As you make your way down a footpath strung along a wide-open hillside, you'll understand why Tuscany has captivated writers and visual artists for centuries. Broad wheat fields and tidy vineyards greet cypress-rimmed hill towns, and fertile valleys lie bathed in golden sunlight. Discover the simple charms and exquisite details of Tuscany as you stroll through this region rich in history, culture and natural splendor.

Days 1-2 PANZANO in Chianti

Meet in Florence Get to know the hilltop village of Panzano on a walk through ancient vineyards to an 11th-century Romanesque church Stroll through the charming hamlet of Montefioralle on the way to Greve in Chianti, which went up in flames in 1325, but rose from the ashes a century later to become one of the most important wine centers in the Chianti region  Oenophiles will especially enjoy our wine tasting with longtime Backroads friend Fabrizio Ferucci.

Day 3 GAIOLE in Chianti

Soak up beautiful views along the scenic ridgeline of the Monti del Chianti en route to the 12th-century chapel of Santa Maria Novella, nestled amongst the vineyards  Wander the quaint centro storico of Radda in Chianti.

Days 4-6 Monteriggioni

After a short shuttle to Radda in Chianti, walk ancient paths to Castellina in Chianti, a crown jewel of this prestigious wine region  Savor an exclusive wine tasting at an enoteca en route  Spend the evening dining and strolling in Siena, Italy's best-preserved medieval city From Abbadia a Isola, hike among the hills of the Montagnola Senese, located along the pilgrimage route between Spain and Jerusalem  Climb to the hilltop village of Monteriggioni where Dante once roamed, likening its 13 towers to giants in his Divine Comedy.

ECHOES OF THE PAST: Casual Inns

Villa le Barone (2 nights): Owned by the same family since the 1500s, this former manor house in the heart of Chianti features a swimming pool, tennis courts and terraces surrounded by rose gardens.

Albergo l'Ultimo Mulino (1 night): At this renovated medieval grain mill, the reservoir that once powered the mill now serves as a beautiful lap pool with vistas of lush vineyards.

Castel Bigozzi (2 nights): Once a 13th-century castle, this hotel offers a swimming pool and a peaceful setting in the Sienese hills.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

• Level 1 2 Route Options Available
• 3.2, 4.7 miles
• 290 - 420 feet elevation gain

Day 2

• Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
• 3.7, 5.2, 6.1 miles
• 600 - 900 feet elevation gain

Day 3

• Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
• 5.3, 7.9 miles
• 300 - 500 feet elevation gain

Day 4

• Levels 1 to 2  2 Route Options Available
• 3.2, 6.6 miles
• 200 - 500 feet elevation gain

Day 5

• Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
• 5.7, 8 miles
• 1100 - 1300 feet elevation gain

Day 6

• Level 1 1 Route Option Available
• 2.5 miles
• 500 feet elevation gain

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.

2010 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

• 5/16-21Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $510 for sgl. occ.)
• 6/27-7/2Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $510 for sgl. occ.)
• 9/19-24Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $510 for sgl. occ.)

Guest Trip Reviews

An amazing experience. Our leaders were terrific. The trip was well-planned and well-executed. The days were so full I could hardly absorb it all. The countryside, the views, the food, the wine, the delightful company of so many interesting people and the feeling that we were able to experience Tuscany at a very real and personal level made for memories for a lifetime!

Great trip. Our leaders were very flexible, good-natured, and accommodating. They got us off the beaten path in an area that can be very touristy. We especially enjoyed the pizza & gelato experience with Lele. Great job with the local flavor aspect of the trip.

To be honest, Backroads far exceeded my expectations with the trip. I'm not usually keen on group trips. However, I was impressed with both the quality and abilities of the leaders, the pre-hike prep and route raps, the number and type of group activities arranged, and the quality of the accommodations. I will definitely look for another Backroads trip to take. Thank you.

This trip exceeded my expectations. I had no idea there would be so much flexibility and that everything would run so smoothly.

Backroads is an awesome company and your leaders are top notch. It really appeared they received support from the company so in turn they could provide great support for the guests. The inns were gorgeous, the food fabulous, and the hiking routes terrific.

This trip was wonderful opportunity for our family to relax and be together. We learned a lot about Italy and the Tuscan region. Our guides were excellent and we all missed them when we left!!