Classic Journeys: The World’s Finest Walking Tours

Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Asia & India South Pacific

Adventure

Immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations with guided walking tour adventures from Classic Journeys and Manifest.

Credit: Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys: The World’s Finest Walking Tours

Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Asia & India South Pacific

Adventure

Immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations with guided walking tour adventures from Classic Journeys and Manifest.

Credit: Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys: The World’s Finest Walking Tours

Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Asia & India South Pacific

Adventure

Immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations with guided walking tour adventures from Classic Journeys and Manifest.

Credit: Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys: The World’s Finest Walking Tours

Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Asia & India South Pacific

Adventure

Immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations with guided walking tour adventures from Classic Journeys and Manifest.

Credit: Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys: The World’s Finest Walking Tours

Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Asia & India South Pacific

Adventure

Immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations with guided walking tour adventures from Classic Journeys and Manifest.

Credit: Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys: The World’s Finest Walking Tours

Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Asia & India South Pacific

Adventure

Immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations with guided walking tour adventures from Classic Journeys and Manifest.

Credit: Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys: The World’s Finest Walking Tours

Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Asia & India South Pacific

Adventure

Immerse yourself in the cultures and landscapes of some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations with guided walking tour adventures from Classic Journeys and Manifest.

Credit: Classic Journeys

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

“Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to people and experiences around the globe.” – Travel + Leisure

For over 25 years, Classic Journeys has offered the most culturally rich and authentic walking tour vacations in the world, taking guests to some of the most cinematic and inspiring destinations. With unparalleled adventures spanning more than 60 regions in 30 countries on six continents, they have become known as the world’s finest walking tour company, inviting travelers to get out and explore on foot and immerse themselves in the culture, food, and incredible landscapes around them—while still enjoying the creature comforts.

Each curated walking tour vacation includes deluxe accommodations at award-winning hotels, guided walks in the morning and afternoon, daily meals focused on local cuisine, and handcrafted itineraries filled with unique and unforgettable experiences—specific to the destination.

Through long-standing relationships with well-connected local guides, the Classic Journeys team can take you off the beaten path and introduce you to local artisans, winemakers, hoteliers, restauranteurs, naturalists, and more, creating a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. And between the scheduled activities, you’ll have time break off from your group to relax and explore at your own pace.

Whether you’re looking to visit wild and remote destinations in Iceland or South America; go hiking through breathtaking national parks; take a food and culture walking tour of historic cities in Europe and Asia; or explore exciting destinations in Africa and the South Pacific, Classic Journeys’ luxury walking adventures offer experiences for every interest.

As of 2021, Classic Journeys is now proud to be part of the Lindblad Expeditions family of best-in-class boutique travel companies, offering the same excellent, high-touch service as always with the resources and backing of the world’s best small-ship, luxury expedition cruise company.

highlights

Book your Classic Journey’s trip through Manifest for additional benefits: assistance with reserving pre- and post-trip hotels and transportation; special pricing; and personalized service and support from our experienced team
Curated walks through some of the world’s most beautiful destinations
Handcrafted itineraries that emphasize unique, immersive experiences
Exceptional local guides are your companions for every destination
Small groups for a more intimate and personalized travel experience
Luxury accommodations in enchanting, award-winning hotels
Eat like (and with) the locals in every fabulous destination

Below is an example of Classic Journeys walking tour to Italy. As a member of Manifest, you will have access to all destinations that Classic Journeys travels to.

Highlights

Book your Classic Journey’s trip through Manifest for additional benefits: assistance with reserving pre- and post-trip hotels and transportation; special pricing; and personalized service and support from our experienced team
Curated walks through some of the world’s most beautiful destinations
Handcrafted itineraries that emphasize unique, immersive experiences
Exceptional local guides are your companions for every destination
Small groups for a more intimate and personalized travel experience
Luxury accommodations in enchanting, award-winning hotels
Eat like (and with) the locals in every fabulous destination

Below is an example of Classic Journeys walking tour to Italy. As a member of Manifest, you will have access to all destinations that Classic Journeys travels to.

“Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to people and experiences around the globe.” – Travel + Leisure

Trip details

Trip Type: Small Group

Comfort: Luxury

Travel Styles: Luxury, Outdoors

Starts: Florence, Italy

Finishes: Florence, Italy

Duration: 7 days

ITINERARY

1Welcome to Tuscany!

