Centre-based Week In Tuscany

Arriving in Florence today, we transfer by bus to our hotel in Castellina in Chiant, a country town with Etruscan and roman origins.. On arrival there will be time to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings of the villa, enjoying our first evening meal (not included).

Overnight Standard Hotel

After breakfast we drive close to the town of Volpaia, near to Radda in Chianti. We will walk from the small chapel of Santa Maria Novella and slowly climb up to this picture perfect village. From this lovely village we walk through vineyards before reaching the marked trails that take us up into the hills of Chianti. We then take to waymarked trails, local paths and old drovers roads, cutting through vineyards and fields of the castle of Castelvecchi. Finally we descend back to Santa Maria Novella for a wellearned rest in the olive groves of the church and our picnic lunch. A short bus ride takes us to Radda for time to explore and look around, have a gelato or two before returning to Castellina. This afternoon there may be the opportunity to do some wine tasting (optional).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

After breakfast, we transfer to the outskirts of San Gimignano. We will enjoy a walk through the Tuscan countryside using some of the local trails, before heading to the town of the towers, San Gimignano itself. The approach is greeted by the magnificent sight of the thirteen towers of this medieval town, perched majestically on the hilltops above. San Gimignano is a beautifully preserved example of a classic Tuscan Medieval town. It prospered during the 12th and 13th centuries, until a combination of local aristocratic rivalry and the arrival of the Black death devastated trade. You will then have free time to take a walk around the town, have a relaxing lunch in one of many cafes and perhaps walk up to the “Torre Grossa”, or visit the Duomo. Alternatively you could just relax in the shade of some olive trees. A short bus journey takes us to Monteriggioni, a beautifully preserved hill top village, where we can walk around the walls before we drive back to the villa later this afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Today you will have a full day free to look around the medieval city of Siena, with its magnificent Gothic architecture (please note there is no guide today). Once a rival to Florence in power and trade, the city controlled the trade routes between France and Rome, as well as the southern Tuscan wool industry. It was again the Black Death that trumpeted the downfall of the city, decimating it in the 14th century and killing a third of its population. Today it stands as a classic Italian city, with its magnificent central square, Il Campo, and the awe inspiring grandeur of the Duomo overlooking the Via di Citta. The centre of this city is traffic-free, making it ideal to wander around on foot, soaking up the many intriguing sights. The focal point is the Piazza del Campo, a semi-circular area surrounded by ancient buildings, and overlooked by the 100m bell tower (Torre del Mangia). Enjoying the view here with a coffee or a glass of beer is a good way of spending a few hours – though you'll find the prices drop considerably if you wander along the back streets. The Piazza is also used for a horse race twice a year – the famous Palio, when horses and their riders hurtle dangerously around the square to the delight of the crowds. Whatever your fancy there will be ample time to enjoy this wonderful city before we head back to the villa after dinner.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we take a short drive out to Panzano and walk through the forest to Lamole in Chianti, where we will have time to visit the local market. From here we will then head out on a very scenic walk towards the town of Greve in Chianti. We will pass along waymarked trails through vineyards and great local scenery to reach the town of Greve where we can enjoy the Piazza before we take a transfer back to our Villa where you are free to spend the evening relaxing.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

Today is the turn of Florence, the spiritual home of the Renaissance and considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. During our visit (which is unguided) you may wish to visit the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence and the only one that was not demolished during the German retreat of 1944. The present construction dates back to 1345 and is now cluttered with goldsmiths' shops. The religious centre of the city is, of course, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its giant dome or 'duomo'. It took 14 years to build and dominates the city skyline. Close by are other artistic wonders, including the Baptistry, the East door, which was called the Gate of Paradise by Michelangelo, and Giotto's famous bell tower as well as the Piazza della Signoria. Again, there will be plenty of time to sample the sights and sounds of this eclectic city before we return to the relative solitude of our Tuscan retreat (entrance fees not included).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Following breakfast we walk from Castellina where we take to waymarked trails dropping off the main ridge on which Castellina lies, onto the southwest facing slope, to be rewarded with some amazing views down into the lower valley. Our walk will take us through Mediterranean pine forests with the sounds of cicadas accompanying us as we pass through several wine estates. Views are wide and open towards Siena and the distant towers of San Gimignano, with fields of poppies and sunflowers in season. En route we pass through Lilliano and Rocca della Macie, before completing the loop and returning to Castellina.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Florence via Impruneta, a town famed for its terracotta production arriving in Florence late morning. We then have a few hours in the city before being picked up in the afternoon for the transfer to the airport.

Included meals: Breakfast