q       Day 1: Arrive in Siena by train from Pisa or Florence via Empoli, where you change trains. From the train station the hotel is a 10-minute walk or you could take a local taxi available in front of the station (not included). You can travel by bus from Rome or Florence. If you arrive at Rome Fiumicino airport take the train to “Roma Tiburtina”. In front of the station, from the bus terminal, take the “Sena” bus for Siena. In Siena get off at Piazza Gramsci. The Hotel is a 5minute walk. 

After settling into the hotel you will find all the famous places of the city within walking distance, with the Duomo, the huge Pisan Romanesque and Gothic cathedral, the Palazzo Salimbeni, (the ancient head-quarters of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the oldest bank of the world, founded in 1472 and still today one of the biggest banks in Italy) and The Piazza del Campo, the shell like square, centre of the mediaeval city, where twice per year they hold the “Palio” horse race. You can easily get lost in the warren of streets of Siena! Overnight Siena.

q       Day 2: Siena Transfer by train to Asciano – Monte Oliveto Maggore, walk to Buonconvento  (5h.walk/ 13.5 miles/22km). The day starts with a train ride to Asciano. From here you cross the fascinating area of hills called the Crete Senesi and you reach the Monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, built in the 14th century by the Olivetan monks. Surrounded by a forest of cypresses, this place is world-famous for the frescoes in the courtyard painted by the 15th century painters Signorelli and Sodoma. Even the library and the church of the convent are architectural masterpieces. Crossing olive tree fields along woodland tracks and white roads, you will eventually reach the small town of Buonconvento, where the Emperor Henry VII died in 1313.

q       Day 3: Buonconvento to Montalcino, (6 hours walk/12 miles/19.5km). A general gentle up & down hill walk passing some great Villas, e.g. Castelrosi, and Castles, e.g. Bibbiano. You will then cross the Ombrone river and come into the wine producing area of Brunello de Montalcino. The last part of the walk will lead you up to Montalcino, a 328m climb. The walk is steep but panoramic and reaching the gate in the town-walls, it will feel like a conquest! Overnight in Montalcino.

q       Day 4:  Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni (7/8hours walk/14.9 miles/24km). This is the longest walk, crossing one of the most remote areas. Today you have a long downhill walk to the Romanesque abbey of Sant Antimo, one of the most beautiful in all of Tuscany and now lived in by the French Gregorian friars. Their prayers and songs give the ambience a special mystic atmosphere. From here we make a visit to the mediaeval town of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, with great views across to Monte Amiata, a former volcano, which is still important for its thermal water. From here you continue and cross the Canyon of the Orcia River. On your side of the Canyon is the castle of Ripa d’Orcia and on the opposite side there is the castle of Rocca d’Orcia. You then reach Bagno Vignoni, which was built in the 13th century to permit Lorenzo de’Medici and the popes to relax in healthy thermal water. In this small village, instead of the usual central square, there is a large pool! Especially on cooler days the effect of the rising steam is incredible. Overnight in Bagno Vignoni (included is the entrance to the more modern thermal pool, so that you don’t have to go in with the pope!).

Extend your stay, after yesterday’s hard walk, relaxing in the baths and walking to S.Quirico & Rocca d’Orcia.

Note that the pool has occasionally been closed due to different reasons and we cannot guarantee its status for the date of your visit.

q        Day 5: Bagno Vignoni to Pienza (5 hours walk/14.5km/9 miles). A steep hill brings you to the village of Vignoni, the view is quite unique. From here you walk on to S.Quirico d’Orcia. A small town surrounded by some 15th century town-walls, topped with 14 turrets. Things to see there include the 13th century Romanesque Collegiate Church, with the “Horti Leonini” - an unusual Italian-style garden. To reach Pienza your walk crosses open countryside. Instead of the vineyards, many sheep populate this area that it is known for its good “Pecorino cheese”. Pienza, built by Pope Pius II, (Piccolomini), who was born in Siena, is the perfect Renaissance town. Overnight in Pienza.

q       Day 6:  Pienza to Montepulciano (4 hours walk/8.39miles/13.5km). A gentle up & downhill walk to reach Montepulciano, another wine area. On the way you can stop at Montichiello, a surprising small village located on the top of a hill with a marvellous surrounding view. Before you reach your last amazing bastion, the mediaeval town of Montepulciano. This has one of the most impressive Renaissance buildings in Italy: the church of San Biagio

q       Day 7: End of tour in Montepulciano.

6 nights/7 days - In the lively and sophisticated town of Siena we stay in a comfortable 3* hotel, close to the city centre, within walking distance of the train and bus station. In Buonconvento we overnight in a recently renovated 2* hotel in the centre of town. Our first choice in Montalcino on night 3 is a 3* hotel in the heart of town, which offers a magnificent panoramic view and refreshing pool.
In Bagno Vignoni we stay in a 3* hotel overlooking the ancient thermal pool. The entrance fee for the thermal bath is included. In Pienza we stay in an ancient convent in the town centre, recently restored. Modern room comforts make the stay a high point of the tour. Montepulciano the last night of the tour is spent in a small, simple inn.