Italian-based luxury walking company Hedonistic Hiking has launched a new itinerary in Tuscany and Umbria for May 2017  which follows in the footsteps of the celebrated artist Piero della Francesca.

The tour begins in Arezzo with a guided viewing of his fresco cycle depicting the story of the true cross in the San Francesco church, while a second Piero masterpiece is viewed in Sansepolcro's Museo Civico.  This depiction of the Resurrection has undergone a two year restoration programme and was saved from destruction in the second world war by the actions of a UK army officer, Tony Clarke.  A distant memory of Aldous Huxley's description of the work as "the greatest picture in the world" reminded him that the fresco was located in Sansepolcro.  In order to  save the painting, he disobeyed orders and refused to open fire on the town.

Commenting on this new itinerary for Hedonistic Hiking, Managing Director Jackie Parsons said:

"This tour takes us into the heart of Piero della Francesca country and we wanted our guests to have the chance to see some of his greatest works.  People who have seen the film The English Patient will know the frescoes in Arezzo from the famous scene where the character of Hannah is lifted by ropes to see the painted chancel of the church."

The itinerary goes on to explore the Alpi della Luna on foot and continues over the border into Umbria.  It finishes in the stunning town of Gubbio with its wealth of Etruscan, Roman and medieval history.  The daily hikes range from 6 km to 18 km.  Accommodation is based in three charming hotels: a restored Renaissance palace in Sansepolcro, a beautiful converted abbey deep in the Umbrian countryside and a former Ducal palace in Gubbio.  As with all Hedonistic Hiking tours a mix of fine dining experiences in a variety of local restaurants and fresh picnic lunches ensures that guests taste the very best food and wines the region has to offer.

The Medieval Umbria tour will run just once in  2017,  from 22 - 29 May and the final day of the tour will coincide with Gubbio's annual crossbow competition, Il Palio della Balestra, which is a unique festival dating back to the 15th century.

Hedonistic Hiking groups have a maximum number of 16 people, and the cost of the trip is fully-inclusive, excluding flights.  Price €2,895 per person based on two sharing, single supplement €200.

For more information please contact Annabel Purling on 01858 565148 or apurling@hotmail.com 

30th November 2016