps the largest and finest example of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany This extraordinary structure built in the 12th and 13th centuries by Abbot Azzo dei Porcari has a fantastic setting in a large valley with views of the hilltown of Castelnuovo dellrsquoAbate and rolling hills covered in olive groves vineyards and wild forests After a delightful picnic lunch wersquoll enjoy a tasting at a local

Itinerary (contrsquod)


winery then visit the town of Montalcino Tuscanyrsquos most important wine town home of the prestigious ruby-red Brunello di Montalcino wines Dinner is on your own this evening Overnight in San Quirico drsquoOrciaBL Hiking Details 4 hours approx 9 miles ascent of 620 feet descent of 750 feet

DAY 5SIENA SAN GIMIGNANOWe drive about 50 minutes to Siena where a local guide will enliven our walking tour of this glorious city one of the most flamboyant examples of medieval architecture in existence In the center lies Il Campo the shell-shaped town square the focus of Sienese life since 1340 The 14th century Palazzo Pubblico dominates the Campo topped by a high campanile (bell tower) the tallest in Tuscany Sienarsquos grand cathedral set on the highest hill in the city is a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque elements in stripes of black and white marble Most of the city walls survive intact and the medieval interiors of many of Sienarsquos churches are in a good state of preservation After lunch in Siena well enjoy a scenic drive to a winery where we sample some of the famous wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano before setting off on the trail Our hike amid vineyards olive groves and fields of wheat and sunflowers into the quintessential walled Tuscan town of San Gimignano just as the late afternoon sun burnishes its medieval stone towers in golden light The towns towers (14 of the original 70 remain) make it instantly identifiable from miles away After dinner is a great time to stroll through this ancient town and get a feel for what it must have been like during medieval times In the early evening the medieval atmosphere truly comes to life Overnight in San GimignanoBLDHiking Details 25-3 hours approx 5 miles mostly on dirt road with some asphalt

DAY 6CAMPIGLIA RIOMAGGIORE MONTEROSSOA three-hour drive brings us to the coast and our trailhead just at the entry of the Cinque Terre National Park Before we set out on our hike well enjoy lunch at a traditional refuge in the little town of Campiglia overlooking the sea The bistro features natural handmade foods and pastries prepared fresh from their bakery After filling up on some tasty regional dishes (its famous for its sweet and savory focaccias) well head off on our trail a mule path winding down through pine forests and vineyards that brings us to the Santuario del Nostra Signora di Montenero (Sanctuary of our Lady of Montenero) perfectly perched above the sparkling sea The views from here are utterly bewitching and well have ample time for capturing photos Our hike continues right into Riomaggiore the first of the small fishing villages of the Cinque Terre After strolling its main street well board the local train and head to our hotel in the town of Monterosso at the northern end of the Cinque Terre Monterosso with its castle and bell towers was a feudal holding given over to Genova in 1276 which fortified it against Turkish pirates and the Pisans The parish church built in 1244 is dedicated to San Giovanni Battista The town retains a medieval center Monterosso Vecchio along with a modern district It also has


Cinque Terrersquos largest collection of shops and restaurants and the regions nicest beach From the Monastery of the Capuchins with its crucifixion attributed to Van Dyck there is a nice panorama of the village and promontories of Cinque Terre Overnight at hotelBLDHiking Details Approx 4 miles 3 hours 300 feet ascent1200 feet descent The trail starts on a fairly level path then heads downhill on a rocky and occasionally steep path becoming a stony mule path as we near the town

