tuscany on foot
active
europe
for you
1
2
3
GRADE:
4 5
TRIP COST
Joining Volterra :$1797
Trip Concludes: Siena
All prices are per person
Founded in 1973, Sherpa Expeditions is specialised in self‑guided and escorted holidays throughout
Europe and across the globe. We offer a wide range of self‑guided inn‑to‑inn walking and cycling tours,
escorted walks, as well as Walker’s Britain, a pioneering collection of over 20 British walking tours
which include the Coast‑to‑Coast Trail and Hadrian’s Wall. We have refined self‑guided holidays to
an art. Over many years, our leaders, local representatives and clients have all contributed to the
detailed trail notes provided to walkers, making them the definitive guide to the areas we visit, which
includes 16 iconic European walking destinations across France, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and much more.
Sherpa Expeditions has now joined forces with UTracks <http://www.utracks.com> and the World
Expeditions Travel Group <http://www.worldexpeditions.com> to bring you the most exciting and
extensive range of active European holidays available, all at great value. This means you have access
to over 300 active itineraries covering more than 25 European countries, from Iceland to Greece,
and from Ireland to Cyprus. UTracks offers affordable, self‑guided and small group‑guided active
holidays across Europe. Choose from a wide variety of quintessential European outdoor experiences
from trekking the French Alps, cycling through Tuscany, exploring the islands of Greece, Croatia or
Turkey by bike and ship, making a pilgrimage along the Compostela Trail, or discovering the lesser
known trails in Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia. UTracks offers many family‑friendly itineraries and
can also tailor make tours for private groups. Cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or
self‑guided, land or sea, introductory level or more challenging ‑ Sherpa Expeditions and UTracks can
help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
TRIP NAME:TUSCANY ON FOOT
TRIP CODE:JT7
GRADE TEXT:INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE ‑ 2
OPTIONS &
SUPPLEMENTS ACTIVITY:SELF‑GUIDED WALKING
Solo Traveller:$680
As the trip price is based on twinshare,
a single supplement is payable if a
single room is required ‑ or a single
traveller supplement if you are travelling
solo*. Please refer to the price options
for costs or ask our office for details.
Note regarding single rooms ‑ The
single supplement guarantees the
privacy of your own room, however,
rooms can at times be small and in
some places may not enjoy the same
facilities as double/twin rooms.
*The single traveller surcharge is only
available on trips deemed suitable
for solo travellers. It is usually more
expensive than the single supplement
due to the extra cost for luggage
transfers and organisation.
Solo Traveller Supplements are payable
when the cost per bag of moving
luggage increases. Please ask us for
costs if you are a solo traveller.
Italy
TRIP DURATION:7 DAYS
Volterra
San Gimignano
Monteriggioni
Siena
ACCOMMODATION:6 NIGHTS HOTEL,
AGRITURSIMO, B&B’S
DATE DETAILS:
DAILY FROM 1 APR TO 23 NOV
highlights
Classic Tuscan walking
Picturesque landscapes and villages
Enjoy famous local Wines like ‘Vernacchi’
the trip
This walk threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent
procession. It is a perfect introduction to the region and for people who love museums and galleries,
Gothic and Romanesque architecture, there is plenty to see and do. You have plenty of time for
attraction visits on most days. However the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the
rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. Most of all, many of the
views have changed little for hundreds of years. This is a relatively gentle tour that is suitable for
those who are new to walking tours. More experienced walkers will also enjoy the classic Tuscan
landscape of small but sometimes steep hills, olive groves and vineyards. We pass close to the
classic wine‑growing region of the Vernacchi and Chianti and visit the historic towns of Volterra, San
Gimignano (with its famous towers), Colle Val d’Elsa and Siena. There is also an opportunity to visit
Pisa with its famous attractions and if you decide to extend the tour by a day or two you can visit
the celebrated city of Florence. The walking takes in classic Tuscan landscapes and as most days
are not too long, you will have plenty of time to sightsee, or picnic.­
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tuscany on foot
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive Volterra
Day 2
To Castelvecchio near Pignano 17 km / 10.5 miles, 5 hours
Day 3
To San Gimignano 17 km / 10.5 miles, 4-5 hours
Day 4
To Colle Val d’Elsa 12 km / 7.5 miles, 4 hours or 18.2 km / 11.3 miles, 5 hours
Day 5
To Monteriggioni 17 km /10.5 miles, 5.5 hours
Day 6
To Siena 20 km /12 miles, 5.5-7 hours, or to il Ceppo 8.5 km / 5 miles, 2.5
hours
Day 7
Arrangements end after breakfast.