After meeting in Florence, you’ll head straight into the beautiful Chianti countryside to immerse yourself in the pace and palate of Tuscany
Enjoy a wine tasting and private tour of the cellars at one of Chianti’s great wineries
After the tasting, we’ll walk through the region’s lush vineyards and silvery olive groves before reaching your hotel—a 16th century hillside villa that was once a palatial family home
Stroll the manicured estate with the hosts—the count and countess—followed by dinner on the terrace

2Lunch at a castle estate and San Gimignano

Today, you’ll enjoy a delicious Tuscan breakfast before heading into the countryside on a trail that leads through the legendary Tuscan landscape to the grounds of a beautifully restored 15th century castle
You’ll be met by the home’s owner, Massimo, who will greet you with a traditional home-cooked lunch paired with wine pressed from his own grapes
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax at the hotel before enjoying a special visit to the walled hill town of San Gimignano, where you’ll take a guided tour (and hear fascinating stories) of the town’s medieval towers and other landmarks with a local expert and have time to explore on your own
That evening, you’ll dine on classic Italian dishes under a barrel-vaulted brick ceiling in one of San Gimignano’s favorite trattorias

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Explore the narrow streets around Piazza del Duomo
Try the local gelato or Lemonsoda in San Gimignano
Spend time in the Rocca di Montestaffoli park, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside
See the beautiful, well-preserved frescoes on the walls and ceiling of the Collegiata di Santa Maria

3Visit an abbey, walk to Monteriggioni, and sample fresh pecorino

Following a breakfast of local specialties, you’ll begin the day with a private, guided visit to an 11 century Benedictine abbey that was once an important medieval center for learning
Afterwards, follow your guide along a quiet footpath that offers unsurpassed scenery and magnificent views of stands of cypress, poppy fields, and olive groves
After crossing the Via Francigena (the route ancient pilgrims took to Rome), you’ll arrive at the spectacular fortified village of Monteriggioni
Explore the small, but bustling, medieval village on your own, seeing the sights, visiting local artisan shops, and relaxing with a leisurely lunch in the piazza
Later in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a visit with a friendly local shepherd and have a private look at how he makes sheep’s-milk cheeses, followed by a chance to sample some of his traditional specialties
Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying your hotel amenities before and after dinner

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

View replicas of armor and weapons from the Middle Ages at the Monteriggioni in Arme Museum
Walk along the southern wall section for expansive views of the countryside
Have lunch at one of the outdoor cafes on the piazza
Visit the 13th century Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta
Stroll through Monteriggioni’s small side streets to visit local artisan shops
Relax at the hotel pool before dinner

4Lucca and Santa Margherita

After checking out of your hotel, you’ll head north and west through Chianti and the Arno Valley to the historical, picturesque city of Lucca
In Lucca, you’ll join a local guide for a short walk along a stretch of its magnificent Renaissance walls and through the historical center before having time to see more of the city—and have lunch—on your own
After lunch, you’ll head to Pietrasanta, famous for its marble artisans, where you’ll have the opportunity to see how marble is transformed into gleaming statues at one of the town’s most celebrated workshops
In the late afternoon, you’ll continue on your scenic drive along the Apuane Mountains (past quarries that provided the marble for all of Michelangelo’s carvings) and on to your grand seaside hotel in Santa Margherita—in the heart of the Italian Riveria
Enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring the hotel’s grounds and amenities before dinner

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Visit the Lucca Cathedral in the Piazza San Martino, enjoying its stunning architecture and artwork
Have lunch at one of the cafés in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro or Piazza Napoleone
Stroll along Lucca’s cobblestone streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city
Check out the many elegant shops and artisan boutiques surrounding Lucca’s piazzas
Take a swim in the hotel pool, overlooking the scenic promenade to Portofino

5Coastal trails and scenic villages of Cinque Terre

Today, from your hotel, you’ll hop on the little coastal train for a quick and scenic journey to Manarola, the second southernmost of the five coastal villages
In Manarola, you can choose our own adventure: walk the scenic Via dell’Amore trail among and between the villages, seeing the sights on foot; skip the walking in favor of the coastal train and ferry boats that run between the villages (arranged for you seamlessly by your guides); or combine the two—walking part of the way and switching to train or boat in any of the villages. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a memorable day and plenty of time to explore each village at your own pace
In late afternoon, at the end of the walk, you’ll return to your seaside hotel from Monterosso to enjoy the evening at your leisure

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Have lunch at a seaside café in one of the villages
Enjoy a refreshing gelato or espresso
Visit the small harbor and piazza at Manarola
Stroll along the hillside vineyards and stone terraces of Corniglia for excellent views of the entire coast
Walk the narrow streets and visit the small square and arcades of colorful Vernazza
Visit the ruins of a castle tower and Vernazza’s famous boardwalk
Stop for a swim in the warm blue sea or relax on the beach in Monterosso
Have dinner in one of Santa Margherita’s popular restaurants

