VOLTERRA TO SAN GIMIGNANO WALK

On this independent hotel-to-hotel walking holiday you explore the timeless countryside between picturesque Volterra and the soaring towers of San Gimignano. This gentle discovery of a side of Italy that few visitors see - farmers harvesting olives, infinite views across the rolling plain from panoramic pathways, and lively fêtesin hidden hilltop villages - is perfectly complemented by the opportunity to visit the eternal Tuscan favourites of Siena and Florence on your rest days, offering you the best of both worlds.

You start in Volterra, a real Etruscan gem with its tangle of alleys home to alabaster workshops and secret chapels, from where you walk along panoramic strade biancheto reach Orgiaglia, nestling in the verdant Berignone forest. Your journey then takes you east to mediaeval Colle Val d’Elsa, enjoying balcony views across the Elsa valley. As you move towards the pretty hamlet of San Donato, the landscape is dominated by vines – plenty of wine tasting opportunities here!

Our carefully picked hotels, all with pools, are full of contrasts - from signor Lazzari’s convivial agriturismo, where you’ll dine en familleunder the stars, to the refined elegance of the ssss Relais della Roverein Colle Val d’Elsa, a magnificently restored C12 abbey. Chianti is synonymous with excellent food and wine; evening meals are a celebration of local cuisine throughout – 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), perfect washed down by a glass or two of full bodied Chianti!

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.