Itinerary
Highlights
~ Hike into the Tuscan Hill villages of Greve and Castellina in Chianti wine region;
~ Hike to picturesque city of Siena, and through the vineyards to the wonderful city of towers, San Gimignano;
~ Finish the hike by the Tuscan coast of the Tyrrhenian Seaat Cecina Mare.
Day 1 Arrive Florence
Self-arrival in Florence. Free time to walk along the traces of the Medici through gorgeous alleyways and across the bridge Ponte Vecchio to the Piazza della Signoria – the centre and heart of the old part of town. Check-in available from 1500 hours (3.00 PM) onwards.
Meal: nil
Stay: hotel
Day 2 Florenz – Greve in Chianti
The first hike warms the cockles of our heart straight away with all Tuscany has to offer with regards to classical dreamscape: vineyards and forests, as well as old stone houses and high rising cypresses avenues line your way – Tuscany picture-perfect. Greve in Chianti invites you to explore the ‘Laubengänge’ arcades on the lively Piazza.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel
Hiking Duration: est. 4 – 5 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 11 KM
Elevation: est. +400 M / -300 M
Day 3 Greve in Chianti – Castellina in Chianti
Along remote forest paths, walk past numerous wine-growing estates towards Panzano, a little Etruscan hamlet worth visiting. Then through golden corn fields and via vineyards onwards to Lucarelli, before we take a short bus ride and reach the Medieval Castellina with its historic town wall.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel
Hiking Duration: est. 4 – 5 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 11 KM
Elevation: est. +350 M / -300 M
Day 4 Castellina in Chianti – Siena
Along pilgrims’ tracks, the route leads us along a segment of the Via Romea towards the eternal city. Our day ends in the charming town of Siena, renowned for the traditional horse race ‘Palio’, numerous fantastically preserved city gates dating back to the Middle Ages as well as red-brick buildings along the semi-circular Piazza del Campo.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel
Hiking Duration: est. 5 – 6 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 16 KM
Elevation: est. +300 M / -500 M
Day 5 Siena – San Gimignano
Today off into the ‘Valle Col d´Elsa‘. Explore the historic fortress complex and marvel at the Medieval architecture of Colle, before proceed through vineyards and along roaring rivers to the “Manhattan of Tuscany”. Our day ends in San Gimignano, this nickname is due to its silhouette reminding us of a skyline. Take a stroll through the many little alleyways and marvel at the seemingly countless number of towers.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel
Hiking Duration: est. 4.5 – 6 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 13 KM
Elevation: est. +350 M / -250 M
Day 6 San Gimignano – Volterra
In the Monte Nero nature reserve, discover green forests and the ‘Cascate della Strolla’, a little waterfall with crystal-clear water. The ancient salt trade route Via del Sale leads directly to the alabaster-city Volterra. On our way, pass ancient Etruscan grave chambers that are worth a visit. Discover the Medieval belfry rising high above the city, the panoramic views over the old part of town will fittingly rewards our efforts.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel
Hiking Duration: est. 4 – 5 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 11 KM
Elevation: est. +500 M / -250 M
Day 7 Volterra – Cecina Mare/Surrounding
As a finale to our hiking week, the Tuscan coast awaits with an extensive route through the Pineta of Cecina, a giant pine tree grove with numerous entwined paths and tracks. Enjoy the final evening in Tuscany with a glass of Chianti looking out onto the turquoise glistening Tyrrhenian Sea, whilst the two islands Elba and La Gorgona quietly sink into the sea at the horizon in the crimson evening sun.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: hotel
Hiking Duration: est. 3 – 4 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 10 KM
Elevation: nil
Day 8 Depart Cecina Mare
Rest and relax until it is time for the public bus transportation to CecinaTrain Station to connect the train back to Florence. The tour concludes upon arrival at Florence Train Station.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
~ 7 nights accommodation in hotels and/or local Italian lodges;
~ 7 breakfasts;
~ train transfer from Cecina to Florence;
~ luggage transfers between accommodation, day 2 to day 7 (1 piece of luggage per hiker, maximum 20 kg);
~ carefully planned and detailed route description;
~ digital route data provided;
~ service hotline during hiking, day 2 to day 7.
Exclusions
~ air travel to Italy;
~ lunches and dinners;
~ tourist visa to Italy (if required);
~ comprehensive travel insurance;
~ hotel tourism tax, average EUR 3 – 4 per hiker per night;
~ expenses of personal nature;
~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.
Important Notes
~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ This self-guided trip is good for 1 hiker to go.
~ Should you require a visa to enter Italy, it is your responsibility to obtain such a document before departure.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.
~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ If hiker presents difficulty in completing the hike of the day, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker (and travel companions) in mind. The hiker can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ Hiker may choose to terminate the hike early during any time of the planned hiking day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.
~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
