Volterra to San Gimignano Walk
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating multi-day tour through the heart of Tuscany, where medieval charm meets breathtaking landscapes. This journey takes you from the ancient city of Volterra to the picturesque village of Casole d'Elsa, and onwards to the historic towns of Colle di Val d'Elsa and San Gimignano. Along the way, explore nature reserves, walk historic trails, and savor the region's rich cultural heritage. With comfortable accommodations, delightful meals, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable Tuscan adventure.
Included
All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals.
Italy’s most famous export is probably its cuisine and the traditional dishes of Tuscany are the most influential and revered. The region’s food is based on cucina povera, ‘poor/peasant cookery’, a rural cuisine based on available natural ingredients: olive oil, unsalted bread, pulses and vegetables, wild mushroom or porcini, and salt-cured meats such as salame and prosciutto. In particular, Tuscan olive oil is renowned for its quality and is the most important ingredient in the region’s cookery. You will find it in almost every dish - as a salad dressing, poured over vegetables and into soups and even as a replacement for butter on bread (very nice with a sprinkling of salt!).
Of course the Chianti region is best known for its regional wine (the very best ones are Chianti Classico and have a black cockerel stamped on the label). Chianti is produced in the vineyards dotted around the Tuscan hills; we actually visit the hills to the north of Siena, where the Chianti Colli Senesi wine is produced. Made from the Sangiovese grape, this is an excellent light, fruity red. Although best known for its red wine, a good white wine is also produced in the Chianti region. Made from the Vernaccia grape, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a crisp dry white which has greatly improved over recent years. It is best drunk young.
Our carefully picked hotels, are full of contrasts, from a converted monastery with an impressive 14th century tower, in the medieval town of Casole d’Elsa to the refined elegance of the 4 star Palazzo San Lorenzo in Colle di Val d’Elsa, a magnificently restored 17th century hospital. Chianti is synonymous with excellent food and wine and evening meals are a celebration of the local cuisine. Perhaps try pappardelle alla lepre (fresh ribbons of pasta with a hare sauce) or bruschetta (toasted bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil, topped with sun-ripened tomatoes), all washed down by a glass or two of full-bodied Chianti!
4 Days walking
Services of your local Headwater Representative
Headwater Wine Collection Service
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
Map
Attractions
Berignone Nature Reserve
Roman Theatre
Etruscan Museum "Mario Guarnacci"
Porta Tufi
Vista Panoramica de Siena
Siena Cathedral
SanGimignano1300
Ponte VecchioDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Volterra
Day 1: Arrival in Volterra
Arrive at your 4-star hotel within Volterra's medieval gates, where you have time to relax in the pool before dinner. You stay at Hotel San Lino (or similar) with breakfast included.
Day 2 – Day 2: Volterra to Casole d'Elsa
Day 2: Volterra to Casole d'Elsa
- Berignone Nature Reserve
- More
A short transfer takes you to the start of your walk. Forest trails lead east through the Berignone Nature Reserve, where you might spot wild boar, deer, and foxes. The ridge opens up to reveal stunning valley views as you head towards Casole d'Elsa, where you'll spend the next two nights. You stay at Hotel Torre dei Serviti (or similar) with breakfast included.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Casole d'Elsa
Day 3: Exploring Casole d'Elsa
- Berignone Nature Reserve
- Roman Theatre
- Etruscan Museum "Mario Guarnacci"
- More
Casole d'Elsa is a picturesque Etruscan village perched on a panoramic ridge. From the vermillion-hued 14th-century castle, enjoy views stretching as far as Monte Amiata. After a leisurely lunch in the medieval piazza, visit the small but intact amphitheatre and Etruscan tombs. You stay at Hotel Torre dei Serviti (or similar) with breakfast included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Casole d'Elsa to Colle di Val d'Elsa
Day 4: Casole d'Elsa to Colle di Val d'Elsa
- Vista Panoramica de Siena
- More
Today's walk takes you down to the valley floor, passing fields of sunflowers and orchid-sprinkled paths. Stop for lunch in the small hamlet of Quartaia before continuing through the woods along the Via Francigena. A final easy stroll along the milky-blue River Elsa leads you to your stunning 4-star hotel. You stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (or similar) with breakfast and evening meal included.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Colle di Val d'Elsa
Day 5: Exploring Colle di Val d'Elsa
- Siena Cathedral
- More
Take a local bus to Siena or Florence, or stroll into impressive Colle di Val d'Elsa. This fascinating town is divided into two halves, with a lift linking the lower New Town with the upper medieval Old Town. You stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (or similar) with breakfast and evening meal included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Colle di Val d'Elsa to San Gimignano
Day 6: Colle di Val d'Elsa to San Gimignano
- Porta Tufi
- Vista Panoramica de Siena
- More
Follow in pilgrims' footsteps along the Via Francigena, bright with sunflowers and fragrant apple orchards. This historic path skirts tiny hamlets and lonely chapels towards the lazy Foci river. Make a short detour for a wine tasting at Montauto before continuing to San Gimignano. Enjoy a swim in the pool before dinner. You stay at Hotel Cisterna (or similar) with breakfast included.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring San Gimignano
Day 7: Exploring San Gimignano
- Siena Cathedral
- SanGimignano1300
- More
Visit San Gimignano's mystical towers, built by warring neighbors in the 12th century. For a longer day out, hop on a local bus to Siena, a perfectly preserved medieval gem with a stunning striped 14th-century Gothic cathedral and beautiful square. You stay at Hotel Cisterna (or similar) with breakfast included.
Day 8 – Day 8: San Gimignano to Volterra
Day 8: San Gimignano to Volterra
- Berignone Nature Reserve
- Ponte Vecchio
- More
A short taxi ride takes you to the start of the walk in Caggio at the Castelvecchio Nature Reserve. Follow a woodland trail dotted with rock roses and wild strawberry plants to reach a panoramic strada bianca. With open views across cypress-studded ochre fields to Monte Voltraio, pass through Sensano and Ulignano, historic hamlets with 16th-century villas. Perhaps picnic by the Era Valley before ascending an ancient mule track back to Volterra. You stay at Hotel San Lino (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Volterra
Day 9: Departure from Volterra
The tour concludes after breakfast in Volterra, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Tuscany's enchanting landscapes and historical treasures.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.