Montone Walk, Tuscany Umbria Walking

Today I did the new version of the Montone Long Walk, a beautiful walk in stunning scenery with views of Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche. The walk starts and ends in the beautiful walled town of Montone in Umbria.

Montone, Umbria

We headed away from the town and after a short climb we looked back to admire the view of Montone.

Rocky Landscape Montone Walk, Umbria Italy

The path descended to the valley floor, crossing strange rocky landscapes and into oak woods.

View Towards Montone, Montone Walk, Umbria

Climbing to the Rocca d'Aries, Montone Walk

We climbed from the valley floor to the Rocca d’Aries, a castle perched  on a high ridge, dominating the territory below.

Rocca d'Aries, Montone Walk, Umbria Italy

The route took us along a ridge track with stunning views, still heading away from Montone.

Ridge Track, Montone Walk, Umbria

Eventually, the path started to loop back.

The Furthest Point From Montone, Montone Walk, Umbria

We had to cross a stream and after a short climb we were back on a ridge, heading back to Montone.

Meadow, Montone Walk, Umbria

The return route was more direct, the views were fantastic as we followed the paths along the ridge.

Rocky Landscape With Views, Montone Walk, Umbria

Superb View On The Montone Walk, Umbria

For walking holidays and  walking routes on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border visit Quattro Passi’s Tuscany Umbria Walking web site

For villas, farmhouses and apartments on the Tuscany Umbria border visit Gorgacce Rentals, Tuscany Villas, Umbria Villas

View video of Montone Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border (opens You Tube)

Cortona Walk, Tuscany Umbria Walking.

On Friday afternoon we did my walk around Cortona Tuscany. The walk takes around an hour and a half or two hours if you dawdle. Cortona is a beautiful medieval town in Tuscany, the original Etruscan blocks are still visible in the lower parts of the town wall.

Cortona, Tuscany

The walk starts in the Piazza della Repubblica in the centre of Cortona.

Via Nazionale, Cortona, Tuscany

We head down Via Nazionale, the main shopping street in Cortona.

Lake Trasimeno View, Cortona Walk, Tuscany

Then along a tree lined avenue, heading out of town.

Cypress Lined Road, Cortona Tuscany

Climbing along a cypress-lined avenue with magnificent views

Bramasole, The House Featured in The Book, Under The Tuscan Sun, Set in Cortona, Tuscany

and past Bramasole, the house made famous in Francis Mayes’ book Under The Tuscan Sun.

Madonnina in the Garden Wall, Bramasole, Cortona, Tuscany

View near Bramasole, Cortona, Tuscany

Then it was onto a cypress lined track

Santa Margherita and the Val di Chiana, Cortona, Tuscany

until we came to the church of Santa Margherita.

Medici Fortress, Cortona, Tuscany

We took a short detour to the Medici Fortress, also known as the Fortezza Girifalco (fortress of the circling falcon). There were two falcons circling the building, was this just a coincidence?

Circling Falcon, Medici Fortress, Cortona, Tuscany

A cobbled path took us down to the streets of Cortona.

Descent to Cortona, Tuscany

We returned along the steep Via Berretini to the Piazza della Repubblica.

See video of Cortona Walk, Tuscany (opens You tube)

For walking holidays and walks on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border  visit Quattro Passi’s Tuscany Umbria Walking web site.

For holiday villas, farmhouses and apartments on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border visit Gorgacce Rentals, Tuscany Villas, Umbria Villas

Monte Ginezzo, Tuscany Umbria Walking near Cortona

On Friday we started the day by doing my Monte Ginezzo Walk in the hills behind Cortona close to the Tuscany Umbria border. The walk takes around two hours and has fantastic views of Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche as well as Lake Trasimeno.

View Towards the Appenines on the Monte Ginezzo Walk, Near Cortona Tuscany

The walk starts with a climb along a track, soon you are right on the ridge and there are fantastic views to both sides as well as behind.

View Towards the Appenines on the Monte Ginezzo Walk, Near Cortona Tuscany

The views got better and better as we climbed along the ridge.

Asphodel on the Monte Ginezzo Walk, Near Cortona Tuscany

Soon we were passing fields of wild narcissi and asphodels, tall white flowers that I have never seen anywhere else.

Wild Narcissi on the Monte Ginezzo Walk, Near Cortona Tuscany

Eventually we reached the furthest point of the walk, the observation tower on the top of Monte Ginezzo. From here we could see the countryside of three regions, Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche.

