It just makes sense really. The closer you get to something, the richer your experience. Fly over Tuscany and you may see Florence as a cluster of red clay roofs. Maybe you see the Arno River winding through the patchwork landscape. Take a bus, you get an idea of the hills and scenery. But stroll past its vineyards and olive groves. Smell the cypress and rosemary. Stand in the shade of oak trees. Taste the Brunello and the olive oil on bread toasted in a stone fireplace. There is no better - or closer - way to truly experience Tuscany.
Days 1-2 Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a former Benedictine monastery
dating back to the late 18th century 
Enjoy unforgettable views of Tuscany from the medieval hamlet of Castelnuovo dell'Abate The Val d'Orcia invites a wander Explore the architectural treasures in Pienza and sample its renowned pecorino cheese Discover world-famous Brunello wine in Montalcino.
Days 3-4 Visit and picnic at the Monte Oliveto Maggiore
an important stop on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route Amble through pristine vineyards and pine forest en route to Radda in Chianti, the center of Chianti Classico wine country Learn secrets of Tuscan cuisine at an exclusive cooking demonstration 
Head into the Chianti countryside and walk from one castle to the next Take a break in Gaiole's cozy piazzetta to enjoy a cappuccino and observe the friendly pace of local life.
Days 5-6 Immerse yourself in the landscape that inspired Renaissance artists
Hike hilly roads through vineyards and oak forests and along ridges offering sweeping views Follow a quiet route up to the majestic neo-Gothic Castello di Brolio, where Baron Bettino Ricasoli formulated the modern method of producing Chianti Classico wine in the 19th century The fall offers the chance to revel in beautiful colors and watch the grape harvest.
Trip Highlights
- Unforgettable rambles though Chianti's hills and vineyards
- Fresh Tuscan cuisine and luxurious historic lodging
- Explore classic medieval hill towns including Pienza and Vertine
- Join a wine expert for a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino and other vintages
Premiere Inns
Castello di Velona (2 nights): This 11th-century fortress features terra-cotta floors, individually decorated rooms and stunning views of the Val d'Orcia. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Palazzo Leopoldo (1 night): Located in the heart of the Chianti region, this 14th-century manor house features spacious guest rooms with original frescoes. (spa)
Borgo San Felice (2 nights): Described by the Hideaway Report as an "enchanting resort enclave set within a restored medieval hamlet fringed by olive groves and vineyards in the Chianti Classico region." A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis)
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 | 4.3* | 100 | 5.7 | 200 | ||||||
| 2 | 3.4* | 200 | 4.8* | 800 | 8.7* | 900 | ||||
| 3 | 4.0* | 500 | 5.0* | 500 | 6.9 | 1800 | ||||
| 4 | 4.5* | 500 | 5.7* | 500 | 7.4* | 800 | ||||
| 9.2* | 1300 | |||||||||
| 5 | 4.0* | 600 | 8.6* | 900 | 10.4 | 1100 | ||||
| 6 | 2.9 | 200 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/26-31 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/16-21 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/20-25 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $2280 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Our leaders were fabulous. The itinerary and experiences could not have been better - I can't say enough to praise this trip! Having spent a lot of time in Chianti previously, I still learned, saw and experienced new things in unusual ways. My two friends with whom I traveled feel exactly the same way. It was perfect.- Scarsdale, NY
Taking a Backroads trip is like enjoying the sweetest part of the watermelon, the planners and trip leaders trim away everything but the sweetest core of the trip. They worry about the logistics, the problem solving, so that as a guest, the most you worry about is what to order at dinner and how far to go on each daily option.- Davis, CA
Our leaders were incredible. They cared for our every need/desire while ensuring our safety. That translated to our group and by the time we were on the bus in Florence (on day 1!) we were like family. That cohesiveness grew during our hikes and experiences. It was truly a magical week! Thank you and special, heartfelt thanks, to our amazing leaders.
This trip was perfect! i have never done a Backroads trip before, but this far exceeded my thoughts about traveling with a group and travel company. As a mother and wife, it was a true gift to be able to have every aspect of my vacation taken care of and organized. The combination of accommodations, cultural experiences, hikes, food, camaraderie and of course leadership made my Backroads experience the most personally wonderful thing I have done for myself in 11 years of motherhood!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!- Rumson, NJ
We had such a great time and this was the first time we had ever done a vacation like this. It was the trip of a lifetime that we cannot stop thinking and talking about. The people we met on the train platform in Florence started out as strangers and ended up as friends that we are planning on seeing again!
This was a fabulous trip, I would definitely do it again! I loved every minute of it, and can see why people fall in love with Tuscany. Thank you Backroads!! Travel with you is the BEST!- Davis, CA
We were impressed with the comfortableness with the people, the warmth and helpfulness of the guides, the flexibility of the itinerary, the good mix of planned time and free time, the well set up walks that were incrementally longer each day so we could "build up" a bit, the loveliness of most of the lodgings, the first-hand view of the people of Italy, and of course the beauty of the country itself. I met my personal goal of doing all of the walking, and enjoyed every minute of it. I have a lasting image of Vincent, our guide, catching the attention of two boys at the side of the road who were watching us all traipse through his village. He engaged them in conversation, told them who we were, asked them about the soccer ball they were playing with, and talked them into showing us their "moves". With that little dialogue, we moved from being strangers passing through to new friends visiting with local kids. I valued a lot of the personal interaction which the guides sought out with the Italian people everywhere we went. That helped us be more a part of the country. My other favorite memory is hiking on some of the back roads up through the vineyards to a place where the countryside was laid out before us like a quilt, made up of squares of vineyards, olive groves, and forested patches. Beautiful, and memorable.- Chicago, IL
What memories and what incredible weather we had! Marty and I loved our guides, the countryside, the hikes, our group, the food, the wine....everything was first class and all of our needs were anticipated and accommodated. The Backroads Tuscany trip truly exceeded my expectations and was tailored made for me. Hiking through Tuscany, eating local foods and sampling local wines - a dream come true!- Corpus Christi, TX