Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 14:00
Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: TDC
- Carbon Footprint: 16kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover picturesque towns and delicious wines in Tuscany
With Renaissance cities, medieval villages and cypress-lined avenues winding through vineyards, southern Tuscany is the perfect place for a relaxing guided walking holiday. Based at the welcoming family-run Hotel Le Renaie, we visit beautiful San Gimignano, Radda in Chianti, the World Heritage site of Siena and the magnificent city of Florence. During the week, we sample several varieties of the local chianti and learn more about Italian wine on an interactive course at a wine school.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Le Renaie)
- Five days gentle walking and sightseeing
- Low altitude throughout
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
- Option to book an extension package
Highlights
- Experience classic Tuscany on foot: rolling vineyards, Renaissance cities and medieval villages
- Sip chianti and other local wines on three separate tasting experiences
- See Siena through the eyes of local on a history and culture tour with a local guide
- Discover magnificent Florence on a walking tour with a local guide
- Feel like one of the family with a stay in the Tuscan hills at Hotel Le Renaie
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This trip offers a good mix of city and countryside walks. During the walks, the terrain and path type include paved tracks, forest trails and gravel. The walks are not technically difficult, although there are some ascents and descents, so a reasonable amount of fitness is required. Please be aware, the Radda walk on Day 3 can be challenging due to the length and hilliness of the walk. The area is quite hilly and most drives, although short, follow twisty mountain roads through wooden areas.
Summer temperatures
Tuscany can be very hot in summer, especially from June to August but heatwaves can also happen in April and May. Temperatures can reach the high 30Cs (around 100F). We try to start our walks earlier to avoid the hottest hours of the day but temperatures and humidity will be high. You should feel comfortable and be used to walking in the heat. The number of mosquitos may increase (significantly) in summer, so we recommend bringing repellent.
Group
The leader will accompany the group on all programmed activities, except for your free day and your walk on Day 4, which will be led by a local guide.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Pancole
- End City: Pancole
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Pisa; transfer to Pancole
Fly to Pisa; transfer to Hotel Le Renaie, 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano (the transfer is approximately 1hr 10min).
Start in Pancole
Start at Hotel Le Renaie, our welcoming family-run hotel 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Please note: on selected dates there may two Exodus groups at Hotel Le Renaie. Our experienced team of leaders will tailor the itinerary and order of listed activities to ensure you enjoy each activity with your own small group. Where a second group is running, private transfers will be used for the additional group.
If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa or Florence. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our ‘Pre-Tour’, ‘Post-Tour’ and ‘City Extension’ packages.
Walk a section of the Via Francigena; afternoon local wine tasting
Get ready for a day full of history and nature as we explore one of the most popular sections of the Via Francigena, which links the villages of Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano. The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that links Canterbury in the UK to Rome; the full trip takes well over 90 days, but our section is far gentler, cutting through olive groves and vineyards. Later in the afternoon, we head to an eco-friendly wine estate near Certaldo where your discovery of Tuscan wines will be taken to the next level with a sensory and aroma experience, accompanied by mouth-watering traditional appetisers.
Dinner this evening is back at the hotel, where we have time to relax a little more, perhaps with a game of billiards or another glass of local wine on the garden-view terrace.
Walk in Radda in Chianti
This morning, we enjoy a local history in the heart of the Chianti area, covering the scenic route in a circular walk. We cut through woodlands, where we can admire the emerald vineyard valleys. In the afternoon, you have some free time to wander around and maybe join an optional tasting of the much-acclaimed chianti classico at one of the many local wineries.
Travel to Siena and explore the stunning historic centre; learn about Tuscan and Italian wines at a wine school
After breakfast, we head to the centre of Siena for a day exploring this fascinating city. We have time to visit the numerous museums and stunning duomo (cathedral) and to relax in one of the many outdoor cafes in Piazza del Campo, home of the Palio horse race. Please note, shoulders should be covered when entering the cathedral. You may also like to visit the many boutiques specialising in local products and Italian fashion. In the afternoon, we learn about Tuscan wines during a one-hour Tuscan lecture at the Tuscan Wine School. Unlike traditional wine tastings, this experience is more educational, offering in-depth insights into Tuscany’s most important wines. Led by a local expert in a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a chance to absorb knowledge rather than just savoring sips. Delve into the history, legends, and techniques of Tuscan winemaking, gaining a profound understanding of the region’s wine culture. While it may not be your typical tasting, the lecture format ensures a comprehensive exploration of Tuscan wines, perfect for those seeking a more informative and intellectual wine experience.
Free day to visit other Chianti villages or relax by the pool
Today is free to rest any tired legs at the poolside. Alternatively, your leader can advise on local chianti wine-tasting tours, cooking classes, e-bike and vespa hire or offer assistance for unguided walks or daytrips.
Discover the magnificent city of Florence
Our destination today is Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Most of the greats from the movement lived or passed through here: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli and more. Learn all about it by joining one of the free local tours, which typically take in the highlights.
Join one of the morning tours and you’ll have time to visit the Uffizi, an art gallery housing works by Renaissance masters, including The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and the gruesome Medusa by Caravaggio. If you do wish to visit, we recommend prebooking your ticket online to avoid lengthy queues. An ideal slot time would be around 2pm if you’re joining the morning walking tour. Tickets can be purchased at www.uffizi.it/en/tickets.
Walk to picturesque San Gimignano: afternoon wine-tasting
After a transfer to the quaint hamlet of San Donato, we walk through farm grounds following the pathway to Montauto and on up to the medieval town of San Gimignano. The walk is not long and should take approximately three hours. The afternoon is spent exploring this beautiful town, including visits to the Palazzo Comunale, a 13th-century stone palace that’s home to the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) and 177ft (54m) tall medieval Torre Grossa. There’s free time to wander and soak up the atmosphere. Before your farewell dinner, we visit the family-run Cesani estate, which produces some of the finest wines in the region. Here we enjoy an expertly led tasting, sampling our way through three glasses accompanied by bruschetta, extra-virgin olive oil and a selection of Tuscan cheeses and charcuterie.
End in Pancole
Transfer to Pisa; fly to London.
Please note that at times, especially during summer months, the inbound flight can be late in the evening. In this instance you will have additional time to spend in Pisa. Leader will take care of all arrangements in terms of transport from/to the airport and the city centre and luggage storage. It may also happen that, for logistical reasons, on return we will have to be at the airport earlier than normally scheduled. This will mean a longer waiting time before checking in.
End in Pancole
The trip ends after breakfast. Bid Hotel Le Renaie a fond farewell and begin your return journey home.
Extend Your Trip
Florence Extension
Extend your adventure with a pre- or post-tour exploration of Florence. Speak to your sales representative to check the availability and price of your chosen package.
1. Comfort Florence city extension
Package includes:
- Two nights at the three-star Hotel Residenza Fiorentina (or similar)
- One-hour guided city tour with an English-speaking guide
- One-way train ticket from Pisa
2. Deluxe Florence city extension:
Package includes:
- Two nights at the four-star Hotel Cellai (or similar)
- One-hour guided city tour with an English-speaking guide
- One-way train ticket from Pisa
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotel Le Renaie, a family-run albergo in Pancole
Surrounded by Tuscan hills, Le Renaie occupies a privileged spot in the little village of Pancole, just 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano. Here, the Sabatini family has created an intimate, friendly retreat with 25 air-conditioned rooms and plenty of places to mingle.
Under the beautiful Italian summer sun, the swimming pool area (which has a separate hot tub) is the perfect place to cool down; alternatively, find a shady spot in the flower-filled gardens to sit, chat or read a book. Come evening, gather in the bar-restaurant for delicious Tuscan cuisine and a glass or two of excellent local wine. It’s a popular stop for Pancole residents, so you know it’s good. There are also games tables to keep the entertainment going or you can take your drinks onto the bar terrace for views over the garden, which is filled with hydrangeas and citrus plants.
Amenities
- Swimming pool (usually open May to mid-October)
- Restaurant serving traditional Tuscan meals
- Bar/cafeteria for light snacks and lunches (open every day)
- Games tables
Worth knowing
- A limited number of rooms have a balcony (facing the pool or garden) and these are assigned by the hotel
- Pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements; cooler months may not be suitable for swimming
Single supplement from £ 430
Accommodation - Pre Trip
Take the opportunity to ease into the trip, adjusting to the time zone and atmosphere at a more leisurely pace before the official tour begins. The following options are usually available on this trip:
- Pre-tour night(s) at three-star Hotel Le Renaie in Pancole
- Comfort Florence City Extension at three-star Hotel Residenza Fiorentina (or similar) – includes two nights, guided tour and one-way train ticket from Pisa
- Deluxe Florence City Extension at four-star Hotel Cellai (or similar) – includes two nights, guided tour and one-way train ticket from Pisa
Speak to your sales representative for a tailor-made quote and to confirm availability of your chosen package.
