From $3200 Per Person.

8 days / 7 nights

  • Authentic Accommodations: 7 nights in carefully chosen hotels and a lovely rural agriturismo, all featuring private facilities and daily breakfast.
  • Seamless Logistics: Enjoy total freedom on the trail with all luggage transfers between hotels and necessary route transfers fully included.
  • Comprehensive Navigation: Walk with confidence using detailed route notes, physical maps, and digital GPX files with GPS App instructions provided.

Introduction

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.

 

At A Glance

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

Journey Highlights

Classic Tuscan Landscapes
Classic Tuscan Landscapes

Walk through spectacular rolling hills and cypress-lined paths in the Val d'Orcia.

Iconic Medieval Villages
Iconic Medieval Villages

Explore historic hilltop towns, from the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni to charming Monticchiello.

Guided Siena Tour
Guided Siena Tour

Cap off your trek with an included 90-minute walking or food-tasting tour in historic Siena.

Brief Itinerary

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

Daily Journey Highlights

Day 1

Arrival in Montepulciano ()

Day 2

Montepulciano to Pienza via Monticchiello (15 Km | )

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

Pienza to Bagno Vignoni (14 Km | )

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

Bagno Vignoni to Montalcino via Sant'Antimo (15 Kms | )

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

Montalcino to Buonconvento (18 | )

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

Buonconvento to Siena via Monte Oliveto Maggiore (13 | )

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

Explore Historic Siena ()

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

Departure ()

Your wonderful Tuscan walking holiday concludes after breakfast in Siena.

 

Inclusions

Daily Meals

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 2-3* Hotels

Accommodation in hand-picked 2-3* historic center or country hotels. All rooms feature private en-suite facilities.

Luggage Transfers

Walk lighter with daily luggage transportation between your accommodations (Limit: 1 bag per person, max 20kg).

Navigate with Confidence

Comprehensive Road Book with detailed walking itineraries and maps.

Extras

A guided walking tour of Siena and access to a local contact.

Exclusions

Local Taxes

Italian tourist taxes, which are mandated by local municipalities and must be paid directly to the hotels in cash.

Meals & Drinks

Items of a personal nature, including lunches, dinners (unless the half-board upgrade is booked), and beverages.

Travel

Flights, travel insurance, and transportation to the starting point in Chiusi or onward from Siena.

NZ Trust section


30+ Years

2 star

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