DAY 1 - Arrival at the hotel

After your arrival in the SAN GIMIGNANO AREA, you will reach your accommodation located approximately 15 minutes driving from the historic city center of San Gimignano. Take a breath and enjoy your first day in Italy in this enchanting area of Tuscany region. OVERNIGHT STAY IN SAN GIMIGNANO AREA AT 3- STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF- BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 2 - The Via Francigena and San Giminiano

Walking distance: 6 km 

Length: 2,5 hours

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL to charge yourself for the day ahead. After breakfast, you will be met by our walking guide and together transferred to the starting point (transfer time: approx. 20 minutes) to begin your 2,5-hour walking itinerary along the VIA FRANCIGENA. This pathway is one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe that leads to Rome from France. Walking along these Tuscan steps, even for short distances, means to take a step back into history and imagine the myriad of people who have traveled this path--and for what purpose. You’ll be stunned by the artistic, cultural and religious value we will learn along the way, showcasing the area’s extraordinary charm and incomparable value. The walking tour will start with the visit of the Sanctuary of the Santissima Madre della Divina Provvidenza, located in the small country village of Pancole. Between 1475 and 1499, the painter and priest Pier Francesco Fiorentino frescoed the Holy Virgin with Child in the shrine where the church stands today, as the shrine later collapsed due to neglect. According to the legend the Holy Virgin appeared to a shepherd in 1698, a little girl who was unable to speak since birth. After the appearance,the girl regained her voice and the shrine became a symbol of Christianity that has been visited by thousands. In 1670, the church was complete and the ancient painting of the Holy Virgin was positioned on the altar—a unique spectacle to see firsthand! After the visit, our walking tour will proceed along the Via Francigena and give us ample time to admire landscapes encompassing the whole of Tuscany, including unique views of the skyline of San Gimignano. Another treasure we will visit along the camino is the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole, a country church hidden among cypress trees not far from Pancole. We will stop for lunch in a local restaurant before continuing our journey a short distance to San Gimignano, one of the most famous small towns in Italy. Here you will be entranced by the abundant nature, art, history, culture, and tradition evident in every view and interaction. This medieval art town is spiked by towers, and its magical atmosphere oozes charm while evoking the true spirit of medieval Tuscany. In 1990, San Gimignano earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List and your visit will be a rejuvenating immersion into its authentic 1300’s small-town ambiance. After the visit, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN SAN GIMIGNANO AREA AT 3-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 3 - Castelvecchio Natural Reserve and Volterra, the "City of Alabaster"

Walking distance: 6 km 

Length: 2,5 hours

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be met by our expert guide and together you will start the 2,5-hour walking itinerary that brings to the CASTELVECCHIO NATURE RESERVE, where you will be in awe by the varied vegetation, from the oak forest that is home to Turkey oaks and downy oaks, to the Mediterranean scrub, to the valley floor where you will gaze upon beech trees, sycamores and plentiful yews. The Nature Reserve extends to the south all the way to a rocky spur where the evocative ruins of Castelvecchio are located. These important medieval fortresses are naturally defended by the deep and recessed Botro di Castelvecchio and Botro della Libaia, tributaries of the Elsa River. Not only is this a historic location, but its natural wonder will leave you wishing you had several days to spend here. After the walking itinerary, you will be transferred to VOLTERRA for lunch (transfer time: approx. 25 minutes). Lunch will be on your own in one of the plentiful local restaurants in the city center. Find one that appeals to your senses, whether it’s the wafting aroma of a bolognese sauce or the view of a white vernaccia wine on a picturesque terrace. After lunch, you will visit Volterra—also called the city of alabaster, the product which Volterra is famous for worldwide. We will then journey to the Balze, one of the most famous areas of Volterra located just 2 kilometers from the city. The balze, or cliffs, are a famous natural phenomenon that lend to a fascinating yet terrifying landscape. The chasms have formed due to millenia of erosion, as rainwater passed through the weakest layers of the soil and causes frequent landslides. Over time, churches, monasteries, streets, and even an entire necropolis have all been washed away. After the visit, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN SAN GIMIGNANO AREA AT 3-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 4 - CAMINO TO MONTERIGGIONI ALONG THE VIA FRANCIGENA

