Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines
Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines
Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines
8 Days Starting in Pancole and ending in Pancole
Visiting: Italy
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TDC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
With Renaissance cities, medieval villages and cypress-lined avenues winding through vineyards, southern Tuscany is the perfect place for a relaxing guided walking adventure in Italy. 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start In Pancole
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2 : Walk A Section Of The Via Francigena; Afternoon Local Wine Tasting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 3 : Walk In Radda In Chianti
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : Travel To Siena And Explore The Stunning Historic Centre; Learn About Tuscan And Italian Wines At A Wine School
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 5 : Free Day To Visit Other Chianti Villages Or Relax By The Pool
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : Discover The Magnificent City Of Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 7 : Walk To Picturesque San Gimignano: Afternoon Wine-Tasting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8 : End In Pancole
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast. Bid Hotel Le Renaie a fond farewell and begin your return journey home.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, five dinners, three wine tastings
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
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Local taxes (approximately €10 per person, see Trip Notes)
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Pre & Post Package
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Extension Package
Food
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.
Accommodation
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
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 18 years old people can go on this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.