OPTIONAL WALKING TOURS

(NOTE: LIMITED NUMBERS AND PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

Dr June Donsworth is a Sydney psychiatrist who lived for nearly a year in and around Florence in 2001/2002,
and did a lot of walking in the countryside and visiting nearby places all around Tuscany. In 2004 she was back
there, and took some friends on various walks and they loved it.

June is an experienced walker in these parts, and although not a registered walking group leader, is responsible.
Anyone who decides to accompany her will have to understand that she would not be taking any public liability, so
each person will have to show a current travel insurance policy and sign a medical form; June will, however, take a mobile phone for any emergency. The walks will start by train from Prato. Participants should wear comfortable
walking shoes or trainers, have a hat, sunscreen, and water bottle (and wet weather clothes in case of inclement
weather). And be able to do easy to moderate walks!

All transport will be by Public Transport, so the only expense on the day will be your own fares, and any lunch and
coffees and museum entry. The tours will go ahead in wet weather. There are two walks offered for anyone
interested in doing this whilst the Conference is on in Prato. Maximum number of participants is 12, no minimum.
On the 13th October walk, there would be no turning back after we leave San Gimignano, but on the 14th October
trip, it could be shortened at any time if it got too much.

WALKING TOUR 1 IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.

Itinerary
Leaving Prato by train, into Florence, then the train to Poggibonsi, then a bus to San Gimignano. There will be time to explore San Gimignano by foot early in the morning before the crowds get there. Then a wonderful walk along a ridge through tiny villages, beautiful countryside, great views back to the towers of San Gimignano, then downhill to Certaldo, where the group will get a funicular up to the ancient town and explore a bit there. Then the train back to Prato. The trip will include about 4 hours of walking in the countryside, and we would probably buy some simple food to eat in San Gimignano and have a picnic somewhere with a good view.

Itinerary
Train to Florence. Walk from Florence station (Santa Maria Novella) to the Bargello Museum (wonderful sculpture museum in a medieval Gaol). Then, if time allows, walk across the Ponte Vecchio to Santa Maria del Carmine where there are the fantastic pivotal Masacchio frescos (the beginning of perspective). Then back to Florence station to catch the bus, about 30 minutes trip up to Fiesole and look at great views over Florence whilst having lunch up there. Plus also explore the terrific archaeological museum (Etruscan artefacts). This would not be a lot of walking and the group will be back in Prato in plenty of time to go to the dinner that night.

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