View Towards Lake Trasimeno on the Monte Ginezzo Walk, Near Cortona Tuscany.

We retraced our steps for a bit and then headed down a wider track that took us back to the start.

Walking Towards The Observation Tower With Lake Trasimeno in the Background. Monte Ginezzo Walk, Near Cortona Tuscany

My book, Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border now comes with instructions for 11 new walks that you can download in pdf format. Visit Quattro Passi’s Tuscany Umbria Walking web site for details of walking holidays on the Tuscany Umbria border.

To rent a villa on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border visit Gorgacce Rentals, Tuscany Villas Umbria Villas

Gubbio, Tuscany Umbria Walking, Madonna della Cima

Two days ago we did my Madonna della Cima Walk in the beautiful hills behind Gubbio, Umbria.

Gubbio, Umbria.

The walk starts next to the Roman amphitheatre in the plain below Gubbio. In the relative peace of Roman rule, towns could exist on low ground. With the collapse of the empire the town moved up to the less convenient, but safer slopes of Monte Ingino.

Roman Amphitheatre, Gubbio Umbria.

You are soon walking through the medieval streets of Gubbio, there is a great view up the Bottacione Gorge towards the monastery of San Ambrogio. We were going to pass this building on the return leg of the walk.

We stopped for a look at a speciality truffle shop and not wishing to weigh ourselves down, bought small bottles of truffle flavoured oil, a speciality of Tuscany and Umbria. The hills behind Gubbio are perfect habitat for this prized tuber and it’s a big feature of the local cooking.

Truffles in a Speciality Shop in Gubbio, Umbria

Soon we were walking past the Fountain of the Mad, it’s said that if you walk three times around the fountain you become mad, Gubbio is known for the crazy behaviour of it’s inhabitants, so perhaps, you are in fact becoming an honorary citizen of the town.

The Fountain of the Mad, Gubbio, Umbria

We stopped in the Piazza Grande to admire the Palazzo dei Consoli, Gubbio’s imposing medieval civic building. There is a great view of the rooftops of Gubbio and the surrounding countryside from this beautiful piazza. This huge level space is supported by giant arches, it’s an incredible bit of medieval engineering.

The Palazzo dei Consoli, Gubbio, Umbria

We had a long walk ahead so without stopping for too long, we continued to the funivia, a kind of cable car ride to the top of Monte Ingino. We only needed one way tickets!

The Funivia Ride, Gubbio, Umbria

At the top we walked to the Basilica of Sant’ Ubaldo, patron saint of Gubbio. Ubaldo’s body is still on display in a glass coffin.

The Body of Saint Ubaldo, Gubbio, Umbria

We set off for the top of Monte Ingino, there is a watch tower at the top with amazing views of Gubbio and the countryside of Umbria, Tuscany and Le Marche.

The View From The Top of Monte Ingino behind Gubbio, Umbria

A narrow path took us across the top of Monte Ingino, the wildflowers at this time of year are incredible. Coming down was a little steep, so we went carefully, but it was worth the it for the views.

More Views From Monte Ingino, Gubbio Umbria

Soon we were walking through scented pine woods, it was a hot day for early May, we were glad of the shade.

Walking Through The Woods Behind Gubbio, Umbria

We emerged from the woods and were treated to incredible views across a beautiful green valley and towards the Appenine peaks.

More Incredible views on the Madonna della Cima Gubbio Walk

I saw an orchid that I have never seen anywhere else.

An Orchid That I Have Never Seen Anywhere Else

We crossed the road between Gubbio and Scheggia at it’s highest point, the shrine of the Madonna della Cima marks the spot. This ridge is the dividing line between the Mediterranean and Adriatic water sheds.

The base of the Madonna della Cima Shrine, Gubbio Umbria

Continuing, there were Chiannina cattle grazing in fields full of orchids and more views of the Appenines.

Appenine View on the Gubbio Walk, Umbria.

Looking back towards Monte Ingino, we could see that we had walked a long way.

View to Monte Ingino, Gubbio Umbria

 

The route turned back towards Gubbio and we were back in shady pine and oak woods.

Back Into The Woods! Madonna della Cima Walk Gubbio, Umbria

Emerging from the woods we walked through more pasture dotted with orchids.

More great views near Gubbio, Umbria

 

We followed a path around the side of Monte Foce, we spotted spider orchids and another variety that I had never seen before.

This Orchid Was New To Me. Madonna della Cima Walk, Gubbio, Umbria

Then we were following a narrow path through cyclamen carpeted woods.

