Exploring Tuscan Hilltop Towns
8 Days Starting in Montepulciano and ending in Siena
Visiting: Italy
From:
$1325NB: Prices correct on 02-Jun-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
The Tuscan landscape of the Val d’Orcia will open your eyes to its natural beauty. This walk takes you along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and the legendary “badlands” eroded clay slopes. Walk by quintessential farmhouses nestled amidst olive groves, vineyards and fig trees on your way to the hot spring hamlet of Bagno Vignoni and the Renaissance city of Pienza. On this week long exploration, you will visit palaces, Romanesque churches, thermal baths, and wineries serving the divine local red “Brunello”.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Montepulciano
Make your own way to Montepulciano. Standing high atop a hill in southern Tuscany, Montepulciano is a medieval town full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, charming squares and hidden corners. It boasts vast panoramas all over the wonderful Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys that surround it.
Day 2 : Walk To Pienza - 13 Km / 8 Miles, 4 Hrs
Meals Included: B
Starting from the San Biagio Church you follow a quiet track to the peaceful village of Montichiello where you can stop for a relaxed lunch or perhaps just a quick cappuccino before continuing to Pienza. Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique Renaissance architecture. The town is well known for its delicious pecorino cheese and truffles; a great spot to indulge in Tuscan treats!
Day 3 : Walk To Bagno Vignoni - 12 Km / 7.5 Miles, 4 Hrs
Meals Included: B
Today you wander through rolling hills, oak woods, cypress trees and pretty villages. From the start of the walk you will have views across the valley. Descend before climbing up to the town of San Quirico d' Orcia, a walled city with a 12th century church. Make your way to the village of Bagno Vignoni with its thermal hot springs.
Day 4 : Transfer To Castelnuovo Dell'abate And Walk To Montalcino - 13 Km / 8 Miles, 5 Hrs
Meals Included: B
You will be transferred from Bagno Vignoni to Castelnuovo dell'Abate. As you arrive in the village, you will enjoy the stunning beauty of Sant'Antimo Abbey, a former Benedectine monastery dating back to the 8th century A.C. The first section of the walk to Montalcino will bring you to some panoramic views overlooking the beautiful Orcia Valley. Prepare for some exquisite local wines as you arrive in Montalcino.
Day 5 : Walk To Pieve A Salti 18 Km/11 Miles Or Buonconvento 15 Km/9 Miles - 5.5 Or 5 Hrs
Meals Included: B
A hearty breakfast will set you up for an enjoyable day of walking in the famous Brunello wine region, passing vineyards and olive groves, then again entering the beautiful Tuscan landscape of the Crete Sensi and Buonconvento. Depending on accomodation booked, you will either spend two nights in Pieve a Salti or Buonconvento.
Day 6 : Transfer To Monte Oliveto Maggiore Monastery, Return 14 Km / 8.5 Mles, 5 Hrs
Meals Included: B
After breakfast transfer to the monastery at Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Begin your walk at the watchtower and make your way to the little village of Chiusure. Pass farmhouses along the way and once more this walk provides great views of the Crete Senesi landscapes.
Day 7 : Transfer To Monteroni D'arbia, Walk To Arbia, Train Siena - 10 Km / 6.2 Miles, 4 Hrs
Meals Included: B
Today you will start with a short transfer to Monteroni d’Arbia from where you start the walk towards Siena. Hike through a landscape of rolling hills and small hamlets as the unmistakable sight of Siena appears in the distance. Once you reach Arbia train station take the train into Siena. Option to pre-book a vehicle transfer. Enjoy the magnificent beauty of Siena, famous for its biannual “Palio” horse race, held in the most beautiful shell-shaped square in Europe: the Piazza del Campo. Don’t miss a visit to the Duomo, an architectural treasure, and numerous imposing medieval palaces.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Meals Included: B
After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your onward journey or book an extra night to spead more time exploring this wonderful city.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights 3 or 4 star hotels and agriturismo -
7 breakfasts
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels & agriturismo
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Vehicle transfers day 4,6 & 7
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Luggage transfer (1 bag per person not weighing anymore than 20kg)
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Digital information pack: navigational App (can be used offline) with route notes & maps. Smartphone essential
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Emergency hotline
What's Not Included
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evening meals, all lunches & beverages
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Entrance fees
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Travel insurance
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
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Tourist taxes
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
Grading
Introductory to Moderate. There are nonetheless some steep and quite long hills, some fairly steep but short descents and some paths with rough gravel, stony and occasionally muddy surfaces. Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but clients should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Oct 31, 2024 - Nov 07, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.