Autumn is the perfect time to explore the iconic Italian regions of Umbria and Tuscany on foot when crowds and the heat have dissipated, the air is fresh, trees are a riot of russet and amber, and the vines, olive groves and chestnuts have ripened.
A beautiful and seductive quality of light envelops the rolling dales and medieval hilltop towns of Umbria and Tuscany in autumn, which is why European, self-guided walking tour operator, On Foot Holidays, is inviting intrepid travellers to save 10 per cent by combining its hikes through Umbria and Tuscany this autumn. And only on foot, by slowing the pace of life to a steady walk, can travellers authentically experience the magic of both regions, with their rich history, cuisine, wine and culture – and their friendly locals.
Designed for independent travellers, On Foot Holidays’ portfolio of 35 immersive and eco-sustainable walking journeys across Europe see walkers stay at a series of rural B&Bs, farmstays, boutique hotels and rustic villas, with luggage transferred between the accommodation each day so hikers can follow the trail unencumbered by heavy rucksacks. Walkers select their departure dates from those available and all routes are designed by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays. The Umbria and Tuscany walk combination totals 15 nights.
The eight-night Umbria walk begins in the medieval town of Spoleto, with its cathedrals, fortress and cobbled streets, with travellers walking over vine-clad hills to the lake at Piediluco and up to the picturesque hilltop village of Labro. The journey continues through woodland, bucolic pastures, hilltop villages and an ancient bridge, before arriving at Casperia, one of the most picturesque medieval villages in the region. The final two days of hiking will bring you through open woodlands around Misciani to the pretty village of Castelnuovo di Farfa with its olive oil museum, and then to two abbeys – the thriving Abbey of Farfa and the meagre hilltop ruins of San Martino. From this last vantage point you may be lucky enough to glimpse Rome in the distance.
Including eight nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, three dinners, two picnics, local transfers and luggage transfers, the walk costs from £1140 per person, twin-share (approximately A$2152 depending on exchange rates). The walk is ideal in autumn in September and October. Link to walk – A self-guided walking holiday in Umbria, Italy, with On Foot Holidays
Meanwhile, On Foot’s seven-night Southern Tuscany hike from Siena to Montepulciano takes in Renaissance hill-top towns, mysterious abbeys, ancient thermal baths and picture-postcard hills dotted with classic olive and cypress trees and rustic wineries. Including seven nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, one evening meal, one picnic, daily luggage transfers and track notes, the walk costs £869 per person, twin-share (approximately A$1750 depending on exchange rates), including the special 10 per cent saving as the second walk booked as part of the same European trip. Link to walk – A self-guided walking holiday in Southern Tuscany with On Foot Holidays
www.onfootholidays.co.uk