DAY 7VERNAZZA CORNIGLIA MANAROLAToday we enjoy the classic Cinque Terre hike that links most of the villages (some trails are closed due to past landslides) These five hamlets with their jumble of pastel-colored houses and tiny harbors are wedged into a mountainous coast steeply terraced with ancient vineyards Leaving early from our hotel to avoid the crowds we head south up and over rocky trails and through flourishing vineyards and gardens enjoying fantastic vistas of the sea all the while as we hike to Vernazza arguably the most picturesque of the towns with its tiny harbor and central piazza lined with restaurants and cafes After exploring a bit we continue to enchanting Corniglia a town dating back to Roman times and perched 300 feet above the sea Corniglia has always had a land-based economy as it is too far above the sea to be a fishing village The villagersquos Gothic-Ligurian style Church of San Pietro dates to 1334 and has a lovely stained-glass window framed by white marble from Carrara In the fall the small private wine cellars of Corniglia are filled with clusters of grapes suspended from drying racks These grapes are pressed to produce the Schiacchetra dessert wine particular to this region After lunch in Corniglia we board the local train to Manarola (the trail to Manarola is closed) with its colorful jumble of houses atop a rock outcrop We visit Manarolas medieval Church of San Lorenzo (1338) then return to Monterosso by train In the late afternoon well take a moment to sit contemplate the view of the sea and sip a glass of sweet Sciacchetra wine before enjoying dinner on your own in one of Monterossos many outdoor restaurants Your Trip Leader will be happy to make some recommendations based on how fancy or local you wish to go Overnight at hotelBLHiking Details 45 hours total approx 5 miles total From Monterosso to Vernazza itrsquos a narrow rocky trail with steps with an elevation gain and loss of 600 feet From Vernazza to Corniglia itrsquos about 700 feet elevation gain and 400 feet loss

DAY 8SESTRI LEVANTE CAMOGLITaking the train we head to Sestri Levante a resort town with spectacular twin bays frescoed tower-houses open-air markets Romanesque and Baroque churches crescent beaches and port-side cafeacutes along a palm-lined promenade Its a classic of the Italian Riviera After exploring the town we hike to Punta Manara where on a clear day you can see part of the Tuscan archipelago and even the island of Corsica Upon returning to town we enjoy a lesson in



making the arearsquos famousmdashand absolutely deliciousmdashpesto at one of the local restaurants This flavorful concoction of basil leaves pine nuts garlic and pecorino cheese is served with fresh pasta and it will be our delightful lunch Heading by train to Camogli we enjoy a stroll through the charming town This quintessential Italian resort offers fantastic bars and seaside restaurants You might want to try some of the famous focaccia that the town is especially known for Overnight at a lovely seaside hotel in CamogliBLDHiking Details approx 3 hours

DAY 9PORTOFINO SAN FRUTTUOSOA short drive brings us to the international yachting town of Portofino This charming port nestled between colorful tower-houses and the promontory is home to jet setters in the summer Following steps that lead right out of town we climb to a balcony trail then make a steep descent on switchbacks through an oak forestmdasha natural reserve run by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI)mdashto reach San Fruttuoso a small isolated village tucked between the cliffs and sea and reached only on foot or by boat We will explore the old Benedictine monastery now a museum and have a chance to take a dip in the MediterraneanmdashSan Fruttuoso has beautiful waters for bathing After lunch and time to relax by the sea we return by boat to Camogli enjoying views of the coast and townsmdasha great photo op In the evening we gather for a festive Farewell Dinner Overnight in CamogliBLDHiking Details 3 hours 800 feet ascent and descent

DAY 10DEPARTTransfer to the airport in Pisa and depart on homeward-bound flightB


Trip Cost Payment amp Insurance

TRIP COSTPrices are for 2017$5695 (10-14 members)$6195 (5-9 members)Single supplement $1080Forced single supplement $880

2018 Pricing Call for Itinerary

To offer the lowest possible cost our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip All costs are per person based on double occupancy If you wish to have a single room you must pay the single supplement fee If you are willing to share accommodations we will match you with a roommate if one is available If we cannot match you with a roommate the ldquoforced single supplementrdquo is listed above Please note that Wilderness Travel staff or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers photographers or leaders-in-training are not included in the tier pricing count

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATEDue to the volatility of currency markets we can only offer the most competitive pricing on our trips in Europe by partially tying the trip cost directly to the value of the Euro In the late spring of 2016 when we set the rates for our 2017 program the US Dollar equaled 09 Euros While in most years no price changes are ever necessary if there were to be a significant change in exchange rates we may be forced to raise or able to lower our trip cost if so your final invoice sent two weeks before your final payment is due will reflect the difference Please note that the calculation will not be a straight proration While most of the trip cost is paid in Euros the remainder of our expenses are paid in US Dollars The overall effect is to moderate any change thus if the Euro were to rise in value the land price would rise less than might be expected and if the Euro were to fall the drop in trip cost would also be less than might be expected

