If you are looking for a different idea for a hiking experience in Tuscany at a slow pace, Gambassi Terme is the perfect starting point.
Here two ancient routes meet: the Via Francigena, walked for centuries by pilgrims on their way to Rome, and the Via del Sale, the salt road that once connected Volterra to the sea.
Today, these historic paths can be explored in a new way: a 2–3 day loop combining walking and public transport, discovering San Gimignano and Volterra.
This itinerary embraces iconic Tuscan villages and landscapes, designed for those who truly love walking: with stages of 13 to over 20 kilometers, it requires some training and a real desire to live the region at a slow rhythm.
Hiking itinerary in Tuscany: Gambassi, San Gimignano and Volterra
Day 1 – From Gambassi to San Gimignano (Via Francigena)
From the village of Gambassi Terme, with its thermal waters and authentic rural atmosphere, the journey starts along the Via Francigena. This is one of the most loved sections by pilgrims, where vineyards, farmhouses and solitary Romanesque churches alternate in the landscape.
Along the way you will pass Pancole, with the Sanctuary of the Divine Providence, a welcoming and peaceful basilica surrounded by the Tuscan countryside. A little further on, the Pieve di Cellole (11th century) rises among cypresses, vineyards and olive groves – a natural invitation to pause and contemplate.
After about 13 km – less than 4 hours of walking – you reach San Gimignano, the “town of a hundred towers”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a few hours wandering its medieval squares, gazing at the towers and maybe raising a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the local white wine.
Don’t miss: the Palazzo Comunale with the Civic Museums, the Duomo and the Chapel of Santa Fina, the Church of Sant’Agostino, and the Santa Chiara complex with its Apothecary and Archaeological Museum.
👉 Learn more about the Via Francigena
Day 2 – From San Gimignano to Volterra (by bus)
<p”>Between San Gimignano and Volterra stretch 31 km of winding roads and breathtaking views. Driving is convenient, but traveling by bus offers another rhythm: no thoughts about parking or traffic, only the freedom to enjoy the Tuscan landscapes.
The Line 31 bus by Autolinee Toscane connects the two towns from June to 2 November:
- 2 daily rides from San Gimignano (9:15 and 16:30, Piazza Montemaggio)
- 2 from Volterra (10:15 and 17:30, Piazza Martiri della Libertà)
- travel time: about 45 minutes
- fare: € 5.50
Once in Volterra, take your time to explore: Etruscan walls, the Roman theatre, alabaster workshops and endless views over the surrounding hills.
Must-sees: the Cathedral and Baptistery, Palazzo dei Priori, the Etruscan Gate Porta all’Arco, the Roman Theatre, the Civic Art Gallery with Rosso Fiorentino’s Deposition, and the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum.
👉 Check the Line 31 bus timetable
Day 3 – From Volterra to Gambassi (Via del Sale and Casciani trails)
From the heart of Volterra, leaving through Porta Diana, take the Via del Sale, once used by merchants to reach the sea.
Today, it’s a hiking path alternating gravel roads and rolling hills, passing the Oratory of Sant’Ottaviano and the small village of Mommialla.
Then the trail climbs towards Castagno Val d’Elsa, in the municipality of Gambassi, and enters the most fascinating part: the Casciani trails.
- From the Via del Sale you reach the paved road; after 1 km you take a gravel road leading to Costa di San Vettore.
- Continue along the ancient paved track until the Trail 4 – delle Carbonaie.
- Turn left to reach Trail 1 – dei Casciani.
- A right turn leads to the Bollori springs, where warm water (23 °C) still bubbles from an old exploratory well.
- Finally, take Trail 2 – dei Bollori back to Gambassi.
The loop ends back in Gambassi. The best way to close the journey? Treat yourself to a fourth day of relaxation at the thermal baths of Gambassi, where mineral-rich waters restore both body and spirit.
Why choose this hiking loop in Tuscany
Why choose this hiking loop in Tuscany- A unique itinerary combining two historic Tuscan routes.
- A journey mixing walking, public transport and wellness, no car needed.
- Discover extraordinary places in just one weekend.
- Ideal for nature lovers, history enthusiasts and seekers of authenticity.
A different way to experience Tuscany on foot, at a slow pace, guided more by the rhythm of the journey than the destination.