Cyclamen Carpeted Woods Near Gubbio, Umbria

The path emerged high above the Bottacione Gorge, we could see the Gubbio – Scheggia road far below. We could also see the medieval aqueduct above it.

Narrow Path Along the Bottacione Gorge, Gubbio Umbria

After a steep descent we passed the Eremo di San Ambrogio, a monastery perched on the side of Monte Foce.

Roofs in Gubbio Umbria, Taken Near the Eremo di San Ambrogio

Then it was down a series of steps and back into Gubbio for a well deserved drink.

You can find the instructions for this walk at Quattro Passi’s Tuscany Umbria Walking web site

 

To stay on the beautiful Tuscany Umbria border: Gorgacce Rentals, Tuscany Villas & Umbria Villas 

 

 

Walk Around Perugia, Capital of Umbria

Today we walked around Perugia, the capital of Umbria. You can find instructions for this walk in my book, Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border.

The Underground City, Perugia City Walk Umbria

We started by taking the escalator from the Parcheggio Partigiani to the Underground City. These medieval streets and houses became the storerooms of a fortress built by Pope Paul III when he conquered Perugia in 1543. When Italy was unified in 1860, the Perugians tore the Rocca Paolina down and these underground streets are all that remain.

Porta Marzia, Perugia City Walk, Umbria

Walking through the underground Via Bagliona, we came out of the Porta Marzia. This Roman / Etruscan gate used to be the south entrance to the city but the Pope’s architect, Sangallo the Younger, moved the gate and incorporated it into the lower wall of the Rocca Paolina. If you think it’s odd to have an entrance here, you have to remember that the fortress was built to subdue the Perugians rather than to protect the city from enemies.

Corso Vanucci, Perugia City Walk, Umbria

Walking back through the Underground City we took another escalator up to Piazza Italia. The buildings here all date to the destruction of the fortress, the 1860′s. Soon we were walking down the Corso Vannucci, Perugia’s wide main street.

Bar Sandri, Perugia Walk Umbria

We stopped at Bar Sandri, opposite the Palazzo dei Priori, Perugia’s impressive medieval town hall. Bar Sandri sells an impressive range of chocolates and the hot chocolate drink is superb.

The Chambers of the Merchants' Guild, Perugia Umbria

Afterwards we headed into the Collegio del Cambio to see frescoes by Perugino, Perugia’s best known artist. Then we walked past the main entrance to the Palazzo dei Priori and into the meeting room of the Merchants’ Guild. The room is pannelled with inlaid wooden tiles.

Notaries' Chamber, Perugia Walk, Umbria

A few steps later we were in the Piazza IV Novembre, the main square in Perugia. Up the steps to our left we entered the Notaries’ Chamber, a large room covered in frescoes by the medieval Roman painter, Cavallini.

Fontana Maggiore, Perugia, Umbria

 

 

We stopped to admire the Fontana Maggiore, the impressive medieval fountain in the middle of the piazza.

Looking Down the Etruscan Well, Perugia, Umbria

Then it was on to the Etruscan Well, the Pozzo Etrusco, which used to be the city’s main source of water, it’s not known how deep the well was because the no one has ever excavated the underwater rubble.

Raphael / Perugino Fresco in San Severo, Perugia, Umbria

A short walk took us to the only fresco by Raphael in Perugia. Raphael, originally a student of Perugino, had painted the top half of the fresco when the pope called him to Rome. raphael died, aged 37, never having returned to complete it. His teacher, Perugino, now in his seventies, was called upon to finish it. You can see the lower figures lack the solidity of those above, Perugino was clearly past his best when this work was carried out.

View from Piazza Gio Battista Rossi Scotti, Perugia, Umbria

Continuing the walk, we admired the view from Piazza Gio Battista Rossi Scotti.

Etruscan Arch, Perugia, Umbria

Then we walked down steps to the Etruscan Arch, the northern entrance to Perugia. The top of the arch has the name of the emperor Augustus carved in large letters. Augustus captured Perugia in the civil war after Julius Ceasar’s assassination.

Bridge over the Medieval Aqueduct, Perugia, Umbria

We walked back to the city centre along a medieval aqueduct.

We continued on to the Oratorio di San Bernardino di Siena, a small church with a beautifully carved facade.

Medieval Tower, Perugia, Italy

 

Before returning past Perugia’s one remaining medieval tower to the Corso Vannucci.