TRIP COST INCLUDESbull Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader

and local guidesbull Accommodations in small comfortable innsbull All meals included except 3 dinnersbull A glass of wine or beer with dinnerbull Land transportation airport transfers as noted

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDEInternational airfare any meals not specified after each itinerary day airport departure taxes individual arrival or departure transfers optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors pre-trip expense of medical immunizations (if any) travel insurance or passports and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages laundry etc)

PAYMENT SCHEDULEAt time of reservation $600 75 days prior to departure Balance

CANCELLATION AND TRANSFER FEE SCHEDULEUp to 91 days prior to departure No charge61-90 days prior to departure 25 of trip cost46-60 days prior to departure 50 of trip cost45 days or less 100 of trip cost

TRAVEL INSURANCEWe highly recommend you purchase travel insurance You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex or purchase other insurance on your own See our website for details For specific questions about the plan please contact Travelex directly at 844-877-1885 and refer to plan 297A-0716


Arrival amp DepartureARRIVAL amp DEPARTUREUpon confirming your trip reservation we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a list of documents (passport visas etc) required for your trip Please feel free to call if you would like this information before making your air arrangements

ARRIVAL amp MEETING PLACEHotel Nord Nuova RomaRome ItalyDate Day 1Time 830 am

Suggested Airport for ArrivalRome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (airport codeFCO)Suggested Arrival Time before 700 am if arriving on Day 1 or anytime if arriving a day or more prior to Day 1

Your Trip Leader will meet trip members in the lobby ofthe Hotel Nord Nuova Roma in central Rome at 900 am on the first day of the trip After a brief trip orientation we will set off on our 2-hour transfer to Pitigliano

There is a Leonardo Express train every 30 minutes fromthe Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport to theRoma Termini train station in central Rome The traintakes about 30 minutes and costs about 15 euros per personThe Hotel Nord Nuova Roma is just 250 meters from the train station

DEPARTUREHotel Cenobio dei DogiCamogli ItalyDate Day 10

Suggested Airport for DeparturePisa Airport (airport code PSA)Estimated drop-off time at airport 1045 amSuggested flight departure time 1230 pm or later

On Day 10 a group transfer will be provided at 900 am from the final hotel directly to the Pisa Airport After the drop off at the Pisa airport the group transfer will continue to the Pisa Train station for those traveling by train Please do not plan for a train departure prior to 1100 am

If you have a flight departing earlier than 1230 pm you will need to transfer on your own from Camogli to the airport

For those wanting to continue to Genova trains depart every hour from Camogli Itrsquos about a 45-minute train ride and tickets are around 4 Euro You can purchase your tickets at the station in Camogli or you can make your reservation online at wwwtrenitaliacom

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Europe There are many online consolidators for booking travel but for more personal help arranging air transport you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together to even the most far-flung places More information can be found on Exitorsquos website at wwwexitotravelcom

Depending on your routing it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US

Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip Once your tickets have been purchased please send us a copy of your airline schedule so we can reserve your airport transfers It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip


HOTEL DELLA FORTEZZASorano ItalyDays 1 to 2 (2 nights)

Perched above the medieval hilltop town of Sorano is the Hotel della Fortezza located within the historic 11th century Orsini Castle an ancient stronghold of the Tuscan countryside Itrsquos been beautifully restored with a respect for the history of the place and a stay here is to take an evocative step back in time Sixteen warm and welcoming rooms offer views of the surrounding countryside including the Etruscan necropolis of San Rocco We recommend having an aperitivo in the courtyard before heading to dinner

RELAIS PALAZZO DEL CAPITANOSan Quirico drsquoOrcia ItalyDays 3 to 4 (2 nights)

This small hotel a beautifully restored 15th century building with old world charm is a nice surprise in the heart of the unspoiled village of San Quirico Guest rooms are decorated in Tuscan style with wooden-beamed ceilings antiques and terracotta floors Relax at the end of the day in the walled garden of olive trees grape arbors and fruit trees then head out for dinner at one of the townrsquos many restaurants or at Al Vecchio Forno the hotelrsquos own restaurant renowned for its superb Tuscan specialties

