What a great way to experience Tuscany - with a map and your own two feet. Hiking between beautiful villages you get a chance to see this famous Italian wine region, up close and personal. Our four day hike was arranged through ATG, an England based hiking company. They booked our rooms, transported our luggage to the next village, and provide us with a fairly detailed map. We hiked between 16/20kms a day (10/12 miles). Can't say we didn't get lost, but for the most part the maps were fairly accurate - as we hiked through vineyards, fields, small villages and back roads. Our final hiking destination - Siena.
San Gimignano is one of the more popular Tuscan villages. Built in medieval times, it is know as the "Town of the Fine Towers".
The hiking was not difficult but sometimes the weather didn't co-operate. When it got really wet, we did as the Italians did and stopped at a local restaurant and enjoyed some wine and a platter of cheeses, olives, prosciutto and salami - amazing.
We often saw signs marking the Via Francigena trail. This route is the common name of an ancient road and pilgrim route running from France to Rome. The route was known in Italy as the "Via Francigena" "the road that comes from France". In medieval times it was an important road and pilgrimage route for those wishing to visit Rome and see the Pope and the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Our final day of hiking took us to another famous Tuscan city - Siena. The centre plaza is really spectacular. Twice a summer thousands of tourists desend upon this city to witness a very popular horse race called the Palio di Siena - held right in the plaza.
Next Up - Florence - Room With A View
