• Delightful Tuscan hill towns
  • Thermal baths & Gregorian chants
  • Free day in Siena
  • Brunello wine tasting
  • 5 days walking
Walking, Culture & Wine in Southern Tuscany

General Information

This 8 day trip takes us through the beautiful valleys and 'crete senesi' of Southern Tuscany. Our route from Pienza to Siena takes us through vineyards, wheat fields, and oak woods, with sweeping views across the rolling landcape towards Monte Amiata and the hilltop towns of this feudal territory. The hotels we have chosen are comfortable, family run hotels, offering wonderful food and excellent local wines. This is a great introduction to Italy in general and is equally suited to those who would prefer to walk less and spend more time in the places we visit en route.

Walking & Terrain

The walking is on good tracks and paths in undulating, open countryside and you will need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. There are some sections of sustained uphill and downhill, although none lasting longer than an hour. Our longest day's walk is 7 hours and our shortest is 2.5 hours. Each day's walk varies, from 'strada bianca' through vineyards and wheatfields, to paths through oak and chestnut woods.
ITINERARY

Day One Arrival

Arrival at Rome Airport and transfer by private minibus to our hotel near Pienza. Time to relax and settle in before dinner.

Day Two Monticchiello

We begin the day by walking from the hotel to the nearby medieval village of Monticchiello which we have time to explore before lunch (c 2 hrs/ 4.5 miles). In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the perfect Renaissance 'city' of Pienza, home to the Piccolomini family and rebuilt by Pope Pius II.

Day Three Monticchiello to Montalcino

In the morning we walk across rolling hills to the village of Bagno Vignoni with its Roman baths and thermal springs. After a bathe (optional!) and lunch we head on towards Montalcino, through oak woods and along the river Orcia. The walk ends at the fabulous 11th Century Romanesque church of Sant'Antimo. From here we drive up to the hilltop town of Montalcino. (c. 7 hrs /13 miles).

Day Four Sant'Antimo & Montalcino

We head down to Sant'Antimo through the famous Brunello di Montalcino vineyards. We arrive in time to listen to the monks chanting plainsong and then have lunch overlooking the abbey. In the afternoon we visit a neighbouring vineyard for a tour of the 'cantina' and a wine tasting. Time to explore Montalcino before dinner. (c 2.5 hrs / 6 miles.).

Day Five Montalcino to Buonconvento

After a steep descent from Montalcino, we follow the route of the Via Francigena (pilgrims way to Rome) through the Brunello vineyards towards Buonconvento. We lunch at an abbey - a stopping place for pilgrims - and then continue along the Via Francigena to our destination, Buonconvento. (c 6.5 hrs/ 12 miles).

Day Six Buonconvento to Pievina/Siena

This morning we drive up to Monte Oliveto Maggiore - a Benedictine Abbey perched high above the Arbia valley, with beautiful frescoes by Signorelli and Il Sodoma. We then walk along the ridges of the famous 'crete senesi', with spectacular views back over Southern Tuscany and north to Siena. After lunch we continue towards Pievina and our final destination, Siena. Our hotel is within 15 minutes walk of the famous Piazza del Campo in Siena. (c.5.5 hrs/10.5 miles)

Day Seven Siena

A free day to enjoy this perfect medieval city. We can arrange a guided tour of the city for you and will give you guidelines as to what to see and do.

Day Eight

We return to Rome Airport for your departure.

Please contact us for suggested departure dates for this trip