Tuscany Walking & Hiking "Great Value"
Tuscany Walking & Hiking "Great Value"
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Tuscany Walking & Hiking "Great Value"
8 Days Starting and ending in Cortona
Visiting: Terontola Cortona, Cortona, Molino di Bordone, Montepulciano, Monticchiello view point, Siena, Terme San Giovanni, Melone secondo del Sodo, Convento delle Celle, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 10
Physical rating:
Medium, Low, Leisurely
Age range:
25-85
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat, Pescatarian
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, One Centre Based, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Our walking holiday in Tuscany combines long, leisurely walks along footpaths and Roman roads across undulating hills, with visits to sleepy hamlets and mediaeval towns such as Siena, Cortona and Montepulciano. We stay in a luxurious yet rustic farmhouse set in the heart of Tuscany's vineyards and olive groves from which we set out each day to discover something new. This is a gastronomic journey through traditional local dishes: soups such as ribollita; pasta dishes with mushrooms and truffles or good old traditional tomato and meat ragu' sauces with pecorino and aged parmesan cheeses sprinkled on generously; pine nuts, grapes and rosemary are used liberally; enjoy panna-cotta or Cantuccini biscuits dipped in Vin Santo for dessert. Food goes with wine: Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile, Brunello and Vernaccia are synonymous with the wines coming from Tuscany's sun-drenched slopes. The list is endless and mouthwatering. The beautiful land of Tuscany has influences from the Etruscans, the Romans and the status seeking Guelphs and Ghibellines. All have left their marks in the architecture of the towns, castles and monasteries. Tuscany is a garden full of secret wonders, rich in culture and heritage, preserved and treasured by its own people, and just waiting for you to discover it!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet At Terontola-Cortona Station
Location:
Terontola Cortona, Cortona
Accommodation:
Tuscan Farmhouse
Accommodation Name:
Molino di Bordone
Meals Included:
Dinner
We meet you at the Terontola-Cortona station at 14.00. From there it takes only 10 mins to drive to the villa to relax and unwind. Over an apéritif we get to know each other in the gardens of the villa. After a briefing on the week's activities, we can all sit down to a traditional home-made dinner with fresh pasta and sauce, Tuscan wine and a delicious dessert.
Day 2 : Exploring The Hills Of Cortona
Location:
Molino di Bordone, Cortona
Accommodation:
Tuscan farmhouse
Accommodation Name:
Molino di Bordone
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We set out on foot from our farmhouse and head into the hills to walk gently up the hill to Cortona passing through tiny hamlets of stone houses, walking along ancient Roman basalt tracks and through olive groves.
We enter Cortona via one of the ancient city gates and wind along narrow streets of fascinating historic monuments. After lunch, we visit the Etruscan museum with a guide and then there is free time to indulge in a gelato or sit with a cappuccino in a café.
Walking time: 3 hours
Distance 9.5 km (6miles)
Ascent +300 m
Day 3 : A Walk Between Two Tuscan Hill Towns — The Full Monti!
Location:
Montepulciano, Monticchiello view point
Accommodation:
Tuscan Farmhouse
Accommodation Name:
Molino di Bordone
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The two fortified mediaeval walled hill towns of Monticchiello and Montepulciano stand at over 500 and 600 meters and are connected by trails through extensive farmland of vines, olives, and oak forests. A great walk with lots of exploring and history!
Our first approach is from the famous zigzag cypress-lined road featured on the cover of brochures and television advertisements! Monticchiello feels very sleepy today with its pretty flower gardens, but during its 800-year-old history
Monticchiello was often the object of wars and assaults, destruction and occupations, right up until the second world war! Allow yourself to be cast back in time as you explore the narrow streets, the fortress and ruined towers, and pop your head inside the 13th-century gothic church to see Lorenzetti's Madonna con Bambino alter piece.
Montepulciano on the other hand is a bustling little city with one winding street (1.5kn) that climbs up to a charming main square, (Piazza Grande) which crowns the summit with a circle of civic buildings and a town hall reminiscent of the Palazzo Vecchio of Florence.
