Secrets of San Gimignano Self-Guided CyclingTrip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided

Destinations: Italy

Programmes: Cycling

Trip Code:

C08TY Moderate

9 Days Land only

Min age: 8

Trip Overview

This holiday is, quite simply, outstanding in every way - think rich scenery, fantastically contrasting hotels, superb local cuisine and

exceptional wines. 

RidePlus is available on this tour, meaning that on most days you have the option to do a more challenging RidePlus route. Each

option comes with GPS navigation and route maps to ensure you get to your destination easily, and you’ll stay at the same hotel

regardless of which route you take, although RidePlus cyclists will be provided with an upgraded lightweight road bike. If you’re

travelling as a group you can split up for the day to ride independently – so everyone has their perfect day. Find out more

about RidePlus here and more about the routes for this holiday in the Itinerary section.

At a Glance

8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel

4 Days cycling

Current as of: July 5, 2019 - 11:16

Valid for departures: From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019

Trip Highlights

Is This Trip for You?

You'll start off in Volterra, a beautifully preserved hilltop gem whose eclectic mix of Etruscan, Roman and Renaissance art and

architecture has inspired artists and writers for centuries. From here, you pedal north east along quiet, rolling country lanes as you

coast towards honey-coloured Pancole, nestled in the Tuscan hills. The cycling is truly glorious as you continue, via fortified towns and

hill villages, to medieval Colle, from where you can also head to Florence and Siena for day trips. Then it's on to Pescille, which is

perfectly positioned overlooking San Gimignano. Your final stretch takes you through a timeless and kaleidoscopic landscape of ochre-

coloured hills and verdant vineyards, giving you a real sense of achievement as you loop back to Volterra for your final night. 

This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We

arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are

transported from one hotel to the next.

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more important information on classification and

grading.

Av. daily ride: 38km (24miles).

No. of days cycling: 4

Terrain & route: The suggested cycling is along quiet, tarmac roads (mainly traffic-free). There are a few ascents and descents along

the way.

Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip

should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are

regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on

occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will

not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in

emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this

service.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the

beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route

notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2

people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room

will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.

All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals

included Headwater wine service 

GPS route navigation provided 

RideWithGPS navigation app

RidePlus route options

High quality bikes provided

Luggage transfers between hotels

Countries visited: Italy

Exhilarating cycling through open and totally unspoilt countryside

San Gimignano's soaring towers; Volterra's Etruscan treasures; great art cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena

Fabulous hotels all with stunning pools; superb cuisine and fine wines

Cypress-studded hills, sun-drenched olives, row upon row of sunflowers and world-famous vineyards

Pretty hamlets, hidden chapels, timeless vermilion villas

Adult min age: 18

Child min age: 8

Child max age: 17

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Volterra

End City: Volterra

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Volterra

Arrive in Volterra where you've time for a dip in the pool and a wander round its myriad of cobbled alleys and hidden squares

before dinner. (Staying at Park Hotel Le Fonti)

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2

Volterra to Pancole

Option: 1

Today it's a downhill whizz out of hilltop Volterra and into the pretty Era Valley where spectacular views of the surrounding

timeless Tuscan countryside open up as you pedal. After climbing out of the valley, you'll soon pass through the pretty hamlet of

Castagno where we suggest a well-deserved coffee stop in the local bar. Your route continues on to Gambassi Terme, a well-

preserved spa town with cobbled streets, 12th century church and lovely shaded gardens. Lunch here perhaps in one of the

many trattorie then, soon after leaving the town, you'll pick up the famous Via Francigena for the gentle, mainly downhill

stretch to mediaeval Certaldo where you stay the next 2 nights. (Staying at Hotel Certaldo)

Option: 2

Distance - 75.4km (elevation +1036m / -1238m)

Leaving Volterra you drop down into the valley heading north passing the Theatre of Silence and the family home of Andrea

Bocceli. Ride past rich green meadows, before climbing through the stunning countryside and on to the pretty spa town of Gambassi Terme. A long downhill ride lets you roll into Certaldo.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 35km / 21 miles

