Chianti Walking & Wine

Overview

With its Renaissance cities, mediaeval villages and cypress-lined avenues snaking through vineyards, southern Tuscany is the perfect place for a relaxing guided walking holiday. Based at the tranquil Villa Casalta, on our tour we visit beautiful San Gimignano, the market town of Greve in Chianti, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena and the magnificent city of Florence. During the week we sample several varieties of the world-renowned local Chianti and have the opportunity to learn more about Italian wine at the Wine School of Siena.

 

Tour Duration 8 Days

 

Tour Highlights

  • Walk the classic rolling hills of Tuscany
  • Stay in a converted farmhouse
  • Enjoy the fabulous Chianti wines

 

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; 6 to 16 People 

Age requirement: 18+

NEED A FLIGHT? WE CAN HELP.

Search for the perfect flight at time of booking.

 

 

Itinerary

DAY 1​ Fly to Pisa, transfer to Catellina in Chianti

Fly to Pisa; transfer to Villa Casalta, 2kms from Castellina in Chinati (transfer approx. 1hr30mins).

Meals included: dinner

 

DAY 2​ Visit mediaeval market town of Greve in Chianti and the hilltop village of Montefioralle

Today we head to the mediaeval market town of Greve in Chianti walking through a magnificent setting of olive groves and vineyards. On the way, we will stop in the fortified hilltop village of Montefioralle, considered the most ancient 'borgo' in Chianti. After lunch we enjoy a wine tasting in a local winery before heading back to our farmhouse for dinner.

Meals included: breakfast  dinner

 

DAY 3​ Walk to Radda in Chianti, the heart of Chianti area

This morning we will set out for a local history walk to the heart of the Chianti area, covering the route from Villa Casalta to Radda in Chianti. We will take a walk through local woodlands where we can admire the so famous emerald vineyards valleys. In the afternoon we will have the chance to taste the much acclaimed Chianti Classico wine at a local winery.

Meals included: breakfast

 

DAY 4​ Travel to Siena and explore the stunning historic centre

After breakfast we make our way to the centre of Siena for a day exploring this fascinating city. We have time to visit the numerous museums and stunning Duomo and to relax in one of the many outdoor cafés in Piazza del Campo, home of the world famous Palio horse race. Please note that shoulders should be covered for entering the Duomo. You may also like to visit the many boutiques specializing in local products and cutting edge Italian fashion. In the afternoon we also have the opportunity to learn about Tuscan wines on a 1-hour fun interactive course at the Tuscan Wine School.

Meals included: breakfast  dinner

 

DAY 5​ Free day to visit other Chianti villages

Today is free to rest any tired legs at the poolside. Alternatively, your leader can advise on local Chianti wine tasting tours and cooking classes or offer assistance for unguided walks or daytrips.

Meals included: breakfast

 

DAY 6​ Discover the magnificent city of Florence

Our destination today is the magnificent city of Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance with an enormous wealth of historical sites, museums, galleries, churches and architectural delights. Most of the great artists, thinkers and builders from Renaissance history passed through or lived in Florence when it was under the rule of the Medici family, the most famous patrons of the 16th century. But Florence is not just a Renaissance showpiece: once you have had your fill of the historical trail there are many other things to see and do.

The city has not ceased to be a centre of learning, and there is a university, many art and language schools and a large student population to liven up the café-bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There are also some great markets and chic boutiques. From April to July, Florence also holds one of Europe's major cultural events, a festival of opera and classical music called the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

If you would like to visit the Uffizi galleries we recommend that youprebook your ticket online to avoid lengthy queues. Tickets can be purchased through https://webshop.b-ticket.com/webshop/webticket/eventlist?production=1. Please ensure that your allocated time slot is between 11.45 and 16.00.

Meals included: breakfast  dinner

 

DAY 7​ Walk to picturesque San Gimignano

After a  transfer to the quaint hamlet of San Donato, we walk through the farm grounds following the pathway to Montauto and on up to the picturesque mediaeval town of San Gimignano. The walk is not long and should take approximately 3 hours. The afternoon is spent exploring this beautiful town including visits to the Palazzo Comunale, Pinacoteca and Torre Grossa and there is some free time to wander and soak up the atmosphere. 

Meals included: breakfast  dinner

 

DAY 8 Transfer to Pisa, fly to London { other airports may be available }

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. 

Meals included: breakfast

Dates & Inclusions

Tour dates: Various travel dates for this Tour are available contact us on 01422 847 847 or through our Holiday Request Form for more details.

 

Benchmark Travel

Looking for your perfect holiday for 2024, 2025 or 2026? 

Speak to our travel experts at Benchmark Travel today!

Don't miss out
Get the latest offers, travel tips and advice from our experts delivered straight to your inbox.