Walking time: 3 hours Distance 9.5 km (6 miles) Ascent +300 m
Day 4 : Siena And Hot Thermal Springs
Location:
Siena, Terme San Giovanni
Accommodation:
Tuscan Farmhouse
Accommodation Name:
Molino di Bordone
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Dinner
Siena has origins that delve deeply into the Etruscan and Roman past, but what we see here is the most beautiful and completely mediaeval cities in the world. It has imposing city walls, a Palazzo Pubblico with a tower that almost touches the sky, and a scallop shaped main square, Il Campo where the famous Palio horse race runs every year.
Our local guide will deftly take you on a historic city walk through the ages and to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. After free time to have lunch, look around and visit museums we then head to the hot thermal baths of Rapolano Terme to relax and swim in these healing waters and enjoy unique views of Tuscany at sunset.
Change ready to enjoy an evening stroll (the Italian Passeggiata) and dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 5 : A Walk In The Footsteps Of The Etruscans And Saint Francis
Location:
Melone secondo del Sodo, Convento delle Celle, Cortona
Accommodation:
Tuscan Farmhouse
Accommodation Name:
Molino di Bordone
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We visit Cortona's monumental Etruscan burial tombs and learn more about the ancient practices of the Etruscan culture and its impact on the territory.
Our hiking trail lies on the lower southern flank of Monte Egidio and follows gravel and dirt tracks past streams, stone houses, olive groves and through oak forests.
Evidence of Cortona's farming tradition over a span of 2000 years is gradually revealed. We stop to explore the tranquil 12th century hermitage of Saint Francis and then continue to the town of Cortona itself.
Day 6 : Walking The Scenic Val D'orcia
Location:
Pienza, Bagno Vignoni
Accommodation:
Tuscan Farmhouse
Accommodation Name:
Molino di Bordone
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We journey to Pienza, famous for Pecorino cheese and Renaissance architecture. The town of Pienza was built in 1458 on top of the old village of Corsignano at the request of Pope Pio II Piccolomini as a symbol of the Italian Renaissance.
From the walls of the city, you get some of the most beautiful views in Tuscany -the breathtaking Orcia valley, immortalised in 2000 in the Gladiator film. From here we step out into its rolling hills with the walls and towers of the mediaeval village of San Quirico D'Orcia beckoning us.
We are now on the Via Francigena, which has seen the passage of pilgrims and popes, knights and mercenaries, kings and emperors. All have walked the same country lanes and woodland tracks to reach the mineral-rich waters at Bagno Vignoni and bathe in its hot pools of bubbling volcanic water.
Fancy dipping your feet in? No problem!
Day 7 : Abbey Of Monte Oliveto And Its Artistic Treasures
Location:
Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento
Accommodation:
Tuscan Farmhouse
Accommodation Name:
Molino di Bordone
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A spectacular drive through the Crete Senesi takes us to the abbey. The beautiful frescoes in the cloisters, painted by Renaissance artists, Sodoma and Signorelli tell the story of the life of Saint Benedict. Our scenic walk gives us plenty fo time to admire the contrasts in this unusual and rather desolate landscape of ochre-coloured hills. We arrive at the walled village of Buonconvento to enjoy a gelato and think about the pilgrims on the Via Francigena who stopped to rest here on their way to Rome.
Day 8 : Departure Day
Location:
Molino di Bordone, Pisa International Airport
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Drop off Pisa airport: After an early Breakfast we leave Cortona to make our way to Pisa airport arriving at 11:30 am
What's Included
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Meals – Full Board
A nourishing breakfast, every morning; Gourmet picnics & packed lunches prepared with love using local ingredients and typical recipes; occasional trattoria-style lunches Selected local wines with every meal and water of course; Our favourite local and gourmet restaurants owned by real local people (mainly family run business) who serve delicious typical food of the area! We set the menu for you so that you can have a 360° taste of all the food of the regions 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches 7 Dinners Drinks with Meals Wine, water & coffee. No spirits This tour offers Vegetarian and Vegan food options on request. Simply let us know the food option that you prefer
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Drinks with Meals
Wine, water & coffee. No spirits
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Local Taxes
Tourist taxes at Hotels
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Meals – Half Board
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per itinerary
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Local specialist guiding fees
For local specialist sites
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Accommodation
7 Nights at a luxuriously restored and elegant 17th century Farmhouse Villa ideally located for exploring Tuscany A nice hotel and a good night's sleep are an important part of your overall travel experience! When considering a hotel, we look at more than just the rooms. We look for hotels or bed and breakfasts which are committed to ensuring their guests are well looked after and pay attention to detail, for example offering locally sourced breakfast produce, or a special selection of toiletries, or tea and coffee making facilities in the room. Wherever possible your hotel will be perfectly positioned for exploring and will have a historical charm or maybe a new and innovative design. We choose the best possible places to stay ensuring that each night you are comfortably settled in a place that is welcoming and full of authentic local charm. We are on a mission to find the ingredients you need to wake feeling rested and looking forward to each day of your Caspin Journeys tour! Take a closer look at some properties we have chosen for you... Owner Guided.
