With its Renaissance cities, mediaeval villages and cypress-lined avenues snaking through vineyards, southern Tuscany is the perfect place for a relaxing guided walking holiday. Based at the tranquil Villa Casalta, on our tour we visit beautiful San Gimignano, the market town of Greve in Chianti, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena and the magnificent city of Florence. During the week we sample several varieties of the world-renowned local Chianti and have the opportunity to learn more about Italian wine at the Wine School of Siena.

Surrounded by Tuscan hills, Hotel Le Renaie occupies a privileged spot in the little village of Pancole, just 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano. Here, the Sabatini family has created an intimate, friendly retreat with just 25 air-conditioned rooms and plenty of places to mingle.



Under the beautiful Italian summer sun, the swimming pool area (which has a separate hot tub) is the perfect place to cool down; alternatively, find a shady spot in the flower-filled gardens to sit, chat or read a book. Come evening, gather in the bar-restaurant for delicious Tuscan cuisine and a glass or two of excellent local wine. It’s a popular stop for Pancole residents, so you know it’s good. There are also games tables (table football, billiards and ping pong) to keep the entertainment going or you can take your drinks onto the bar terrace for views over the garden, which is filled with hydrangeas and citrus plants.



Amenities



Swimming pool (usually open May to mid-October)

Restaurant serving traditional Tuscan meals

Bar/cafeteria for light snacks and lunches (open every day)

Games tables



Worth knowing



A limited number of rooms have a balcony (facing the pool or garden) and these are assigned by the hotel

Pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements; cooler months may not be suitable for swimming