Walking Tour of Tuscany

“Walking tour of Tuscany” was the newspaper heading. From the outset it didn’t sound reminiscent of a Hi-De-Ho Camp outing so I investigated further. After a few exchanges of emails with Biddy Naylor, the tour organizer from Sydney, I learnt that the groups were small, it was a series of walks around various points of interest in the region and the tour was only for women. Being an independent single woman traveler that was of great appeal. I took the plunge, booked the tour and the rest, they say, is history. Here’s my story.

The group of seven guests tentatively sought each other out at the pre-arranged meeting spot – a delightful “hidden” courtyard in the historic Aprile Hotel in Florence. Some had been in Florence for a few days, others had been travelling together for the past couple of weeks and others had arrived at the hotel that morning for the transfer to our villa at Colle Val D’Elsa. When Biddy joined us we were all chatting enthusiastically about our adventures to date and what we were hoping for in Tuscany.

Our minivan trip to Colle Val D’Elsa took just over an hour. Colle Val D’Elsa has a population of around 20,000 and is the hub of crystal production in Italy. Chances are the Italian crystal you use and enjoy is from this delightful town that dates from Mediaeval times.

Our villa, located just outside the old walled section of Colle Val D’Elsa, was stunning. A converted 17th century monastery, it stood proudly in well attended grounds and exuded a welcoming but stately aura. Lesley, the other tour leader, was on hand to greet us with what was to become a regular and tantalizing highlight of this trip – lunch….Italian style. Proscuttio, melon, bread, cheese and pasta of some type – all local, all bursting with taste and aroma. Our apartment accommodation led from the communal dining area. Each apartment had a double bedroom, bathroom and living area with a second single bed and pull out sofa bed – rustic furnishings minus the monastic austerity.

Although it was twin share accommodation, each person was certainly able to have her own privacy when needed. Our apartment was stocked with breakfast items, coffee (the staple Italian beverage) and fresh fruit each day.

Every day brought a different Tuscan experience and, surprisingly, each day’s activity was optional. There was, officially, one free day but as the tour unfolded some group members replaced the walking by opting to soak in the living history or shopping at the various destinations.

Some of the designated walks were on the national Via Francigena – the Pilgrim Walks – used over the centuries by peasants and travelers making their way around Italy. These paths took you through vineyards, olive groves, small villages and light bush and, in some instances, on the main roads. It’s wise to remember that Tuscany is hilly and so nearly all the tour walks did include some form of climbing. But for this small exertion you were richly rewarded with stunning views and an insight into the living antiquity of the region. A reliable pair of walking shoes and comfortable walking clothing together with a small backpack for refreshments is a must. Each walk reveals another aspect of Tuscan life as people go about their daily life in surroundings that, on many an occasion, I found surreal. Imagine walking into a small village to find an elderly woman routinely cleaning the tiled floor of a church that dates back to early Roman times. As a visitor I can’t take my eyes off the original architecture and frescos, as a local she can’t tolerate someone walking on her newly mopped floor.

The list of historical and cultural experiences is long and rich on this ‘tour’. Lunch at a restaurant in Lamole in the Chianti district where the views to the surrounding villages and the quality of the menu of local produce fought for first place in our hearts. The personalized tour of the historically significant Piccolomini Palazzo in Pienza followed by a dip in the mineral waters at Bagno Vinano and another sumptuous lunch on the adjoining hotel balcony. One of my favourites was the small town of Volterra with its breathtaking Roman theatre ruins. In each of these small towns the seasoned shoppers amongst us were overwhelmed by the number and quality of artisan products – jewellery, textiles, shoes, to name a few. Nothing with ‘made in China’ in these stores.

This small group of women became good friends and many shared some of their personal challenges and decisions facing them. It became apparent that this tour was also a time-out activity where some chose to think about personal issues and, if the opportunity arose, make some decisions about next steps in the company of like-minded women who could all offer support and encouragement.

In the two walk tour we enjoyed a feast of Tuscan culture, history, vistas and food – and, yes, there was some walking involved. If you’re looking to begin (or continue) your love affair with Italy, you enjoy good food, good wine and a little exercise look no further than this unique tour experience. Like the film, Shirley Valentine, you can come away enriched, empowered and excited about what you have achieved and, more importantly, what’s possible. Treat yourself – go to www.valentinetravel.com and take the next step.

Buon Viaggio!

Article by Robyn Kiddle