From Medieval Hill Towns to Seaside Villages

Hiking Tuscany and the Cinque Terre

Italy

10 Days

From $6,695

Level 3

Moderate

Overview

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    Overview

    We bring you to two irresistible Italian realms in full WT style, with stunning hikes each day and expert Trip Leaders who bring this celebrated land to life. Our hikes cross Tuscany's harmonious landscape, discovering terraced vineyards, tiny hamlets, and classic hill towns on our way from San Quirico d'Orcia, once a stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, to San Gimignano. After a walk on Lucca's historic walls, we head to Cinque Terre, where five ancient villages nestle on cliffs and along deep coves on the Ligurian Coast. We connect these seaside villages with breathtaking hikes, sample Liguria's fresh-caught seafood, and ferry to Palmaria Island for a final hike with spectacular Cinque Terre panoramas.

    Arrive: Florence, Italy

    Depart: Pisa, Italy

    Highlights

    • Visit the vineyards of Chianti, with a picnic at a family-run winery
    • Experience the beauty of the Tuscan towns of San Quirico d'Orcia, Pienza, Siena, and San Gimignano
    • Walk the famed coastal trails that connect the five Cinque Terre villages
    • Ferry to Palmaria Island for a spectacular hike and coastal views
    • Enjoy Trip Leaders who know all the best trails, trattorias, and local delicacies!

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

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      Heading into Chianti's vineyards, we'll stretch our legs on a hike above the village of Greve and enjoy a picnic at a family-run winery. The next day, we walk through woodlands to the Romanesque Abbey of St. Antimo and enjoy some free time in the wine town of Montalcino, with overnights in charming San Quirico d'Orcia.
      We walk right from our hotel into the iconic Val d’Orcia, with its wheat fields and cypress-lined roads, and we’ll visit tiny hilltop Pienza, a prime exemplar of 15th century Italy. We’ll also visit medieval Siena, strolling its back lanes and marveling at its majestic Gothic architecture. In hill-perched San Gimignano, with its crown of stone watchtowers built by feuding nobles, we hike down through olive groves to the village of San Donato for a picnic lunch.
      Lucca, birthplace of Puccini, is one of the most graceful of Tuscany's provincial capitals, encircled by an imposing ring of Renaissance walls. We walk the remarkable city walls, attend an evening concert in a historic church, and hike on an ancient aqueduct that crosses the serene Vorno Valley.
      The five Cinque Terre villages are centuries-old towns on the cliffs of the Ligurian coast, and our hikes connect these impossibly picturesque villages. On one day (weather and sea conditions permitting), we ferry out to Palmaria Island, part of the Cinque Terre World Heritage area, for our final hike. An alternate hike beings us to Punta Manara, where on a clear day views span part of the Tuscan archipelago and even as far as the island of Corsica. Depart on Day 10 via Pisa.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      $600 due at time of reservation
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in hotels
      • All meals included except 4 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Relais Palazzo del Capitano

      San Quirico d'Orcia, Italy

      Days 1-2 (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...

      Hotel Pescille

      San Gimignano, Italy

      Days 3-4 (2 nights)

      Located in a dreamy setting of olive trees, vineyards, and ancient forests in the countryside outside of San Gimignano, the Hotel Pescille is a renovated Tuscan farmhouse dating from the 1200s. We stay in Superior rooms offering panoramic views of the countryside and garden. They are simply furnished but clean...

      Hotel Ilaria

      Lucca, Italy

      Days 5-6 (2 nights)

      We love this gem of a hotel, set in the center of town and convenient to all the key sights, including access to walks and bike rides atop the town ramparts. (You can borrow one of the hotel's bikes for a leisurely ramble.) As befitting its medieval origins, the main...

      Hotel Porto Roca

      Monterosso, Italy

      Days 7-9 (3 nights)

      Perched on a hillside above the sea, this 43-room hotel has “romance” written all over it. Several terraces cascade down the hill, each equipped with lounge chairs for gazing at the incredible scenery. The secluded infinity pool overlooks a small sheltered bay and there is a small wellness center. Guestrooms...

      Trip Leaders

      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. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Giuseppe Aruta

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      Teresa Baldi

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      Lisa Halderman

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      Isabelle Johnson

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      JoAnn Lantz

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      Vicky Sotriffer

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      Amy Barnes

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      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. While we do not see major elevation gain or loss, you will need to be comfortable hiking up to 6 miles a day and being on your feet for 4-5 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

      Average Hiking Day
      • 2.5 hours
      • 4 miles
      • 500-600 feet gain/loss
      Challenge Day
      • Day 2: 6 miles, 3 hours, 900 feet gain, and 700 feet loss

      Review Trip Level Details
      We traverse a variety of terrains, from dirt roads through rolling hills in the southern part of Tuscany to steep, rocky sections on the coastal paths of Liguria where you will need to be able to hike on uneven surfaces and occasionally downhill over loose rocks. Some parts of the trails are ancient stone staircases which can be quite steep and hard on the knees. The coastal trails are narrow, have drop offs of varying heights, and often have passing hikers, so you will need good balance. On most days, we hike in the morning and visit a town or historical site in the afternoon.
      The weather in Tuscany and Cinque Terre in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s°F (80s°F in Tuscany) during the day, and in the 50s°F and 60s°F at night. There can be cool breezes and occasional showers at any time during these seasons.
      We spend most nights in small, picturesque inns, full of Italian charm and ambiance. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best 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 the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
      Our lunches will vary from picnics in a scenic spot to small trattorias known for their excellent local cuisine. Picnic lunches will include local breads, cheeses, fruits, and wines. On some days, we will have lunch at a local farm or in a home (agriturismo) where regional specialties are prepared. Dinners will be at our hotel or a restaurant in town. 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 7:30 pm.
      Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).

