Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Italy, exploring the historic Via Francigena. This multi-day tour will take you from the medieval city of Siena to the Umbrian gem of Orvieto, with a host of charming villages and breathtaking landscapes in between. Wander through the narrow streets of Siena, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Duomo, and soak in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni. From the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside to the distinctive grey soils of the Crete Senesi, this tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a food and wine enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetables & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Private transfer from the agriturismo to Radicofani on day 7 (or on day 6 dependent on accommodation booked) and from Centeno to Orvieto
During the trip you'll stay 7 nights in selected 3 star hotels in larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cozy, friendly agriturismo (farms) and inns. All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Some of the accommodations chosen have a swimming pool and internal restaurant. Due to limited availability of accommodation the last night near to Acquapendente does not have a restaurant except on Friday and Saturday and you will need to get a lift from the proprietor or a taxi to the town for dinner (2km). Alternatively, if your Via Francigena journey ends at this stage, we highly recommend taking the Orvieto option where you will be in a central location overnight with a number of restaurants within walking distance.
hotel: 7 night(s);
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked
Credenziale - the pilgrim's passport
Emergency hotline and SMS alert
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
Destinations
SienaMap
Attractions
Berignone Nature Reserve
Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
Porta Camollia, Siena
Castle of Verrazzano
piazza del Campo
Tower of Mangia
Porta Tufi
Porta Romana
Vista Panoramica de Siena
Porta Pispini
Siena Cathedral
Facciatone
SanGimignano1300
FontebrandaDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Siena
- Siena - Arrival day
- More
- piazza del Campo
- Tower of Mangia
- Siena Cathedral
- More
Upon your arrival in the medieval city of Siena, make your way to your first hotel. Spend the day exploring the city's old town center, visiting the main square, Piazza del Campo, where the famous 'Palio' is held twice a year. Climb the nearby Torre del Mangia and visit the stunning Duomo and numerous imposing medieval palaces. Experience history come alive as you meander through the narrow streets of this fantastically preserved jewel of Italy.
Day 2 – Day 2: Siena to Lucignano d'Arbia
- Siena
- More
- Berignone Nature Reserve
- Tower of Mangia
- Vista Panoramica de Siena
- More
Start your day with a walk along the Via Francigena through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Enjoy the changing colors of the cultivated meadows as you pass through the medieval village of Cuna and the town of Monteroni d'Arbia, with its famous watermill. The last part of the walk leads you to the fortified hamlet of Lucignano d'Arbia, along its characteristic cypress tree-lined entrance.
Day 3 – Day 3: Lucignano d'Arbia to Buonconvento
Day 3: Lucignano d'Arbia to Buonconvento
- Fontebranda
- More
Today's walk takes you through the rolling hills and wheat-cultivated fields of the 'Crete Senesi', a region known for its distinctive grey soils. The day's destination is the walled town of Buonconvento, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Day 4 – Day 4: Buonconvento to San Quirico
Day 4: Buonconvento to San Quirico
- Porta Pispini
- SanGimignano1300
- More
Today's walk will take you towards San Quirico, over dirt roads and some asphalted ones. The beautiful views of the Val d'Orcia, with its charming shades of hills scattered with vineyards and cypress trees, will more than compensate for the journey. In San Quirico, marvel at the gate of the Collegiata church with its various architectural styles, before enjoying a rest among the green hedges of the 16th century classic Italian garden, Horti Leonini.
Day 5 – Day 5: San Quirico to Castiglione
Day 5: San Quirico to Castiglione
- Berignone Nature Reserve
- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
- piazza del Campo
- Facciatone
- More
The walk continues across the Val d'Orcia. Just beyond San Quirico, enter a timeless world visiting Vignoni Alto, and enjoy an invigorating rest in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, with its pool in the middle of the main square. Another highlight today is your destination Castiglione, in the heart of the Val d'Orcia. On the main square, Piazza il Vecchietta, named after the Castiglione-born artist, you'll find the splendid Palazzo del Comune and several medieval buildings.
Day 6 – Day 6: Castiglione to Radicofani
Day 6: Castiglione to Radicofani
- Porta Romana
- More
Passing ancient towns and after a stretch of hills, you'll arrive at an agriturismo, where you'll stay tonight. Located in the hills and amongst olive groves, you'll be in typical Tuscan countryside. If the agriturismo is not available, you'll be transferred to Radicofani for your overnight stay in an apartment, with dinner in a nearby restaurant. Radicofani has many attractions including an imposing fortress dominating the entire valley and the Pieve di San Pietro, a jewel dating from the 13th century.
Day 7 – Day 7: Radicofani to Orvieto
- Siena
- More
- Porta Camollia, Siena
- Castle of Verrazzano
- Porta Tufi
- Fontebranda
- More
The day starts with a short transfer from the agriturismo to the main square in Radicofani. Leaving Radicofani on foot, you'll follow the old consular road Via Cassia, surrounded by hills and Mount Amiata en route to Centeno. At Centeno, you will be picked up and transferred to Orvieto. Beautiful Orvieto rises on a tufaceous hill in the middle of the Umbrian countryside. Home to an impressive Cathedral, one of the most important in Italy, a well-preserved medieval town center and a very interesting underground network of tunnels. Enjoy your visit of this lovely city at your own rhythm.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Orvieto
- Siena - Departure day
- More
The trip concludes this morning in Orvieto. You can choose to extend your stay in this charming city or continue your journey along the Via Francigena to Rome.
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