Colle Val d’Elsa, with its historic centre perched atop a high knoll, is Italy’s most important centre for the making of crystal glass. The town was a flourishing centre of trade in medieval times due to its location on the Via Francigena, in a position that made the town the subject of repeated disputes between Siena and Florence.

Elsa River Park is well worth visiting (info at: https://www.visitcolledivaldelsa.com/parco-fluviale-dellelsa-sentierelsa/): a 4 km route winding along the Elsa River, with its ancient hydraulic works, waterfalls, ponds and caves. If the weather is warm, stop to enjoy a refreshing swim in the river. Contact us for more information if you would like to try river rafting or packrafting along the river!