detailed itinerary
Note: The Il Palio horse race is held annually on the 2nd July & 16th August. This means accommodation
is difficult to confirm in and around Siena at this time. Hotel pools are generally closed early and late in the
season ‑ April and October/November.
DAY 1Arrive Volterra
Make your own way to Pontedera, where you change onto a local bus service (except
Sundays) to Volterra. If you are arriving early or having and extra day we include a
walking option to see the town in detail and visit the Balze Cliffs. For Sunday arrivals we
recommend the local transfer service.
Accommodation: Our first choice is in a welcoming and comfortable 3 star hotel, which
is in fact a restored villa from the late 17th century. It is situated in a peaceful area near
the medieval town wall. The hotel has a magnificent panoramic view of the area. All
rooms are ensuite and the hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool.
meals: D
DAY 2To Castelvecchio near Pignano 17 km / 10.5 miles, 5 hours
Walk out of Volterra, descending by the huge Medici Fortress. The way soon leaves
the busy roads and you are walking past an old convent before taking a quiet lane and
then a footpath through fields, dropping down into the valley of the Era Morta. Here you
join a gravel road that ascends steeply to the Villa Palagione, where you can sit in the
shade with a cool drink and perhaps eat your picnic lunch or visit the Italian sunken
garden. The old villa sits beside the steep and somewhat overgrown Monte Voltraio.
A paleontologist’s dream as the ground appears to be scattered with fossils. The way
onward follows a broad winding, often cypress lined panoramic ridge. Reach the pretty
hamlet of Pignano and continue on a final leg to a road junction and onward to your
lovely rural accommodation.
Accommodation: Agriturismo with 12 ensuite rooms. Dinner is shared with the other
guests, a wonderful way to enjoy Italian hospitality. If you arrive early take advantage of
the swimming pool. Note: In busy periods we might need to organise transfers back to
Volterra for a second night as room numbers are limited.
meals: B,D
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tuscany on foot
DAY 3To San Gimignano 17 km / 10.5 miles, 4-5 hours
You soon leave the road and descend through interesting forest including several
species of oak and strawberry trees. Next walk between vineyards of the famous
Vernaccia de San Gimignano estates and through oak woods with wild cyclamen in
flower in autumn. You continue to the pretty village of San Donato and the small hamlet
of Montauto with fine views of San Gimignano, before continuing by farm track and/or
road to San Gimignano, known as the town of the beautiful towers that has dominated
the hills south of the Elsa Valley since Etruscan times. There is much to explore in this
small town in particular the narrow streets and squares of the medieval quarter.
Accommodation:Our first choice is a 3-star hotel set in the pulsating heart of the town
of towers, little changed for 600 years.
meals: B
DAY 4To Colle Val d’Elsa 12 km / 7.5 miles, 4 hours or 18.2 km / 11.3 miles, 5 hours
You follow a white road along a broad panoramic ridge with fine views back to the
towers of San Gimignano. On either side are vineyards (source of the local dry white
Vernaccia), olive groves and cypress avenues. Later climb up through shady woods to
the small village of Montecchio and across fields to Borgatello, and on into Colle Val
d’Elsa. The walk can be extended to visit the old church of Badia a Coneo on the ‘Via
Francigena’ for a picnic, although this is normally closed. The fascinating old town of
Colle Alto occupies the crest of a ridge high above the valley of the Elsa.
