San Gimignano & Volterra Short Break
San Gimignano & Volterra Short Break
San Gimignano & Volterra Short Break
5 Days Starting and ending in 47.809490,47.809490
Visiting: Italy
Tour Overview
San Gimignano is a treasure on the hill and jewel of Tuscany, wonderful for cycling and exploring. With its thirteen outstanding medieval towers, it is clear why the town is on the UNESCO world heritage list. Riding under the Tuscan sun you will pedal on quiet cypress-lined country roads passed sunflower fields, olive groves and vineyards; producing some of the world’s finest olive oil and wine by. Savour the flavour of these ingredients and that of the local produce in the outstanding local cuisine
Itinerary
Arrive at your hotel in San Gimignano and unwind, as this will be your base for the next few days. Breathe in the wonderful country air and take a stroll along the classic green rolling paths, marvelling at the breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. Immerse yourself in the Tuscan tranquillity.
Accommodation: Hotel La Cisterna or similar
Day 2: Vineyards of Ulignano, Certaldo Alto & Barberino 35 or 60 km
Today you will cycle through many vineyards towards Ulignano and the charming hilltop village of Certaldo, the hometown of the renowned Italian writer Boccaccio. You can get to Certaldo, either by a funicular train or by cycling on a steep section. After visiting its ceramic-decorated main square and stunning churches, you can choose an extended ride to Barberino and Tavernelle in the Chianti Classico area, offering magnificent views.
Accommodation: Hotel La Cisterna or similar
Cycling for the day (option 1): 35 km, 4 hrs, ?736 m ?736 m
Cycling for the day (option 2): 60 km, 5 hrs, ?1221 m ?1438 m
Day 3: San Gimignano to Volterra 36 km
Today, you will leave San Gimignano behind and cycle to the ancient Etruscan town of Volterra. Through a patchwork-like landscape dotted with wheat fields, olive groves and villas, you reach the base of the imposing hill on which the town is located. It takes one more solid climb before you arrive at your marvellous hotel, a former convent set inside in the gates of the old city centre.
Accommodation: Albergo Etruria or similar
Cycling for the day: 36 km, 4 hrs, ?925 m ?650 m
Day 4: Volterra Loop Rides 37 or 39 km
Today you can choose between two options:
Option 1: Volterra to Montecatini Val di Cecina
After an exhilarating downhill ride into the valley, you cycle through the lovely Val d’Era and over stretches of ‘strade bianche’, typical Tuscan white roads. The itinerary winds through the landscape filled with remote farmsteads and villas, and hills covered with vines and olive groves. Grand views on the vast undulating terrain will accompany you throughout the entire day.
Option 2: Loop ride via Ulignano
An easy and very scenic ride in the surroundings of Volterra. Erosion caused by rainwater has artistically sculpted the landscape, creating cracks and gullies of majestic beauty. After descending from Volterra, you will venture off the beaten track on unpaved tracks, returning on the very panoramic Strada del Cornocchio.
Accommodation: Albergo Etruria or similar
Cycling for the day (option 1): 39 km, 3 hrs, ?695 m ?805 m
Cycling for the day (option 2): 37 km, 4 hrs, ?925 m ?1100 m
Day 5: Departure
The trip and our services end after breakfast unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or other supplementary extensions.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.