Tuscany & Umbria Hike & Bike Adventure
The Towns We Visit
One of the greatest aspects of our Italy Wine Adventure is the number of fun towns we visit. Most have Etruscan (pre-Roman) roots, a Roman history, and many Medieval buildings. Following are just a few of those towns:
Montepulciano - Montepulciano is one of the premier Tuscany hill towns and is home to the excellent Vino Nobile wine. The city is also an excellent place for shopping and browsing. The winding, small streets are mostly closed to cars and invite a stroll through town, a stop for gelato (Italian ice cream), or souvenir shopping.
Pienza - Pienza is another Medieval town situated on a hilltop. Centered in the middle of the wine country, Pienza is actually known more for its local cheeses. The town has a fantastic rampart that looks over the Val d'Orcia valley and makes for a nice evening walk.
Montalcino - Another town that appears to be straight from the middle ages, this lovely town sits on top of a hill and commands a view over the Tuscan countryside. Montalcino has a fantastic central walking district and a castle near the town center. Montalcino is famous for its Brunello wine.
Spello - Spello is a typical Umbrian town located on the edge of Mount Subasio and looking over the Umbria Valley. The town is surrounded by middle-aged protective walls and our hotel here sits on top of the town with views of the Umbrian countryside from every window. Spello is surrounded by olive groves and we visit an olive oil mill in the area.
Assisi - Assisi is known mostly for its famous son, Saint Francis of Assisi. However, the stunning hilltop town has excited visitors since its Roman beginnings. Even with its masses of tourists, Assisi is a fun town that is well worth a morning to explore.
Spoleto - Spoleto is perhaps the most "real" town we visit on the Adventure. While still boasting Roman ruins, city walls, and winding streets, Spoleto also seems to be a real home to the Italians who live there. It is a town with which you can fall in love. We spend our last night in Spoleto - unless you decide to stay!