Accommodation: Our B&B is in the centre of Colle val d’Elsa. It has 10 beautifully
decorated ensuite rooms.
meals: B
DAY 5To Monteriggioni 17 km /10.5 miles, 5.5 hours
After walking out of Colle through the suburbs and then through attractive undulating
woodland following at one point a beautiful clear stream, you cross a broad and mostly
treeless agricultural plain, with farming hamlets such as Scarna and Acquaviva. As you
approach the base of the densely wooded Montagnola Hills you reach the attractive
village of Strove, with the nearby manor house of Castel Petraia. At the village of Abbadia
a Isola you should stop to see the abbey church. You arrive at the base of the little hill,
clad with vineyards, on which is built the medieval walled village of Monteriggioni with
its famous watchtowers.
Accommodation: La Signoria 1212. Il Piccolo B&B in Monteriggioni offers
accommodation in Monteriggioni. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV the
rooms come with a private bathroom. La Signoria Piccolo B&B features free WiFi
throughout the property. You will find a shared lounge at the property. You may wish to
upgrade to a 4 star inn, ask for details.
meals: B
DAY 6To Siena 20 km /12 miles, 5.5-7 hours, or to il Ceppo 8.5 km / 5 miles, 2.5 hours
Today you have the choice of a long walk directly into Siena on the ‘Via Francigena’
Pilgrims route, or a shorter walk via the hamlet of Il Ceppo, where there is a great
restaurant for lunch (closed on Tuesdays). From here take a taxi or infrequent bus into
Siena (not included in the tour price). After settling in to the hotel you will find all the
famous places of this city within walking distance, with the Palazza IL Campo being the
centre of this medieval city. There are many museums, churches, and the huge Pisan
Romanesque and Gothic cathedral. You can easily get lost in the warren of streets, all
arranged into areas called ‘Contrada’, as they have done for hundreds of years and
where the Sienese population gain their group loyalties and rivalries. Accommodation:
In the lively and sophisticated city of Siena we stay at a small, comfortable 3 star town
hotel, all rooms ensuite.
meals: B
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tuscany on foot
DAY 7Arrangements end after breakfast.
Depart Siena after breakfast.
meals: B
additional supplements
At the time of booking we aim to offer our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are
not available then alternatives are used (and on occasion a small supplement may apply). If these
are of a different standard and / or a supplement applies you will be informed on confirmation of
your booking.
inclusions
6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
6 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels, agriturismo and a B&B on a twin share basis with
ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer
Information pack including route notes & maps
Emergency hotline
items not included
4 evening meals, all lunches & beverages
Entrance fees
Travel insurance
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
trip grading - introductory to moderate
Easy to Moderate. There are nonetheless some steep and quite long hills, some fairly steep but short
descents and some paths with rough gravel, stony and occasionally muddy surfaces. Fitness: High
standard of fitness is not necessary but clients should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun
on dusty or stony tracks.
way marking
Part of the route is waymarked with ‘Via Francigena’ signs red and white or blue and yellow signs;
elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. Most clients
find the route finding quite straightforward.
route notes
Please note that one set of route notes per room booked is included in the cost of the holiday. If you require
more sets of notes then there is an extra charge. For bookings received four weeks or less prior to the
tour departure, courier fees may be applicable to ensure you receive your final documentation in time. As
rates are variable, please contact your consultant for details. Sherpa Expeditions will try to avoid courier
charges where possible.
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tuscany on foot
meal inclusions
Two evening meals are included: Normally one in Volterra and the other in Pignano. The other four evening
meals can readily be obtained locally without pre‑booking. Lunches are not included, however materials
for picnics can be purchased in each of the towns and villages where you stay or pass through. As the
walking days are quite short you may on some occasions reach your destination in time for a late lunch.
