Our Friends Are Your Friends
As lovely as the famed Tuscan countryside and cuisine are, they’re at their best when enjoyed in good company. Here, our friends are your friends, and we have great ones. But that’s what happens when you spend 20 years in a place getting to know everyone worth knowing. Giovanni brings Cortona to life for us. In Umbria, we’ll ask Mamma Dina to serve up her famous homemade pasta for us. And before we part, our friends at the Avignonesi winery will send us off in style. Friendship is the most trusted currency here, and we love to share the wealth as much as we do the tiramisù.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect on your custom-designed Bespoke Tuscany Walking adventure. Intrigued? Contact a Bespoke Trip Planner for further details.
Day 1 Introduce your tastebuds to some new friends: prosciutto e melone and insalata caprese
Day 2 Wind down post-walk by the pool at the sublime Villa di Piazzano
Day 3 Retrace a Roman road through vineyards and olive groves to 4thC (B.C.!) Cortona
Day 4 Savour a homemade lunch before walking into sublime Montepulciano
Day 5 While away the afternoon in Pienza, an ideal Renaissance town
Day 6 Breakfast in Montepulciano, then arrivederci in Arezzo
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Villa di Piazzano, Piazzano
This 16thC hunting lodge of a Tuscan cardinal has been beautifully restored and overlooks olive groves and wheat fields. We are warmly welcomed by the Italian-Australian owners, whose garden is the perfect spot to take in the sunset after a good day’s adventure.
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Villa Marsili, Cortona
Featuring frescoed bedroom walls and stunning views of the countryside, this hotel is ideally situated within the ancient walls of the medieval town centre.
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Villa Cicolina, Montepulciano
Once the home of a noble family, the Villa Cicolina embodies Tuscany with its rustic charms and fresh décor. Lounge by the infinity pool in the midst of the olive grove embracing the exquisite views, or wander through the adjacent vineyards. With just 11 rooms, this heavenly villa is ours to enjoy, and Stefania is attentive to all of our whims.
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Elena Zahorik
Tuscany Walking 2011
"It's the mix of expert guidance and freedom to break away that really makes B&R trips special for me. They make me feel like much more of a "traveller" than a tourist. I feel like I can allow myself to get lost in these unfamiliar parts of the world, while still enjoying all the perks of being superbly well-taken care of."
Suzanne Pierce
Tuscany Walking 2010
“The in-door picnic with the sing along was a favorite moment. But it was topped by the final dinner at Aversignon that included a tour of the grade dry room.”
Chris & Denise Pastina
Tuscany Walking 2010
“Our tour guides were excellent. Their efforts to organize and manage the Tuscany walk exceeded Chris' and my expectations. They met our every need, answered our every question, and were a joy to travel with. My favorites: eating figs off trees, or homemade pasta and wine at a local's home; taste testing olive oil with an expert, and finally touring and eating at the Avignonesi vineyard. The walks made me feel invigorated each day, not to mention better educated, as I learned of the history and culture of Tuscany.”
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Moderate
This trip is rated Moderate. We walk on wide, well-maintained trails. The average daily distance is 11 km (7 mi.). We have some steep climbs with stunning views, and a few steep downhills. The B&R van is always nearby if you feel you need a lift.
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