      Client Testimonials

      "I was a tour guide myself in my younger years; thus, I feel qualified to address all the fine qualities of this experience. Wonderful human touches brought so much life to this trip: the cozy restaurants, charming hotels, the farms and vineyards, and above all, our three guides—lovely human beings, and so professional. Superb!"

      Al D.

      Twin Lakes, CO

      "This was a great itinerary that was well organized and well executed. We had great food and wine at every destination and very well-informed trip leaders."

      Bill B.

      Highland Park, IL

      "I LOVED THIS TRIP. As I look back, I have nothing but happy memories of each and every day. Our group was amazing as far as getting along and making new friendships. I have a new love for Italy and the countryside, as well as the traditions and language, all because of this trip and these guides and all the careful prep put into the whole thing. Cannot thank you enough."

      Carolyn H.

      Jupiter, FL

      "Outstanding trip, thank you! I absolutely loved the hiking and felt like we were seeing off-the-beaten-tourist-track places. Great guides, really good food, and the Italian Riviera was spectacular—especially the last day hiking out of Portofino to the cove with the big seafood lunch on the beach. What a way to end the trip! It was fabulous in every way. This was one of my favorite trips ever, and I've traveled extensively throughout the world. I can't wait to do another one with you."

      Cybele L.

      Sharon, CT

      "I was very impressed with this trip. Our guides were wonderful, and I loved seeing some of the out-of-the-way villages we hiked through. It was great to be off the beaten path."

      Judy E.

      Methuen, MA

      "Our trip was fabulous on every front—we felt very well taken care of."

      Laila D.

      Twin Lakes, CO

      "This was a well-designed trip which we very much enjoyed. Our Trip Leader JoAnn was well informed, organized and very engaging throughout our trip. We learned a great deal on our hikes and so enjoyed the museum tours and the guides she chose to lead them. We have always spoken highly of WT to our friends and family."

      Lynne H.

      Weems, VA

      "Excellent lodging at hotels that we would return on our own. Can't say enough about the talents of our leaders in putting together the picnic lunches. This was our first trip of this kind, and I expect we'll be back. Sicily? Dolomites? All in all, it was a great value for the money, and I so appreciated the mix of hiking and in-town visits. "

      Mary L.

      Jamaica Plain, MA

      "I enjoy reliving the beauty of the countryside, the plethora of information received, the charm of the medieval cities, the delicious picnics, and the company of interesting, intelligent, cheerful people—both fellow tour members and the wonderful trip leaders."

      Susan M.

      Burlingame, CA

      "It was an overall wonderful experience—we didn’t have to think about anything (other than what to order for dinner)."

      Tom K.

