Walking in Tuscany & Umbria

Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border

A Book of 18 Walks in Tuscany & Umbria by Martin Daykin

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

I have lived on the Tuscany Umbria Border since 1999. After spending a year restoring a farmhouse, I started to explore this beautiful area on foot. Frustrated with the lack of instructions for walking routes, I decided to write Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border. The first edition was a simple pamphlet with 8 walks printed in 2003. The feedback I received encouraged me to publish a "proper" book which sold a thousand copies between 2004 and 2006. The second edition of Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border was published in English, Italian and German with updated instructions and improved maps. Buy it direct from Quattro Passi, Walking in Tuscany & Umbria and you also receive a download of 11 new walks.

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The countryside of the Tuscany Umbria Border is covered with tracks and paths through woods, olive groves, vineyards and along high ridges. There is almost always a castle visible somewhere in the landscape, testimony to to violent history of medieval and Renaissance Italy. The Appenine mountains are often visible in the distance and Lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest Lake in Italy, often forms a backdrop to the walks.

If you are renting a Villa, Farmhouse or Apartment on the Tuscany Umbria Border from Gorgacce Rentals, my book is an excellent way to do some walking and discover some overlooked corners of these regions.

Guided Walking in Tuscany & Umbria

Quattro Passi Guided Walking Week, Walk Locations

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

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Day 1: Guided Walking, Tuscany & Umbria

The Leaning Tower of Vernazzano and lunch on the Isola Maggiore

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

The Guided Walking in Tuscany & Umbria week starts with a 3 hour walk to the leaning tower of Vernazzano, it is not as high as Pisa but leans at a greater angle! There is time for a drink in the Piazza at Tuoro before taking the ferry across Lake Trasimeno for lunch on the Isola Maggiore.

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Day 2: Guided Walking, Tuscany & Umbria

Day 2: The Etruscan Tomb Walk & Wine Tasting at the Gritti Vineyard

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 2 of our Guided Walking Holiday starts with a good 3 hour walk which takes in two ruined castles and an Etruscan Tomb! After lunch there is time to relax before heading off to the Gritti winery for a tour and wine tasting accompanied by dinner.

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Day 3: Guided Walking, Tuscany & Umbria

Perugia, The Capital of Umbria

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

On Day 3 of our Guided Walking Holiday we visit Perugia. The day is spent walking leisurely around the historic centre of this beautifully preserved city. The walk takes in many of the buildings, sights and famous art works that Perugia has to offer. For those who wish, there is also time for a little shopping!

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Day 4: Guided Walking, Tuscany & Umbria

The Pregnant Madonna & the Marzano Walk

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

On Day 4 of our Guided Walking Holiday in Tuscany & Umbria we travel to Monterchi to see Piero della Francesca's Madonna del Parto (Madonna in Labour), a beautiful painting in the village of Monterchi, Tuscany. Afterwards we cross the border to Umbria and walk through chestnut woods and along high ridges to the abandoned village of Marzano.

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Day 5: Guided Walking, Tuscany & Umbria

Walking in the Hills Behind Gubbio

Chiannina Cow

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

On Day 5 of our Guided Walking Holiday in Tuscany & Umbria we visit Gubbio in Umbria. Gubbio is a well preserved medieval town of the slopes of Monte Ingino, it is sometimes known as the "Siena of Umbria" We take the funivia, a cable car ride to the top of Monte Ingino and after a stunning 4 hour walk, return to Gubbio for refresments!

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Day 6: Guided Walking, Tuscany & Umbria

Cortona & Monte Ginezzo Ridge Walk

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 6 is the last day of walking on our Guided Walking Holiday in Tuscany & Umbria. We walk on high ridges behind Cortona and with fabulous views of Lake Trasimeno and the distant Appenines.

There is time for shopping in Cortona before lunch. Afterwards we round the week off with a walk in and around the beautiful Tuscan town of Cortona.

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Cortona, Tuscany

Self-Guided Walking in Tuscany Umbria

Map of Self-Guided Walk around Lake Trasimeno, Tuscany & Umbria

Day 1: Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria

From Città della Pieve to Panicale

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 1 of the Self-Guided Walking Holiday on the Tuscany Umbria Border is between the Umbrian hill towns of Città della Pieve and Panicale, south of Lake Trasmeno.

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Day 1 view towards Lake Trasimeno

Day 2: Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria

On the Ridges Between Panicale & Il Cantico della Natura

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 2 of the Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria is between Panicale and a Relais hotel, Il Cantico della Natura, in the hills near Magione, Umbria. There are more superb views of Lake Trasimeno and the surrounding countryside.

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Day 2: View of Lake Trasimeno

Day 3: Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria

To Castel Rigone, High Above Lake Trasimeno in Umbria

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 3 of the Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria is on ridges along the east shore of Lake Trasimeno. The walk ends in the small Umbrian town of Castel Rigone, high above the north-east corner of the Lake.

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Day 3: Montecolognola & Lake Trasimeno in the Background

Day 4: Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria

From Castel Rigone to Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Umbria

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 4 of the Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria is on beautiful high ridges above the north shore of Lake Trasimeno. The route passes the Leaning Tower of Vernazzano before arriving in Tuoro sul Trasimeno.

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Day 4: View From the Ridge Above the North Shore of Lake Trasimeno

Day 5: Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria

From Tuoro to Portole in Tuscany

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 5 of the Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria has possibly the best scenery on the whole route. The views stretch for miles in every direction as you make your way to Portole, a hamlet in the hills behind Cortona.

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Day 5: View of Lake Trasimeno from the Tuscany Umbria border

Day 6: Self-Guided Walk in Tuscany & Umbria

From Portole to Cortona, a Hill Town in Tuscany

Quattro Passi, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Day 6 of the Self Guided Walking Holiday on the Tuscany Umbria Border is between Portole and Cortona. It's a 5 mile walk so it leaves plenty of time to explore this beautiful town.

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Cortona, Tuscany

5 things you shouldn't miss!

1. Cortona City Walk - discover hidden corners of this beautiful hill town in Tuscany.
2. Walking on the ridges high above Lake Trasimeno.
3. Walk to the Leaning Tower of Vernazzano on the Tuscany Umbria border.
4. See the Pregnant Madonna in Monterchi, Tuscany, before walking to the abandoned village of Marzano.
5. Complete the self-guided walk from Citta della Pieve, Umbria to Cortona, in Tuscany.