Walking distance: 6 km 

Length: 2,5 hours

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL. After breakfast, you will be met by our walking guide and together transferred to the starting point (transfer time: approx. 30 minutes) to embark on a 2,5-hour camino to Monteriggioni, along the Via Francigena. During our stroll along the panoramic route of the Via Francigena, we will visit ABBADIA A ISOLA, an enchanted village on the outskirts of Monteriggioni named after its breathtaking 11th-century Benedictine abbey. Our camino then proceeds to MONTERIGGIONI, a charming and delightful 13th century borgo (fortified hamlet) that is literally a Tuscan Wonder. You will enjoy lunch on your own in the city center, where you’ll enjoy views of some of the best-preserved tower walls of Italy. The city’s iconic Renaissance-style architecture denotes the city’s wealthy past, as its noble villas were once home to gentry and wealthy merchants. After lunch, we will visit the small town of Monteriggioni, perusing its historic walls and the Museum Monteriggioni in Arme, which houses faithful reproductions of medieval and Renaissance weapons and armour. Each room is devoted to a specific moment in the history of Monteriggioni, and the items on display for each period are placed in their proper context so you can appreciate its historical value. You can even enjoy the unique experience of handling and trying on some weapons and pieces of armour in experiential portions of the museum! After the visit, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN SAN GIMIGNANO AREA AT 3-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 5 - End of services

BREAKFAST. End of the services. Arrivederci and we hope to see you again!

PRICE:

• on request.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• 4 nights at 3-star hotel accommodation near San Gimignano, double room (double occupancy), half-board service—beverages not included (days 1-5);

• Private transfer from the hotel to the starting point, Via Francigena and San Gimignano walking tour with private guide, private transfer from San Gimignano to the hotel (day 2);

• Castelvecchio Nature Reserve 2,5-hour walking tour with private guide, private transfer to Volterra, visit of the city and the Balze area, private transfer to the hotel (day 3);

• Private transfer from the hotel to the starting point, Camino to Monteriggioni 2,5-hour walking tour with private guide, visit of Monteriggioni, entrance ticket to the Walls of Monteriggioni and the Museo Monteriggioni in Arme (day 4).

Basic medical insurance.

SERVICES EXCLUDED:

- Flight ticket
- Visa;
- City tourist taxes;
- Entrance ticket to the Duomo of San Gimignano: € 4 per  person (day 2);
- Entrance ticket to the Torre Grossa of San Gimignano: € 9 per person (day 2); • Services not mentioned in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Period: April, May, June, July, September and October
• Prices have been calculated with a minimum of 2-6 pax;
• Prices have been calculate with an occupancy of two pax each room;
• The transfer service takes into consideration the following itinerary: private transfer from the hotel to the starting point and private transfer to the hotel at the end of the itinerary. Further transfer requests will be on your own;
• We recommend to bring with you comfortable walking/trekking shoes, comfortable walking equipment, pocket rain jacket, lightweight backpack (water resistant), sunglasses, and water (which you can buy on-site);

• Single and triple rooms available on request;

• We create our quotes based on the best possible options for accommodations and experiences currently available, taking into account your budget and timeframe of travel. Italy is a popular destination for travelers and the availability may change while you are making your final decision. If any of the accommodations and services listed above are no longer available, we will do out best to place them with others of the same quality; however, the itinerary presented above includes the best options currently available. We recommend reviewing the program and returning your acceptance, changes, or rejection as soon as possible;

• The order of the day trips could be changed according to the supplier’s availability;
• If some suppliers/travel experiences are not available they will replaced by others

• of the same quality;

• The travel agency is not responsible for extra costs due to delays/strikes;

• We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility and difficulties in walking;

• We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control;

• Booking: advance booking is recommended;

• Cancellation Policies: please see our Terms and Conditions.

  PAYMENT:

  - 30% deposit at the time of booking (non-refundable).
  - Balance 30 days prior to the departure date;
  - In case of refund, the refund costs will be charged to the customer.

  CONDITIONS & TERMS:

• In case of cancellation after the booking, the organizer will keep the amount equal to 25% of the price referred to Article. 6, paid pursuant to art. 5 and can hold an additional sum equal to 5% of the price paid, as penalty for the reimbursement of the cost of individual practice management, cost of insurance coverage required at the time of conclusion of the contract or other services already given, except, in each case, the claim of the major damage pursuant to Art. 1382, paragraph 1, of Civil Code;

• in case of withdrawal from 30 days to day of departure an amount equal to 100% of the price paid will be retained to the tourist.

• It is, however, expressly excluded - pursuant to art. 32, paragraph 2, Code of tourism - the right of withdrawal of the customer as provided for in Art. 64 and ss. Legislative Decree no. 206/2005.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

- Flight ticket
- Visa;
- City tourist taxes;
- Entrance ticket to the Duomo of San Gimignano: € 4 per  person (day 2);
- Entrance ticket to the Torre Grossa of San Gimignano: € 9 per person (day 2); • Services not mentioned in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”.