HOTEL LA CISTERNASan Gimignano ItalyDay 5 (1 night)

Set on the main piazza in the heart of the medieval town of San Gimignano the historic Hotel La Cisterna is well located for exploratory walks of this beautiful town (and close to a great gelato shop) The simple rooms vary in size but all are comfortable many offer views of the valley

Lodging


HOTELS IN MONTEROSSOMonterosso ItalyDays 6 to 7 (2 nights)In Monterosso we stay at one of the following properties

HOTEL PORTA ROCANestled into a mountainside overlooking the sea this 40-room hotel offers enchanting views from almost every spot from the outdoor swimming pool to the guestrooms most of which have balconies with sea viewsmdashyoull feel like youre staying in your own private villa Relax on one of the hotelrsquos many terraces and soak up the view or take a short walk into Monterossos Old Town The hotels secluded location makes it a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of this popular town

HOTEL MARGHERITASurrounded by enchanting hiking trails and sandy beaches Hotel Margherita is set in the ideal location to explore the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre Guestrooms are simple yet comfortable with great views of Monterossorsquos colorful town Be sure to enjoy a drink at the hotel bar and relax on the outdoor terracemdashthe summer nights here are divine

HOTEL CENOBIO DEI DOGICamogli ItalyDays 8 to 9 (2 nights)

Tucked away in a picturesque corner of the Italian Riviera in the under-the-radar fishing village of Camogli this lovely old-fashioned hotel was once the summer home of the Genovese doges Today its a comfortable hotel with a delightful old world ambiance and the perfect base from which to explore the area around Portofino With its great sunsets beautiful setting above a private beach pretty gardens and outdoor terraces with exquisite views of the sea youll feel youre in a setting for an Italian movie Theres also a saltwater swimming pool (but of course you can always swim in the sea)

These are our signature accommodations for this trip Although it is highly unlikely we may make substitutions when necessary To see more photos and descriptions please visit our Tuscany Portofino and the Cinque Terre webpage and click on the ldquoLodgingrdquo tab


Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the ldquoDates amp Pricesrdquo tab on our Tuscany and the Cinque Terre webpage httpwwwwildernesstravelcomtripitalytuscany-cinque-terre-hiking

GIUSEPPE ARUTAWith an extensive background in geology and deep roots in his Italian heritage Giuseppe Aruta leads guests through the Medieval Hilltowns the Dolomites and Italyrsquos Lake District He was born in Naples studied and worked in Florence and is now a resident of Bologna the culinary capital of Italy yet often explores outside of his home country ldquoI consider myself curious about everythingmdashart science food human relationships dancing painting mathrdquo he says ldquoI enjoy sharing my knowledge with people from other countries and in return I also learn a lot from them

TERESA BALDITeresa Baldi daughter of veteran WT Trip Leader Stefano Baldi was born in 1987 and grew up on a farm owned by her family on the hills surrounding Florence She has a degree in art history at the University of Florence and when she is not helping on the farm a working agriturismo she is employed at a nearby first-class restaurant where she developed a passion for good food and wines ldquoIt was great for me to grow up on a farm with plenty of animals and fantastic trails to explore and at the same time have the opportunity to study the beauty of art right in the streets of my home town A hop on the bus and you step from nature to the glories of the Renaissancerdquo

GIAMPIERO FAGAGiampiero Faga was born in Calabria in the far south of Italy and attended university in Rome He indulged his passion for international travel during more than 20 years of service for Alitalia as a chief purser and is a wonderful storyteller and engaging travel companion Giampiero speaks five languages and lives in the Italian countryside

LISA HALDERMANLisa Halderman experienced Italy in 1973 as a high school exchange student She earned her degree in Italian Literature completing her final year at the University of Padua Her studies have immersed her in the world of Italian art architecture politics and history An avid gardener Lisa also has a strong interest in natural history She lives with her family in the small hill town of San Gimignano Italy and she has a son In Tuscany Lisa loves to go through every outdoor market with a fine-tooth comb

Trip Leaders


ISABELLE JOHNSONIsabelle was born in the UK and has lived in the Italian Dolomites since 1999 She is an Oxford history graduate and loves connecting travelers to the history of the area and has nearly 20 years experience leading small group walking adventures throughout Italy Isabelle also has a passion for alpine flora When not leading trips she enjoys walking long distance trails throughout Italy and the UK

JOANN LANTZFrom hiking the scenic peak of Monte Solare in Capri and staying at the picturesque Lagazuoi lodge in the beautiful Dolomites to ice-breaking (and often hilarious) karaoke nights in Naples JoAnn Lantz manages to weave together unforgettable highlights from our group adventures and still have time to bring out the local charm of each place ldquoI became a Trip Leader to travel and to share the wonders of Italy with othersrdquo she says When not leading trips JoAnn enjoys gardening and taking care of the farm animals around her home

ELLEN SANTUCCI-MASIEllen Santucci-Masi was born and raised in New Jersey but always knew she would travel someday and she did She studied French Spanish German Italian and Latin knowing that languages would allow her gather insights into different cultures She eventually settled in Florence Italy where she lives with her husband and three children Ellen has a BA degree from Syracuse University (New York) in Medieval and Renaissance History and an MA from Framingham State College (Massachusetts) in Education Ellen has become a sommelier and continues her studies of the wines and foods of Italy She also enjoys reading yoga and scuba diving


Trip Details

WHAT THE TRIP IS LIKEThis trip is Level 3 Moderate The hikes vary from 2 to 8 miles on trails that traverse a mix of terrain from country roads with rolling hills in the southern part of Tuscany to rocky and steep sections on the coastal paths in Liguria (parts of certain trails are ancient stone staircases and they can be quite steep) Although you carry only a daypack on the hikes we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition Daily brisk walking andor regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises You should wear well-broken-in hiking boots for maximum comfort on the trail Our van usually meets us at midday bringing a wonderful picnic lunch of local breads cheeses fruits and wines On ldquotownrdquo days we will have lunch at local cafes Our luggage is transported for us by van so it is always possible to ride in the van if you wish to opt out of a days hiking

Please note that in Europe the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups but most often the evening meal will be at 730 pm

We spend most nights in small picturesque inns full of Italian charm and ambiance All hotels are chosen for their local history and central location Since they are often in historic buildings the rooms may not conform to the international standards that you may be accustomed to in more cosmopolitan areas We hope that you will be able to enjoy them for their charm and local color Our leaders always try to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole Single rooms can be requested but are not always available due to the limited space in some of our hotels If you require a single room please make the request as early as possible European single rooms are often smaller than those in the US

WEATHERThe weather in Tuscany and Cinque Terre in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant with temperatures in the 70s (80s in Tuscany) during the day and in the 50s and 60s at night There can be cool breezes or showers at any time during these seasons

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRIPAdventure travel often involves exotic destinations unusual levels of physical exertion or activities you may not have participated in previously We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you paying attention to your individual interests abilities and needs If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the Europe Manager or email us at europewildernesstravelcom

This is a new adventure for 2016 and one that we are particularly excited about offering However as with all new departures flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary sometimes considerably depending on weather conditions the group and other factors

REFERENCESWersquod be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this or a similar trip

VISIT OUR WEBSITEAt wwwwildernesstravelcom you can find out about added departures last-minute deals and special WT Expeditions that arenrsquot listed in our catalog You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventuresw

Average Daily MaxMin ordmF Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Siena 4834 5334 5939 6343 7451 8257 8761 8762 7756 6851 5643 4937Florence 4834 5236 5741 6445 7352 7957 8663 8663 7957 6850 5743 5036Rainfall - InchesSiena 26 24 24 28 23 17 12 15 28 30 38 30Florence 30 30 30 30 30 20 10 02 30 30 40 30

15800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | infowildernesstravelcom 15800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | infowildernesstravelcom

We are very proud to have one of the highest rates of repeat travelers in the business and have established the Wilderness Travel Toucan Club to reward you for your loyalty For more information Please visit the Toucan Club page of our website at wwwwildernesstravelcomtoucan

Herersquos how it works

YOUR FIRST TRIPAs a first time traveler you receive a lightweight Wilderness Travel T-shirt and set of durable WT Luggage Tags On subsequent trips wersquore happy to send you a new WT T-shirt and set of Luggage Tags by request

