Backroads | Tuscany Walking & Cooking

Tuscany Walking & Cooking

Tuscany is the perfect place for the perfect pairing: exhilarating activity and heavenly cuisine. And thanks to our long-standing and special relationships in this charming region of Italy, we’re able to connect you with the local people and bring you closer to the Tuscany (and food!) they know and love. By learning about the history and seasonality of traditional ingredients, shopping in local alimentari (grocery stores), slowing down and making food the focal point of the day, you’ll soon discover that this trip nourishes your body as well as your spirit.

Days 1-2 Gaiole in Chianti

Meet in Florence Take a walking tour of Florence followed by a professional cooking course and lunch Stay at the magnificent Castello di Tornano, former home to the Ricasoli family Amble from castle to castle along wooded trails, through stone villages and orderly vineyards Explore the sleepy village of Gaiole in Chianti, a wine-production center Prepare dinner together with a local chef, sampling the best vintages of Chianti Classico from the Tornano vineyards.

Day 3 Radda in Chianti

Hike through the heart of Chianti to historic Radda, where time seemingly stands still Enjoy a delicious picnic on the grounds of a farmhouse, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves Get a taste of the past by preparing ancient Tuscan recipes at the medieval Palazzo Leopoldo.

Days 4-6 Greve in Chianti

Linger in Volpaia’s quaint piazza before strolling into the Monti del Chianti for a panorama of the region Soak up views of the Arno and Arbia Valleys Explore the medieval hamlet of Montefioralle, looking for the house marked with a "V"—the birthplace of Amerigo Vespucci Show off your culinary skills one last time during a cooking class in the kitchen of a private villa.

EXCLUSIVE VILLAS: Premiere Inns

Castello di Tornano (2 nights): This spectacular 9th-century castle perched on a hill just outside of Gaiole in Chianti features spacious guest rooms, in-room massage and a swimming pool in the ancient moat.

Palazzo Leopoldo (1 night): Located in the historic center of Radda in Chianti, this 14th-century palatial townhouse offers guest rooms that are stylishly decorated with some of the estate’s original furnishings.

Villa Vignamaggio (2 nights): With gardens, pools and tennis courts, this classic Tuscan villa, nestled in lush vineyards, is known for its award-winning wines.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

Level 1 2 Route Options Available
Guided Walking Tour 1 hour
1.6 miles
500 feet elevation gain

Day 2

Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
3.7, 6.5 miles
0 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 3

Level 1 2 Route Options Available
4, 4.8 miles
500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Guided Walking Tour 1 hour

Day 4

Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
5.2, 7.6 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain

Day 5

Level 1 2 Route Options Available
3.5, 4.6 miles
0 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 6

Level 1 1 Route Option Available
Optional 1.7 miles
Conclusion of Trip

Trips 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.

Activity Level	Average Time	Average Distance
		Biking	Walking & Hiking
Level 1	2-3 hours	10-20 mile	2-5 miles
Level 2	2-4 hours	21-30 miles	5-7 miles
Level 3	3-5 hours	31-40 miles	7-9 miles
Level 4	4-6 hours	41-55 miles	9-11 miles
Level 5	5-7+ hours	56-75+ miles	11-13+ miles

2009 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Guest Trip Reviews

Fantastic trip! Beautiful scenery, unbelievable food, great accommodations and two wonderful trip leaders.

Rosa Carrick - Fremont, CA

One of the best weeks of my life! From start to finish the trip exceeded all of my expectations and I can't wait to take another Backroads trip! The additional cooking lesson was an excellent surprise. All of the cooking instructors were a delight and instantly made you feel comfortable within their home/kitchen.

Jennifer Nelson - West Roxbury, MA

This was a fabulous experience for Diana and me. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, and every aspect of our Backroads visit to Tuscany was perfect. The accomodations were spectacular. The cooking was very educational and fun. We got to hike through some extraordinary countryside. Our Backroads team provided world-class service with huge doses of enthusiasm for the region and all it has to offer. They had obviously done a lot of homework on their own which provided special touches along the way. This was simply another very memorable Backroads adventure. Many thanks.

Jeff Owen - Chevy Chase, MD