Paths of Chianti: Siena to Florence

Day 1 • Arrive in Siena

The best-preserved, great medieval city in Europe. Magnificent cathedral, the Piazza del Campo (scene of the Palio horse race), and an abundance of outstanding 14th and 15th century art and architecture

HHHH Athena

Day 2 • Siena to Dievole

Follow tracks across hills with stone-walled olive groves, oak forest, and world-renowned Chianti Classico vineyards, to Dievole, set amongst its own vineyards (12 4 miles, 6 hrs)

HHHH Dievole W ine Resort (std & sup rooms)

Day 3 • Dievole to Gaiole-in-Chianti

Cross a valley to the fortified Romanesque church of San Polo in Rosso, where paths lead to Gaiole-in-Chianti, a centre of Chianti wine production, overlooked by the Castello di Spaltenna and its 11th century Romanesque church (7 9 miles, 4 hrs)

B&B L’Eroico (std) HHHHH Castello di Spaltenna (sup)

Day 4 • Gaiole-in-Chianti to Panzano

Far m roads (strade bianche) lead to a ridge, from where a track descends to the valley, continuing past stone far mhouses and vineyards to a second ridge with extensive views, and the characteristic medieval hill town of Panzano (13 2 miles, 6 hrs)

HHH Fattoria Valle (std) HHHH Villa Le Barone (sup)

Day 5 • Free day in Panzano

Short optional walk to Greve-in-Chianti, a busy centre of the wine industry, with some fine medieval buildings and arcaded central piazza (5 1 miles, 2 5 hrs)

HHH Fattoria Valle (std) HHHH Villa Le Barone (sup)

Day 6 • Panzano to Impruneta (via Greve-in-Chianti)

Undulating paths and strade bianche with fine views across vine-filled valleys and castles protecting the rich wine estates A wooded riverside path then leads to the final climb to Impruneta (17.6 miles, 8.5–9 hrs). Shorter option: starting from Greve (12 1 miles, 6 hrs)

HHH Bellavista (std) HHHH Relais Villa Olmo (sup)

Day 7 • Impruneta to Florence

Tracks and strade bianche lead through far mland to the outskirts of Florence, before minor roads and pathways for the final two miles emerge at a panoramic view of the city and a descent to the Ponte Vecchio, in the heart of the world’s greatest ‘Art City’ (10 3 miles, 5–5 5 hrs)

HHH Hotel Silla (std) HHHH Degli Orafi (sup)

Day 8 • Departure day

Route open: April-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Florence (50 miles)

Tram/train: 2 hrs - €15

Taxi: 1 hr - ~€150 u Pisa (74 miles)

Train/bus: 2 hrs - €17

T i 1 5 h €180

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, Italian and Romanian.

Route Book: 119 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate to challenging (Grade 3 – 3+) See p 8

Terrain: Paths through vineyards and olive groves; far m and forest paths/tracks; small gravel roads; some asphalt