      Sudbury, MA

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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We arrive in the hamlet of Valigondoli and begin our hike among world-class vineyards that have been lovingly tended since the 1700s, when the Grand Duke of Tuscany delineated the production zone of Chianti wine. The beauty of this region is still inspiring today. At the end of our hike, we&apos;ll stop at a family-run winery to enjoy a picnic lunch and a wine tasting. Afterwards, we&apos;ll head to Greve for a short look around the main square where we can enjoy a coffee or gelato and soak up a bit of the &ldquo;dolce vita&rdquo; life, Italian style. At the end of the day, we head to San Quirico d&apos;Orcia, our base for the next two nights. Perched on a hilltop, the small medieval town of San Quirico d&apos;Orcia is set right beside the famed La Via Francigena, a pilgrimage path that connected northern Europe to Rome in the Middle Ages. This evening we gather for our Welcome Dinner. Dinner and overnight in San Quirico d&apos;Orcia.\r\nHiking Details: 5 miles, 2.5 hours, 300 feet ascent, 500 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 3 hours\r\n\r\nNote: If you have never been to Florence, we highly recommend you schedule a day or two before the trip to explore Florence's vast artistic and architectural treasures. We are happy to book extra nights for you at our group hotel, which offers easy access to Florence.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Hike to the Abbey of St. Antimo \/ Brunello di Montalcino","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we&apos;ll stroll through the town of San Quirico, stopping to see some of the sites including the Horti Leoni, a wonderful Italian renaissance garden. Later this morning, we take a short drive to the trailhead and begin our hike in the Val Orcia, heading west towards Montalcino. The terrain is varied, and we&apos;ll walk through woodlands and hillsides, enjoying views of the nearby vineyards which are famous for Brunello di Montalcino wine. We end our hike at the Romanesque Abbey of St. Antimo. After lunch, we&apos;ll enjoy a tasting of this &ldquo;nectar of the Tuscany gods,&rdquo; Brunello di Montalcino. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the small village of Montalcino, and we return to San Qurico for a relaxing evening. Dinner is on your own this evening. Your Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations, depending on how fancy or local you want to go. Overnight in San Quirico d&apos;Orcia.\r\nHiking Details: 6 miles, 3 hours, 900 feet ascent, 700 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Pienza \/ Siena \/ San Gimignano","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We start our hike right from the hotel and head toward the perfect town&nbsp;of Pienza, a gorgeous medieval gem set in the middle of an ancient Tuscan&nbsp;dreamscape of rolling hills of wheat, olive groves, and classic stands of cypress&nbsp;trees. We&apos;ll stop just outside of the town to enjoy a picnic lunch at the Pieve di&nbsp;Corsignano next to the ancient chapel. After lunch, we&apos;ll take a walk through&nbsp;Pienza amid the splendid buildings constructed between 1459 and 1462.&nbsp;Pienza was named after Pope Pius the Second, born in Pienza as Aeneas Silvius&nbsp;Piccolomini, who commissioned the Renaissance architect Bernardo Rossellino&nbsp;to rebuild his native city. The Palazzo Piccolomini, considered Rossellino&apos;s&nbsp;masterpiece, was inhabited by the Piccolomini family until 1962.\r\n\r\nAfter our typical Italian coffee stop in Pienza, we make our way toward&nbsp;the larger city of Siena. In Siena, we&apos;re joined by a local specialist guide for&nbsp;a walking tour of this glorious city, one of the most flamboyant examples of&nbsp;medieval architecture in existence. In the center lies Il Campo, the shell-shaped&nbsp;town square, and the focus of Sienese life since 1340. The 14th century Palazzo&nbsp;Pubblico dominates the Campo, topped by a high campanile (bell tower), the&nbsp;tallest in Tuscany. Siena&apos;s grand cathedral, set on the highest hill in the city, is a&nbsp;unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque elements in stripes of black and white&nbsp;marble. Most of the city walls survive intact, and the medieval interiors of many of Siena&apos;s churches are in a good state of preservation. An afternoon drive bring&nbsp;us to the quintessential walled Tuscan town of San Gimignano. The town's&nbsp;towers (14 of the original 70 remain) make it instantly identifiable from miles&nbsp;away. Dinner and overnight in San Gimignano.\r\nHiking Details: 2.5-3 hours, approx. 5 miles, mostly on dirt road, with some&nbsp;asphalt\r\nDriving Details: 2 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"San Gimignano \/ Volterra","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the morning, we&apos;ll discover the lanes and byways of tiny San Gimignano, including the dramatic 13th century Piazza della Cisterna, still the focal point of the town&apos;s life. A short drive brings us to the trailhead from San Gimignano, where we begin our hike on part of the Via Francigiana. We&apos;ll walk on dirt roads and along a trail through holm oak forest, passing vineyards and olive groves to a ridge with excellent views of San Gimignano and the surrounding countryside. We&apos;ll end our hike in a picturesque spot where we can enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, we&apos;ll drive to Volterra, a town full of the lore of the Etruscan culture&mdash;an extraordinary civilization dating from 1000 BC. We&apos;ll wander Volterra&apos;s tiny cobbled streets and explore the Roman theater and bath complex. During the Etruscan era, Volterra was a thriving center for trade goods and alabaster production (there are still alabaster workshops here today). The Romans finally brought Volterra under their control in the 2nd century BC. Most of the buildings we see today date from the 12th century. At the end of the day, we return through the rolling Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano. Dinner is on your own this evening so you can sample the many dining options; your Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations. Overnight at hotel in San Gimignano.\r\nHiking Details: 4.5 miles, 3 hours, 900 feet ascent, 850 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Lucca","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning drive of about 1.5 hours brings us to Lucca, one of the most graceful of Tuscany&apos;s provincial capitals, encircled by an imposing ring of Renaissance walls. The city has prospered since Roman times and was at its zenith from the 11th to 14th centuries, when the silk trade brought it wealth. We&apos;ll have a guided visit of the town, including a walk atop the city&apos;s 16th and 17th century ramparts, a favorite spot of the locals, and stroll in the Piazza dell&apos;Anfiteatro, a Roman amphitheater that is now the center of town life. After lunch, the afternoon is free.\r\n\r\nBefore dinner, we head to the historic church of San Giovanni for a 1-hour concert of Italian opera (&ldquo;Un Notte all&apos;Opera&rdquo;). The church was Lucca&apos;s cathedral until the 8th century and has a magnificent atmosphere and wonderful acoustics for concerts. Dinner will be at one of Lucca&apos;s historic restaurants, a chance to try local dishes such as tordelli Lucchesi, a kind of ravioli with a savory meat filling (nearly every restaurant in Lucca has a version of this dish). Overnight at our hotel in Lucca.\r\nHiking details: 2 hours flat walking around town\r\nDriving time: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Lucca \/ Hike the Viadegli Acquedotti to Vorno","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Right from our hotel this morning, we walk out of the city past Lucca&apos;s imposing city walls to the 19th century aqueduct that brings water to the city via underground channels. Up until the early 19th century, Lucca got its water from its underground wells, but in 1822, Maria Teresa of Bourbon, Duchess of Lucca, hired the architect Nottolini to build an aqueduct that could bring water down from the hills. Nottolini&apos;s aqueduct looks Roman in style, but it&apos;s actually neoclassical, with 459 brick arches.