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 the 12th May-26th Sep 2025 (please note that walks will not take place between 07 Jul-29 Aug 25) and 11th May-25th Sept 2026. 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 Nottolini Aqueduct 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: 15km
• 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 farmhouse 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)

This walk takes place on Mondays.

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. Enjoy learning about the history, culture and the flora and fauna of the area as you go along, our guide will give you a fantastic insight into Montecatini Alto and all it has to offer.

• 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 may also have the opportunity to book onto an olive oil tasting at the end of the walk (€39 per person, payable and bookable locally, subject to availability and minimum numbers). The walk starts from the base station of the Montecatini funicular, which you can walk to from our hotels.

This walk takes place on Fridays.

For every walk you will need:

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun-cream, insect repellent, 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.

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-Challenging
• Distance: 8km
• Ascent/Descent: 300m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails

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
• Distance: 8km
• Ascent/Descent: 300m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails

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
• Distance: 8km
• Ascent/Descent: 320m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails

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, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, 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).

Walking 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 and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Things to see in Montecatini

Head for the town's main street, Via Verde in Montecatini's centre for plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. Head up to Montecatini Alto in the funicular railway - it's over 100 year's old and will take you up to some incredible viewpoints! Make sure you check out the famous thermal spas while you're here. Book in for a treatment and spend time in the healing waters. 

If stalagmites and stalactites are your thing, make sure you visit the inferno-like cave Grotta Maona. Home to a colony of rare bats it's quite the experience, walking through the tunnels in eerie silence!

Exploring Tuscany

If you want to explore further afield on your summer holiday, then many of Tuscany's best towns are close by. Fill your days with trips to Florence, Siena and Pisa. Don't forget the lesser-known places too. You can escape the crowds in little towns like Fosdinovo and Collodi.

While it's easy to get around by train to some of the major cities and towns, you can't beat putting on your walking boots and heading out into the hills. There are some fantastic countryside views to be found.

In July, don't miss the Lucca Summer Festival, a huge outdoor concert for music lovers. It's a great event for dancing the night away. Or, if books and food are more your speed then try out the annual Food and Book Festival in Montecatini Terme in May.

Walking around vineyards: food & wine in Tuscany

Tuscany is famous for its food and wine so you can be sure of trying some amazing food while you're there. Our favourite dishes are Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Panzanella. Head out into the vineyards for a spot of wine tasting; some of Italy's most famous wines are produced here and we absolutely love sipping them whilst gazing out over the vines.

If you've chosen to hire a car for your holiday to Tuscany, you will have opened up even more opportunities for exploring the area.

Explore Southern Tuscany and it's towns

Make sure you head to Siena and scope out the Piazza del Campo, where the traditional Palio horse race takes place each year. The area south of Siena is also well worth exploring and has so many beautiful places to visit and stumble across. In fact there are too many to list. From the beautiful little village of Pienza in the Val d’Orcia which became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996 to Sant’Anna in Camprena a small monastery now renovated into a small agriturismo, parts of which you may recognise from the film The English Patient. Other towns which are a must see include, San Gimignano and Volterra which are also firm favourites to visit, high up on the hillside. Both towns have spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the charm of ancient towns.

Wine Tasting in Montepulciano and Chianti

The beautiful medieval town of Montepulciano has been home to many film productions from The English Patient to a Midsummers nights dream. Piazza Grande is a spectacular square right at the top of the town which features in many films and is pride and place to the cathedral and clock tower. Montepulciano is home to the famous wine Vino Nobile and the streets are strewn with the local wine producers ‘cantine’ many of which have underground caves you can explore. In August there is the Bravio delle Botti held on the last Sunday of August the local contrade race with wine barrels through the streets and local countryside of Montepulciano. If you're heading to Chianti to get your wine fix, make sure you visit the stunning Castello di Brolio which is fantastic. We love tasting wine and local produce whilst gazing out over typical Tuscan landscapes and rolling hills.

Scope out the thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni

Located in the beautiful Val d’Orcia on the Via Francigena the thermal waters in Bagno Vignoni have been used since Roman times. The thermal baths are in the middle of the village surrounded one side by a Loggiato. The baths can be accessed below the village for free and there are nice walks along the river.

Head to the coast for the day

The Tuscan coast is beautiful and a great contrast to the countryside, so if you fancy a change of scenery for the day, why not head to one of the seaside towns such as Viareggio, Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi.

Go walking in nearby towns and countryside

The area of the Garfagnana and the village of Borgo a Mozzano and the Devils Bridge, Barga are lovely to explore and this area is popular for hiking. The Colle di Buggiano are also beautiful areas for walking. Why not explore the Borghi a Buggiano, small ancient villages within the hills that will give you a real taste of the traditional Tuscany.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Siena & San Gimignano from £119 per person (full day)

Discover the biggest medieval town in Tuscany, Siena. Visit the unique Cathedral, piazza del Campo and Accademia Musicale Chigiana. Take a beautiful drive through the Tuscan vineyards and olive-groves to San Gimignano. The famous town of the towers dates back to the Etruscan period. You'll also have the opportunity to try some of the region's best wines.

Departs on Thursday and Sundays. Not suitable for guests with limited mobility and accessibility requirements. 

Florence with the Uffizi Gallery from £85 per person (full day)

Visit the home town of the Medici family and look out for works by incredible Renaissance artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael as you explore Florence on a walking tour with our local guide. The tour lasts around two hours and is followed by an introduction to the Uffizi Gallery (payable locally), where you can discover even more great works of art. 

Departs on Fridays. 

Cinque Terre from £127 per person (full day)

Discover some of the most picturesque seaside villages in the Mediterranean. You'll see the UNESCO protected coastline from the water on a boat trip. Explore the colourful fishing villages of Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso and have free time for shopping or even a swim. Don't forget your camera!

Departs on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Discounts available for guests aged 65+ when booked locally. Not suitable for guests with limited mobility and accessibility requirements. This excursion is bookable locally only between 20-27 May 2025.

Chianti Wine & Vinci from £76 per person (half day)

Visit a family-run wine estate for a guided wine tasting with the experts. Try the best Chianti wines accompanied by tasty Tuscan snacks like bruschetta and extra-virgin olive oil. After, you’ll have time to explore the medieval village of Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.

Departs on Mondays and Wednesdays

Please note that the pick-up and drop off point for all Montecatini excursions is the Tourist Information Office located in the centre of town. This is a short walk away from all of our hotels.

Book locally

Cooking Class in a Tuscan Farmhouse

Cook up a storm! Learn how to make home-made Italian style pasta like ravioli or gnocchi and discover the secret to the perfect tiramisu. You’ll then enjoy the food you’ve prepared accompanied by a glass of Tuscan wine.

Departs on Mondays (bookable and payable locally) return taxi transfers to the Tuscan Farmhouse are payable on the spot locally for an additional fee (approx. €55 per person).

Olive Oil Tasting in Montecatini Alto (half day)

Take a special guided tour of an olive oil farm to learn how the delicious extra-virgin olive oil is produced. Explore the 200-year-old olive groves on the terraces above Montecatini and enjoy fantastic views over the spa town while you try the finest quality olive oil and herbal tea with olive leaves.

Departs on Wednesdays and Thursdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.