YOUR SECOND TRIPA top quality Wilderness Travel stainless steel water bottle by Klean Kanteen and a cozy Wilderness Travel fleece vest by Patagonia ($100 value)

YOUR THIRD TRIPA versatile Wilderness Travel R-1 pullover by Patagonia ($130 value)

YOUR FOURTH TRIPDiscounts on the cost of your trip begin You receive a 4 discount on the tour cost

FIVE AND MORE TRIPSYou receive a 5 discount on the tour cost On your sixth trip you receive a 6 discount and so on up to your 10th trip The maximum discount is 10 with a ceiling of $500

Note Due to special pricing considerations Toucan Club discounts do not apply to our Private Journeys or Special Events However your participation on these trips does count toward your Toucan discount on future departures of Wilderness Travel rsquos regular adventures

TERMS amp CONDITIONSToucan Club travel discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount unless otherwise specified Discounts are deducted from trip cost and shown on the final invoice which is sent out 75 days prior to trip departure Discounts apply to land cost only Bonus gifts (T-shirts luggage tags vests water bottles and pullovers) will be mailed approximately three weeks prior to trip departure Terms and conditions of Toucan Club bonuses are subject to change or cancellation at the discretion of Wilderness Travel Inc

Toucan Club Rewards amp Discounts

July 10 2017 230 PM

Please be advised that California has established a Travel Consumer Restitution Fund under the California Seller of Travel Law that took effect January 1 1996 This fund is designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices by discount airfare ticket sellers or air charter operators Unfortunately this law does not cover non-California residents and even in the case of California residents it does not cover any foreign travel where the foreign ldquoproviders of transportation or travel servicesrdquo are not in compliance with the Sellers of Travel Law (compliance being defined as registered as a Seller of Travel in California and a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund) Thus none of Wilderness Travelrsquos tours qualify and we are required by law to advise each client that they are not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund California law requires sellers of travel to maintain a trust account or bond This business has a trust account California Seller of Travel 100769640

While as accurate as possible at the time of printing this itinerary should be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of activities and trip routing rather than an inflexible schedule of events it is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control This trip is subject to the Limitation of Liability and all the terms and conditions as detailed in the General Information section of the Wilderness Travel Catalog

WILDERNESS TRAVEL HAS BEEN AWARDEDVoted 1 Tour Operator AFAR Magazine

Best Outfitter in the World Award Outside Magazine Worldrsquos Best Awards Travel + Leisure 9-time winner

Trip of the Year Outside Magazine 9-time winnerBest Adventure Travel Companies National Geographic Adventure 3-time winner

50 Tours of a Lifetime National Geographic Traveler 9 years in a row

Wilderness Travel1102 Ninth Street Berkeley CA 94710

800-368-2794 bull 510-558-2488wwwwildernesstravelcom bull infowildernesstravelcom

reg


In Tuscany ochre-colored hilltowns rise above a painterly landscape of cypress

and olive groves Our cultural hiking adventure pairs the beauty of this

enchanting region with the Cinque Terre five lovely villages tucked beside the

sparkling sea To savor these dreamy landscapes wersquoll explore the medieval

Tuscan gems of Sovana and Siena and enjoy a sunset hike into legendary

San Gimignano In the Cinque Terre home of fabulous seafood and sweet

Sciacchetra wine our hikes bring you to tiny villages of pastel-hued palazzi

Gourmet picnics wine tastings and a cooking class round out our captivating

experience of Italyrsquos la dolce vita

ITINERARY 3

TRIP COST PAYMENT amp INSURANCE 8

ARRIVAL amp DEPARTURE 9

LODGING 10

TRIP LEADERS 12

TRIP DETAILS 14

TOUCAN CLUB 15





Itinerary

































































Lodging














Trip Leaders






Trip Details






















July 10 2017 230 PM











Itinerary

































































Lodging














Trip Leaders






Trip Details






















July 10 2017 230 PM

























































Lodging














Trip Leaders






Trip Details






















July 10 2017 230 PM




















Trip Leaders






Trip Details






















July 10 2017 230 PM












Trip Details






















July 10 2017 230 PM


















July 10 2017 230 PM







from medieval hilltowns to the ligurian sea · from medieval hilltowns to the ligurian sea trip...

Documents