\r\n\r\nOn our hike, the aqueduct is above us for the first two miles then disappears underground. We continue our hike on a path to the water&apos;s source in Guam, then walk along the stream and gathering channels. After a picnic lunch at the top of the hill, we head down to the village of Vorno, where we are met for a drive back to town. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Lucca.\r\nHiking Details: 4 miles, 2.5 hours, 500 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 30 minutes","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Biassa \/ Riomaggiore \/ Monterosso&nbsp;","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A 1.5-hour drive brings us to the coast and to our trailhead in the small village of Biassa. We&apos;ll hike up through a chestnut forest on a mule track to join the Alta Via 5 Terre (AV5T), a high trail along the crest of the hills overlooking the sea. At our highest point, we&apos;ll stop for lunch at a small trattoria, and then take a path of stone steps down to the 14th century Santuario del Nostra Signora di Montenero, perfectly perched above the sparkling sea. The views from here stretch along the whole coast and the entire area known as the Cinque Terre, and we'll have ample time for photos. Our hike continues right into Riomaggiore, the first of the small fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. After strolling its main street, we'll 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 Terre&apos;s largest collection of shops and restaurants and the region's nicest beach. From the Monastery of the Capuchins, with its crucifix attributed to Van Dyck, there is a nice panorama of the village and promontories of Cinque Terre. Overnight at hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 4 miles, 3 hours, 300 feet ascent, 1,200 feet descent\r\nDriving Time: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Cinque Terre \/ Manarola","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today we enjoy the classic coastal hike that links most of the Cinque Terre 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 up and over rocky trails and through flourishing vineyards and gardens, enjoying fantastic vistas of the sea as we hike to Vernazza, the most photogenic of the towns, with its tiny harbor and central piazza lined with restaurants and cafes. After exploring a bit, we stop for a rest and a coffee, and those who have had enough hiking can continue onwards by train to the lunch stop, accompanied by a leader. The rest of us continue hiking to enchanting Corniglia, dating back to Roman times and perched 300 feet above the sea. Corniglia has always had a land-based economy because of its location high above the seaside. The village&apos;s 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 sciacchetr&agrave;, a super-sweet late-harvest dessert wine of this region. After lunch, 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 Manarola's medieval Church of San Lorenzo (1338), then return to Monterosso by train. In the late afternoon we'll take a moment to sit, contemplate the view of the sea, and perhaps sip a glass of sciacchetr&agrave;. Dinner is on your own in one of Monterosso's 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 hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 2.5 miles, 2.5 hours, 600 feet ascent\/descent","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Palmaria Island \/ Porto Venere","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We board a private boat to tiny Palmaria, one of three islands in an archipelago at the southern end of Cinque Terre and separated from the coast by a narrow stretch of sea called Le Bocche. Palmaria, along with neighboring Tino and Tinetto Islands, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 (the designation includes Porto Venere and the whole of Cinque Terre). Our hike circumnavigates the island, and our explorations take us through forests of Aleppo pines, holm oak, and fragrant broom shrubs. We&apos;ll make our way to the highest point where we&apos;ll have excellent views of the southern coast of the mainland and of the majestic Apuani Alps, where Carrara marble comes from. We&apos;ll also see the now disused quarries of Pozzale, from which the precious black portoro marble was extracted, and we'll get wonderful perspectives of Tino and Tinetto and the coast beyond. After completing our circle of the island, we&apos;ll enjoy lunch in the port area at one of the island&apos;s few restaurants. Here, we can soak up the views of the harbor and of the town of Porto Venere, with its charming red, pink, and yellow buildings packed tightly together along the seafront. We return to Monterosso for a festive Farewell Dinner. Overnight at hotel.\r\nHiking Details: 4 miles, 2.5 hours, 500 feet ascent\/descent\r\nTransportation Time: 2 hours by boat\r\n\r\nNote: Should the weather or seas be inclement, we'll take the train to Sestri Levante, a resort town with crescent beaches and port-side caf&eacute;s along a palm-lined promenade. After exploring the town, we hike to Punta Manara, where on a clear day views span part of the Tuscan archipelago and even as far as the island of Corsica.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport in Pisa and depart on homeward-bound flight.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Greve \/ San Quirico d&apos;Orcia \/ Abbey of Sant Antimo \/ Montalcino","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Heading into Chianti&apos;s vineyards, we&apos;ll stretch our legs on a hike above the village of Greve and enjoy a picnic at a family-run winery. The next day, we walk through woodlands to the Romanesque Abbey of St. Antimo and enjoy some free time in the wine town of Montalcino, with overnights in charming San Quirico d&apos;Orcia.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Pienza \/ Siena \/ San Gimignano","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We walk right from our hotel into the iconic Val d&rsquo;Orcia, with its wheat fields and cypress-lined roads, and we&rsquo;ll visit tiny hilltop Pienza, a prime exemplar of 15th century Italy. We&rsquo;ll also visit medieval Siena, strolling its back lanes and marveling at its majestic Gothic architecture. In hill-perched San Gimignano, with its crown of stone watchtowers built by feuding nobles, we hike down through olive groves to the village of San Donato for a picnic lunch.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Lucca","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Lucca, birthplace of Puccini, is one of the most graceful of Tuscany&apos;s provincial capitals, encircled by an imposing ring of Renaissance walls. We walk the remarkable city walls, attend an evening concert in a historic church, and hike on an ancient aqueduct that crosses the serene Vorno Valley.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Cinque Terre Villages","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The five Cinque Terre villages are centuries-old towns on the cliffs of the Ligurian coast, and our hikes connect these impossibly picturesque villages. On one day (weather and sea conditions permitting), we ferry out to Palmaria Island, part of the Cinque Terre World Heritage area, for our final hike. An alternate hike beings us to Punta Manara, where on a clear day views span part of the Tuscan archipelago and even as far as the island of Corsica. Depart on Day 10 via Pisa.