According to Italian law, all hotels must close their restaurants on one night each week, so it is not
uncommon for clients to be given a voucher to eat dinner at a nearby restaurant, or be given the equivalent
amount of money to eat in a restaurant of their own choice. In Italy breakfast usually consist of coffee
and croissant; sometimes, bread rolls, yoghurt’s, ham and cheese. If you want more for breakfast then we
would suggest you purchase some food the night before. Special Dietary Requirements: It is important
for you to tell us if you have any dietary requirements when you book your holiday so that we can inform
everyone that you are staying with.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically
recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well
in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are
likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be
times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel
with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
accommodation
DURING TOUR
The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then
alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking.
Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually
because of limited space.
check in/out
It is generally normal practice when staying in hotels that you check‑in on or after 2pm and checkout by
10am the following morning. Guesthouses/bed & breakfast establishments are normally check‑in on or
after 4pm and checkout by 10am.
luggage
We do not offer porter service on our holidays. You must be able to move your own luggage to and from
your rooms. This more than likely involve stairs as many of the properties we stay in do not have lifts.
Sometimes your luggage will have been taken to your room awaiting your arrival however do not be
surprised if it is waiting for you to take up to your room and you are asked to bring it down again the next
morning.
language
When traveling in less frequented areas you will not necessarily come across people speaking English.
Remember you are experiencing a different culture, buy a phrase book and try to learn a little of the local
language!
getting there
BY AIRThe nearest International Airport is Pisa and Florence.
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BY BUSThe tour starts in Volterra. The bus from Pisa takes 2.5 hours, with a change en
route at Pontedera. The bus service runs 4 times per day (except Sunday). You
can also take the train from Pisa or Florence to Pontedera and continue their
journey to Volterra by bus. On Sundays it is necessary either to take a private
transfer or taxi from Pisa or Pontedera to Volterra. Arriving via Rome airport
you should change trains at Roma Termini and continue by train to Cecina (on
Sundays, for branch line to Salinas de Volterra) or to Pisa or Pontedera (for bus
from Pontedera to Volterra). Seat reservations are advisable on trains between
Rome and Cecina/Pisa. There is also a three times daily (including Sundays)
bus service from Florence to Volterra via Colle Val d’Elsa where you change
buses. The tour ends after breakfast on day 7 in Siena. Train to Pisa. The train
fare from Siena to Pisa is around 12 Euros. For clients flying out from Rome
airport it is possible to travel by train from Siena to Rome without returning
to Pisa. Seat reservations are available, but only essential on certain trains
between Chiusi and Roma Termini.
TRANSFER SERVICEAs an extra service: we can normally arrange an economical transfer to the
start of the walk from either Pisa (100 Euros approx. up to 3 people) directly
to Volterra, or from Certaldo (100 Euros approx. up to 3 people) that is on the
railway via Pontedera. Please note that this transfer is an additional cost to be
paid locally and must be be pre booked.
suggested extensions
Siena is certainly a beautiful city, yet despite its size, it has something of a village feel to it. There is so
much to see and so many good places to eat that it is worth an extra day. We can arrange extra nights
here or in Florence which is only about an hour away by bus. It is possible to include extra nights in any
of the towns en route or in Florence or Lucca or Pisa. If you would like to do more walking, then go to the
“Cinque Terre” a beautiful coastal region centred at Monterosso.
insurance
All clients must have appropriate cover for the activities included for the duration of our trip.
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDItaly
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
MIN GROUP SIZE1
MAX GROUP SIZE20
how to book
To book this trip go to our website to make a booking online or download our booking form. A booking
form can also be found at the back of our Active Europe brochure. If you complete a paper booking form,
email, fax or post the form to our office – contact details can be found on our website.
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e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.
sherpa‑walking‑holidays.co.uk or contact our office.
social networks
You can make sure you are up to date with all our latest information by liking, following or pinning us on
the following social networks:
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http://twitter.com/Sherpa_Exp or @Sherpa_Exp <http://twitter.com/Sherpa_Exp>
www.pinterest.com/sherpaexp <http://www.pinterest.com/sherpaexp>
IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
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