Unique things to do in Siena, Italy: Trail Running in Tuscany
More Unique Things to Do in Siena, Italy:
Where am I going next?
Castelnuovo Berardenga, a town in the province of Siena. This is located in the corner of Chianti, not too far from Florence and Siena.
I wanted to see the neighbouring city of Central Italy in a different non-tourist kind of way. What do you expect? I found a marathon running on our very last day in Siena! It's been a while since I did a trail run, so I was very thrilled and even more hype as we will be running in the vineyards of Italy. Let’s go!
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Check-in: Camping Siena Colleverde
October 17 - 20
Address: Strada Scacciapensieri 47, 53100 Siena, Italy
4 days, 3 nights 230 euros (3 pax)
We love Camping Siena Colleverde for the unique accommodations, good location, and friendly staff who made our stay in Siena productive and memorable.
Next Destination: Amalfi Coast
I wanted something different for our Italy trip. Camping Siena Colleverde is a well-known place in Siena where you get to experience nature comfortably.
Trail Marathon and Night Train from Siena to Amalfi Coast
Sunday, October 20
Chianti Classico Marathon
- Start: 9:30 AM San Gusmè (13 km, 4 rest stops)
- Finish: 12:30 AM Castelnuovo Berardenga, Piazza Marconi
- Includes Saturday night dinner, Sunday lunch, BUS transportation to and from San Gusmè, organization fee, VAT, DIADORA gadget.
- Free BUS shuttle from Siena to Castelnuovo Berardenga.
- Marathon fee: 32 euros (2 pax)
The marathon registration was online; they have different categories, and we chose the run and take some pictures along the way option. When we arrived in Siena, I was a bit worried about getting to Castelnuovo Berardenga. Good thing that the previous day, before the run, while walking in Siena downtown, we saw a flyer posted at a bus stop that mentioned pick-up shuttle bus transfer to the trail run venue. My husband and I jumped for joy as we didn't have to worry about calling a taxi so early in the morning and worrying about getting lost finding our way to the venue. Things are falling into place in Italy.
Ready to hit the trail! Italians are very sweet, don't hesitate to have them take your picture.
Some stretching before hitting the curb. Just look at that view!
Game on! Hubby had to stop a few times to wait for me as I took a snapshot of the scenery.
My man is running backwards, ensuring I'm going on the right path and not just taking pictures here and there, ahahaa.
Stop and stare moment!
To Saul, Amore Mio: It's easy to make me happy. I just need to go out, see the world, and explore. Easy right?!
What? This is heaven! I've never been to a trail run or any kind of marathon that serves so much fresh bread with olive oil, salami, and selections of fruits.
Wine not?! The best part was having wine. Even just a small cup tasted so good. Italians love their wine to the highest level, and I am loving it.
The other day, we went for a Wine Tour in Chianti. This time around I'm getting close and personal by running through hectares of vineyards. I couldn't ask for more.
As we get closer to town, I started to look at our fellow runners. It was all a mix of nationalities, different age groups, and a great number of female runners. I was even surprised to see a few grandmas and granddads running effortlessly.
My husband's first trail marathon, not just in any kind of trail venue but in the hills and vineyards of Italy - so proud!
Pasta Party!
We only paid 32 euros in total for both of us, yet we still get invited to a pasta party. I'm in awe of how the Italians managed this event with so much funding. I would love to thank the sponsors. This has been a memorable run in my Europe diary. Well, of course, we get to have another cup of wine again. I'm glad we're not driving in Italy, which makes me wonder what their policy is with alcohol consumption when it comes to driving, considering wine is like water in this country.
Tour around the town of Castelnuovo Berardenga
It's a quiet town. I'm unsure if the villagers are still asleep, working in the vineyards, volunteering for the trail event, or something, but I didn't see anyone in the streets. Maybe they were dressed like the event coordinators or runners for the marathon, but I couldn't tell at all.
There are clothes hung in the buildings, which means people do live here.
We roamed around town and found terrific drawings. The colour reminds me of using coffee as a medium of art.
More clothes depicting life forms that roll around this small town.
The medieval-looking building takes me back in time when ladies dressed in big skirts and guys wore loose suits while going to the market or church early in the morning.
Hubby bringing out his musical talent.
Just a day trip to Castelnuovo Berardenga, but it was still amazing!
Lastly, end the day with a delicious gelato. When in Italy, saying no to gelato or even wine is a crime.
Late-night train to Amalfi Coast.
Train fare: 35 USD (per person)
09:40 PM - 10:40 PM from SIENA to EMPOLI
11:43 PM - 12:29 AM from EMPOLI to PISA CENTRALE
02:21 AM - 09:12 AM from PISA CENTRALE to SALERNO
Optional: Salerno to Amalfi by BUS is 1 hour, or hotel pick-up transfer
This is a very tiring train transfer, so as much as possible avoid late-night trains. There are no places to have coffee or a warm couch while waiting for the train. It gets really cold too in the train terminals. It did save us some time, but the sleep deprivation and being out in the cold is not worth it. Good thing, we hired a hotel pick-up from the last train station straight to our hotel. Hotel pick-up ride: 80 euros
- Friday, October 18 Hot Air Balloon, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Italy
- Saturday, October 19 Wine Tour @ Chianti Region in Italy
Also, take a look at "Must-Have Travel Planner for Travellers". The planner also serves as a keepsake of your trip, allowing you to look back on your adventures and relive the memories. Whether you're an experienced traveller or new to exploring the world, a travel planner can help ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Explore Paris, France:
Discover the wonders of Italy:
- What to do in Siena, Italy
- Hot Air Balloon in Siena, Italy
- Wine Tour in Chianti, Italy
- Run Chianti Marathon in Italy
- What to do in Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Visit the Island of Capri for a Day
- Hike: Path of Gods in Bomerano
- Explore the wonders of Positano
- See the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Where am I going next?
My next adventure, I'm gearing up for an Epic adventure in Los Angeles, California, where I'm ticking off my bucket list in the City of Angels!
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