{"id":16275,"date":"2025-10-04T13:52:22","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T11:52:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thegambassiexperience.com\/?p=16275"},"modified":"2025-10-04T13:52:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T11:52:22","slug":"hiking-gambassi-san-gimignano-volterra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegambassiexperience.com\/en\/hiking-gambassi-san-gimignano-volterra\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking in Tuscany: loop from Gambassi to San Gimignano and Volterra along the Via Francigena and Via del Sale"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are looking for a different idea for a hiking experience in Tuscany at a slow pace<\/strong>, Gambassi Terme is the perfect starting point.<\/h2>\n

Here two ancient routes meet: the Via Francigena<\/strong>, walked for centuries by pilgrims on their way to Rome, and the Via del Sale<\/strong>, the salt road that once connected Volterra to the sea.<\/p>\n

Today, these historic paths can be explored in a new way: a 2\u20133 day loop<\/strong> combining walking and public transport, discovering San Gimignano and Volterra<\/strong>.
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n

Hiking itinerary in Tuscany: Gambassi, San Gimignano and Volterra<\/h3>\n
Day 1 \u2013 From Gambassi to San Gimignano (Via Francigena)<\/strong><\/h6>\n

\"VistaFrom the village of Gambassi Terme<\/strong>, with its thermal waters and authentic rural atmosphere, the journey starts along the Via Francigena<\/strong>. This is one of the most loved sections by pilgrims, where vineyards, farmhouses and solitary Romanesque churches alternate in the landscape.\"\"<\/p>\n

Along the way you will pass Pancole, with the Sanctuary of the Divine Providence, a welcoming and peaceful basilica surrounded by the Tuscan countryside.\u00a0A little further on, the Pieve di Cellole<\/strong> (11th century) rises among cypresses, vineyards and olive groves \u2013 a natural invitation to pause and contemplate.<\/p>\n

After about 13 km \u2013 less than 4 hours of walking \u2013 you reach San Gimignano<\/strong>, the \u201ctown of a hundred towers\u201d, 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<\/strong>, the local white wine.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: the Palazzo Comunale with the Civic Museums, the Duomo and the Chapel of Santa Fina, the Church of Sant\u2019Agostino, and the Santa Chiara complex with its Apothecary and Archaeological Museum.
\n\ud83d\udc49 Learn more about the Via Francigena<\/a><\/p>\n

Day 2 \u2013 From San Gimignano to Volterra (by bus)<\/strong><\/h6>\n

<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.<\/p>\n

The Line 31 bus by Autolinee Toscane<\/strong> connects the two towns from June to 2 November:<\/p>\n