Florence walks

Starting from Santa Maria Novella station, this city walking route allows you to explore Florence on foot, linking the main monuments and squares of the historic centre. The walk invites you to enjoy Florence’s heritage at a leisurely pace, taking in the city’s iconic sights as well as some of its less-visited spots. It offers the chance to alternate between cultural discoveries, a leisurely stroll and breaks in neighbourhoods that are less overrun by tourists.

An easy route, suitable for all ages, which follows the Colle di Val d’Elsa – Poggibonsi cycle path, built on the site of a former railway line linking the two main towns of the Valdelsa. The outward journey follows the River Elsa and winds through the Tuscan countryside, dotted with benches and information boards at the most picturesque spots. The circular route offers beautiful views of the vineyards, cypress-dotted hills, sun-drenched olive groves and, in season, fields of sunflowers.

A circular route around the medieval village of Colle di Val d’Elsa following the route of the Via Francigena (VFI-091). You first cross through the medieval village to follow the River Elsa along the Sentierelsa, then takethe alternative route to Quartaia (VFI-091_1) to return via the surrounding countryside. Although the route is a little long, it remains easy as it is fairly flat, and the atmosphere is quite friendly thanks to the many pilgrims walking the route.

The Sentierelsa is a nature trail offering the chance to observe the flora and fauna of the River Elsa, particularly the many birds that find refuge there. This walk is also a journey through history, revealing evidence of the relationship between people and the river: the ‘gore’ (artificial canals) that once supplied Colle Val d’Elsa’s paper industry, the locks, an 18th-century mill, and the medieval bridge that allowed pilgrims and travellers to cross the river from the 11th century until the early 19th century.This family-friendly route follows the river and then crosses it several times via fords built on large boulders fitted with rope handrails.The route is renowned for its cool, shaded ‘enchanted spots’, and those where you can swim on hot summer’s days. Alternative routes form a circular route towards the town centre, but the return trip along the riverbank remains the most enjoyable option.