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Montalcino Hiking,
Summary |
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Red poppies in late May |
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Montalcino hiking takes you on a five-day walk from Montalcino to Montepulciano. We hike on
peaceful dirt roads and quiet country footpaths as we explore the best of
southern Tuscany. Our tour begins in the hill town of Montalcino, famous for its
Brunello wine. We walk through vineyards and visit a small family run
winery. On day three we swim in the soothing thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, a
Renaissance spa built by the Medici family. In the evening we sample red wines
and try the local pecorino cheese. Day four takes us to the town of Pienza,
built by a Pope to represent the perfect Renaissance city. We explore the
center of Pienza and try a local homemade pasta called pici. A walk
through rolling fields of corn and wheat takes us to Montepulciano, home of the
Vino Nobile. Our visit to the cavernous Medieval cellars of the Ercolani
cantina is topped off by a wine and cheese tasting. Strolling down an ancient
dirt path on your way to a Renaissance village you will experience Tuscany as it
should be, peaceful and astonishingly beautiful. |
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Day 1-3 Montalcino
We meet
in Florence and shuttle to Montalcino, home of the Brunello wine,
one of the world’s finest reds. We hike to a Renaissance spa called
Bagno Vignoni where we rejuvenate ourselves in a hot spring pool. Meandering
through vineyards and rolling countryside we pass a castle,
ancient quarries, and Tuscany’s most beautiful Romanesque church. The Bartolommei family takes us on a guided tour of their winery where they
explain the secrets of the rich, ruby-red, Brunello wine. They
also produce their own extra virgin olive oil. Montalcino was part of
Siena’s empire and retains its 14th century castle. Today the castle
offers great views from its ramparts and a well furnished wine bar.
Day 3-6
Pienza
Our walk to Pienza takes us through rolling fields of corn and wheat. In places the path is still lined with squared-off stones laid by Romans
2,000 years ago. Cypress trees and rustic stone farmhouses dot the
undulating terrain. Pienza was built in three years beginning in
1459 at the behest of Pope Pius II who decided to transform his
birthplace into a utopian city. The Renaissance town planners
succeeded in creating a unique, harmonious space that survives today. We hike to the walled hamlet of Monticchiello and later visit
Montepulciano, home of another incredible red wine, the Vino Nobile. We visit the
cavernous wine cellars of the Ercolani winery and sample their wine and
cheese. They feature pecorino cheese aged in walnuts, laurel leaves,
or ash. Tour ends in Pienza. There are frequent busses for
your departure on day 6. |
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