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Strolling through Tuscany

Enjoy wonderful walking through quintessentially Tuscan landscapes of vineyards, rolling hills and timeless woodland. Tuscany's magical countryside and the marvellous food and wine will be revealed in all their richness on this unique journey.

Nights: 4
Grade: 1-2
Terrain: paths, tracks and strade bianche (rough roads) across rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and woodland
Accommodation: two 3-star hotels; one 4-star hotel
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 2 nights
Climate: average temperatures of this warm, sunny region range from 15°C in May to 22°C in July and August.

Starting point: Il Bel Soggiorno (3*), San Gimignano. This popular hotel is owned and run by the charming Gigli family and offers both good hospitality and fine food. The hotel is in an excellent, central location just off a bustling street, and the locally-renowned restaurant boasts panoramic views over the vineyards and hills.

Day 1: this is a scenic walk which leads you through archetypal Tuscan countryside of olive groves and vineyards onto another fascinating hill town, Colle Val d'Elsa. There are classic views of San Gimignano as you leave it behind. You arrive in Colle via the upper town, then descend the ramparts to the lower part. (13km, 4hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel La Vecchia Cartiera (3*), Colle Val d'Elsa. This well-placed hotel is light, spacious and tastefully decorated, with a lounge and comfortable bedrooms. You stay on a bed and breakfast basis and can take your pick of the town's restaurants.

Day 2: a long but fine walk which, after a short transfer, leads along ancient stone paths through the mysterious woodland of Monte Maggio, criss-crossed by mule tracks. You descend to the hamlet and chapel of Funghaia, and from here cross farmland to the outskirts of Siena. (18km, 6.5hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel Garden (4*), Siena. Created from the former summer home of an aristocratic family, the Hotel Garden stands on a hill to the north-west of the old town within its own attractive, shady gardens (complete with outdoor pool) and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. We include dinner here on your first night. The centre of Siena is walkable from here but you may prefer to take a bus (pay locally).

Day 3: explore enchanting Siena, at the heart of which is the incomparable square, the Campo, which is the centre of Siennese life. The cathedral is also magnificent, its masterpieces including works by Donatello, Ghiberti and Jacopo della Quercia. As in all Tuscan towns, just walking around is a great pleasure, and you will discover ancient gates, parts of the city wall and, south of the cathedral, even quite a lot of green space.

Accommodation: Hotel Garden, as above

Prices & travel 2008

*Price includes: 4 nights' bed & breakfast, 2 dinners;
plus taxi from Pisa & rail back (out 1h15/home 2h35)
Recommended destination airport: Pisa
Latest flight arrival time: flexible
Earliest flight departure time: 1200
Book your flights through us and we’ll find the best route, times and price to suit you
Start: any day (Bel Soggiorno's restaurant is closed Wednesdays)

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