Internationale groepsreis Secrets of San Gimignano Cycling

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. You stay at Hotel San Lino (breakfast included)

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 medieval Certaldo where you stay for the next two nights. You stay at Hotel Certaldo (breakfast included)

Explore stunning Certaldo, Boccaccio's birthplace. Split into two distinct halves, the medieval centre of Certaldo Alto with its fabulous ancient buildings, is accessed by funicular and offers spectacular views across the Val d'Elsa. On the other hand, Certaldo Basso is the more modern part of the town with shops, bars and restaurants. You could also spend time today, relaxing by the hotel pool. You stay at the Hotel Certaldo (breakfast included)

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! 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. You stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (breakfast and evening meal)

There's masses of choice today: explore the medieval old town which dates back to Etruscan times; take the bus to Siena (30 mins) or to Florence (60 mins); take in the medieval town of Monteriggioni, an easy cycle or short bus ride away; or simply enjoy the spa facilities of your **** hotel. You stay at Palazzo San Lorenzo (breakfast and evening meal)

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. You stay at Hotel Pescille (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal at a local restaurant)

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. You stay at Hotel Pescille (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal at a local restaurant)

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. You stay at Hotel San Lino (breakfast included)

The tour ends in Volterra.