Italy: Walking and Wine in the Apennines

Italy: Walking and Wine in the Apennines

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8 Days From

$2369

Italy: Walking and Wine in the Apennines

8 Days Starting and ending in BOLOGNA

Visiting: Metropolitan City of Bologna, Urbino, Fiorenzuola di Focara, Fossombrone, Furlo Gorge Tunnel, Bacciardi, Gubbio, Bologna

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

ITY

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

High, Moderate / High

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$2369 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Richly diverse, the Apennine Mountains stretch along the length of peninsular Italy for some 1200 kilometers. Sandwiched between the waters of the Adriatic on one side and the western plains that are home to some of Italy’s most historic cities on the other, the peaks form the backbone of the Italian spine and lay claim to some of the country’s best hiking destinations.Our journey concentrates on the wine and walking along the chain’s northern slopes, around the historic towns of Urbino and Gubbio and amongst the serene landscapes of La Marche and the Umbrian peaks. We begin in the UNESCO town of Urbino, where we’ll enjoy the delights of one of Italy’s most splendid renaissance settings, before ending our journey amongst the equally impressive medieval architecture of Gubbio.Enjoying a hedonistic mix of fine wines, wonderful food and characterful accommodation along the way, our journey takes in spectacular coastal walks, captivating mountain scenery and a sense for historical tradition that is quintessentially Italian. Few places do culture, cuisine and custom so well, so join us on this intoxicating Apennine adventure.

Highlights

  • Help prepare some traditional pasta dishes

  • Wander the medieval streets of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Urbino

  • Walk through the famous Furlo Gorge

  • Sample the delicious cuisine of La Marche including its renowned wines

  • Get off the beaten track while hiking in the stunning Apennines

  • Visit the medieval fortified town of Gubbio

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Tour Starts In Bologna; Transfer To Urbino

Location: Metropolitan City of Bologna, Urbino

Accommodation: The Lupin View or similar

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

The tour starts at Bologna airport from where we'll be driven two hours to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Urbino, our base for the next four nights. (*Alternatively, you can join the tour directly in Urbino*). There will be an opportunity to freshen up at the agritourism guesthouse before driving the short distance to the hilltop town that was the birthplace of the Renaissance painter, Raphael. A tour of its picturesque streets then takes in the Duke’s Palace Museum and the stunning frescos of the Oratory of St John the Baptist, before returning to our guesthouse for dinner.

Day 2 : Urbino - Fiorenzuola Di Focara - Urbino

Location: Urbino, Fiorenzuola di Focara, Urbino

Accommodation: The Lupin View or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heading to the coast this morning we’ll enjoy a 10km walk amongst the scenic beauty of the San Bartolo Natural Park. A spectacular region of plunging sandstone cliffs and idyllic beaches, the park wends it way alongside the glittering waters of the Adriatic. Stopping for lunch in the pretty hilltop village of Fiorenzuola di Focara, this afternoon then provides an opportunity for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic, before continuing on to the fortified splendour of Gradara, recently voted as the best medieval town in Italy. *Approx. 3-4 hrs walking (200m ascent, 300m descent. Total distance 10kms, highest point 175m)*

Day 3 : Urbino - Fossombrone - Urbino

Location: Urbino, Fossombrone, Urbino

Accommodation: The Lupin View or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day to appeal to all the senses, we enjoy the distinctive attractions of the Cesane Forest and the Metauro River Valley on a stunning 12km walk. Beginning amongst the forest trails that lead down to the village of Fossombrone, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and a visit to the old fortified citadel and monastery, before transferring on to a local vineyard. This affords an opportunity to sample the local wines and olive oil of the region, before returning to Urbino for dinner in the heart of the old town. *Approx. 4-5 hrs walking (300m ascent, 500m descent. Total distance 12kms, highest point 642m)*

Day 4 : Urbino - Furlo Gorge - Urbino

Location: Urbino, Furlo Gorge Tunnel, Urbino

Accommodation: The Lupin View or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Beginning with a drive out to the Furlo Gorge, today sees us embarking on a beautiful walk beside the waters of the Candigliano River, to enjoy some of the natural bounty of an area popularly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Italy. With a history stretching back to the Etruscans, the canyon also marks the start of the trail leading up to the top of Mount Pietralata, from where we’ll enjoy some truly inspiring views before descending to dinner at the charming Ca’ Maddalena Agritourism. *Approx. 6-7 hrs walking (400m ascent, 400m descent. Total distance 15kms, highest point 875m)*

