Tuscany and Umbria Walking & Hiking Tour

Meet at Orvieto station, easily accessible from Rome or Florence. Settle in and start your adventure with a visit to the breathtaking Cathedral of Orvieto, a UNESCO heritage site adorned with exquisite frescoes by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Tuscany and Umbria, known as Italy's Green Heart. End the day with a welcome dinner featuring traditional local cuisine.

Start your day with a panoramic walk along the city walls of Orvieto, majestically perched atop a volcanic tufa plateau. Embark on an hour-long tour of Orvieto underground, a millenary, surprising, and unexpected 'underground citadel' created by its ancient inhabitants. In the afternoon, head to Civita di Bagnoregio, a small village perched precariously upon eroding rock and reached only by a causeway bridge. Enjoy some free time in the evening to relax and explore the historic town center.

Enjoy a delightful walk through the charming narrow streets of Montepulciano to its magnificent main square and then down through ancient wine cellars to the Renaissance church of San Biagio. From here, depart through the cypress-lined avenue and then along country lanes into the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO heritage site, via the walled hamlet of Montichiello for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Pienza, famous for Pecorino sheep's milk cheese. Spend some free time relaxing, shopping, and admiring the fine renaissance architecture.

Start the day with a walk out of the city gates of Pienza, taking in the magnificent views of the Val d'Orcia. Follow trails through scenic farmland, made famous in the final scenes of the Gladiator film, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Reach the charming hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, known for its ancient thermal baths in the main piazza. Take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot thermal springs.

Situated on the buttress of Monte Sant'Egidio, Cortona dominates a vast plain. Begin your day with a visit to the Etruscan tombs, followed by a walk among olive groves to a 12th-century hermitage founded by St Francis. This profoundly spiritual place offers a spectacular setting. After a picnic lunch, continue to Cortona where you can explore its medieval streets and monuments. Visit the world-class MAEC Etruscan museum in your free time and indulge in a gelato or sit with a cappuccino in an outdoor café.

This wonderful day takes you through a gorgeous wine-growing area and some of the most quintessential Tuscan countryside. Head to Siena, Italy's loveliest medieval city, home to one of the most richly decorated cathedrals in the world. Explore artistic treasures and monuments by Duccio, Pisano, Lorenzetti, Donatello, Pinturicchio, and Michelangelo. Stand in the Campo Square and imagine the pageantry of the world-famous horse race, Il Palio di Siena. Back in Cortona, enjoy a quiet stroll in the park before dinner.

Assisi, a UNESCO heritage site, has attracted pilgrims for centuries. It is the birth and burial place of Saint Francis of Assisi. Visit the church of S.M.degli Angeli before entering town for a visit inside the beautifully restored Basilica of St. Francis with its frescoes by Giotto. After some time to explore the streets of Assisi and its many other medieval buildings, stop for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Bevagna, which retains much of its Roman heritage. End the day in delightful Spoleto.

Gubbio is a medieval gem built of warm pink stone, dating back to the Umbrians who preceded the Etruscans. Explore this exquisite medieval town and its boutiques or observe the locals with a cappuccino in the magnificent Piazza Grande, dominated by the medieval Palazzo dei Consoli building. Ascend by cable car with views of the Roman amphitheatre to the church of St. Ubaldo. After a picnic lunch, a walk in the local regional park with stunning views beckons. Return to Spoleto to relax before meeting to go out for your final dinner together.