We leave our hostel early in the morning and we head off to San Gimignano, one of the most spectacular towns along the Via Francigena.

This 13 km leg of the Via Francigena (Leg 31), which takes 3 hours to complete, is rich in splendid natural scenery. While walking we can enjoy the beauty of the landscape around us dotted with small churches, abbeys, ancient farmhouses ,bridges and castles such as the 12th- century Riparotta Castle and Montecarulli Castle.

During the tour we can visit the Sanctuary in Pancole, a small hamlet where we can find a water supply and refreshment, before going uphill towards the fortified village of Collemuccioli with its characteristic tower.

In Pancole we visit the Sanctuary, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built in the 17th century. It features a Latin cross nave and houses a fresco by Pier Francesco Fiorentino and two 14th-century wooden sculptures.

From here it is easy to reach the enchanting village of Cellole, where you can visit the Romanesque Pieve di Santa Maria, which dates back to the 10th century but was rebuilt between the 12th and the 13th centuries. Inside this three-nave church we can admire an ancient baptismal font and 14th-century frescoes depicting figures of saints.

Our walk begins at the Town Walls. We pass through San Giovanni's Gate and walk along Via San Giovanni, a road flanked by old palaces, going up to the centre of the town.

We soon reach Piazza della Cisterna. This square takes its name from the 13th-century cistern, located in its centre, has a triangular shape and is lined with beautiful medieval buildings and towers.

Leaving Piazza della Cisterna behind us, we head off to Piazza del Duomo, which features the most important buildings and palaces in San Gimignano.

On the left, at the top of a long flight of steps, we can admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or Collegiata Church. It is a Romanesque church, which was built in the 12th century and has a fine brick and stone façade dating back to the 13th century.

Inside the church there is the Chapel of Saint Fina or Saint Serafina, who was an Italian Christian girl venerated in this town, and amazing Sienese and Florentine School frescoes such as “The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian” by Benozzo Gozzoli and “Stories of Santa Fina” by Ghirlandaio.

During the tour we will stop for lunch in a local restaurant in the historic centre, where we can taste delicious Tuscan dishes.

After lunch we can have an ice cream in the famous ice cream shop, Gelateria Dondoli, which offers a wide range of sophisticated flavours such as “ Crema di Santa Fina “, “ Dolcenero “ and “ Vernaccia Sorbet“.

You can also wander through the cobbled street of the town and reach the Rocca, a ruined fortress on the highest part of the hill. It is surrounded by parks and olive groves, where you can sit and admire the Tuscan landscape.

Our tour ends with the visit to the famous Wine Museum, which is a tribute to the quality and prestige of Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is produced exclusively in the medieval town of San Gimignano and has been considered Italy’s finest white wine since Renaissance.

From here it is easy to reach Molino d'Aiano, where Archbishop Sigeric stopped during his journey, and Colle Val d’Elsa, with its charming old town centre and narrow alleys winding through the stone walls. This Tuscan village is famous for its crystal production and offers spectacular art treasures. Here we can admire the amazing Cathedral of Saint Marziale, one of the main churches in Colle Val d’ Elsa and Arnolfo ’s Tower-House.