Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.