Day 3

At CertaldoIf you fancy a day off from cycling, the pool here is simply gorgeous and nice lunches are served on the geranium-scented

terrace. There's also a small shop where you can buy olive oils, produced by the owners, and Tuscan wines. The more energetic

might want to cycle past orchards and vines to visit Boccaccio's birthplace, stunning Certaldo. Take the funicular to its

mediaeval centre for spectacular views across the Val d'Elsa. (Staying at Hotel Certaldo)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Certaldo to Colle Di Val D'Elsa

Option: 1

Today's route explores the panoramic wine country between Certaldo and Colle di Val d'Elsa. You'll first retrace your route to

Certaldo and then follow the official, mainly off-road, Chianti Wine Route where you'll find lots of tasting opportunities - don't

forget, we can collect any purchases for you! It's then on to the old town of Poggibonsi, a perfect stop for lunch and to visit

the ruins of its unfinished 15th century fortress. The day ends with gentle pedalling through tree-lined meadows and a valley

of poppy and sunflower fields to Colle di Val d'Elsa. (Staying at Relais Della Rovere)

Option: 2

Distance - 91.9km, elevation: +1521m / -1616m

Today you head into wine country on a beautiful ride with vines as far as the eye can see and passing through beautiful hamlets

and interesting wine towns. With the climbing over you pass two of the famous Chianti towns, Castellina and Radda, both

offering great wine tasting chances and good restaurants. Heading down to the valley you pass the stunning walled village of

Monteriggioni before heading on to Colle Val d’Elsa for your next two nights.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 32 km / 20 miles

Day 5

At Colle Di Val D'Elsa

There's masses of choice today: explore the mediaeval old town which dates back to Etruscan times; take the bus to Siena (30

mins) or to Florence (60 mins); take in the mediaeval town of Monteriggioni, an easy cycle or short bus ride away; or simply laze

by your hotel's sparkling swimming pool, surrounded by lovely gardens. (Staying at Relais Della Rovere)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Colle Di Val D'Elsa to Pescille

Option: 1

It's easy pedalling this morning as you head south past the old town of Colle di Val d'Elsa, gradually climbing up to Casole d'Elsa,

a beautiful village characterised by ancient vermilion-hued buildings and blessed with stunning views from its hilltop position.

Take time to explore its 12th century church (frescoes by Gano da Siena) and impressive fortress before an early lunch perhaps,

in the lovely piazza. You then wind north, gently uphill, through wonderfully scenic countryside against the backdrop of the

impressive medieval towers of San Gimignano as you pedal on to Pescille. (Staying at Hotel Pescille, Breakfast at the hotel)

Option: 2

Distance - 87.4km, elevation: +1693m / -1542m

Heading to the south of the region today you are rewarded with beautiful scenery, quiet roads with vistas of mountains and hills

as you pass pleasant meadows, small forests and lines of cyprus trees. You pass small villages and towns that are well off the

beaten track. Maybe take a late lunch in walled Casole d’ Elsa, then pass Castel San Gimignano and finish through the vines to

Hotel Pescille for the next two nights.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 40 km / 25 miles

Day 7

At Pescille

San Gimignano is just a short cycle away; explore its myriad of narrow streets and many hidden cobbled squares before returning

to your tranquil hotel for a refreshing dip in the sparkling swimming pool. (Staying at Hotel Pescille)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different

GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout

these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Accommodation

Hotels

Day 8

Pescille to Volterra

Option: 1

It's a short ride to San Gimignano today before a climb up through classic Tuscan landscapes of vines, olive groves and fields

ablaze with sunflowers. Enjoy the 16km, mainly downhill run into the Era Valley. There's a real sense of achievement on your

final climb through open countryside and you'll enjoy spectacular views before heading back to the ancient cobbled streets of

Volterra. (Staying at Park Hotel Le Fonti)

Option: 2

Distance - 59.4km, elevation: +1078m / -943m

From the hotel you head towards San Gimignano, circling the 'town of towers' for 360 degree views and passing through the

surrounding wine country. Head uphill through the vineyards and then enjoy a long downhill route with views of Volterra.

Finishing with a climb into Volterra, pass through the town and ride back to your hotel for the last night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 38 km / 24 miles

Day 9

Leave VolterraMeals included: Breakfast

Superb 3-star and 4-star contrasting hotels, all with sparkling swimming pools, are an added highlight of this holiday. In Colle di Val d'Elsa, you stay in a fabulously restored 12th century Benedictine abbey, complete with original frescoes, while in Volterra, your 4-star

hotel has a panoramic infinity pool, with stunning, sweeping views over the Tuscan countryside. 