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/hiking-tuscany-and-the-cinque-terre-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/hiking-tuscany-and-the-cinque-terre-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Visit the vineyards of Chianti, with a picnic at a family-run winery","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":32881,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Experience the beauty of the Tuscan towns of San Quirico d&apos;Orcia, Pienza, Siena, and San 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Room","VendorName":"Relais Palazzo del Capitano","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"relais-palazzo-del-capitano","Custom_Location":"San Quirico d'Orcia","Custom_Additional_Emails":"","Custom_Addtional_Address":"","Custom_Accommodation_Types":"","Custom_Capacity":"","Custom_Amenties":""}},{"VendorID":71413,"Day_Number":3,"Sequence":11,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel la Cisterna","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"hotel-la-cisterna-san-gimignano","Custom_Location":"San Gimignano","Custom_Additional_Emails":"","Custom_Addtional_Address":"","Custom_Accommodation_Types":"","Custom_Capacity":"","Custom_Amenties":""}},{"VendorID":72458,"Day_Number":7,"Sequence":10,"Duration":3,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel Porto Roca","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"hotel-porto-roca","Custom_Location":"Monterosso"}},{"VendorID":72509,"Day_Number":5,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel Ilaria","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"hotel-ilaria-lucca","Custom_Location":"Lucca"}},{"VendorID":73189,"Day_Number":5,"Sequence":11,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Grand Universe Lucca","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"grand-universe-lucca","Custom_Location":"Lucca"}},{"VendorID":74821,"Day_Number":3,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"Description":"Standard Room","VendorName":"Hotel Pescille","CustomFields":{"Custom_slug":"hotel-pescille","Custom_Location":"San Gimignano","Custom_Additional_Emails":"","Custom_Addtional_Address":"","Custom_Accommodation_Types":"","Custom_Capacity":"","Custom_Amenties":""}}],"inclusions":[{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"E","Description":"Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"E","Description":"Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional travel insurance","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"E","Description":"Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"I","Description":"Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"I","Description":"Accommodations in hotels","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"I","Description":"All meals included except 4 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"A glass of wine or beer with dinner","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"I","Description":"All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":46,"Name":"Europe","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":83,"Name":"Italy","Type":"Country"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":225,"Name":"Hiking & Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850612,"First_Name":"Giuseppe","Last_Name":"Aruta","BioShort":"With an extensive background in geology and deep roots in his Italian heritage, Giuseppe Aruta leads guests through medieval hill towns, the Dolomites and Italy&apos;s Lake District, paying special attention to how people travel through their sense of taste, experiencing the wondrous world of Italian cuisine. 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. &ldquo;I consider myself curious about everything&mdash;art, science, food, human relationships, dancing, painting, math,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;I enjoy sharing my knowledge with people from other countries, and in return, I also learn a lot from them.&rdquo; ","BioLong":"With an extensive background in geology and deep roots in his Italian heritage, Giuseppe Aruta leads guests through medieval hill towns, the Dolomites and Italy&apos;s Lake District, paying special attention to how people travel through their sense of taste, experiencing the wondrous world of Italian cuisine. 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. &ldquo;I consider myself curious about everything&mdash;art, science, food, human relationships, dancing, painting, math,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;I enjoy sharing my knowledge with people from other countries, and in return, I also learn a lot from them.&rdquo; "},{"GuideID":850999,"First_Name":"Teresa","Last_Name":"Baldi","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Teresa Baldi, daughter of veteran WT Trip Leader Stefano Baldi, 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. &ldquo;It 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 Renaissance.&rdquo;"},{"GuideID":850564,"First_Name":"Lisa","Last_Name":"Halderman","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Lisa 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."},{"GuideID":851163,"First_Name":"Isabelle","Last_Name":"Johnson","BioShort":"Isabelle Johnson was born in the UK and has lived in the Italian Dolomites since 1999. As an Oxford history graduate, she loves connecting travelers to the history of the area, and has nearly 25 years&apos; experience in leading small-group walking adventures throughout Italy. She combines her work in leading hiking tours with doing academic translation for Italian universities. When not leading trips, Isabelle loves walking long-distance trails throughout Italy and the UK.","BioLong":"Isabelle Johnson was born in the UK and has lived in the Italian Dolomites since 1999. As an Oxford history graduate, she loves connecting travelers to the history of the area, and has nearly 25 years&apos; experience in leading small-group walking adventures throughout Italy. She combines her work in leading hiking tours with doing academic translation for Italian universities. When not leading trips, Isabelle loves walking long-distance trails throughout Italy and the UK."},{"GuideID":850627,"First_Name":"JoAnn","Last_Name":"Lantz","BioShort":"Originally from Long Island and holding a degree in education from New York University, JoAnn Lantz has lived in Italy since 1988, slowly restoring an old farm house outside of Lucca, learning about the wines of Italy, and continually exploring her adopted home country. Whether she&apos;s leading a hike up to the Rifugio Lagazuoi in the Dolomites or to the top of Monte Solaro on the isle of Capri, she has a gift for bringing out the local charm of each place our journeys visit. &ldquo;I became a Trip Leader to share the wonders of Italy with others,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;The slowness to change and the depth of history that exists here gives people a chance to reflect on their own lives and see what is truly important.&rdquo; When not guiding, JoAnn nurtures her small olive grove near Orvieto, pruning the trees, picking the olives, and making olive oil for her own use and as a gift for friends.","BioLong":"Originally from Long Island and holding a degree in education from New York University, JoAnn Lantz has lived in Italy since 1988, slowly restoring an old farm house outside of Lucca, learning about the wines of Italy, and continually exploring her adopted home country. Whether she&apos;s leading a hike up to the Rifugio Lagazuoi in the Dolomites or to the top of Monte Solaro on the isle of Capri, she has a gift for bringing out the local charm of each place our journeys visit. &ldquo;I became a Trip Leader to share the wonders of Italy with others,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;The slowness to change and the depth of history that exists here gives people a chance to reflect on their own lives and see what is truly important.&rdquo; When not guiding, JoAnn nurtures her small olive grove near Orvieto, pruning the trees, picking the olives, and making olive oil for her own use and as a gift for friends."},{"GuideID":851071,"First_Name":"Vicky","Last_Name":"Sotriffer","BioShort":"As an adventure-seeking traveler and Trip Leader, Vicky Sotriffer thrives in new places. She has led trips on nearly every continent for more than 10 years, including sea kayaking trips. Originally from South Tyrol, Italy, Vicky now resides in Ibiza, Spain, and is fluent in a handful of languages. She spends parts of her year in Oman, where she follows her passion for hiking in the country&apos;s striking desert environment and diving in the warm waters off the coast (and trying to improve her Arabic along the way). In her free time, she enjoys tennis, rock climbing, horseback riding, and in the winter, she heads to the Dolomites to ski.","BioLong":"As an adventure-seeking traveler and Trip Leader, Vicky Sotriffer thrives in new places. She has led trips on nearly every continent for more than 10 years, including sea kayaking trips. Originally from South Tyrol, Italy, Vicky now resides in Ibiza, Spain, and is fluent in a handful of languages. She spends parts of her year in Oman, where she follows her passion for hiking in the country&apos;s striking desert environment and diving in the warm waters off the coast (and trying to improve her Arabic along the way). In her free time, she enjoys tennis, rock climbing, horseback riding, and in the winter, she heads to the Dolomites to ski."