ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Tuscany

Day 2: Vinci – Leonardo’s birthplace
- Hike up to the birthplace of Leonardo in the hamlet of Anchiano, situated on a hill enjoying stunning views across the rolling hills
- In Vinci we learn all about the works of this master polymath
- Includes entrance to the Leonardo Museum

Today we travel south towards Monte Albano. The world renowned genius Leonardo da Vinci grew up here, surrounded by olive-groves. Our visit begins in the town of Vinci itself, and heads out in the direction of the nearby hamlet of Anchiano to what is said to be the birthplace of this incredible polymath. Our hike continues past a church and a centuries-old oak tree until we reach the site of a former hermitage. Our hike concludes with a fascinating visit to the Leonardo Museum, dedicated to his life.

Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Vertical height difference: 390m
Degree of difficulty: moderate

Day 3: Lucca and its vineyards
-Pleasant walk through the vineyards surrounding Lucca
- Hike past a 500-year-old oak tree to the picturesque village of Montecarlo, famous for its wines
- Enjoy a tasting of wines and traditional products at a local farmhouse
- Spend the afternoon in Lucca to discover this wonderful city with our hiking guide.

Today we discover the Montecarlo area of Northern Tuscany. Amongst many great products this area is particularly well known for its magnificent white wine. Our route takes us up through a lightly wooded area before we pass by a 500-year-old oak tree and the small village of San Martino until we arrive at the picturesque village of Montecarlo. We will revive ourselves with a typical lunch in at a local farmhouse, known as an Agriturismo. Following this refreshing break we will take the bus to Lucca, and discover the town on foot as we stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town. We will ascend the city walls and get a birds eye view of the rooftops of the town.

Hiking time: 3 hours
Vertical height difference: 200m
Degree of difficulty: easy

Day 4: Fiesole, Settignano and Florence
- We hike in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci from the Etruscan town of Fiesole to Settignano
- Discover the hills where this genius first tested his prototype flying machines and enjoy amazing views onto the beautiful skyline of Florence
- The day ends in the art and cultural metropolis of Florence for a pleasant stroll amongst the many world-famous sights

Our starting point today is the Etruscan town of Fiesole. We follow the Florentine valley and reach the hill where Leonardo da Vinci once tested his flying models. Passing countless olive-groves we arrive at Settignano, a small typical Tuscan village where another great artist Michelangelo grew up. We round off our day in beautiful Florence with its many stunning palaces and churches before returning to Montecatini by train.

Hiking time: 2.5 hours
Vertical height difference: 300m
Level: easy to moderate

Day 5: Chianti – the hills of the Mona Lisa
- Excursion into the classic picture-postcard rolling hills which shape the Chianti landscape and take us through characteristic olive- groves and vineyards
- Visit Greve, one of the most beautiful villages in the Chianti area
- In the afternoon enjoy a tasty truffle hunt followed by wine tasting with snacks in a unique location

This excursion into the classic picture-postcard rolling hills of Chianti takes us past olive groves and vineyards and lush woodlands. Florence can be seen from the hilltops, and on a clear day it is even possible to see the Apennines.
We reach Greve, where we stop to visit one of the most attractive towns in the whole Chianti area. We recommend a visit to Falorni, the award-winning artisan producer of local meat on the main square. In the afternoon enjoy a tasty truffle hunt followed by a wine tasting with snacks in a unique location

Hiking time: 4 hours
Vertical height difference: 350m
Level: moderate

Day 6: Departure