6A day in Portofino and back to Florence

This morning, you’ll follow a scenic footpath that leads to the fabled coastal resort of Portofino, enjoying the spectacular coastal landscape
In Portofino, you can explore the town, have a leisurely lunch, do some shopping, and (if time permits), ride by boat to the monastery of San Fruttuoso on its tiny beach that is inaccessible by car
After seeing the sights on your own, you’ll take a 30-minute scenic coastal cruise to enjoy the Portofino landscape from a different point of view
In the afternoon, you’ll make the return journey to Florence, where you’ll settle in at your hotel and then have a fabulous Tuscan dinner at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Visit Castello Brown, perched high above the town of Portofino
Take a tour of the impressive Chiesa di San Martino
Stroll through Portofino’s Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta and harbor
Explore the Park Museum outdoor sculpture garden
Shop the chic, luxury boutiques along Portofino’s cobbled side streets

7Walking tour of Florence and Micehlangelo’s David

On the last day of your Tuscan adventure, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Florence, one of the world’s great treasures of art and culture—as well as one of its most walkable cities—with an accomplished art historian
As you wander through ancient streets, you’ll see and learn about Brunelleschi’s incredible dome, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signorina and shop and graze through the famed indoor/outdoor Central Market of San Lorenzo
At the end of your guided tour, you will be able to skip the long lines to see Michelangelo’s David—an unforgettable end to your day in Florence
Head to the airport for your flight home or let Manifest arrange additional days for you to enjoy Florence on your own

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Pick up souvenir’s at one of the outdoor shopping stalls
Sample produce, olives, breads, and meats at the San Lorenzo market
Relax with a coffee or glass of wine at the market’s second floor gourmet food court
Browse the Giunti bookstore, specializing in cookbooks and other culinary topics

Welcome to Tuscany!

After meeting in Florence, you’ll head straight into the beautiful Chianti countryside to immerse yourself in the pace and palate of Tuscany
Enjoy a wine tasting and private tour of the cellars at one of Chianti’s great wineries
After the tasting, we’ll walk through the region’s lush vineyards and silvery olive groves before reaching your hotel—a 16th century hillside villa that was once a palatial family home
Stroll the manicured estate with the hosts—the count and countess—followed by dinner on the terrace

Lunch at a castle estate and San Gimignano

Today, you’ll enjoy a delicious Tuscan breakfast before heading into the countryside on a trail that leads through the legendary Tuscan landscape to the grounds of a beautifully restored 15th century castle
You’ll be met by the home’s owner, Massimo, who will greet you with a traditional home-cooked lunch paired with wine pressed from his own grapes
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax at the hotel before enjoying a special visit to the walled hill town of San Gimignano, where you’ll take a guided tour (and hear fascinating stories) of the town’s medieval towers and other landmarks with a local expert and have time to explore on your own
That evening, you’ll dine on classic Italian dishes under a barrel-vaulted brick ceiling in one of San Gimignano’s favorite trattorias

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Explore the narrow streets around Piazza del Duomo
Try the local gelato or Lemonsoda in San Gimignano
Spend time in the Rocca di Montestaffoli park, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside
See the beautiful, well-preserved frescoes on the walls and ceiling of the Collegiata di Santa Maria

Visit an abbey, walk to Monteriggioni, and sample fresh pecorino

Following a breakfast of local specialties, you’ll begin the day with a private, guided visit to an 11 century Benedictine abbey that was once an important medieval center for learning
Afterwards, follow your guide along a quiet footpath that offers unsurpassed scenery and magnificent views of stands of cypress, poppy fields, and olive groves
After crossing the Via Francigena (the route ancient pilgrims took to Rome), you’ll arrive at the spectacular fortified village of Monteriggioni
Explore the small, but bustling, medieval village on your own, seeing the sights, visiting local artisan shops, and relaxing with a leisurely lunch in the piazza
Later in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a visit with a friendly local shepherd and have a private look at how he makes sheep’s-milk cheeses, followed by a chance to sample some of his traditional specialties
Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying your hotel amenities before and after dinner

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

View replicas of armor and weapons from the Middle Ages at the Monteriggioni in Arme Museum
Walk along the southern wall section for expansive views of the countryside
Have lunch at one of the outdoor cafes on the piazza
Visit the 13th century Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta
Stroll through Monteriggioni’s small side streets to visit local artisan shops
Relax at the hotel pool before dinner

