Escape the tourist traps — visit the heart and soul of Italy. Trade bustling piazzas for vineyard-laced valleys and postcard-perfect villages clinging to rugged hilltops. Hike beneath the Tuscan sun, breathing in the scent of wild rosemary as ancient castles peek through the trees. Unwind each evening with steaming plates of pasta and generous glasses of local wine, knowing tomorrow brings another adventure on unforgettable trails.
From gentle vineyard strolls to challenging climbs through the Apennines, find an itinerary tailored to your fitness level and interests.
Ditch the guesswork. Your guides will take you off the beaten path, weave in local history, and help you find the best panoramas.
Focus on the scenery, not the stress. We’ll handle all the logistics, all you need to do is hike and relax.
This ancient Roman pilgrimage route meandering through woodlands and vineyards is made up of 15 different sections, all well-marked and suitable for hikers, bikers, and even riders.
Also known as the ‘Path of the Gods’, this moderate 80-mile (130 km) hike rewards you with the most stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline.
For a more challenging hike, head to the Apuan Alps. This dramatic mountain range offers many trails packed with breathtaking scenery, marble peaks, deep valleys, and hidden caves.
It was a great 5 days walking, and our group of 5 all felt it was a moderate to tough walk at times. Early October – Good time of year to walk 23-25 degrees each day..wonderful towns and villages along the way. Via Francigena was not busy and the terrain was hard on the feet ( some blisters!) at times, so definitely wear good walking shoes.. Take a stick for some of the climbs and surfaces. There are often 2 routes out of the towns and we always took the more scenic route which meant we covered 127km and not the 110k advertised. Signposts were pretty good all the way and we are glad we forwarded our big luggage each day.
Overall a great walk ending in historic Rome!. We stayed on for 3 days to see some sights and do some more walking !!.
This greatly depends on the types of hikes you want to do.
For easy access to the Via Francigena, choose the charming hill town of San Gimignano. There are several sections of the Via Francigena that you can easily access from San Gimignano, and the town itself is a beautiful place to relax after a day of hiking.
Lucca is another great option, close to numerous famous hikes. Make sure to visit its charming historic center and the authentic restaurants & shops.
Florence is a great base for exploring the Via Degli Dei, as the trail starts just outside of the city. However, Florence can be quite crowded, so you may want to consider staying in a smaller town nearby, such as Greve in Chianti or Bagno a Ripoli.
If you’re taking your hikes to the Apuan Alps, choose between the mountain towns of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana or the more northern Barga. Both of these towns are close to several popular alpine hiking trails.
It’s tough to tell what the most scenic part of Tuscany is. I mean, it’s one of the most beautiful regions in the world!
If we had to narrow it down to 3 areas, our picks would be Val d’Orcia, the Tuscan Coast, and the Apuan Alps.
Val d’Orcia: This valley south of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exactly what you imagine when you think of Tuscany. Rolling hills dotted with vineyards, cypress trees lining winding roads, and charming medieval hill towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano create a picture-perfect panorama.
The Tuscan Coast: If rugged coastlines are more your style, Tuscany’s western shores offer sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns like Castiglione della Pescaia and Forte dei Marmi.
The Apuan Alps: This mountain range in northwest Tuscany offers a dramatic alternative to rolling hills. Jagged marble peaks, deep valleys, and hidden caves create a breathtaking and challenging landscape for hikers and nature lovers.
It’s up to you!
If all you need is a quick taste of Tuscany, aim to spend 3-5 days there. Focus on one area or city like Florence, Siena, or the Chianti region. Explore the main sights, indulge in delicious food and wine, and soak in the Tuscan atmosphere on epic day hikes.
With 7-10 days, you can delve deeper into the culture and history. Explore several towns and villages, enjoy a multi-day hike through the countryside, and maybe even take a cooking class! You could also add a day trip to the coast or the Apuan Alps for a change of scenery.
For true immersion, 10 days or more is ideal. You can explore all the must-see sights, relax on the beaches, take day trips to hidden gems, and really get a feel for the Tuscan way of life. Consider a vineyard or a farm stay to experience the local culture fully!
The best times to visit Tuscany for hiking are during the shoulder seasons: spring (from late March to early June) and autumn (from September to November).
First off, you’ll avoid the summer heat (July and August) which can make hiking strenuous and less enjoyable. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
Also, compared to the peak summer tourist season, you’ll encounter fewer crowds on the trails and in the charming Tuscan towns. This creates a more peaceful and authentic hiking experience.
Spring offers a vibrant display of wildflowers painting the Tuscan countryside in color. In autumn, the rolling hills transform with fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow during foliage season.
The Golden Triangle of Tuscany refers to the region formed by three of the most famous and captivating cities in Tuscany: Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano.
These three cities form a triangle roughly in the heart of Tuscany, with each being within a day trip distance of the others. This makes the Golden Triangle an ideal region for exploring a variety of Tuscan highlights – art, history, architecture, and delicious food and wine – all in a relatively compact area.
