8 days / 7 nights
The quintessential Tuscan scenery between Montepulciano and Siena is what dreams are made of, providing a breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills carpeted with olive groves, vineyards, and isolated cypress trees reaching toward the sun. This 8-day self-guided walking holiday takes you through verdant green and mellow ochre fields to explore beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance hilltop towns. Along the journey, you will walk the ancient Via Francigena pilgrim route and soak in the rich bouquet of local vineyards while savoring rustic Tuscan cuisine like hand-made "pici" pasta. Completing the picture are the region's velvety red wines, including Vino Nobile and Brunello, making this the ultimate active escape into the heart of Italy.
Medieval Montepulciano: Begin in this beautiful walled town built on a limestone ridge, famous for its fine production of Vino Nobile wine and enchanting valley views.
Renaissance Pienza: Admire the unique 16th-century Renaissance architecture and town planning of this UNESCO World Heritage site, also celebrated for its pecorino cheese.
Brunello Vineyards: Walk directly through the vineyards of Montalcino, taking in the rich bouquet of its world-famous Brunello wine and exploring its mighty 14th-century fortress.
The Abbey of Sant'Antimo: Visit this extraordinary Romanesque Benedictine Monastery, where resident monks take care of the land and enchant visitors with Gregorian chants.
Historic Siena: Conclude your adventure in one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, home to the magnificent Duomo Cathedral and the iconic Il Campo square.
Tour Type
Self Guided
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Activity Days
6 days
Level
Moderate
Avg. Daily Distance
17 km
Arrival/Departure Town
Montepulciano. / Siena
Walk through spectacular rolling hills and cypress-lined paths in the Val d'Orcia.
Explore historic hilltop towns, from the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni to charming Monticchiello.
Cap off your trek with an included 90-minute walking or food-tasting tour in historic Siena.
Day
Route
Meals
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Day 1
Arrival in Montepulciano
B
Day 2
Montepulciano to Pienza via Monticchiello
B
15 Km
Walking
Day 3
Pienza to Bagno Vignoni
B
14 Km
Walking
Day 4
Bagno Vignoni to Montalcino via Sant'Antimo
B
15 Kms
Walking
Day 5
Montalcino to Buonconvento
B
18
Walking
Day 6
Buonconvento to Siena via Monte Oliveto Maggiore
B
13
Walking
Day 7
Explore Historic Siena
B
Walking
Day 8
Departure
B
Day 1
Arrival in Montepulciano
Meals
B
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Day 2
Montepulciano to Pienza via Monticchiello
Meals
B
Distance
15 Km
Elevation
Time
Activity
Walking
Day 3
Pienza to Bagno Vignoni
Meals
B
Distance
14 Km
Elevation
Time
Activity
Walking
Day 4
Bagno Vignoni to Montalcino via Sant'Antimo
Meals
B
Distance
15 Kms
Elevation
Time
Activity
Walking
Day 5
Montalcino to Buonconvento
Meals
B
Distance
18
Elevation
Time
Activity
Walking
Day 6
Buonconvento to Siena via Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Meals
B
Distance
13
Elevation
Time
Activity
Walking
Day 7
Explore Historic Siena
Meals
B
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Walking
Day 8
Departure
Meals
B
Distance
Elevation
Time
Activity
Day 1
Day 2
Starting from the San Biagio church, follow a quiet dirt road to the enchanting village of Monticchiello, perched on a hill and known as the balcony of the Val d'Orcia. Pause for a cappuccino before continuing to Pienza. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Pienza is famous for its unique Renaissance architecture and delicious pecorino cheese.
Day 3
Today’s route is classic Tuscany, taking you through rolling hills lined with cypress trees to the tiny medieval town of San Quirico d'Orcia, located on the old Via Francigena pilgrim route. Continue to the highly picturesque village of Bagno Vignoni, famous for its Roman and Renaissance thermal baths.
Day 4
Walk in and out of woods to reach the Benedictine Monastery of Sant'Antimo, an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture where monks sing Gregorian chants. After exploring, you will be transferred to Montalcino. Dominated by a mighty fortress built in 1361, Montalcino offers spectacular views stretching across the Val d'Orcia toward Monte Amiata and Siena.
Day 5
Prepare for a fairly tough day of walking through the famous Brunello wine region. You will pass through vineyards and olive groves before entering the beautiful Tuscan landscape of the "Crete". Arrive in Buonconvento, where you will spend the night in a lovely rural agriturismo.
Day 6
Enjoy a short day full of ups and downs. Start with a transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, an impressive red-brick abbey set in the rugged landscape, visiting early to avoid crowds. Walk back to Buonconvento, followed by an afternoon transfer to your centrally located hotel in the magnificent city of Siena.
Day 7
Spend the day exploring Siena, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. At 11:00 am, join an included 90-minute guided walking tour of main attractions like the Basilica of San Domenico and the magnificent Duomo Cathedral (exterior). Alternatively, join a 90-minute guided Sienese food and Chianti wine tasting tour. Spend your afternoon wandering cobbled streets and people-watching at the famous Il Campo square.
Day 8
Your wonderful Tuscan walking holiday concludes after breakfast in Siena.
A hearty breakfast buffet or full breakfast each morning to fuel your mountain hikes. (Note: If the half-board option is booked, a minimum 3-course dinner is also included on all nights, except during your stay in Cortina.
Accommodation in hand-picked 2-3* historic center or country hotels. All rooms feature private en-suite facilities.
Walk lighter with daily luggage transportation between your accommodations (Limit: 1 bag per person, max 20kg).
Comprehensive Road Book with detailed walking itineraries and maps.
A guided walking tour of Siena and access to a local contact.
Italian tourist taxes, which are mandated by local municipalities and must be paid directly to the hotels in cash.
Items of a personal nature, including lunches, dinners (unless the half-board upgrade is booked), and beverages.
Flights, travel insurance, and transportation to the starting point in Chiusi or onward from Siena.
30+ Years
2 star
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