Self Guided Walking Holidays (prices start from £480 per person)
Quattro Passi are now offering a superb self-guided walk around Lake Trasimeno starting in the Umbrian town of Città della Pieve (birthplace of the painter Perugino) and finishing in Cortona (Tuscany).
The entire route takes a minimum of 6 days (7 nights) to complete and accommodation is in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels. We are also offering two shorter walking holidays along part of the route (3 days / 4 nights), these leave out the hardest day and also cost less!You walk along ridges high above the Lake and pass through olive groves, vineyards and woodland (the area produces high quality olive oil and the well-known Colli Trasimeno DOC wine). The views are staggering: the Lake forms a backdrop for much of the walk and the hills and mountains stretch off into the distance. Ancient towers and castles are dotted along the route and you visit several of the small towns around the Lake.
Once you have arrived at the first hotel you travel entirely on foot with your luggage transferred by vehicle. There is an option to spend 7 days walking, the route is the same distance but days 2 and 3 become shorter in distance. The holiday is for a minimum of 2 people. We provide you with instructions and a maps for each day's walk, GPS co-ordinates are also given for points along the route. In the unlikely event that you need further assistance you can also call Martin for advice.
Itinerary:
View Larger Map in Google
Day 1: Arrival and transfer from Chiusi station or Perugia airport to a 4 star hotel (La Logge del Perugino) in Città della Pieve.
Day 2: Walk from Città della Pieve to the beautiful town of Panicale, high above Lake Trasimeno. Accommodation is in a 3 star hotel in the town, Le Grotte del Boldrino (13.1 km or 8.2 miles). There is the option to continue another 6.7km / 4.2 miles to the luxurious 4 star Villa Monte Solare, if you do this it is the longest day, totalling 19.3 km / 12.1 miles. You can of course add an extra day to the itinerary by staying at both hotels, this has the advantage of giving you an easier start to the week.
Day 3: From Panicale you really start to stretch your legs, walking 17.7km / 11 miles to Il Cantico della Natura, a beautiful hotel in the countryside near Magione. (If you set off from Villa Monte Solare, the distance is shorter, 11.4 km / 7.1 miles).
Day 4: More stunning scenery as you make your way to Castel Rigone, high above the Lake. Accommodation is in Relais La Fattoria, a 4 star hotel in the centre of the old town, again, the distance is 16.9km / 10.6 miles.
Day 5: The Lake is now to the south, you make your way west along the ridge towards the town of Tuoro sul Trasimeno, passing a leaning tower along the way! Accommodation is in the superb 4 star I Capricci di Merion, an easy walk from the town centre if you fancy a drink in the piazza. (17 km / 10.6 miles).
Day 6: The day starts with a climb up to the ridge above the Lake, there are more fantastic views as you make your way to the 3 star Hotel Portole, at 860m altitude, the highest accommodation on the route. (13.6 km / 8.5 miles)
Day 7: A short climb starts the day and then it's downhill all the way to the beautiful hillside town of Cortona where there is plenty of time for lunch and a look around the town. Accommodation is in the superior rooms of 3 star Hotel Italia, right in the centre of town. There is an option to upgrade to a 4 star hotel, Hotel San Michele. (7.5km / 4.7 miles).
Day 8: Departure, transfer to Terontola di Cortona station or Perugia airport.
We are also happy to arrange extra nights at any of the hotels if you wish to plan rest days into your itinerary. All 4 star hotels except the upgrade in Cortona have swimming pools and health spas, (jaccuzzi, sauna etc).
Cooking lessons can also be arranged at Villa Monte Solare on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Included in the price: Half board accommodation at all hotels + packed lunch (except final day's walk to Cortona), transfer to and from railway stations (transfer to and from Perugia airport costs an extra £35 per person) and luggage transfer during the week.
What's not included: Flights, transport to the arranged pick up point, transport from the drop-off point, drinks with evening meals at most hotels and any charge made for health spa facilities.
The walk is available in the periods April - June and September - October, within these periods you can start at any time, however, to ensure availability it is best to book as early as possible.
Prices 2008 (per person)
- Standard 6 day walk / 7 nights: £740. Single room supplement: £100.
- Upgraded 6 day walk / 7 nights (2nd night at Villa Monte Solare): £790. Single room supplement £100.
- 7 Day walk (8 nights staying 2nd night at Le Grotte di Boldrino in Panicale and 3rd night at Villa Monte Solare) £870. Single room supplement £115.
- 3 day walk / 4 nights between Città della Pieve, and Cantico della Natura £500. Single room supplement: £55
(staying at Logge del Perugino, Le Grotte del Boldrino, Villa Monte Solare and Cantico della Natura) - 3 day walk / 4 nights between Castel Rigone and Cortona: £ 480. Single room supplement: £50
(staying at Relais La Fattoria, I Capricci di Merion, Hotel Portole and Hotel Italia)