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Fully Guided
Owner Guided. Fully Guided: 2 experienced Caspin Journeys Tour Leaders/guides 24/7 Service of expert multilingual Caspin Journeys Leaders/ guides with extraordinary local knowledge, available for the duration of your trip.
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Tipping and Gratuities
All gratuities for Hotel porters and Waiters service
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Walking sticks
One walking stick per person
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Water is carried in support vehicle for daily refills
What's Not Included
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Mini Bar & Bar Drinks
Please do not forget to settle your bill before leaving each Hotel
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Country Entry Visas
International travel always requires a valid passport(minimum six months).
Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure.
It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your Holiday- vacation. -
Airport Transfers at Destination
Not all tours include airport transfers (see Itinerary)
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Train Tickets
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and Gratuities for your Trip Leaders is at your discretion
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International Travel
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Travel Insurance
N.
B.
It is a requirement of booking with Caspin Journeys Ltd that you have adequate personal travel insurance to cover the eventualities of your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 1 of 3
Leisurely: Walking and hiking trails and paths through rolling countryside with occasional steep trails with up to 350m elevation gain/loss. Fairly easy: Walks and hikes through gentle terrain, across fields, along coastal trails with little elevation gain/loss; altitude is not a factor. Occasionally slightly uneven paths and trails.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes. 2 experienced Caspin Journeys guides 24/7
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes. As listed in the itinerary
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What is the maximum group size?
10
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euros
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I'm a single Traveller. Will I be comfortable?
Yes, we do have guests who travel on their own and you’ll feel welcomed as we travel in small groups — max 10 — made up of couples, friends, solo travellers or family members travelling together.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your vacation.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 3 of 3
Strenuous: Full day hikes, 5-8 hours, requiring good stamina and some trekking through rugged mountainous terrain with steep climbs and descents of as much as 1500m, altitudes that can exceed 2000m and some rugged uneven footpaths. For full enjoyment of these tours good fitness is required.
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 2 of 3
Moderate:Activity that involves walks and hikes mostly on unpaved trails and paths through hilly terrain with typical elevation gains and losses of 350-600m. Occasional steep and uneven sections of trails and steps. Challenging:Full day hikes, approximately 4-6 hours through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains and losses (600-900m). Terrain may be rugged with uneven footpaths.
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How can I purchase insurance for my Trip?
Travel insurance helps you relax about the holiday/vacation you are planning ahead. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Some insurance companies offer protection called “cancel for any work-related reason”. Make sure you take out insurance within the stipulated no. of days of making your reservation with us. We do not sell insurance.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
NO. (Unless on a private bespoke tour or by special arrangement)
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Covid-19 Important: Please check for any vaccine requirements with the health authority of your country of origin
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
In the FAQ we have included Activity Levels Explained. (please check them out)
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I am a vegetarian or have Dietary restrictions. Can yo accommodate this?
Yes! On the booking form or on a separate email you can provide us information on any special requests or requirements you may have. If you are vegetarian, let us know if that means you do/ do not eat poultry and/or fish. We pass the information along so that you do not have to worry about it during the trip. We can accommodate most dietary requests, so please do not hesitate to let us know.
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How Fit do I need to be to do a Caspin Journeys trip
You need to be healthy and have good general fitness. Our trips are not marathons. If you walk, swim, play golf or do another aerobic activity to stay fit, you shouldn’t have any trouble on our trips. Our trips have different levels of activity and you can choose the level that fits you best. And even then, you will have options. The Caspin support vehicle. Read about our Activity Levels
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What if I dont want to participate in a scheduled walk or visit?
