Tuscany

Colle Val d'Elsa, a town with a view

Breathtaking views of the valley & hills of Chianti! Colle val d’Elsa is a great photo opportunity! Enjoy authentic cuisine, crystal handcrafts, great wine & stunning landscapes: Colle val d’Elsa is the ideal day trip between Florence & Siena.

On the Border of Chianti

Between Siena & the vineyards of Chianti

Colle val d'Elsa is a quaint town in the province of Siena whose antique origins sit on the top of the hill, presiding over the border separating it from the renowned Chianti territory. The name Colle (meaning hillside), stems from its lofty position on a hill in the valley of the river Elsa. Due to its position - close to both Florence and Siena - Colle Val d'Elsa has always been the object of ancient rivalry.

Today Colle Val d'Ela is famous for the production of crystal items; there's also a museum dedicated to this activity, the Crystal Museum, that we recommend visiting together with the Civic and Sacred Art Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

It is an ideal destination for those looking for a quiet yet charming Italian borgo where it is still possible to feel the local community, eat good food, enjoy local markets and take a few steps back in history. It’s central position lends itself to day trips exploring not only the beauty of the Siena landscape but also that of San Gimignano, Sovicille, Casole d’Elsa, Poggibonsi and even Volterra.

Highlights & Top Picks

Editor's selection
A day in Colle di Val d’Elsa
A day in Colle di Val d’Elsa

Looking for a day trip from Siena or a place to stop along the way between Florence and Siena? Visit Colle di Val d’Elsa, a charming medieval hilltop village known worldwide for its crystal glass production.

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The Best Day Trips from San Gimignano
San Gimignano
The Best Day Trips from San Gimignano

Based in San Gimignano for your Tuscan vacation? Here are 10 places to consider adding to your itinerary to get a 360° vision of this beautiful land. Discover small towns, vineyards, fortresses and stunning landscapes.

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Market Days
Chianti.com
Market Days

Get the full, fun Tuscan experience and include a day at the market.  Colle val d'Elsa, San Gimignano and the towns in Chianti are traditional markets with local products.  Here’s a list of the weekly markets with hours so you can head to the closest market to your holiday home.…

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Poggibonsi:  Castles & Archeology
Chianti.com
Poggibonsi: Castles & Archeology

Nestled half way between Florence & Siena, you will find an interesting mix of things to see, do and taste. Poggibonsi, features the beauty of Chianti, the flavors of Tuscany and the adventure that everyone yearns for when on vacation.

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The Renaissance of Colle di Val d’Elsa
The Renaissance of Colle di Val d’Elsa

The first edition of the Renaissance fair in Colle Val d’Elsa was a great success and lots of fun for young and old alike. Minstrels, jugglers, jokers and crafts took the public back to Colle in the 14th and 15th centuries.

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A beautiful day in Colle val d'Elsa
Stories
A beautiful day in Colle val d'Elsa

We highly recommend a visit to Colle Val d'Elsa located between Poggibonsi and Siena as the medieval village has a lot to offer visitors.

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Tours & Experiences

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Experiences worth booking via Viator