Accommodation - Post Trip
A post-tour experience offers a chance to revisit your favorite spots, delve deeper into the destination’s attractions, or simply savor moments of relaxation. The following options are usually available on this trip:
- Post-tour night(s) at three-star Hotel Le Renaie in Pancole
- Comfort Florence City Extension at three-star Hotel Residenza Fiorentina (or similar) – includes two nights, guided tour and one-way train ticket from Pisa
- Deluxe Florence City Extension at four-star Hotel Cellai (or similar) – includes two nights, guided tour and one-way train ticket from Pisa
Speak to your sales representative for a tailor-made quote and to confirm availability of your chosen package.
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, five dinners and three wine tastings are included.
Breakfast is usually a continental-style buffet.
The five included dinners are taken at Hotel Le Renaie. Four meals consist of three courses, dessert and a glass of wine. On Tuesday evening, when the restaurant is closed to the public, you will be treated to a special pizza feast.
All meals are homemade and prepared using locally sourced ingredients and following the traditional Tuscan recipes of the area. For this reason, the menu doesn’t include fish-based options.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free choices are available – please advise us of dietary requirements on booking.
Transport
We use a private minibus for airport transfers and most excursions plus the local train/bus services on certain days. Transfers are no longer than one hour at a time and road conditions are good.
Weather & Seasonality
April and May departures can expect warm days and although rain is possible, it seldom lasts long. Nights may be cool. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in these months. June sees the start of summer and July and August can become quite hot by mid-afternoon, so this time is kept free for lunch. Although rain is unusual, torrential cloudbursts are not unknown. September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is often better. Swimming is usually still possible at this time.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Le Renaie, Località Pancole, 53037 San Gimignano (SI)
Phone: +39 0577 1607452
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Pisa (PSA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 20min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
The usual meeting point for the group transfer is Pisa Airport, where the guide will be waiting for you with the minibus. Occasionally, unpredictable parking restrictions at the airport mean the group transfer includes a five-minute journey on the Pisamover from the airport to the railway station. In this case, the guide will still meet you at the airport on arrival and accompany you on the Pisamover.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, you can pre-order a taxi through Exodus. This will take you from Pisa Airport directly to Hotel Le Renaie. It will take approximately 1hr 20min to reach the accommodation and costs approximately €200, paid locally.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Note on the group flights
The inbound flight can sometimes be late in the evening, especially during summer. In this instance, you will have additional time to spend in Pisa. The leader will take care of all arrangements in terms of transport from/to the airport and the city centre and luggage storage. It may also happen that, for logistical reasons, we will have to be at the airport earlier than normally scheduled on return. This will mean a longer waiting time before checking in.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Pancole
Location end: Pancole
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Light walking boots (a pair of good walking trainers will suffice)
- Small backpack for camera
- Large refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproofs
- Warm clothes
Please note, tap water is safe to drink, which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill at the hotel. Please add this to your packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.
Optional Equipment
- Small umbrella
- Torch/flashlight (useful for walking to the village in the evening)
- Walking poles
- Pool towels (one pool towel per person per week is provided locally, extra towels can be hired on site)
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in San Gimignano and in all major towns. Credit cards are accepted in most places.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
For the dinner not included, allow €35 for a good meal and extra for wine. Lunches are not included but there is always somewhere to buy lunch (a cafe lunch costs approximately €15) or provisions to make a picnic if this is preferred. You will also need to allow for tips at restaurants.
Local taxes: Many Italian cities have introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually €2-€3 per person per night. For this trip, please allow €10-€15, depending on the season, for the week. In some cities, children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.
Optional activities and excursions
- Optional wine tasting: €5-10 depending on the number of wines tested
- The Boboli Gardens in Florence: €10
- Uffizi Gallery in Florence: €24 (including €4 booking fee)
- Accademia Gallery in Florence: €18 (including €6.50 booking fee)
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is not compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip we recommend allowing approximately €15-€20 per leader per week.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. We spend seven nights at the family-run Hotel Le Renaie near San Gimignano.
- We arrange three wine tastings, where we learn about local wines and how they are made. This includes two sessions in local wineries and a short course at the Tuscan Wine School. These are great opportunities to support local suppliers and to encourage the traditional methods of local wine production.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Erosion on and adjacent to popular paths is a growing problem in certain places and therefore our trip leaders encourage clients to stick to advised routes to minimise this.
- With our partners, Rewilding Apennines, we rewild 100 square meters (1,075 sqft) of land per passenger who travels with us.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- The hotel owners are environmentally conscious and try to minimise negative effects on their natural surroundings by paying attention to recycling and energy conservation.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.