Day 5 : Urbino - Bacciardi

Location: Urbino, Bacciardi

Accommodation: Agriturismo Slowcanda or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heading deep into the heart of the Apennines today after breakfast we’ll depart Urbino and head southwest, towards the small town of Piobbico. After paying a visit to the 13th century Castle Brancaleoni we then enjoy a light lunch, before beginning a walk up through the forest and along the side of a gently flowing river to the tiny hamlet of Bacciardi. Our destination is the captivating Slowcanda guesthouse, nestling along the slopes of Monte Nerone on the eastern flanks of the Apennines. *Approx. 2-3 hrs walking (200m ascent, 0m descent. Total distance 6.5kms, highest point 514m)*

Day 6 : Bacciardi - Gubbio

Location: Bacciardi, Gubbio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Gattapone or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A slightly different start to the day begins with us helping Slowcanda’s cooks to prepare this evening’s meal of pasta and ravioli, before we set off towards the summit of Monte Nerone (1500m). Tackling the northeastern edge of the peak we ascend what is considered one of the great massifs of this region, from where we can enjoy some of the finest views of the surrounding country. After descending to the impressive Fodarca natural stone arch, we then rendezvous with our vehicle for the drive on to medieval Gubbio. *Approx. 3-4 hrs walking (600m ascent, 500m descent. Total distance 10kms, highest point 1200m)*

Day 7 : Gubbio

Location: Gubbio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Gattapone or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gubbio is an enchanting mix of Gothic architecture, Roman ruins and meandering narrow streets and a tour of the town this morning takes in the Church of St Francisco, the ancient Roman amphitheater and the 14th century houses of its Old Town. A choice of a cable car ride or an exhilarating 45 minute walk then brings us up to the monastery at Saint Ubaldo, where we can enjoy lunch before possibly following the mountain trail and aqueduct back down into town for a free afternoon. *Approx. 3-4 hrs walking (300m ascent, 300m descent. Total distance 7kms, highest point 800m)*

Day 8 : Gubbio - Bologna

Location: Gubbio, Bologna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a leisurely morning we make our way back to Bologna today, travelling along the Tiber Valley and by way of Sansepolcro, the home of Early Renassiance artist, Piero della Francesca. Following our visit and a final lunch we then complete our journey back to Bologna’s international airport, where our tour ends.

What's Included

  • MEALS

    7 x Breakfasts, 8 x Lunches, 7 x Dinners

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 8

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use minibuses and 4WDs.

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    7 nights x Superior

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Moderate / High

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com 

For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Italy.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note some of the walks – particularly on days 4 and 6 – do require a reasonable level of fitness. It’s also worth noting that as this trip uses small family run agritourism guesthouses – which in our opinion is part of its charm – clients should be up for a more intimate group experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Italy.
    Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Zoe Pease  

Zoe Pease

Great trip with some wonderful varied walking and

Great trip with some wonderful varied walking and fantastic food. We even managed to do wine tasting and pasta making. We really got to experience the best of what this part of Italy has to offer.

James Hargreaves  

James Hargreaves

Outstanding level of service and attention to deta

Outstanding level of service and attention to detail; loved my walking trip in

Robina Barker Bennett  

Robina Barker Bennett

Brilliant adventures striking a great balance keep

Brilliant adventures striking a great balance keeping us safe without impacting on the enjoyment of the holiday. Felt revived when I got home.

Jonny Bealby, CEO WF  

Jonny Bealby, CEO WF

The combination of being in stunning remote mounta

The combination of being in stunning remote mountains one minute and UNESCO World Heritage towns the next, was an enthralling combination that delivered a superb Wild Frontiers experience. I can’t wait to go back.

Anna Donald  

Anna Donald

I went on a walking trip in Italy with Wild Fronti

I went on a walking trip in Italy with Wild Frontiers. Everything was great; the trip's itinerary was really well planned; the guide was friendly, great fun and looked after us very well; the places we stayed in were lovely; the food delicious. It was so nice to be able to go on an adventure during these times and be well looked after by Wild Frontiers.

Want a private tour?

  • Personalise your trip

    Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method

  • Travel more exclusively

    Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group

  • Travel for a special occasion

    Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$2369 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.