Guided
San Gimignano Hiking Tour
Imagine yourself hiking in Italy, strolling through peaceful woodlands and wide open landscapes. The scenery changes constantly as you ramble past fertile vineyards, gnarled olive trees, and wildflowers. On this five day walking holiday Tuscans teach you about Tuscany. A winemaker shows you his ancient cellars where his family has been producing wine for three generations. During a cooking class you learn to make Tuscan specialties using seasonal local ingredients. We visit an abandoned 15th Century castle, a Roman theater, and an alabaster workshop. With two nights in San Gimignano and two in Volterra you have plenty of time to relax and explore.
​Highlights
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Hands on cooking class
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Winery tour and tasting
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Abandoned castle archeological site
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The hill towns of San Gimignano and Volterra
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Picturesque villages
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Country footpaths
Price
US$ 1,250 per person, double occupancy
Dates
Email us your dates. We can schedule the tour when you want.
Single Supplement
+ US$ 200 for single room occupancy
Length
5 Days, 4 Nights
Meet / Finish
Florence / Volterra
Route Rating
Moderate: 3-7 miles (5-11 km) per day of hiking with some steep ascents/descents.
Terms and Conditions >
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 and 2: San Gimignano
We meet in Florence and shuttle to San Gimignano. Lunch is in a hilltop village and winery. We tour the wine cellars and learn the secrets of San Gimignano’s crisp white wines. Later a rolling hike takes us to a ridge with spectacular views. On day two we drive to a cooking school. We spend the morning aprons on, learning the finer points of some typical Tuscan dishes. You can hike back to San Gimignano to work off some of the homemade pasta or simply relax poolside at the cooking school.
Day 3, 4 and 5: Volterra
Day three takes us through the woods to an abandoned castle and village from the Middle Ages. Records show that in 1458 the village was already in decline with a population of seven families. Five hundred years later the castle and church are still standing. We explore the archeological site and continue our off the beaten path hike. Emerging from the woods the countryside opens up with beautiful vistas all the way to Volterra. We stop for a picnic lunch before shuttling to our hotel. On day four we complete our hike to Volterra. An ancient town, Volterra features an Etruscan gate from 400 BC and a Roman Theater. Frequent busses make for an easy departure at the end of your tour.
Daily Distance
Lodging
Hotel Leon Bianco
San Gimignano (1 night)
You stay in an 11th Century palace on San Gimignano's most beautiful piazza. The building has been carefully restored preserving its special character.
hotel website >
Hotel La Locanda
Volterra (1 night)
This four-star hotel is located in a converted nunnery in the historic center of Volterra. The hotel features air-conditioning, free WIFI, and a small garden.
hotel website >
What's Included
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All lodging (three star hotels)
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Cooking class with lunch
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Winery visit with tasting
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All breakfasts
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Two lunches
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Private van transfer from Florence on Day 1
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Van support during hikes
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Four beautiful hikes
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Friendly bilingual tour guide
Departure from Volterra, End of Tour
The bike tour ends in Volterra. Volterra does not have a train station or rental car agencies. However, Volterra is well connected by busses. The busses to Florence or Pisa take 2 hours. If you prefer we can book a taxi for you. We will be happy to assist you with your post tour travel plans.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Want to Save?
Consider one of our self-guided hiking trips. We can schedule a self-guided hiking tour whenever you want March 1 to October 31.
Our Dates Dont Work?
We may be able to offer the dates you want. Email us with the dates you prefer.