Pieve a Castello: Flowers & Golden Orioles

What sort of weather can I expect?

Meteorological records for the area, taken over a period of more than 10 years, are represented in the Weather Chart provided
with each itinerary. In April the air is fresh, the sun warm, and there are likely to be (occasionally heavy) showers; evenings can be a bit nippy. In May the temperatures warm  considerably. Daytime temperatures from mid May through June will feel hot if you are travelling from more temperate climes.
If you are fit and can cope with very hot, sunny conditions, you may wish to consider July and August in order to enjoy the benefits of a quiet period as many other tourists and locals head for the mountains or coast; stamina and heat/sun resistance, sun cream and hat will be required. Early September is still hot and dry. Throughout these summer months, the periods of hot, sunny days are punctuated by brief but dramatic thunderstorms demanding proper waterproofs. Mid-late September offers increasingly pleasant temperatures and in October the air becomes fresher, the views longer, while returning rains turn the fields green again.

What sort of walking can I expect?

Excursions (see itinerary) are offered each day. These visit outstanding features of the area, and often include (optional) escorted walks of 1-3 hours. 

For keen walkers, in addition to walks in the itinerary, there are a further 200 miles of ATG walks from Pieve a Castello in an ATG ‘Footloose’-style booklet, with walking directions and measurements, maps, GPS coordinates, and a wealth of other information.

The escorted walking is gentle, along established paths across the Tuscan hills, dirt roads and woodland tracks. Please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. We recommend you also bring lighter shoes for sightseeing.

The area we visit is the central part of Tuscany – a landscape characterised by medieval hilltop villages and scattered cypress trees, undulating vineyards and olive groves. Its gently rolling hills are disarmingly familiar as the classical backdrop of Renaissance art and its charm is a changelessness, which merges medieval and modern worlds.

Some of our walks are weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.

What if I don't want to walk?

You don't have to! This itinerary is very flexible, and has a range of daily options to suit varying requirements.

You can participate as much or as little as you like in the daily guided walks and/or excursions, and there is always the option to relax at Pieve and enjoy its pool, library, music, gardens and environs.

For those who would like more walking than the daily 1-3  hours of guided walks, there is an ATG Footloose-style Route Book with over 200 miles of walking from Pieve a Castello – mostly along historic routes dating from the early medieval times when, for 700 years, Pieve a Castello was a major over-night stopping place on the ‘main road to Rome'. Those opting for longer independent walks will be provided with a packed lunch. 

Where do I meet the group at the start of the trip?

The destination airports for this walking holiday in Tuscany are Pisa and Florence. There will be a set meeting time for the transfer to Pieve a Castello and a set time for the return transfer at the end of the trip. 

Please check transfer times with the Reservations Team before booking your flights if you would like to take advantage of the transfers. Your flight should arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before the meeting time, to allow sufficient time to pass through customs and collect your luggage.

Please ensure that you inform us of your arrival time at Pisa or Florence airport, whether arriving by air or otherwise. If by air, please advise us of your flight number.

The Tour Leader and Tour Manager will meet the group in the arrivals area at the designated time. They will be wearing green polo shirts bearing the ATG logo. The minibus transfer to Pieve a Castello will depart shortly thereafter. 

If you arrive late and find that the group has left (there is no sign of them in the arrivals hall or our minibuses with the ATG logo outside the terminal building), please check for a message at the information desk and make your own way to the first hotel, letting the ATG office know you’re on your way. The ATG office number is +44 1865 315 678 or outside office hours please call the emergency number which is +44 1865 315 600.

Meeting at Pieve a Castello

You are of course welcome to travel independently and meet the group at Pieve a Castello:

Strada di Pieve a Castello, Near Monteriggioni, 53035 (SI). 

Tel: +39 0577 301034

If you are meeting the group at the first hotel, please aim to arrive after 4pm, the time the Tour Consultants will arrive with those taking the group transfer. 