Lunch on the Corso Vannucci Perugia Umbria

 

Sitting outside on the Corso Vannucci, we had a light lunch at the restaurant, Il Baccio.

Entrance to the Palazzo dei Priori, Perugia Umbria

Then it was time for a visit to Perugia’s National Gallery of Umbria.

See Quattro Passi’s web site for Walking Holidays on the Tuscany Umbria border and 

 

See Gorgacce Rentals for Tuscany Villa and Umbria Villa Rental

 

Etruscan Tomb, Walking in Tuscany & Umbria

Close Up of the Etruscan Tomb near Pantano, Umbria.

Today we did the long version of my Etruscan Tomb Walk, near Pantano, Umbria. The walk starts in the valley called the Pian di Nese on the south west side of Monte Acuto, it’s the lowest point on the route.

View Towards Monte Tezio, Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

We followed the track climbing swiftly from the valley floor, soon Monte Tezio and the distinctive rock formation on the side of the mountain were visible.

Ruined Villa, Etruscan Tomb Walk on the Tuscany Umbria Border

The ruined Villa Faggeto was obviously once a very grand property, today it’s a complete ruin.

Ruined Castle, Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

Shortly afterwards, we took a short diversion to a ruined castle, it’s a good idea to keep well away from the unstable walls.

There were lots of these Beautiful Pink Orchids on the Etruscan Tomb Walk Tuscany Umbria Border.

 

Possible Spider Orchid seen on the Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

Walking back we noticed what could be a spider orchid.

Monte Acuto seen on the Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border.

There were more great views towards the ruined castle and Monte Acuto.

Climbing Towards the Etruscan Tomb, Tuscany Umbria Walking

Soon we were climbing towards the Etruscan Tomb.

Etruscan Tomb, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

The Etruscan Tomb door still opens and closes!

Wildflower Meadow on the Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

We continued passing meadows full of wildflowers.

Picnic Lunch, Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

After a picnic lunch the walk continued, there were more fantastic views.

Ruined Castle, Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border.

Soon we came to another ruined castle.

Flock of Sheep on the Etruscan Tomb Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border, Italy

Then we began the descent to the valley floor, passing flocks of sheep.

See video of Etruscan Tomb Walk on Tuscany Umbria Border

See Quattro Passi’s web site for Walking Holidays on the Tuscany Umbria border and The Etruscan Tomb Walk instructions.

 

See Gorgacce Rentals for Tuscany Villa & Umbria Villa Rentals

Vernazzano Walk, Lake Trasimeno, Tuscany Umbria Border

The Town Hall in Tuoro's Main Piazza, Lake Trasimeno, Umbria

Today we did the Leaning Tower of Vernazzano Walk, starting in the town of Tuoro this walk heads out into beautiful countryside along the north shore of Lake Trasimeno.

Broom Flowers on the Vernazzano Walk. Tuscany Umbria Border

 

The first broom flowers were coming out, soon the hillsides will be covered in these bright yellow flowers.

Pink Version of Early Purple on the Vernazzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

 

We climbed through a meadow with thousands of orchids, early purple and tongue orchids were numerous here.

Tongue Orchid on the Vernazzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

We continued through olive groves and sheep pasture.

Olive Grove on the Vernazzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

Eventually we reached the Leaning Tower of Vernazzano, leaning at an incredible 13 degrees.

The Leaning Tower of Vernazzano, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

There was once a thriving village here until erosion led to landslides, eventually the village was abandoned and in 1753 an earthquake caused the lean in the tower, this increased over the years.

Vernazzano As It Once Was, Walking on the Tuscany Umbria Border

We retraced our steps then took a different route back through more woodland, pasture and olive groves.

Lake Trasimeno Viewed on the Vernazzano Walk. Tuscany Umbria Border.

Finally we arrived back at Tuoro where we had a well deserved drink in the bar.

See video of the Vernazzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria border

Visit Quattro Passi’s web site for details of this and other Walks in Tuscany & Umbria.

Gorgacce Rentals,  Tuscany Villas, Umbria Villas

Marzano Walk on the Tuscany Umbria Border

A Yellow Orchid At The Start Of The Marzano Walk on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Today I did my Marzano walk, a beautiful route through chestnut woods and along high ridges with fantastic views. You also pass the abandoned village of Marzano, high on an isolated Umbrian hillside.

