Itinerary Expand all Volterra to Volterra Day 1 Arrive in Volterra Arrive in Volterra where you've time for a dip in the pool and a wander round its myriad of cobbled alleys and hidden squares before dinner. (Staying at Park Hotel Le Fonti) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Volterra to Pancole Today it's a downhill whizz out of hilltop Volterra and into the pretty Era Valley where spectacular views of the surrounding timeless Tuscan countryside open up as you pedal. After climbing out of the valley, you'll soon pass through the pretty hamlet of Castagno where we suggest a well-deserved coffee stop in the local bar. Your route continues on to Gambassi Terme, a well-preserved spa town with cobbled streets, 12th century church and lovely shaded gardens. Lunch here perhaps in one of the many trattorie then, soon after leaving the town, you'll pick up the famous Via Francigena for the gentle, mainly downhill stretch to mediaeval Certaldo where you can stop for a gelato before your final climb through olive groves and vineyards to the hamlet of Pancole. (Staying at Hotel Certaldo) Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 At Pancole If you fancy a day off from cycling, the pool here is simply gorgeous and nice lunches are served on the geranium-scented terrace. There's also a small shop where you can buy olive oils, produced by the owners, and Tuscan wines. The more energetic might want to cycle past orchards and vines to visit Boccaccio's birthplace, stunning Certaldo. Take the funicular to its medieval centre for spectacular views across the Val d'Elsa. (Staying at Hotel Certaldo) Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Pancole to Colle Di Val D'Elsa Today's route explores the panoramic wine country between Pancole and Colle di Val d'Elsa. You'll first retrace your route to Certaldo and then follow the official, mainly off-road, Chianti Wine Route where you'll find lots of tasting opportunities - don't forget, we can collect any purchases for you! It's then on to the old town of Poggibonsi, a perfect stop for lunch and to visit the ruins of its unfinished 15th century fortress. The day ends with gentle pedalling through tree-lined meadows and a valley of poppy and sunflower fields to Colle di Val d'Elsa. (Staying at Relais Della Rovere) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 At Colle Di Val D'Elsa There's masses of choice today: explore the mediaeval old town which dates back to Etruscan times; take the bus to Siena (30 mins) or to Florence (60 mins); take in the mediaeval town of Monteriggioni, an easy cycle or short bus ride away; or simply laze by your hotel's sparkling swimming pool, surrounded by lovely gardens. (Staying at Relais Della Rovere) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Colle Di Val D'Elsa to Pescille It's easy pedalling this morning as you head south past the old town of Colle di Val d'Elsa, gradually climbing up to Casole d'Elsa, a beautiful village characterised by ancient vermilion-hued buildings and blessed with stunning views from its hilltop position. Take time to explore its 12th century church (frescoes by Gano da Siena) and impressive fortress before an early lunch perhaps, in the lovely piazza. You then wind north, gently uphill, through wonderfully scenic countryside against the backdrop of the impressive mediaeval towers of San Gimignano as you pedal on to Pescille. (Staying at Hotel Pescille, Breakfast at the hotel) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 At Pescille San Gimignano is just a short cycle away; explore its myriad of narrow streets and many hidden cobbled squares before returning to your tranquil hotel for a refreshing dip in the sparkling swimming pool. (Staying at Hotel Pescille) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 8 Pescille to Volterra It's a short ride to San Gimignano today before a climb up through classic Tuscan landscapes of vines, olive groves and fields ablaze with sunflowers. Enjoy the 16km, mainly downhill run into the Era Valley. There's a real sense of achievement on your final climb through open countryside and you'll enjoy spectacular views before heading back to the ancient cobbled streets of Volterra. (Staying at Park Hotel Le Fonti) Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 Leave Volterra Meals included: Breakfast
Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Hotels Superb 3-star and 4-star contrasting hotels, all with sparkling swimming pools, are an added highlight of this holiday. In Colle di Val d'Elsa, you stay in a fabulously restored 12th century Benedictine abbey, complete with original frescoes, whilst in Volterra, your 4-star hotel has a panoramic infinity pool, with stunning, sweeping views over the Tuscan countryside.
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