A Walking Holiday in Tuscany, Italy. Situated on the west side of Italy on the Mediterranean coast, Tuscany is simply steeped in natural beauty, history and culture. Chains of slender cypress trees rise and fall amongst the green brown contours of the Tuscan hills. Here you will discover peace and calm. The evenings inherit the beauty of the days just spent and you will soon come to appreciate why this place has seduced writers like Robert Browning and E.M. Forster.

During 6 days you will experience the real heart of Tuscany in this truly unique trip, partly following the famous “Via Francigena”, an ancient pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome.

So, relax and enjoy your time in Tuscany!

DAY 1 – Coming to Volterra

Volterra is one of the oldest villages in Italy, we recommend visiting the historic centre.

Optional circular walk: [3h, 10km, +/-351m]

Ease your way into your walking holiday with a gentle trek. The walk is mostly on a white road, lined with cypress trees – a good introduction to what is to follow…

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 4* hotel in the heart of the town in a 17th-century villa, with swimming pool. Room en suite.

DAY 2 – To San Gimignano [4h, 12km, +348m, -178m]

After a short transfer to Pignano, you will walk between vineyards and through oak woods with wild Cyclamen in flower in autumn and fine views of the ruins of the fortifications of Castelvecchio. Tonight you will stay at San Gimignano – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – known for its imposing medieval towers.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 3* hotel in the heart of the village. En-suite.

DAY 3 – To Colle Val d’Elsa [4h10,14km,+394m, -208m]

Today is a leisurely day through olive groves and cypress avenues up to the village of Montecchio. In Colle Val d’Elsa, enjoy a glass of Chianti in the central piazza.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 3* hotel with character. Rooms en-suite.

DAY 4 – To Monteriggioni [4h, 23km, +61m, -191m]

Today’s walk is spent mostly in the shade, starting with a long descent to the Castel Petraia and then up to the densely forested hill of Montagnole, close to the attractive village of Strove. The stroll continues on to the handsome fortifications of Monterrigioni.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: Guesthouse in the tiny fortress-town of Monterrigioni. Rooms en suite.

DAY 5 – To S. Columba [4h35, 13km, +346m, -410m] and to Siena

We take to the road again for the last day of our trip. While you might find this day the most challenging, the end will certainly justify the means! After walking across the Montanella, you can admire the village of Funghaia and its church with frescoed interior. A short taxi ride will take you to your hotel in the heart of Siena – your reststop for tonight. Experience real Tuscan food in one of the region’s best osterias.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 3* guesthouse in a 16th-century historical building in Siena. En-suite.

DAY 6 – Siena

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. However, you can extend you stay in Siena or take an additional night in Pisa or Florence (see options below).

Il Palio (a famous horse race in the heart of the city) takes place on dates in August and July each year. If you wish to book this trip during these dates, please contact us early so that we can secure your accommodation.

Hotel: Same as Day 5. Meal: Breakfast

TO PISA

http://www.pisa-airport.com/index.php

20 major airlines fly to Pisa: Ryanair www.ryanair.com, easyJet www.easyjet.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com, Sky Europe www.skyeurope.com and others.

Shuttle buses connect to Pisa Central Bus & Train Stations (every 10-20mins, until 11pm). Trains also connect the airport to the Pisa Central Station, but these are less frequent. The taxi rank is located outside the airport’s arrival terminal. Average fare to the city €12.00 (+ a surcharge on Sun & Bank Hols).

FROM VOLTERRA TO PISA

To Volterra by bus: Several buses a day connect Pisa to Volterra from the central bus station (takes 2hrs). Departure 5.35 to 21.30 (10.30 to 18.30 on Sat & Sun). Check CPT www.cpt.pisa.it. On Sundays, the service is less frequent. In August, timetable is subject to changes.

• First, line 190 Corsia 1. Pisa to Pontederra (1h)
• Then, line 500 Corsia 4. Pontederra to Volterra (1h)

To Volterra by train: First Pisa to Cecina, then a train from Cecina to Salina di Volterra. Finally, a bus will take you to Volterra. This takes longer (3hrs30) but it can be a good option on Sundays when other services may be limited. See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

TO FLORENCE

Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com and others. Shuttle buses connect to Florence Central Bus & Train Stations every 30 minutes.

To Volterra by bus: There are several buses a day from the central bus station (2hrs10mins). Departures 4h50 to 17h10. Check http://toscana-toskana.de/volterra-it/bus.htm

TO ROME FIUMICINO OF ROME CIAMPINO

Virtually all airlines fly to Rome. From the airport, there is an easy shuttle to Rome Termini train station.

From Rome Termini there are many trains to Cecina (4h30) and a bus to Volterra: www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

OTHER AIRPORTS

The train & bus networks in Italy are well developed and relatively inexpensive. It is probably possible to get to Volterra from other major cities in Italy. Ask us for advice and we will help you!

BACK FROM SIENA

Many options are possible from Siena, whether you want to return to the airport or visit Pisa, Florence, Rome or another city.

To Pisa: Several trains a day connect Volterra to Empoli (45mins) & Empoli to Pisa (1hr15). See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

To Florence: Several trains a day (1hr30 approx.). See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

To Rome: Several trains a day (3-4hrs). See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

• 4 nights in hotels 3* or superior (B&B basis)
• 1 nights in guest house of character (B&B basis)
• 6 breakfasts
• Luggage transferred every walking day (Day 2 to 5)
• Transfer Day 2 from Volterra to Pignano
• Step by step walking notes describing the itinerary
• Detailed map(s) of the area (1:25,000 and 1:50,000)