See video of the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria border (opens You Tube)

A Purple Orchid on the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

Before we started the walk we visited the Madonna del Parto in Monterchi, Tuscany. It’s a beautiful painting of a heavily pregnant Madonna by the Renaissance painter and mathematician, Piero della Francesca. After viewing the painting and enjoying a cappucino in Monterchi, we set off in the car to the start of the walk. We drove past the village of Lippiano and started to climb towards the start.

Piero Della Francesca's Madonna Dell Parto, Monterchi, Tuscany

Marzano, despite being a collection of ruined buildings, has a brand new sign pointing up the track from the main road. After a few hundred metres’ steep climb we parked the car near some of the strangely shaped chestnut trees that are one of the features of this walk.

Pink Orchid at the Start of the Marzano Walk on the Tuscany Umbria Border

Right by the car there were hundreds of orchids; yellow, purple and pink altough they all seemed to be the same species.

The Climb at the Start of the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

The walk starts off with a reasonably hard 20 minute climb through chestnut and oak woods. Soon you arrive at Corvo, usually there are great piles of logs here next to a weighbridge, today was no exception.

Logs on the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria

We started to climb once more to the top of Monte Pagliaolo, at around 1000m, we had climbed about 350m since the start. The views here were magnificent, we could see Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche. The ground all around at the summit was dotted with more colourful orchids.

The View at the Highest Point on the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border.

From the summit we descended to Osteria, once a stop for the many travellers who used these routes across the hills but now falling into ruin. The logs here made a good spot to stop and eat a picnic lunch.

Picnic Lunch on the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

After lunch we began set off in the direction of Marzano, descending through a tunnel of oak trees. Soon we were at the ruined church, the first of the village’s buildings.

Ruined Church, Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

We continued, passing more ruins, one must have been a very grand villa and it looks as if someone once started to shore up the structure with reinforced concrete. Now, signs tell you there is a danger of collapse, a little late as some of the walls have already started to go!

Ruin on the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border

There were more great views as the walk continued beyond Marzano, after a short climb we started to descend through oak woods.

View on the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border.

At a junction in the track, there is a large piles of stones, the story is that a man returning from the war died here, within sight of his home. He was buried where he was found and now every passer by throws a rock onto the pile.

Pile of Stones Marking a Grave. Marzano Walk Tuscany Umbria Border.

We descended steeply and then followed a contour along the side of the valley, it was damp here as many streams run down the side of the valley.

Chestnut Tree on the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria Border.

Soon we were back in the chestnut trees and on the final stretch back to the car.

View From Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Umbria

Afterwards we drove to nearby Monte Santa Maria Tiberina for a drink at the bar/restaurant Oscari. There are magnificent views across the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria from here.

Find the instructions for the Marzano Walk, Tuscany Umbria border

For Walking Holidays Visit Quattro Passi, Tuscany Umbria Walking

For Villa Rentals on the Tuscany Umbria Border, Gorgacce Rentals, Tuscany Villas, Umbria Villas

Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border – New Walks

Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border

If you buy my book, Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border, direct from Quatrro Passi’s Tuscany Umbria Walking web site, it now comes with an extra 11 walks in pdf format.

The View From Monte Ginezzo

Two of these walks are improved versions of routes in Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border; the Montone Long Walk and the Leaning Tower of Vernazzano. The rest are all fantastic new walks: three in the hills behind Gubbio; a long and short walk to an Etruscan Tomb; one near Pietralunga, a Long Battle of Lake Trasimeno Walk; a beautiful walk to the abandoned village of Marzano and Monte Ginezzo, high on ridges behind Cortona.

Inside the Etruscan Tomb

Close Up Of The Etruscan Tomb

In effect Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border now has 27 walking routes, 29 if you include the improved walks.

Madonna della Cima Walk, Behind Gubbio

The New Montone Long Walk, Umbria, Italy

View of the Snow Covered Appenines on the Montone Long Walk

The Montone Long Walk is in my book, Circular Walks On The Tuscany Umbria Border. Recently new sign posts have been placed along the route by the Club Alpini di Italia (CAI). Some of these signs are pointing down tracks that I had never explored. It occured to me that I might be able to improve on the route in the book.

Purple flower on the Montone Long Walk

Yesterday I finished walking a new, slighter shorter version of the Montone Long Walk. The new version has changed what was a good walk into a fantastic walk. In a day or so, the route will be up on my Walking in Tuscany & Umbria website. I will also be offering 10 other pdfs of new walks free with a purchase of Circular Walks on the Tuscany Umbria Border.

Primroses on the new Montone Long Walk

Rocca d'Aries, Montone Long Walk