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 week, 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.

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 - included in your holiday

We’ve included one full-day and one half-day walk per week 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 the 3rd May until 11th October 2024. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Archangel Gabriel Trek

This walk is a total immersion into the Tuscan landscape surrounded by fantastic views and historical monuments. The path crosses vineyards and lush olive groves and passes by unique churches like the Pieve di San Gennaro. This church is a Romanesque jewel that houses a statue of the Archangel Gabriel made by the genius Leonardo Da Vinci! The walk will end with the chance to experience a local wine tasting- what more could you want?

• Grade: Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 8km
• Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 300m
• 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. Any public transport used to and from the walk is payable locally.

The Noble Villas of Lucca

This walk is full of incredible villas to admire, memories of a glorious past, within stunning landscapes. You'll walk along a mixture of roads and gentle paths, through picturesque settlements and past villas surrounded by the typical Tuscan landscape. What's more, you'll even have the chance to visit the magnificent Villa Torrigiani and the park that surrounds it.

• Grade: Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 8km
• Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 300m
• 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. Entry to the Villa Torrigiani is optional (approx. €8 per person entry, payable locally). Any public transport used to and from the walk is payable locally.

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 (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).

The Olive Path

The first half of the walk is mainly up hill as you head up to 320 metres of altitude. The highest point of the walk is the area of Pinetone/Fontanelle di Violino, where you'll stop for lunch and have a chance to soak up the views around you. You'll walk along country roads, through olive groves, wooden paths and trekking trails. You'll begin the decent after lunch, passing by tiny villages such as Papa, Noni, Castelvecchio, Mulino di Maciste and then head back to Colle di Buggiano.

• Grade: Moderate (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 8km
• Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 5 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 320m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: When you get to Pinetone, the highest point of the walk, 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. To get to the starting point of the walk you can take the train which takes about 5 minutes (approx. €1.60 each way, payable locally).

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.

The walking around Montecatini is so good that every route could be classed as a favourite, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

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!

Montecatini Alto

Walking up to Montecatini Alto is a great way to experience the views of the Tuscan countryside as you gradually get higher and higher. The walk takes about an hour (depending on your pace) and requires a decent level of fitness. Montecatini Alto is famous for it's viewpoints, so well worth a visit. There are also a few walks from the top, so if you don't fancy walking all the way up you can also hop on the funicular which will take you straight up.

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 & apps

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