Holidays in Montecatini

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Montecatini

Montecatini Terme is passed through by the route of the famous Camino di San Jacopo. This is a bucket list route for many a keen walker and, for the most part, is very well sign-posted. The Tuscan countryside is famous for its Italian Cypress trees and rolling hills, we absolutely love walking here as it offers a completely different landscape compared to the usual mountainous walking areas. With wooded, hilly trails in areas such as the Colle di Buggiano and endless ancient villages to stumble upon, we can't get enough of walking around Montecatini.

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per holiday, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Trains

During low season the trains run regularly with easy links to Pisa, Lucca and Florence and from Montecatini Centro station. They're fantastic for exploring nearby cities and all that Tuscany has to offer (train schedule changes may apply in high summer). You can also get to nearby towns such as Borgo a Buggiano in the Colle di Buggiano (Buggiano Hills) and access a wider walking area, in about 10 minutes on the train, you will have to walk from the train station to the starting points of many walks and to the towns in the Colle di Buggiano.

Walking

For a keen walker, getting around shouldn't be a problem. You can walk up to the Colle di Buggiano in about an hour and have the opportunity to explore a new expanse of walking area. This is mostly uphill, so will require a good fitness level. Walking up to Montecatini Alto, for those viewpoints is also very doable and takes about an hour, uphill.

Inghams guided walks are included on your holiday in Montecatini

We’ve included one full-day and one half-day walk per holiday in Montecatini, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The full-day walk will run every Monday and the half-day walk will run every Friday from 03 May - 11 Oct 24 (please note that walks will not take place between 01 Jul - 29 Aug 24). You can add the walks onto your holiday by giving us a call. Make sure to book your walks in well in advance to secure your slot!

The Aqueduct and Springs of Lucca

Dating back two centuries, the monumental aqueduct of Nottolini brings pure water to the fountains of Lucca. On this walk you'll get to find out where this water originates from. You'll head to a valley which is a hidden gem, full of streams and little waterfalls called "Parole d'Oro", Golden Words. This place is magical and truly loved by the citizens of Lucca.

Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)

Distance: 9km

Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 6 hours)

Ascent/Descent: 200m

Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails

Useful information: You'll stop off along the walk to have your packed lunch in the open air. Make sure you come prepared with a packed lunch and snacks. There may also the option to pre-book lunch in a farm house if the group would like to. To get to the starting point of the walk you can take the train which takes about 30 minutes (approx. €5 each way, payable locally)

Montecatini Alto

Walking up from the Montecatini funicular station you'll walk up hill to the stunning Montecatini Alto, which is the best place to experience those classic Tuscan post-card views. Ending at an organic farm, you'll have the opportunity to try what the locals call 'green gold' at a typical Tuscan olive oil tasting (payable locally).

Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)

Distance: 4km

Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 3 hours)

Ascent/Descent: 290m

Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails, rocky terrain, some steep ascents

Useful information: Make sure you come prepared with lots of water and snacks. You'll also have the option to book onto an olive oil tasting at the end of the walk (€39 per person, payable and bookable locally). The walk starts from the base station of the Montecatini funicular, which you can walk to from our hotels.

For every walk you will need:

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun-cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Cammino San Jacopo

You can hop on and off this bucket list walking route, with transport links that will take you to various starting points. Overall the route is 170km in length stretching from Florence to Livorno, but you can enjoy some sections of it from Montecatini. Due to its popularity it's pretty well sign-posted in most places, but it's always worth having a map with you just in case! The route heads past towns and cities of great historical significance (including Florence, Lucca, Pescia and Pistoia and Pisa) and is based around an ancient Roman road. It's an excellent route to dip in and out of.

Via Francigena

All roads lead to Rome! The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route which runs through rural Italy. It stretches all the way from the Swiss Alps to Rome! One stage of the route heads from Lucca to Siena, so if you fancy a long day out, you could catch the train to Lucca in the morning and hop onto the route there, walking as much or as little of it as you want. It's a great one to say you've done!

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps

For a paper map we'd recommend Kompass Toscana 2440 - Foglio 1 (1:50,000) (Heart of Tuscany - Map 1).

Hiking guidelines

The Tuscan countryside is a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't over-estimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace