Compare Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines by Exodus Travels vs Vietnam & Temples of Angkor by Insider Journeys
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 2,245 | $ 2,820 |
| Price Per Day | $ 281 | $ 188 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | N/A |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | N/A | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, five dinners and three wine tastings are included. Breakfast is usually a continental-style buffet. The five included dinners are taken at Hotel Le Renaie. Four meals consist of three courses, dessert and a glass of wine. On Tuesday evening, when the restaurant is closed to the public, you will be treated to a special pizza feast. All meals are homemade and prepared using locally sourced ingredients and following the traditional Tuscan recipes of the area. For this reason, the menu doesn't include fish-based options. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free choices are available – please advise us of dietary requirements on booking. | N/A |
| Description |
With Renaissance cities, medieval villages and cypress-lined avenues winding through vineyards, southern Tuscany is the perfect place for a relaxing guided walking holiday. Based at the welcoming family-run Hotel Le Renaie, we visit beautiful San Gimignano, Radda in Chianti, the Unesco World Heritage site of Siena and the magnificent city of Florence. During the week, we sample several varieties of the local chianti and learn more about Italian wine on an interactive course at a wine school. Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! The departure starting in Pancole on 24 August 2024 features extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a cruise with aperitif along the Arno River in Florence, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more hereDiscover picturesque towns and delicious wines in Tuscany |
This exciting journey incorporates the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. Explore the busy city streets of Hanoi and cruise sparkling Halong Bay. Wander the peaceful lanes of atmospheric Hue and Hoi An, then continue on to energetic Saigon. Uncover the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam's south, before crossing into Cambodia to discover historic Phnom Penh and the majestic temples of Angkor. |
Day 1 Start in Pancole
Start at Hotel Le Renaie, our welcoming family-run hotel 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions. Please note: on selected dates there may two Exodus groups at Hotel Le Renaie. Our experienced team of leaders will tailor the itinerary and order of listed activities to ensure you enjoy each activity with your own small group. Where a second group is running, private transfers will be used for the additional group. If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our 'Pre-Tour', 'Post-Tour' and 'City Extension' packages.
Day 2 Walk a section of the Via Francigena; afternoon local wine tasting
Get ready for a day full of history and nature as we explore one of the most popular sections of the Via Francigena, which links the villages of Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano. The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that links Canterbury in the UK to Rome; the full trip takes well over 90 days, but our section is far gentler, cutting through olive groves and vineyards. Later in the afternoon, we head to an eco-friendly wine estate near Certaldo where your discovery of Tuscan wines will be taken to the next level with a sensory and aroma experience, accompanied by mouth-watering traditional appetisers. Dinner this evening is back at the hotel, where we have time to relax a little more, perhaps with a game of billiards or another glass of local wine on the garden-view terrace.
Day 3 Walk to Radda in Chianti
This morning, we enjoy a local history walk to the heart of the Chianti area, covering the scenic route in a circular walk. We cut through woodlands, where we can admire the emerald vineyard valleys. In the afternoon, you have some free time to wander around and maybe join an optional tasting of the much-acclaimed chianti classico at one of the many local wineries.
Day 4 Travel to Siena and explore the stunning historic centre; learn about Tuscan and Italian wines at a wine school
After breakfast, we head to the centre of Siena for a day exploring this fascinating city. We have time to visit the numerous museums and stunning duomo (cathedral) and to relax in one of the many outdoor cafes in Piazza del Campo, home of the Palio horse race. Please note, shoulders should be covered when entering the cathedral. You may also like to visit the many boutiques specialising in local products and Italian fashion. In the afternoon, we learn about Tuscan wines during a one-hour Tuscan lecture at the Tuscan Wine School. Unlike traditional wine tastings, this experience is more educational, offering in-depth insights into Tuscany's most important wines. Led by a local expert in a relaxed atmosphere, it's a chance to absorb knowledge rather than just savoring sips. Delve into the history, legends, and techniques of Tuscan winemaking, gaining a profound understanding of the region's wine culture. While it may not be your typical tasting, the lecture format ensures a comprehensive exploration of Tuscan wines, perfect for those seeking a more informative and intellectual wine experience.
Day 5 Free day to visit other Chianti villages or relax by the pool
Today is free to rest any tired legs at the poolside. Alternatively, your leader can advise on local chianti wine-tasting tours, cooking classes, e-bike and vespa hire or offer assistance for unguided walks or daytrips.
Day 6 Discover the magnificent city of Florence
Our destination today is Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Most of the greats from the movement lived or passed through here: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli and more. Learn all about it by joining one of the free local tours, which typically take in the highlights. Join one of the morning tours and you'll have time to visit the Uffizi, an art gallery housing works by Renaissance masters, including The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and the gruesome Medusa by Caravaggio. If you do wish to visit, we recommend prebooking your ticket online to avoid lengthy queues. An ideal slot time would be around 2pm if you're joining the morning walking tour. Tickets can be purchased at www.uffizi.it/en/tickets.
Day 7 Walk to picturesque San Gimignano: afternoon wine-tasting
After a transfer to the quaint hamlet of San Donato, we walk through farm grounds following the pathway to Montauto and on up to the medieval town of San Gimignano. The walk is not long and should take approximately three hours. The afternoon is spent exploring this beautiful town, including visits to the Palazzo Comunale, a 13th-century stone palace that's home to the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) and 177ft (54m) tall medieval Torre Grossa. There’s free time to wander and soak up the atmosphere. Before your farewell dinner, we visit the family-run Cesani estate, which produces some of the finest wines in the region. Here we enjoy an expertly led tasting, sampling our way through three glasses accompanied by bruschetta, extra-virgin olive oil and a selection of Tuscan cheeses and charcuterie.
Day 8 End in Pancole
The trip ends after breakfast. Bid Hotel Le Renaie a fond farewell and begin your return journey home.
Day 1 : HANOI (VIETNAM)O
On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and meet your fellow travellers and Tour Leader (or local guide).Hotel: Tirant Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 : HANOI CITY TOURS
Spend the day discovering Hanoi's fascinating sites.Hotel: Tirant Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 : HANOI TO HALONG BAY&
Drive east to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay to board your private junk boat.Cruise: Overnight boat (or similar)
Day 4 : HALONG BAY TO HANOIR
Rise early to make the most of Halong Bay's stunning scenery. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi and stroll through the Old Quarter sampling delicious local snacks.Hotel: Tirant Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 : HANOI TO HUEF
Fly to Hue and visit the city's must-see sites.Hotel: Moonlight Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 : HUE TO HOI ANT
Take a scenic train ride from Hue to Hoi An. Enjoy a special food-focussed walking tour with students from Streets Cafe. Visit some of Hoi An's main sites.Hotel: Hoi An Trails Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 7 : HOI ANE
Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you like in Hoi An.Hotel: Hoi An Trails Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 8 : HOI AN TO SAIGONE
Enjoy more free time in Hoi An before flying to Saigon.Hotel: Norfolk Hotel Saigon (or similar)
Day 9 : CU CHI TUNNELS&
Start the day with a steaming bowl of Pho for breakfast at a local noodle shop before travelling to Cu Chi. In the afternoon, explore Saigon on a walking tour. Hotel: Norfolk Hotel Saigon (or similar)
Day 10 : MEKONG DELTAT
Travel by speedboat to the Mekong Delta and explore the canals and tributaries of the Mekong. Feast on a delicious lunch featuring the freshest local ingredients.Hotel: Norfolk Hotel Saigon (or similar)
Day 11 : SAIGON TO PHNOM PENH (CAMBODIA)D
Depart Saigon and fly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Meet your new group of fellow travellers and Tour Leader (or local guide).Hotel: Sunway Hotel (or similar)
Day 12 : PHNOM PENH TOURV
Venture through the backstreets of Phnom Penh on a fun cyclo ride. Continue to Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields memorial at Choeng Ek. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.Hotel: Sunway Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 : PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAPF
Fly to Siem Reap. Enjoy a boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake.Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 14 : TEMPLES OF ANGKORR
Rise early to take a pre-dawn tuk-tuk ride to see Angkor Wat at sunrise. Explore the many faces of Bayon temple, Banteay Srei's intricate carvings and jungle-covered Ta Prohm temple.Hotel: Somadevi Angkor Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 15 : SIEM REAPT
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.Hanoi Siem Reap 15 Days
