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San Gimignano Hiking,
Summary |
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A Tuscan garden |
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This four day
hiking adventure shows you the great diversity of Tuscany. Stroll through
peaceful woodlands and wide open landscapes. Fertile vineyards, gnarled olive
trees, and wildflowers provide a constantly changing landscape. Along the way we
show you the culture of Tuscany. You meet a winemaker and learn about the
production of San Gimignano's famous Vernaccia white wine. He proudly
shows you around the winery that has been in his family for three
generations. We go to a cooking school where you meet Franca and her brother
Fulvio. Using fresh ingredients from their garden we prepare a mouthwatering
four course Tuscan lunch. We head off the beaten path and visit an abandoned
15th Century castle. With two nights in San Gimignano and two in Volterra you
have plenty of time to leisurely visit these spectacular Tuscan hill towns. |
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Day 1-2 San Gimignano
We
meet in Florence and shuttle to San Gimignano. We hike 1.5 hours to
a local winery arriving just in time for lunch. After a hearty meal
we are treated to a tour by the winery's owner. San Gimignano is
famous for it Vernaccia white wine. You will see the barrels
and learn the characteristics of Tuscany's best white wine. Hike
back to San Gimignano or take a lift in the van. On day two we drive
to a cooking school. We spend the morning, aprons on and hands-on,
learning the finer points of some typical Tuscan dishes. Our
gracious hosts are happy to answer any questions you may have about
Italian cuisine or life in Italy. They then join us for leisurely
lunch in their farmhouse. Hike back to San Gimignano to work off
some of the home made pasta.
Day 3-5 Volterra
Day three takes us through the woods to an abandoned castle and
village from the Middle Ages. Records show that in 1458 the village
was already in decline with a population of seven families. Five
hundred years later the castle and church are still standing. We
explore the archeological site and continue our hike off the beaten
path. Emerging from the woods the countryside opens up with
beautiful vistas all the way to Volterra. We stop for a picnic lunch
before shuttling to our hotel. On day four we complete our hike to
Volterra
perched high
on a sheer rocky plateau. An ancient town, Volterra features an
Etruscan gate from 400 BC and a Roman Theater. Frequent busses are
available for your departure on day five. |
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dates don't work? |
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Consider self-guided We can schedule a self-guided tour whenever
you want (minimum 2 people). |
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Prefer a guided tour?
With a group of four or more we can schedule a guided tour when you want.
Don't have 4 people?
Take a look at our Trip Message Board. Others may be looking for the
same dates.
Trip
Message Board |
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2008 Price
US$ 1,200 per person($200
single supplement)
2008 Dates
6/12-6/16, 8/1-8/5, 10/2-10/6
5 Days,
4 Nights
Route Rating
Moderate. 3-5
miles per day of hiking with some steep ascents/descents.
Meet / Finish
Florence / Volterra
Highlights:
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Hands on cooking class |
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Tour a family-run winery that makes Vernaccia
wine |
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Abandoned castle
archeological site |
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The hill towns of
San Gimignano and Volterra |
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Picturesque
villages |
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Country footpaths |
Cancellations:
Cancellation Policy |
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What's Included |
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All lodging
(3-star hotels) |
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All breakfasts |
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Two lunches |
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Cooking class
with lunch |
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Winery visit and
wine tasting |
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Private van
transfer from Florence on day 1 |
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Van support |
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Friendly
bilingual guide |
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Not Included |
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All dinners |
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Two lunches |
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Transport from
Volterra at tour's end |
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Charnes Tours
1985 Grape Street
Denver, Colorado 80220 USA
Toll Free: 1-866-665-0324
Fax: (303) 388-7223
E-mail:
info@charnestours.com
Copyright © Charnes Tours LLC
All rights reserved |
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