Volterra to San Gimignano Walk

• Quintessential Italian landscapes: rolling hills, sunflowers, endless vines and hilltop hamlets
• Scenic walking on Etruscan trails and pilgrims' paths; wildlife in abundance
• Exceptionally friendly family-run hotels, all with gorgeous swimming pools
• Mouth-watering local cuisine; world famous wines
• Possible day trips to the 'Super Tuscans': Florence, Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano!

On this independent hotel-to-hotel walking holiday you explore the timeless countryside between picturesque Volterra and the soaring towers of San Gimignano. You'll feel as though you're strolling through history as you effortlessly discover sleepy hilltop hamlets crowning sun dappled hills, verdant vineyards and panoramic picnic spots in fields ablaze with sunflowers. And, there's the option too to visit the eternal cities of Siena and Florence - Tuscan favourites right on your doorstep!

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 bianche to 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 famille under the stars, to the refined elegance of the **** Relais della Rovere in 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!