DAY 64 - SAN GIMIGNANO to MONTERIGGIONI - 23 June 2026

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We headed off early once again to avoid the heat,  on the road at first with views back to the towers of San Gimignano.  Soon we were descending on a gravel track,  through vineyards and patches of forest. There was the first of many river crossings,  on flat wide stones. We skirted fields and walked down avenues of olives before arriving in the medieval centre of Colle di Val d'Elsa. Here we refuelled and made some running repairs to a backpack.

Sorted, we continued on the Via Francigena, choosing the river path.  This was a highlight with many others also out enjoying the cool water.  We wet our buffs and hats and one of us even soaked her feet.

After this we headed through a desert of urban streets then parched fields until we reached Strove. Here we enjoyed an icy chinotto, a Sicilian drink made from a cumquat-like citrus. We wet our buffs again for the last section.

Before our last climb, we made a brief stop at Abbadia a Isola. This was a popular pilgrim hostel in medieval times and still operates today.

We checked in to our accommodation early and enjoyed a rest before exploring the delights of Monteriggione. We caught up with the Brazilian pilgrims we had last seen in Camaiore, and met some Scottish walkers.  We'd booked a wine tasting and menu with our accommodation which was a great experience. We finished the day with a stroll through the village.

Leaving San Gimignano this morning
Looking back over San Gimignano 
Early morning views on the Via Francigena on from San Gimignano 
Via Francigena towards Colle di Val d'Elsa 
A couple of the many water crossings we negotiated on the way
Colle di Val d'Elsa 
We really enjoyed this stretch of the path along the Elsa River
Going down
Varied landscape as we continued on to Strove
Refreshment stop in Strove
A bit of road-walking as we approached Abbadia a Isola
Abbadia a Isola 
We had Monteriggioni in our sights long before we arrived in the village
Approaching Monteriggioni 
Entering Monteriggioni 
Some highlights of Monteriggione 
Some more highlights of Monteriggione 
Bits and pieces 
Birds
Day 64 - Map

Day:                               64
Distance:                      31.6 km
Walking time:               6 hrs 36 mins
Elevation gain:             595 metres
Cumulative distance:  1310.57 km

Comments

  1. Anonymous24 June 2026 at 11:27

    Today’s birds: Western House Martin, Western Cattle Egret

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous24 June 2026 at 11:36

    Today’s tractors: SAME Frutteto II. But I’m now waiting for you to spot a Lamborghini tractor!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers25 June 2026 at 05:37

      Wow, we didn't know you identify tractors as well!

      Delete
  3. Anonymous24 June 2026 at 12:24

    And walking over 6 hours in the heat today!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Barkers25 June 2026 at 05:38

    We go early before the major heat of the day. And hunt the shade and water fountains!

    ReplyDelete

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