Please indicate your intention during the booking procedure.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever clothes and footwear you find most comfortable for everyday wear, and a change or two for the evenings – smart/casual.
Most trips tend to include some quite distinguished hotels and restaurants, for which you may wish to ‘dress up’. For walking we recommend lightweight walking boots with firm ankle support (make sure you wear them in before the trip!), a small daypack for your
lightweight waterproof clothing, camera, fleece etc. An increasing number of people bring telescopic walking poles. For a comprehensive packing list click here:what to bring

What sort of food can I expect?

On our escorted walking holidays in Tuscany all meals are included.

Breakfast

The breakfast at Pieve a Castello is buffet-style, with a range of cereals, croissants, fruits, yoghurts, breads etc. There is also a daily 'hot' option.

ATG Picnic lunches

ATG picnic lunches in Europe are renowned! ‘Happening upon’ an ATG picnic in an idyllic location punctuates each day’s walk. Picnics are colourful, varied and nutritious. Buffet-style, there is a choice of meats, cheeses, salads and fruits. Many salads are ‘exclusive’ to ATG and some of these original recipes are in the ATG ‘Table of Moveable Feasts’.

After being greeted with mineral water, followed by wine and an abundant lunch of local organic produce and specialities, there’s usually time for a siesta!

On some days the group has lunch at Pieve, and there is always this option for those who prefer to stay at Pieve for the day.

Dinner

Pre-dinner drinks are served on one of the terraces at 730, and are accompanied by a brief presentation by the Tour Leader. Dinner is  taken at Pieve a Castello, either in the courtyard or the 8^th century octagonal baptistery. On one evening, dinner will be at a local restaurant. .  At the start of dinner each evening, it is ATG ‘style’ to tell you about the menus and wines for that evening. If there’s anything different that you would prefer, you have only to ask. There is a certain ambience at Pieve to which our guests respond by changing into something reasonably smart for dinner – but there is no strict dress code, and of course when it is hot, the simpler the better.

What sort of food can I expect in this area?

Tuscan food is simple and uses good local ingredients. Although the Tuscans are called ‘bean eaters’ (mangiafagioli) the main staple of their diet, apart from pasta, is bread which is traditionally unsalted to complement the salted prosciutto, salami and strong sheep’s cheeses. Whilst it is a traditional cuisine, it is not a poor one, and meat and game feature strongly, preferably cooked on an open fire. The Tuscans are less interested in the
presentation of the food than in the excellence of the ingredients, and even the most elegant restaurants serve rustic terracotta bowls of rich vegetable and bean soups. The Tuscans also have a sweet tooth, producing a variety of rich spicy cakes full of candied fruit and nuts, and light biscuits.

And wines?

During the course of the trip you will be walking through the vineyards of Italy’s most famous wine, Chianti. Both Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi come from small, strictly delineated areas, two of the seven regions within Chianti. Alongside the more ‘serious’ Chianti Riserva are produced other, less expensive ‘quaffing’ Chianti made to be drunk within a
year or so of production – an excellent accompaniment to local dishes. We will also try a further selection of local wines including Vernaccia, a rare white wine of Tuscany for which San
Gimignano is famous, and the delicious local dessert wine Vin Santo; prized red wines of Montepulciano (Vino Nobile) and Montalcino (Brunello).

What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

When you book, let us know about any restrictions. This will give the Tour Manager the opportunity to shop and prepare menus
accordingly prior to your trip. At the start of the trip the Tour Manager will meet with you to discuss in more detail your requirements.

What should I bring to wear in the evenings?

There is a certain ambience at Pieve to which our guests respond by changing into something reasonably smart for dinner – but there is no strict dress code, and of course when it is hot, the simpler the better.

Does Pieve have WIFI, hairdryers, laundry service?

All rooms have hair dryers. There is WIFI but it is patchy, however there are two computers with good internet connection available for guests to use. Your laundry can be done by a local lavanderia while you are staying at Pieve, though these tend to offer serviced washes with drying and ironing, and are quite expensive.

How much should I budget for items not included?

On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from travel to/from the destination airport, items of a personal nature, snacks and drinks outside of the set meals.

What if I want to extend my trip?

We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.

Where can I find general FAQs?

For FAQs relating to the Company and general trip questions, click here