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

Meals

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.

Guide

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.

Others

7 nights renovated farmhouse with panoramic swimming pool 5 days gentle walking and sightseeing Low altitude throughout Centre-based holiday

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.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations — Local taxes (approximately €10 per person, see Trip Notes) — Pre & Post Package — Extension Package

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start In Pancole (Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start In Pancole (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 Day 2: Walk A Section Of The Via Francigena; Afternoon Local Wine Tasting (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Walk A Section Of The Via Francigena; Afternoon Local Wine Tasting (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 Day 3: Walk In Radda In Chianti (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Walk In Radda In Chianti (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 Day 4: Travel To Siena And Explore The Stunning Historic Centre; Learn About Tuscan And Italian Wines At A Wine School (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Travel To Siena And Explore The Stunning Historic Centre; Learn About Tuscan And Italian Wines At A Wine School (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 Day 5: Free Day To Visit Other Chianti Villages Or Relax By The Pool (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Free Day To Visit Other Chianti Villages Or Relax By The Pool (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 Day 6: Discover The Magnificent City Of Florence (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Discover The Magnificent City Of Florence (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 Day 7: Walk To Picturesque San Gimignano: Afternoon Wine-Tasting (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Walk To Picturesque San Gimignano: Afternoon Wine-Tasting (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 Day 8: End In Pancole (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: End In Pancole (Breakfast)

The trip ends after breakfast. Bid Hotel Le Renaie a fond farewell and begin your return journey home.

8 days tour

Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wines

Day 1: Start In Pancole (Dinner)

Day 2: Walk A Section Of The Via Francigena; Afternoon Local Wine Tasting (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 3: Walk In Radda In Chianti (Breakfast)

Day 4: Travel To Siena And Explore The Stunning Historic Centre; Learn About Tuscan And Italian Wines At A Wine School (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 5: Free Day To Visit Other Chianti Villages Or Relax By The Pool (Breakfast)

Day 6: Discover The Magnificent City Of Florence (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 7: Walk To Picturesque San Gimignano: Afternoon Wine-Tasting (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 8: End In Pancole (Breakfast)

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