Our guides will make suggestions and you can choose what appeals to you. You may want to linger longer in a museum, sketch, watch the world go by in a café or shop while others are out walking. Many of our walks can be abbreviated with the option to jump in the minivan and catch a lift. This is your vacation not a marathon and it is important to us that you go home relaxed and invigorated.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Because our hotel prices are based on double/twin bedrooms, we must charge a single supplement to an individual traveller using a private room on a trip. The single supplement reflects those costs — we don’t make money on it. To keep down these costs we book economical double rooms and they are sometimes smaller, even though they cost more per person.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. We can assist with advice with pre or post tour accommodation but require you to book direct.
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Can I speak to someone who has done this trip?
Of course! We can put you in touch with a reference who has done that trip. Just contact us!
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes. You will mostly travel in our own air-conditioned Minibus from start to finish
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
As listed in the itinerary. (Not all tours include airport transfers)
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Will I need a Passport or Visa if I'm travelling internationally
International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your holiday/vacation.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes. We transport your luggage between hotels and bring it to your room. You may bring only 1 case and 1 daypack . 1 MEDIUM CASE (60 cm/24″ x 40 cm/16″ x 25 cm/10″) + 1 DAY PACK (43 cm/17″ x 33 cm/13″ x 15 cm/6″). We have limited space in the minibus and will ask you to pay transfer costs. During the day you only carry snacks, water, rainproof and personal items in your daypack
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes. Prior to departure Caspin Journeys will provide you with useful information which will include: Names of the Participant. Details of Accommodation. Background reading. Packing list. Travel support.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Entrance fees to museums, events and parks as listed in the itinerary
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4star +
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your vacation.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. 2 experienced guides 24/7, Local specialist guiding, All English speaking
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If you are the first to Book, You tour booking will be taken on a provisional basis, we will keep you updated and confirm the tour as soon as we reach six. We aim to confirm a tour at least 75 days before departure.
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Company Instant Book
Yes We do. However, we strongly advice you to contact us to verify availability and check whether tour departure is guaranteed before you make any payments
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Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip even after I've already made a reservation?
Transfers to another trip are allowed subject to availability. After your final payment due date we are unable to allow transfers. Any cancellation will follow the Cancellation Policy in our terms and conditions. When transferring to a different date or trip, if the trip costs more than your original trip, you must pay the difference. Exceptions to the Transfer Policy include our Private Trips.
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What is the tipping policy?
In the Service industry in Europe, tipping is customary but not obligatory and at one’s discretion. We at Caspin Journeys have a policy of tipping 10% for the great service we get from our hotels, restaurants and specialist guides. These gratuities are included in the price of your trip (Except for your Trip Leaders).
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Which Airport to Fly to?
Pick-up and drop off at Naples International Airport. If you plan on staying in Naples for a few days early just make your way there and back on the airport shuttle bus which goes directly into town every 20 minutes.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Joining instruction icluding backgroud reading
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travelling opens our minds and broadens our horizons and it is better still if we do it responsibly and sustainably, and continuously improve our understanding and appreciation for the world around us.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Transfers to another trip are allowed subject to availability. After your final payment due date we are unable to allow transfers. Any cancellation will follow the Cancellation Policy in our terms and conditions. When transferring to a different date or trip, if the trip costs more than your original trip, you must pay the difference. Exceptions to the Transfer Policy include our Private and Custo
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1992
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Face masks will be required on all transportation. We will have a supply as a backup. The spacious minibus will be sanitized and aired throughout the day. Dining at larger or separate tables and al fresco if possible! Sanitation measures –We are constantly reviewing the cleaning protocols with accommodation providers to ensure they comply with the most current safety guidelines.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We tailored the best journeys for who wants to enjoy Italy, England, Spain or Corsica in small groups with like-minded
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
NO
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No
Reviews
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Caspin Journeys requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
Tuscany Walking & Hiking "Great Value"
8 Days Starting and ending in Cortona
Visiting: Terontola Cortona, Cortona, Molino di Bordone, Montepulciano, Monticchiello view point, Siena, Terme San Giovanni, Melone secondo del Sodo, Convento delle Celle, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 10
Physical rating:
Medium, Low, Leisurely
Age range:
25-85
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat, Pescatarian
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, One Centre Based, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
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