},{"GuideID":850449,"First_Name":"Amy","Last_Name":"Barnes","BioShort":"While working on a liberal arts major at the University of South Florida in 1978, Amy Barnes traveled to Florence, Italy, where she met an Italian documentary film maker. The encounter was decisive and by 1979 she was back for good. Initially she worked as a camera assistant to her husband before moving on to location\/production work for documentaries for such companies as BBC One, BBC Two, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, National Geographic, A&E Biographies, Channel 4, Granada, and PBS. In a parallel career, Amy has worked as a Trip Leader with Wilderness Travel for many years and has designed itineraries in many regions including the Italian Lake District, Umbria, Liguria, and Tuscany. \"Italy's spectacular geography had a heavy hand in determining its history. For me there is no more beautiful or extraordinary country on the planet!\" Amy enjoys Tai Chi, but everything is second to traveling!","BioLong":"Amy Barnes was raised in France, Germany, and Turkey until the age of seven. While working on a liberal arts major at the University of South Florida she traveled to Italy in 1978. Visiting a friend in Florence she met the fellow next door, an Italian documentary film maker. The encounter was decisive and by 1979 she was back in Florence for good. Initially she worked as a camera assistant to her husband before moving on to location\/production work for documentaries. She has worked for numerous international productions including BBC One, BBC Two, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, National Geographic, A&E Biographies, Channel 4, Granada, PBS and others. In a parallel career Amy has worked as a Trip Leader with Wilderness Travel for many years and has designed itineraries in many regions including the Italian Lake District, Umbria, Liguria, and Tuscany. \"There is a certain sort of density peculiar to this country. Italy's spectacular geography had a heavy hand in determining its history. For me there is no more beautiful or extraordinary country on the planet!\" Amy enjoys Tai Chi, but everything is second to traveling!"}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Al D.","GuestLocation":"Twin Lakes, CO","GuestReview":"I was a tour guide myself in my younger years; thus, I feel qualified to address all the fine qualities of this experience. Wonderful human touches brought so much life to this trip: the cozy restaurants, charming hotels, the farms and vineyards, and above all, our three guides&#8212;lovely human beings, and so professional. Superb!"},{"GuestNames":"Bill B.","GuestLocation":"Highland Park, IL","GuestReview":"This was a great itinerary that was well organized and well executed. We had great food and wine at every destination and very well-informed trip leaders."},{"GuestNames":"Carolyn H.","GuestLocation":"Jupiter, FL","GuestReview":"I LOVED THIS TRIP. As I look back, I have nothing but happy memories of each and every day. Our group was amazing as far as getting along and making new friendships. I have a new love for Italy and the countryside, as well as the traditions and language, all because of this trip and these guides and all the careful prep put into the whole thing. Cannot thank you enough."},{"GuestNames":"Cybele L.","GuestLocation":"Sharon, CT","GuestReview":"Outstanding trip, thank you! I absolutely loved the hiking and felt like we were seeing off-the-beaten-tourist-track places. Great guides, really good food, and the Italian Riviera was spectacular&#8212;especially the last day hiking out of Portofino to the cove with the big&#160;seafood lunch on the beach. What a way to end the trip! It was fabulous in every way. This was one of my favorite trips ever, and I've traveled extensively throughout the world. I can't wait to do another one with you."},{"GuestNames":"Judy E.","GuestLocation":"Methuen, MA","GuestReview":"I was very impressed with this trip. Our guides were wonderful, and I loved seeing some of the out-of-the-way villages we hiked through. It was great to be off the beaten path."},{"GuestNames":"Laila D.","GuestLocation":"Twin Lakes, CO","GuestReview":"Our trip was fabulous on every front&#8212;we felt very well taken care of."},{"GuestNames":"Lynne H.","GuestLocation":"Weems, VA","GuestReview":"This was a well-designed trip which we very much enjoyed. Our Trip Leader JoAnn was well informed, organized and very engaging throughout our trip. We learned a great deal on our hikes and so enjoyed the museum tours and the guides she chose to lead them. We have always spoken highly of WT to our friends and family."},{"GuestNames":"Mary L.","GuestLocation":"Jamaica Plain, MA","GuestReview":"Excellent lodging at hotels that we would return on our own. Can't say enough about the talents of our leaders in putting together the picnic lunches. This was our first trip of this kind, and I expect we'll be back. Sicily? Dolomites? All in all, it was a great value for the money, and I so appreciated the mix of hiking and in-town visits.&#160;"},{"GuestNames":"Susan M.","GuestLocation":"Burlingame, CA","GuestReview":"I enjoy reliving the beauty of the countryside, the plethora of information received, the charm of the medieval cities, the delicious picnics, and the company of interesting, intelligent, cheerful people&#8212;both fellow tour members and the wonderful trip leaders."},{"GuestNames":"Tom K.","GuestLocation":"Sudbury, MA","GuestReview":"It was an overall wonderful experience&#8212;we didn&#8217;t have to think about anything (other than what to order for dinner)."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10411,"SimilarTripID":10298,"Trip_Code":"CORSARDN","Trip_Name":"Corsica and Sardinia"},{"TripID":10411,"SimilarTripID":10291,"Trip_Code":"AMALFI","Trip_Name":"Hiking Amalfi and Capri"},{"TripID":10411,"SimilarTripID":10446,"Trip_Code":"PUGLIA","Trip_Name":"Hiking Puglia and Matera"},{"TripID":10411,"SimilarTripID":11116,"Trip_Code":"PJROMETU","Trip_Name":"Rome and Tuscany Private Journey"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71143,"ProductID":80971,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Relais Palazzo del Capitano","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"San Quirico d&apos;Orcia","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>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 town&#39;s many restaurants or at Al Vecchio Forno, the hotel&#39;s own restaurant, renowned for its superb Tuscan specialties.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-relais-palazzo-del-capitano-exterior-garden.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":74821,"ProductID":86653,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Hotel Pescille","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"San Gimignano","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":3,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"Located in a dreamy setting of olive trees, vineyards, and ancient forests in the countryside outside of San Gimignano, the Hotel Pescille is a renovated Tuscan farmhouse dating from the 1200s. We stay in Superior rooms offering panoramic views of the countryside and garden. They are simply furnished but clean and well maintained. At the end of the day, relax beside the infinity pool and soak up the Tuscan ambiance or have a drink on the bar's outdoor terrace.","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-hotel-pescille-exterior-landscape.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71413,"ProductID":81241,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Hotel la Cisterna","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"San Gimignano","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":3,"Sequence":11,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"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.","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-hotel-la-cisterna-double-room.