Olá! I’m Doug Perin. Friends call me Duke. I’m originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil, which qualifies me as a gaucho – although you won’t find me slurping mate or roaming the Pampas on horseback.
Hiking is my passion. I came to Italy in 2007 and fell in love with Florence and the Tuscan countryside. Today I split my time between Brazil and Italy, and Tuscany abounds with options for those who are willing to explore.
Through this blog, I hope I can offer you a glimpse of the wonders that await you here.
Latest hikes
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Reaching the Rural Outskirts of Florence
An afternoon hike through Florence’s southwest: the shaded southern bank of the Arno, Parco dell’Argingrosso, sleepy Mantignano and the vegetable gardens of rural Ugnano, with…
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Via Francigena: A Wanderer’s Path from Lucca to Altopascio
A winter walk along the Via Francigena from Lucca to Altopascio: 21 km on the flat plain past Romanesque churches, pilgrim stamps and quiet views…
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Day Hikes from Florence Without a Car (by Train and Bus)
No car? No problem. My favorite day hikes from Florence, Italy, by train and bus: Oltrarno hills, Chianti, Mugello, Montalbano and Monte Pisano.
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Montalbano Hills, Tuscany: Hiking CAI 300 to Vinci
Hike Tuscany’s Montalbano hills on path CAI 300 to Vinci, Leonardo’s hometown: historic towns, roasted chestnuts and great wine, easy to reach from Florence.
Explore by area
- Florence & Oltrarno Walks
- Florentine Countryside
- Mugello & Tuscan Apennines
- Montalbano
- Monte Pisano
- Renaissance Ring
Follow new hikes on X: @wanderingaucho
