Synopses & Reviews
James Lasdun and Pia Davis offer forty walks through the spectacular countryside of Tuscany and Umbria. Arranged for the utmost flexibility?from half-day outings easily accessible from a city base to day walks that can be linked together in a series?the itineraries combine the pleasures of walking and eating with one of the most enchanting landscapes in the world. Calling at medieval hill towns, secluded Benedictine abbeys, spring-fed pools, and Etruscan ruins,
Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria enables travelers to discover Italy?s finest delights in a singularly rewarding way.
Featuring:
? New and revised walks
? Clear, easy-to-follow maps
? Suggestions for local food and wine and the best restaurants, hotels, and family- run accommodations
? Half-day, full-day, or overnight itineraries
? Practical tips, including information on climate, what to take, what to wear, and much more
Synopsis
This book, now thoroughly revised and updated, is written to satisfy readers who want to build their holiday around walking, or those who simply want to integrate a bit of walking into their holiday. It begins with a practicalities section and extend into the walks themselves. From six or so base towns, the authors offer routes of one or two hours, half day, and one, three, and five days. There are also some extraordinary walks worth going out of the way for. There are recommendations for restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias, as well as markets and other take-away options. Additionally, the book includes suggestions for lodging, transportation, flora and many other points of interest.
Synopsis
Illuminating the dazzling landscapes and hidden delights of two of Italy's most tantalizing provinces, the authors take travelers on a series of walks that go not only deep into the classic landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, forests, and mountains, but also through hill towns, villages, and other cultural centers.Illuminating the dazzling landscapes and hidden delights of two of Italy's most tantalizing provinces, the authors take travelers on a series of walks that go not only deep into the classic landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, forests, and mountains, but also through hill towns, villages, and other cultural centers.
About the Author
James Lasdun is the author of several books of fiction and poetry, including the novel The Horned Man.
Pia Davis coordinates the companion Web site for Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria.
Table of Contents
Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria Location Map
Introduction to the 2005 Edition
Introduction to the 1997 Edition
Practical Matters
Climate and When to Go
What to Take and That to Wear
Transportation
Places to Stay
Miscellaneous
How to Use This Book
Single Day Walks
Walks of More Than a Single Day
Hiking Maps
Distances
Notes on Our Maps and Directions
Logistics Sections
Difficulty Level
Doing the Walks in Reverse
Abbreviations
Updating and the Wen Site
The Walks
Tuncany
Chianti
1. Chianti Excursion
Greve (or Lamole) to Parco San Michele
Parco San Michele to Radda, via Badia Montemuro and Volpaia
Radda to Vagliagli or San Sano
2. San Michele and Volpaia Ring Wall via Badia Montemuro
3. Radda Ring Walk
4. Lamole Ring Walk via Volpaia
5. Badia a Passignano Ring Walk with Optional Spur
6. Gaiole Ring Walk via Badia a Coltibuono
7. Brolio Ring Walk
Around Florence
8. Two Walks from Fiesole
Fiesole to Ponte a Mensola
Fiesole to Maiano
9. Madonna Del Sasso Ring Walk with Optional Spur to Santa Brigida
10. Vallombrosa/Saltino Ring Walk with Optional Spur
The Casentino
11. Casentino Excursion
Camaldoli to Campigna
Campigna to Castagno d'Andrea
Castagno d'Andrea to Passo del Muraglione
Passo del Muraglione to San Benedetto in Alpe
12. Camaldoli ring Walk
13. Badia Prataglia Ring Walk
North of Lucca
14. A Walk in the Garafagnana
West of Siena: Monteriggioni and Montagnola
15. Monteriggioni to Santa Colomba
16. Monteriggioni Ring Walk with Optional Spur to Montauto
South Tuscany
17. Monte Oliveto Maggiore to Buonconconvento
18. Buoconvento to Montalcino
19. Montalcino to Sant'Antimo
20. Sant'Antimo to Ripa D'Orcia
21. Ripa D'Orcia to Bagno Vignoni and Bagno Vignoni to Ripa D-Orcia
22. Bagno Vignoni to Pienza
23. Pienza Ring Walk
24. Pienza Montepulciano
25. Murlo Ring Walk via L Befa (Stazione Murlo) and Addenda
Pitigliano
26. Pitigliano to Fontana Dell'Olma to Sovana
Umbria
Umbria
27. Gubbio Double Ring Walk
28. Assisi: Monte Subasio and the Eremo Delle Carceri
29. Southeast Umbria
Norcia to San Eutizio: Both Ways
Piano Grande and Castelluccio Ring Walk
Two-day Sibillini Walk: Forca di Presta to Force to Castelluccio via Monte Vettore and Lago di Pilato
Bibliography
Index