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72509,"ProductID":82337,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Hotel Ilaria","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Lucca","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":5,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>We love this gem of a hotel, set in the center of town and convenient to all the key sights, including access to walks and bike rides atop the town ramparts. (You can borrow one of the hotel's bikes for a leisurely ramble.) As befitting its medieval origins, the main building was once the stables of the Villa Bottini and the annex is in a former 14th century church. The staff is friendly and the Wi-Fi is good. Be sure to enjoy the hotel's complimentary prosecco happy hour!<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-hotel-ilaria-interior-lobby.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73189,"ProductID":83017,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Grand Universe Lucca","Address1":"Piazza Del Giglio","Address2":"","City":"Lucca","State":"","Postal":"55100","Product":"Standard Room","Day":5,"Sequence":11,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>The classic and the modern come together in this renovated boutique hotel, set in a 16th century palazzo in the historic center of&nbsp;Lucca. It's been welcoming travelers since 1857 (it's said that Puccini was a frequent guest), and before that had a storied past, from a glass blower's atelier to a family palazzo during the Renaissance. Guest rooms are elegant and comfortable, there is an on-site restaurant, and you can take in sweeping views of the city from the rooftop bar.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/1-grand-universe-hotel-exterior-lucca.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72458,"ProductID":82286,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Hotel Porto Roca","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Monterosso","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":7,"Sequence":10,"Duration":3,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Perched on a hillside above the sea, this 43-room hotel has &#8220;romance&#8221; written all over it. Several terraces cascade down the hill, each equipped with lounge chairs for gazing at the incredible scenery. The secluded infinity pool overlooks a small sheltered bay and there is a small wellness center. Guestrooms are simply furnished, but the sea views and large balcony more than make up for it. It's an easy walk to the village center.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-hotel-porto-roca-exterior-view-dining.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_TC_Detailed_Itin_URL":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Italian Hiking<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Emergency_Evac_Insurance":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Reading_List":"<strong>Reading List:<\/strong> Elevate your travel experience by delving into this <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-tuscany-and-the-cinque-terre\">curated collection of books<\/a> tailored to your upcoming adventure.","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-30T22:10:25 --><p><strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, prescription medications, and any paperwork required to enter Italy, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.<\/p>","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-30T22:10:10 --><p><strong>DAYPACK:<\/strong> To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail.<\/p>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-30T22:10:59 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN FLORENCE<\/strong><br \/>Please meet your Trip Leaders at 8:30 am on Day 1 in the lobby of the Hotel Silla in Florence. After a brief trip orientation, we will drive into the hills of the Chianti region for our first walk.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T17:18:12 --><p><strong>Hotel Silla<\/strong> <br \/>Via dei Renai,5<br \/>50100 Firenze FI, Italy<br \/>+39 055 234 2888<\/p>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-30T22:12:42 --><p><strong>DEPARTING PISA<\/strong><br \/>On Day 10, complimentary transfers will be provided according to your travel plans from the group hotel in Monterosso to Pisa. We will stop at the Pisa Airport for those with a scheduled flight, and at the Pisa Train Station for those staying in Pisa or traveling onward. The transfer from Monterosso to Pisa takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-30T22:13:39 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our local contact (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_name_slug":"tuscany-cinque-terre-hiking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Explore Tuscany's medieval gems of Montepulciano and Pienza, and enjoy a sunset hike into legendary San Gimignano. In the Cinque Terre, hike between secluded villages set beside the sparkling sea.","Custom_List_Description":"Explore Tuscany's medieval gems of Montepulciano and Pienza, and enjoy a sunset hike into legendary San Gimignano. In the Cinque Terre, hike between secluded villages set beside the sparkling sea.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Tuscany & Cinque Terre Hiking Tour","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-16T12:19:54 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport<\/strong>: Florence Airport (FLR) or Pisa International Airport (PSA)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time<\/strong>: Anytime prior to Day 1<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place<\/strong>: You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of the Hotel Silla in Florence at 8:30 am on Day 1. <br \/><br \/>There are dozens of wonderful hotels in Florence, but if you wish to stay at the Hotel Silla before the start of the tour, we recommend you book a room directly from the hotel website <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hotelsilla.it\">www.hotelsilla.it<\/a>. A transfer from either Pisa Airport or Florence Airport can also be booked on the Hotel Silla website.<br \/><br \/>Note: The trip ends with a drop-off in Pisa, and you may find better prices\/connections if transiting from Pisa. If you fly into Pisa, it is easy to take a train from there to Florence.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-16T12:20:57 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport<\/strong>: Pisa International Airport (PSA)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time<\/strong>: Day 10, after 12:30 pm<br \/><br \/>On Day 10, complimentary transfers will be provided according to your travel plans from the group hotel in Monterosso to Pisa. We will stop at the Pisa Airport for those with a scheduled flight, and at the Pisa Train Station for those staying in Pisa or traveling onward. The transfer from Monterosso to Pisa takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.<br \/><br \/>For those wanting to continue to Genova, trains depart every hour from Monterosso. It's about a 1.25-hour train ride, and tickets are around &euro;10. You can purchase your tickets at the station in Monterosso, or you can make your reservation online at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.trenitalia.com\">www.trenitalia.com<\/a>.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-16T12:17:06 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Italy. 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 Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>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. <br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"hiking-tuscany-and-the-cinque-terre","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for three months after your date of exit from Italy. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is very important to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for Italy. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The Euro is the official currency of Italy. The most convenient way to obtain Euros is to use your debit card at ATMs. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $180 or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency. The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.<br>","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone<\/strong><br>The international dialing code for Italy is 39. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access<\/strong><br>Internet access is available at most of our hotels.","Custom_Electricity":"Europe has 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"No inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"You can reduce your risk of getting sick on the trip by washing your hands often and not touching your face with unwashed hands. If you arrive on the trip with a cold or feel the symptoms of a cold, avoid close contact with others and move away from people before coughing or sneezing. The CDC recommends coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow or upper sleeve, not your hands.","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in.","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Covid-19":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-tuscany-and-the-cinque-terre\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>\nPassport<\/li><li>\nOne other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>\nExpense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"Please pack everything in one piece of luggage, as this simplifies the transportation of luggage en route. Although airline service to Europe is generally reliable, it is best to wear or carry your hiking boots with you on your flights in the event your luggage is lost or delayed. Likewise, don't pack valuables, such as travel documents, camera gear, or prescription medicines in your checked luggage. <br><br>Please check with your airline for specific baggage allowances.<br><br><ul><li>\nSoft-sided rolling suitcase, with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel).<\/li><li>\nDaypack, large enough for a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want with you during the day.<\/li><li>\n(Optional) Small roll-up bag to carry home purchases.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Clothing":"Bring clothes you find most comfortable for walking. Although it will be warm enough for shorts on most days, bring some lightweight long pants for cooler weather and protection from tall grasses. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. You'll want a change of clothes for the evening, but nothing dressy is necessary. Casual wear is fine, and coats and ties are not required. <br><br>The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only.<br>\r<br><ul><li>\rLightweight rain gear, such as a Gore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood<\/li><li>\rFleece jacket or nylon windbreaker<\/li><li>\rLight fleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>\rLong-sleeved shirt. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon are recommended.<\/li><li>\rT-shirts or short-sleeved shirts<\/li><li>\rHiking pants. Lightweight cotton or synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice. Jeans are not recommended because they can be hot and they take a long time to dry if they get wet.<\/li><li>\rHiking shorts. Quick-drying nylon shorts are recommended.<\/li><li>\rShade hat with a wide brim&mdash; preferably a waterproof one you can use as a rain hat as well<\/li><li>\rSturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots&mdash;essential for the rural trails of this area<\/li><li>\rTevas or running shoes for sightseeing in towns<\/li><li>\rHiking socks. Some people like thick Thorlo-type socks with padded toes and heels, or an outer sock and synthetic liner sock.<\/li><li>\rUnderwear\/sleepwear. Synthetics dry faster.<\/li><li>\rBathing suit (for hotel pools)<\/li><li>\rCasual city\/hotel attire<\/li><\/ul><\/div>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>One or two reusable water bottles, 1 qt. capacity<\/li><li>\nGood quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair of sunglasses is a good idea should your first pair be broken or lost.<\/li><li>\nToiletry kit<\/li><li>\nStuff sacks or plastic bags to compartmentalize items in duffel, Ziploc-style bags to carry small items during the day<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><br><ul><li>\nSunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>\nAspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches.<\/li><li>\n\nTopical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores<\/li><li>\nInsect repellent<\/li><li>\nBlister kit. Look for long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>\nAnti-bacterial gel for hand washing<\/li><li>\nAntihistamine such as Benadryl, cold remedy such as Sudafed<\/li><li>\nImodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, please consult your physician.<\/li><li>\nPepto-Bismol tablets for indigestion<\/li><li>\nPrescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>\nSpare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Voltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels.<\/li><li>\nCollapsible walking stick or trekking poles&mdash;highly recommended<\/li><li>\nCamera, spare batteries, memory cards<\/li><li>\nLightweight binoculars<\/li><li>\nReading\/writing material<\/li><li>\nTravel clock<\/li><li>\nSmall umbrella<\/li><li>\nLaundry soap for hand-washing clothes<\/li><li>\nMoney belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><li>\nWashcloth, if you like to use one (most European hotels do not provide them)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"From Medieval Hill Towns to Seaside Villages","Custom_Lodging":"9 nights hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 4 dinners","Custom_Difficulty":"A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 3-6 hours a day, van support","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"<p>This trip is rated <strong>Level 3, Moderate,<\/strong> according to our trip grading system. While we do not see major elevation gain or loss, you will need to be comfortable hiking up to 6 miles a day and being on your feet for 4-5 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.<\/p><strong>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><ul><li>2.5 hours<\/li><li> 4 miles <\/li><li>500-600 feet gain\/loss<\/li><\/ul><strong>Challenge Day<\/strong><ul><li>Day 2: 6 miles, 3 hours, 900 feet gain, and 700 feet loss<\/li><\/ul><p><\/p>","Custom_Terrain":"We traverse a variety of terrains, from dirt roads through rolling hills in the southern part of Tuscany to steep, rocky sections on the coastal paths of Liguria where you will need to be able to hike on uneven surfaces and occasionally downhill over loose rocks. Some parts of the trails are ancient stone staircases which can be quite steep and hard on the knees. The coastal trails are narrow, have drop offs of varying heights, and often have passing hikers, so you will need good balance. On most days, we hike in the morning and visit a town or historical site in the afternoon.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"The weather in Tuscany and Cinque Terre in late spring and early fall is usually very pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s\u00b0F (80s\u00b0F in Tuscany) during the day, and in the 50s\u00b0F and 60s\u00b0F at night. There can be cool breezes and occasional showers at any time during these seasons.","Custom_Accommodations":"We spend most nights in small, picturesque inns, full of Italian charm and ambiance. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best 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 the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.","Custom_Cuisine":"Our lunches will vary from picnics in a scenic spot to small trattorias known for their excellent local cuisine. Picnic lunches will include local breads, cheeses, fruits, and wines. On some days, we will have lunch at a local farm or in a home (agriturismo) where regional specialties are prepared. Dinners will be at our hotel or a restaurant in town. 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 7:30 pm.","Custom_Transportation":"Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure 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 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure 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.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>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. 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.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We 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: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>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. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}