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or

double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $508.40 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals included

Italy’s most famous export is probably its cuisine and the traditional dishes of Tuscany are the most influential and revered. The

region’s food is based on cucina povera, ‘poor/peasant cookery’, a rural cuisine based on available natural ingredients: olive oil, unsalted

bread, pulses and vegetables, wild mushroom or porcini, and salt-cured meats such as salame and prosciutto. In particular, Tuscan olive

oil is renowned for its quality and is the most important ingredient in the region’s cookery. You will find it in almost every dish - as a

salad dressing, poured over vegetables and into soups and even as a replacement for butter on bread (very nice with a sprinkling of

salt!).

Of course the Chianti region is best known for its regional wine (the very best ones are Chianti Classico and have a black cockerel

stamped on the label). Chianti is produced in the vineyards dotted around the Tuscan hills; we actually visit the hills to the north of

Siena, where the Chianti Colli Senesi wine is produced. Made from the Sangiovese grape, this is an excellent light, fruity red. Although

best known for its red wine, a good white wine is also produced in the Chianti region. Made from the Vernaccia grape, the Vernaccia di

San Gimignano is a crisp dry white which has greatly improved over recent years. It is best drunk young.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

April and May departures can expect warm days and although rain is possible, it seldom lasts long. Nights may still be rather cool. We

strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in these months. June sees the start of summer and July and August can

become quite hot by mid afternoon, so this time is kept free for lunch. Although rain is unusual, torrential cloudbursts are not unknown.

September and October are cooler and wetter, yet visibility is often better. Swimming is usually still possible at this time.

Joining InstructionsThe tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Volterra on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Arrival and departure transfers

from Pisa airport are not included. Pre booked transfers are possible, inquire for details and prices.

Nearest available airport:

Fly to Pisa airport, then pre-booked transfer (inquire for details and prices) to hotel 75 minutes. Return: Pre-booked transfer to Pisa airport 75 minutes (inquire for details and prices).

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not

receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Arrival Details

Location start: Volterra

Location end: Volterra

What to Take

Essential Equipment

Waterproofs

Warm jumper/fleece

Suncream

Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the accommodation.

Optional Equipment

Torch (useful for walking to the village in the evening)

Swimwear

Local Bike Details

A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order

to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable

alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.

2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.

3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you

may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment

4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the

event of breakdown or loss.

Bringing Your Own Bike

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will

receive a discount off the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak

to our Sales team for individual airline fees. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Breakaway is confident that we have taken all

reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under your own

insurance policy.

Extra Bike Bits

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage

this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals

at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Breakaway Policy on Cycling Helmets

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Breakaway cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own

helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Breakaway.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at

their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some

countries we travel to wearing a helmet is already a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the

riding you are going to undertake.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top.

Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to

carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daysack.

GPS Route Navigation

 We've teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries

in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your

route. 

Before you travel we'll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It's available for

iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner

fitness devices.  

Free app for iPhone and Android

Full turn-by-turn audio instructions

Live GPS mapping

Interactive 'point of interest' information

No wifi needed and no data charges

Easy to use

Access to premium app features

Regularly checked and updated routes

Reading List

Practical InformationPassport

Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the

correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are

to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and

customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa

Italy

No visa required for US passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

The Rough Guide to Tuscany and Umbria

Lonely Planet Tuscany and Umbria

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Florence and Tuscany Time Out Florence: And the Best of Tuscany

Weather Charts

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way

to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly

recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date

information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered

to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include

repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be

asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover

all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip,

optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude

of the trip.

Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CEST (GMT +02:00)

Electricity

Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Money

Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available and usually the most convenient way of obtaining Euros. Travellers cheques are accepted in banks. Credit

cards are widely used.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Lunch is not included in the itinerary and some dinners are left open where there are good restaurant choices, please allow some

spending money for this. We recommend approximately €5-15 (US$4.50-13) per lunch and €20-30 (US$18-27) for dinner.

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural

understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some

circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders

have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative

options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you

approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier

please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or

website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy

them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow

the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make

the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book?  Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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