Artistic Umbria
A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
A taste of Tuscany - food, wine, art, history and scenic landscapes, Tuscany is a delight for all your senses. Enjoy wine and olive oil tasting in Montecatini Alto, and cook your own Tuscan dinner at a local farm!
Tuscany
Food & Wine
Culture
May
Sep
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
Tuscany, a region home to culture, art, history, food and wine! Known as the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Tuscany’s beautiful cities and towns are home to magnificent churches and cathedrals, as well as numerous art galleries and historical architecture.
Stay in Montecatini Terme, a charming town in the Tuscan province of Pistoia. Known as an ancient spa town, this beautiful centre is decorated with elegant architecture, ornate fountains, and beautiful thermal baths. The town has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its thermal waters have been popular with tourists since Roman times.
Immerse yourself in Italian culture and Tuscan cuisine. One of the oldest funiculars in the world will whisk you up to Montecatini Alto, a delightful medieval village with spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside. Local trains will be your gateway to exploring picturesque regions and Tuscany's treasures, including Pistoia and San Gimignano. Expert local guides will lead you through the highlights of Florence and Siena.
Delight in the flavours of Tuscany as you savour dinners in the hotel and local restaurants in Montecatini Terme. Enjoy wine tasting in the hotel on your first night, Tuscany is famous for its red wine! Experience a unique culinary adventure with a visit to a local farm, where you'll learn about Italian cuisine, cook your traditional Tuscan dinner, and indulge in local wines. Additionally, enjoy a light lunch with wine at a olive farm, where olive oil tasting will be a treat for your palate.
From food and wine to art, history, and scenic landscapes, Tuscany promises to be a delightful feast for all your senses!
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
51700
A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Savour the moment as you lift your Prosecco-filled glass and let the delicate, fruity aroma excite your tastebuds. As your eyes wander over the picturesque landscape, admire the gentle slopes enveloping the quaint vineyards and centuries-old villages. Lean back, unwind, and bask in the beauty of Italy's enchanting Prosecco hills.
Discover paradise along the shores of Italy's Lake Como. Visit Villa Balbianello’s idyllic terraced gardens, alluring Villa Melzi in Bellagio and venture to Varenna by ferry and discover Villa Cipressi, alongside Villa Monastero. Explore one of the most famous of Lake Como's villas, Villa Carlotta.
Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Montalbano as we explore the baroque towns, imposing architecture, world class archaeology and dramatic coastlines in the much overlooked region of South Eastern Sicily.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Montecatini Terme is charming town in the Tuscan province of Pistoia. Known as an ancient spa town, this beautiful centre is decorated with elegant architecture, ornate fountains and beautiful thermal baths. The streets are filled with boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Be sure to try the typical Tuscan wafer biscuit, known as Cialda!
You'll stay in the four-star Hotel Torretta, one of the only remaining family run hotels in Montecatini Terme. Although this hotel is not in the main centre of Montecatini Terme, it has been selected as its a welcoming family run hotel in a quieter area and just a short walk to the main town and a twenty minute walk to the train station. The walk takes you along paths decorated with trees towards the main streets of Montecatini Terme where you'll find bars, restaurants and small shops, perhaps take an evening stroll after dinner. The hotel is close to local thermal pools and the funicular to Montecatini Alto. This traditionally decorated hotel has a restaurant and bar area. Its beautiful garden has a luxurious outdoor swimming pool with its own waterfall and jacuzzi.
You'll stay in traditionally decorated twin, double and single rooms. Single rooms typically have small double beds. Facilities includes
Please note that there are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms in this hotel. However, please ask the bar for hot water, tea or coffee, if you wish to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in your bedroom.
Trip Information
We class Grade 3 as leisurely; walks are generally a little longer than level 2, with undulations but over a longer distance. Where sightseeing distances are longer, we take a full day with opportunities to stop, rest and refuel. Generally, itineraries involve easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks,
Usual daily walks - Distance: 4 miles; Ascent/Descent 300m; Terrain: generally good paths and tracks; Walking Time: Half Day or Full Day walks.
The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .
We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary. We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing and visits planned to let you fully experience the area along with opportunities to relax at our wonderful hotel and enjoy your surroundings.
