This journey takes you into the heart of the 'real,' Tuscany. The image so often lauded in film and print of a bucolic Tuscan paradise still genuinely exists and is the essence of this week long experience - so put on your rose coloured glasses!

Florence is the starting point of our tour, a treasure-trove of art, history and architecture that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. We also visit Siena, arguably Italy's most enchanting medieval city, with its splendid redbrick streets and elegant public square set in the shadow of the glorious Palazzo Pubblico.

We then trade the grandeur of these Renaissance cities for the beautiful iconic Tuscan countryside. We base ourselves at our wonderful 'Agriturismo,' accommodation nestled on a farm estate in the rolling hills between Siena and Volterra, a location that delivers the true epitome of what Tuscany has to offer - peerless views, undulating landscapes speckled with rustic villas and a network of scenic trails.

Highlights include a visit to the celebrated town and signature towers of San Gimignano and as a interesting counterpoint we explore the charming medieval walled village of Colle di Val d'Elsa all but unknown to mass tourism. We then move to our next base, the hilltop village of Volterra, an important Etruscan settlement rich in history possessing a relaxed ambiance and perfect marriage of ancient, medieval and contemporary attractions. From Volterra we enjoy walks that deliver both magnificent scenery and traditional way-of-life in equal measure. You may just feel as though you are caught in the cross-hairs of a cinematographers lens as we explore the true 'Colours of Tuscany.'

Highlights

Florence

Siena

Monteriggioni

Agriturismo

San Gimignano

Colle di Val d'Elsa

Volterra

Montecatini

Monte Voltraio

Itinerary:

1 (Sun) Arrive in Florence.2 Travel to Siena; sightseeing (2 hours) and free time. Continue to agriturismo overlooking San Gimignano.3 Beautiful walking through classic landscapes; visit San Gimignano (5 hours). Wine tasting and dinner.4 Walk to medieval Colle di Val d'Elsa (4 hours). Travel to ancient Volterra.5 Walk to hamlet of Prato d'Era, past chestnut groves and limestone cliffs. Pass Roman theatre and historical centre of Volterra on return (4.5 hours).6 Walk through forest and the spectacular Calanchi region. Picnic lunch; walk to Montecatini (4.5 hours).7 Walk towards Monte Voltraio and its crumbling castle. Walk to Villa Palagion; explore its buildings, frescos and perfumed gardens (5 hours).8 Trip ends in Volterra this morning (Sun).

Included: Peregrine tour leader, transport and sightseeing.
Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure taxes, visa fees, insurance (compulsory on all trips), additional meals, drinks, optional additional tours/activities/entrance fees during free time, optional departure transfer by private coach from Volterra to Florence, tips and spending of a personal nature.
Notes: Pre-departure document PDI Please carefully read these trip notes in conjunction with the pre-departure document (PDI) which you will recieve upon confirmation of your holiday. This important document contains further information about your European trip that you will need to know before you travel.
Meals: 7 breakfasts,3 lunches,3 dinners
Valid From: 1/01/2008
Starts/Ends: Florence/Volterra
Trip Reference: PEFT