Tuscan Wanderlust
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 -Cortona
 We gather in Cortona, perched high above the Val di Chiana, and hike
along trails carved into Mt Sant' Egidio. The town is set amongst classic Tuscan
scenery; olive and cypress groves and a delightful series of churches and
monasteries dot our hillside tracks.
Day 3 -Pienza
From Montepulciano, a magnificent hill town once inhabited by Etruscans,
we take a leisurely stride into Pienza, a quintessential 14th century
Renaissance town, built under the influence of Pope Pius II and constructed by
the genius of reason and perspective, Bernardo Rossellino.
Day 4 -Pienza
A visit to the Romanesque abbey, Sant' Antimo, precedes a picnic in the
grassy fields nearby. We saunter along forested areas, passing small
castle-hamlets before reaching the tiny spa town of Bagno Vignoni and returning
for a second evening stay in Pienza. Dinner on your own.
Day 5 -Montalcino
 A stroll to the wonderful walled village of Montalcino. This unique
Etruscan settlement is home to Brunello, one of Italy's most prestigious red
wines. Stopping at a small cantina, we'll indulge in the local pecorino (sheep's
milk cheese) washed down with a splash of vino rosso.
Day 6 -Siena
A morning walk between vineyards, across pastures and over knobby chalk
hills to the 14th century hermitage, Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Beautifully
situated amongst the dramatic Crete, an unusual series of clay dunes, this
architectural jewel is decorated with impressive frescoes depicting the life of
St Benedict. The Medieval and Renaissance flavor of our historical journey
climaxes in the delightful city of Siena, where local guide, Nicoletta, takes us
on a fascinating cultural and sociopolitical stroll.
Day 7 -San Gimignano
Heading northeast by shuttle, we begin today's hike from the gates of
Colle val d' Elsa. Stopping for a visit with a local crystal glass blower, we
head into the valley, passing old farmhouses and smiling Tuscan faces until we
reach stunning medieval towers of San Gimignano. Returning to Siena, we feast on
hearty Tuscan dishes and toast our companions, our historic journey and the
Italian friends we made along the way.
Day 8 -Arrivederci!
 Why not extend your Tuscan journey with extra days in Siena or a visit to
Florence's Renaissance treasures?
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