Food & Wine
Local cuisine and wines are an important ingredient in everyone’s plans, and our Food & Wine holidays aim to include dining out at local restaurants where we can, as part of your experiences, as well as delving a little deeper into local delicacies and including visits and tastings at wineries and beer houses, plus we might explore a city on a food tour with stops to visit a market, enjoy a cookery class or follow a tapas or meze trail. We have time to discover the local cuisine, and enjoy dinner in the hotel and local restaurants in Montecatini Terme. On one evening we will have dinner in a local restaurant in Lucca and on another we visit a local farm where we will learn about Italian cuisine, and spend the evening cooking our own traditional Tuscan dinner and enjoying local wines! One light lunch with wine is included at a local villa where we’ll also enjoy olive oil tasting.
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Currency in Italy
The currency in Italy is the Euro. You may wish to take some euro cash with you until you reach an ATM. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Getting to your Holiday
Fly from London to Pisa and return. On some dates flights may be to or from Bologna airport, and on some dates we may offer more than one flight from a regional airport or from London airports. Please be aware that there may be a wait at the airport as the transfers for all flights may be combined on arrival and departure.
Transfer by private coach to Montecatini Terme, which will take approximately 50 minutes. Additional London flights are available on some dates. Please be aware that there may be a wait at the airport as the transfers for all flights may be combined on arrival and/or departure.
During the week, you will transfer by train, private coach and taxi. The hotel is a twenty minute walk from the train station which sometimes means an earlier start. The walk takes you along paths decorated with trees towards the main streets of Montecatini Terme where you'll find bars, restaurants and small shops, perhaps take an evening stroll after dinner. Some days you will walk to/from the train station but the leader can arrange taxi's if you would prefer not to walk (included in the holiday cost), please speak to your leader during the holiday.
If you intend joining and leaving the party in Italy, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please be aware that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.
Hotel Transfers
When you book a Flight-Inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
All breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday cost.
A continental breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant and includes delicacies such as hams, cheese, eggs, bacon, fruit and pastries.
You'll enjoy dinner in the hotels restaurant and in local restaurants in Montecatini Terme. You’ll be served a freshly prepared three course meal plus a salad buffet at the hotel. Most local restaurants are within a fifteen to twenty minute walking distance from the hotel. Local restaurants allow you to enjoy an authentic experience and sometimes lively atmosphere in a traditional Italian restaurant along with local diners and the Italian hospitality.
On one evening you will visit a local farm where you have the opportunity to learn about Italian cuisine, and spend the evening cooking your own traditional Tuscan dinner! Wine tasting will be included too.
In Italy, traditional meals may include primo, il secondo, and dolce, depending on the individual restaurant. Primo can be served as an appetiser and usually consists of rich pasta, soup or risotto. The main course is called il secondo and usually includes meat, fish or vegetarian. The dolce refers to the dessert and ends a traditional Italian meal.
One light lunch is included on day two. Remaining lunches are not included in the cost of the holiday. Sumptuous markets and food shops are just a short walk from the hotel so picnic supplies of the highest standard will be easily available. Most of your days will be spent in cities and towns surrounded by a number of Italian cafes and restaurants too.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
Electricity in Italy
Electricity in Italy is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found Power Plugs Sockets.
Ideal Maps & Guidebooks
Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which may offer you more information. Apart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holiday destinations. You may find the below websites, books and programmes useful.
Maps of the areas we visit (1:200 000 scale) are available locally and at specialist map shops in the UK.
The Rough Guide to Italy has some useful insights into the area and sites we will be seeing and lots of other in-depth information about the country.
BBC Second Chance of Summer: Tuscany Season 1
Gino’s Italian Express: Tuscany by Stam
Gino’s Italian Escape: Hidden Italy Tuscany
Lonely Planet: Florence & Tuscany
Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany
The Rough Guide to Tuscany and Umbria
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Health Advice for Italy
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Italy.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
GHIC / EHIC Cards
Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.
It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
Reviews
Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 67mm
February
Avg. Rain: 62mm
March
Avg. Rain: 63mm
April
Avg. Rain: 61mm
May
Avg. Rain: 56mm
June
Avg. Rain: 47mm
July
Avg. Rain: 35mm
August
Avg. Rain: 48mm
September
Avg. Rain: 64mm
October
Avg. Rain: 89mm
November
Avg. Rain: 96mm
December
Avg. Rain: 82mm
View Dates & Book
Can't find what you're looking for?
Call for help or regional flights on 01707 817260