Tuscany Walking & Cooking
- Walk through vineyards, woodland and Renaissance hill towns, getting to know our local amici along the way
- Journey into the heart of Chianti - and back in time - to historic Volpaia
- Follow the strade bianche (white roads) of southern Tuscany's Val d'Orcia
- Savor Chianti Classico and other superb Tuscan wines
- Overnight in distinctive hotels where you're welcomed like family
A Culinary Adventure in Bella Toscana
Tuscan cuisine appeals to the soul. It's a celebration of fresh ingredients prepared with minimal manipulation - rustic ribollita soup, melt-in-your mouth bruschetta, pecorino toscano drizzled with honey and peperoncino, a glass of Chianti Classico…it's habit-forming! Discover the joys of the Tuscan table as you learn the secrets of Italian cooking from our charming local friends. Slow down and let food be the focal point of the day. And savor this journey that nurtures both body and spirit.
Day
1 Meander through vineyards, woodland and Renaissance hill towns, welcomed by our local amici along the way 
Get a taste of the region's undulating terrain as you stroll from Castellina to Vescine Sip Chianti and prepare a homestyle Italian meal alongside locals in the cucina of their cooking school.
Days
2-3 Journey into the heart of Chianti and back in time to historic Volpaia 
Talk Tuscan meats and spices with Panzano's famed butcher - and entertainer - Dario Cecchini Amble from one unbelievable vista to the next, stopping for lunch alfresco among the grapevines Tonight's culinary theme: sweet treats! Join longtime Backroads' friends Cristina and Ernie to learn how to make Tuscan desserts Homer once called olive oil "liquid gold" - you'll call it delicious during our exclusive degustazione (tasting) High ridges and peaceful forests lead the way to our lunch spot in a quaint hamlet Enjoy a private wine talk and pour before dinner.
Days
4-6 Follow the strade bianche (white roads) of southern Tuscany's Val d'Orcia Sample honey, courtesy of the monks - and bees - of Monte Oliveto Maggiore Wander in Renaissance-style Pienza, Pope Pius II's utopian village, and discover a hidden gem of a restaurant for dinner Vibrant green in springtime, rich gold in autumn, the surrounding hills are a joy to explore in any season Lunch takes place at an agriturismo and dinner is a hands-on affair as we prepare piatti tipici Toscani, typical Tuscan dishes, for our farewell feast Our final walk brings us to a working cheese farm that produces premier pecorino - we've been coming here for nearly a decade!
Guests Reviews About This Trip
In Italy, it's impossible to separate the culture from the extraordinary bounty of food and drink that sustains it. Bring your appetite and sense of adventure on this walking trip in Tuscany, where you'll dive right into a hands-on introduction to the region's culinary arts - from traditional Tuscan meals to incredible local specialties like wine, olive oil and honey.- Regional Manager, Italy
Casual Inns
Il Borgo di Vèscine
Radda in Chianti (1 night) A 13th-century hamlet handsomely restored as a welcoming hotel with unsurpassed views of the Tuscan countryside. (pool, tennis)
Castello di Meleto
Gaiole in Chianti (2 nights) This 13th-century castle - complete with watchtowers and an arched stone doorway - rests on a hill in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by idyllic countryside. (pool)
Relais Il Chiostro di Pienza
Pienza (2 nights) Originally a 15th-century convent, this splendid hotel is situated in the heart of town. (pool)
Private Trips Options & Pricing
Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.
You can pick any open date in next year's lineup for your group of 8 or more - just book by December 31st of this year. Call us for date availability.
If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Pricing for Private Trips
| 2 - 3 guests $5,298 pp dbl. occ. | 8 - 9 guests $4,298 pp dbl. occ. |
| 4 - 5 guests $4,698 pp dbl. occ. | 10 - 11 guests $3,998 pp dbl. occ. |
| 6 - 7 guests $4,498 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests $3,698 pp dbl. occ. |
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 4.0 | 500 | ||||||||
| 2 | 4.8* | 600 | 7.0 | 1100 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.8* | 500 | 3.9* | 700 | 5.5* | 700 | ||||
| 4 | 4.0* | 500 | 5.3* | 1000 | ||||||
| 5 | 3.9* | 200 | 6.0* | 300 | 7.8 | 300 | ||||
| 6 | 2.4* | 100 | ||||||||
The terrain on this trip includes vineyard footpaths and wooded trails.
* Includes a shuttle
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For 35 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Tuscany tour experts. See our award-winning Europe Italy walking tours and hiking tours, Europe Italy biking tours and Europe Italy multisport tours.
