Tuscany & Siena

Day 1 • Arrive in Certaldo

Ramparted medieval and Renaissance town, with commanding views over the route that lies ahead. Famous for its associations with Boccaccio, author of 'The Decameron'

HHH Osteria del Vicario (std & sup rooms)

Day 1 • Arrive in San Gimignano*

The ‘medieval Manhattan' is irresistibly char ming and perfectly preserved It houses a fine array of religious and secular frescoes and monuments

HHH Leon Bianco (std & sup rooms)

Day 2 • Certaldo to San Gimignano

Follow a ridge offering superb views of the surrounding countryside, before paths descend into a valley and follow vineyards onwards and up towards iconic San Gimignano, Italy's 'medieval Manhattan' (10.2 miles, 5 hrs).

HHH Leon Bianco (std & sup rooms)

Day 3 • Free day in San Gimignano

Opportunities to explore the walled medieval town

Optional circular walk in the countryside around San Gimignano, offering superb views of the town (5.2 miles, 2 5 hrs)

HHH Leon Bianco (std & sup rooms)

Day 4 (2)

• San Gimignano to Colle Val d’Elsa

Walk across low hills with vines, woods, olive groves, and views of an almost unchanged medieval landscape to the ancient walled town of Colle Val d’Elsa, renowned for its perfectly preserved medieval ‘tunnel’ streets (also noted for its crystal glass and ice creams!) (8.7 miles, 4.5 hrs).

HHHH Palazzo San Lorenzo (std & sup rooms)

Day 5 (3) • Colle Val d’Elsa to Monteriggioni

Follow farm tracks and gravel lanes across fertile farmland, with olive groves and vineyards, to the Romanesque abbey of Abbadia Isola, and on to Monteriggioni, a tiny medieval village, with 85 inhabitants, encircled by 13th century walls with 14 watchtowers (11.6 miles, 6 hrs).

HHHH Hotel Monteriggioni

Day 6 (4) • Monteriggioni to Siena

Through forests, past a castle, open far mland and wooded slopes. Wonderful views on the approach to Siena, the best-preserved great medieval city in Europe (11 8 miles, 6 hrs)

HHHH Athena (std)

HHHHH Grand Hotel Continental (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Siena

Free day in Siena, with its abundance of outstanding 14th and 15th century art and architecture, from the famous Piazza del Campo, scene of the Palio horse race, to galleries filled with iconic medieval masterpieces, and the great cathedral Optional city walk (3 5 hrs)

HHHH Athena (std)

HHHHH Grand Hotel Continental (sup)

Day 8 (5)

• Departure day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open: March-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Florence (39 miles)

Train: 1 hr - ~€7

Taxi: 1 hr - ~€120 u Pisa (46 miles)

Train: 1 hr 20 - ~€14

Taxi: 1 hr 10 - €130

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English and Italian.

Route Book: 106 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information.

Walking: Easy to moderate (Grade 2+) See p 8

Terrain: Hilly countryside crossed by small gravel roads, mule tracks, far m and woodland tracks/paths; some asphalt near towns