Lucca and Santa Margherita

After checking out of your hotel, you’ll head north and west through Chianti and the Arno Valley to the historical, picturesque city of Lucca
In Lucca, you’ll join a local guide for a short walk along a stretch of its magnificent Renaissance walls and through the historical center before having time to see more of the city—and have lunch—on your own
After lunch, you’ll head to Pietrasanta, famous for its marble artisans, where you’ll have the opportunity to see how marble is transformed into gleaming statues at one of the town’s most celebrated workshops
In the late afternoon, you’ll continue on your scenic drive along the Apuane Mountains (past quarries that provided the marble for all of Michelangelo’s carvings) and on to your grand seaside hotel in Santa Margherita—in the heart of the Italian Riveria
Enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring the hotel’s grounds and amenities before dinner

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Visit the Lucca Cathedral in the Piazza San Martino, enjoying its stunning architecture and artwork
Have lunch at one of the cafés in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro or Piazza Napoleone
Stroll along Lucca’s cobblestone streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city
Check out the many elegant shops and artisan boutiques surrounding Lucca’s piazzas
Take a swim in the hotel pool, overlooking the scenic promenade to Portofino

Coastal trails and scenic villages of Cinque Terre

Today, from your hotel, you’ll hop on the little coastal train for a quick and scenic journey to Manarola, the second southernmost of the five coastal villages
In Manarola, you can choose our own adventure: walk the scenic Via dell’Amore trail among and between the villages, seeing the sights on foot; skip the walking in favor of the coastal train and ferry boats that run between the villages (arranged for you seamlessly by your guides); or combine the two—walking part of the way and switching to train or boat in any of the villages. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a memorable day and plenty of time to explore each village at your own pace
In late afternoon, at the end of the walk, you’ll return to your seaside hotel from Monterosso to enjoy the evening at your leisure

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Have lunch at a seaside café in one of the villages
Enjoy a refreshing gelato or espresso
Visit the small harbor and piazza at Manarola
Stroll along the hillside vineyards and stone terraces of Corniglia for excellent views of the entire coast
Walk the narrow streets and visit the small square and arcades of colorful Vernazza
Visit the ruins of a castle tower and Vernazza’s famous boardwalk
Stop for a swim in the warm blue sea or relax on the beach in Monterosso
Have dinner in one of Santa Margherita’s popular restaurants

A day in Portofino and back to Florence

This morning, you’ll follow a scenic footpath that leads to the fabled coastal resort of Portofino, enjoying the spectacular coastal landscape
In Portofino, you can explore the town, have a leisurely lunch, do some shopping, and (if time permits), ride by boat to the monastery of San Fruttuoso on its tiny beach that is inaccessible by car
After seeing the sights on your own, you’ll take a 30-minute scenic coastal cruise to enjoy the Portofino landscape from a different point of view
In the afternoon, you’ll make the return journey to Florence, where you’ll settle in at your hotel and then have a fabulous Tuscan dinner at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Visit Castello Brown, perched high above the town of Portofino
Take a tour of the impressive Chiesa di San Martino
Stroll through Portofino’s Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta and harbor
Explore the Park Museum outdoor sculpture garden
Shop the chic, luxury boutiques along Portofino’s cobbled side streets

Walking tour of Florence and Micehlangelo’s David

On the last day of your Tuscan adventure, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Florence, one of the world’s great treasures of art and culture—as well as one of its most walkable cities—with an accomplished art historian
As you wander through ancient streets, you’ll see and learn about Brunelleschi’s incredible dome, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signorina and shop and graze through the famed indoor/outdoor Central Market of San Lorenzo
At the end of your guided tour, you will be able to skip the long lines to see Michelangelo’s David—an unforgettable end to your day in Florence
Head to the airport for your flight home or let Manifest arrange additional days for you to enjoy Florence on your own

Suggested Itinerary Enhancements:

Pick up souvenir’s at one of the outdoor shopping stalls
Sample produce, olives, breads, and meats at the San Lorenzo market
Relax with a coffee or glass of wine at the market’s second floor gourmet food court
Browse the Giunti bookstore, specializing in cookbooks and other culinary topics

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Special Manifest-only pricing on any Classic Journey walking tour
Support booking pre and post trip accommodations and transportation from the Manifest expert travel team
Most meals during your Classic Journeys adventure
Expert local Classic Journeys English-speaking guides in each destination
Exciting planned activities and local experiences
Sightseeing and entrance fees for planned activities
Transportation to/from your hotels and included activities as laid out in Classic Journeys itineraries
Gratuities for hotels, meals and baggage

ACCOMMODATIONS

Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including a historic villa that dates to the 16th century and is owned by a count and countess.