Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

Name: Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena
Brand: UTracks
SKU: FR7
Rating: 4.62 (13 reviews)

Explore Tuscany's gorgeous trails on foot

Siena Skyline, Italy

Walking the trails of Tuscany

Wine merchant in Montalcino | Kate Baker

Hiking through Tuscany on the Via Francigena

The abundance of red poppies in Italy makes you feel as if you’re in a Van Gogh painting

Road to Montalcino | Kate Baker

hikers on the ramparts of Montalcino in Tuscany | Kate Baker

Explore Tuscany's gorgeous trails on foot

Siena Skyline, Italy

Walking the trails of Tuscany

Wine merchant in Montalcino | Kate Baker

Hiking through Tuscany on the Via Francigena

The abundance of red poppies in Italy makes you feel as if you’re in a Van Gogh painting

Road to Montalcino | Kate Baker

hikers on the ramparts of Montalcino in Tuscany | Kate Baker

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moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo/B&B's

Meals

1 Dinner
7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1030GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: FR7

Trip highlights

Stage 7 of the Via Francigena in Italy
Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago
Absorbing the classic Tuscan countryside
Visiting quintessential Italian towns and cities such as Radicofani, Montalcino and Siena
Staying in comfortable and welcoming hotels and charming B&Bs

Walking on the southern section of the Via Francigena is packed full of rewarding experiences. Starting in the spectacular medieval city of Siena, which is well worth an extended stay, you will embark on a journey that leads you through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, dotted with wonderfully preserved hilltop villages such as San Quirico and Rocca d'Orcia. Rolling hills, cypress-lined backroads and the "Crete Senesi" - an area south of Siena where grey crags create a lunar-like landscape - will be the perfect backdrop to your walk. The important historic context of the region and the astonishing beauty of the landscapes you walk through, combine to make this trip completely unforgettable.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Siena

Finishing Point:

Orvieto or Acquapendente

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Siena

On arrival in Siena make your own way to the first hotel. There is lots to see and do in Siena. We recommend wandering through the old town centre and visiting the main square, Piazza del Campo, which is where the famous "Palio" is held twice a year. You can climb the nearby tower, the Torre del Mangia and visit the stunning Duomo and numerous imposing medieval palaces. History will come alive as you meander through the narrow streets of this fantastically preserved jewel of Italy.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk via Cuna to Monteroni or Lucignano d'Arbia (6-7hrs, )

This morning you'll start your walk along the Via Francigena through beautiful Tuscan countryside. You'll spend the day walking alongside cultivated meadows, with colours that change from greens to yellows to ochres depending on the season. You'll pass through the medieval village of Cuna, just a few hundred metres before you enter 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 it's characteristic cypress tree- lined entrance. Distance 21km/13mi; Ascent: 307m/1007ft, descent 467m/1532ft

Meals: B

Day 3
Over rolling hills to Buonconvento (4-5hrs)

Today's walk is through a series of rolling hills and wheat-cultivated fields in the heart of the "Crete Senesi", a region named for its clay crags. This area has distinctive grey coloured soil which makes the scenery look like you're on the moon. Today's destination is the walled town of Buonconvento, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Distance 13.8km/8.6mi; Ascent 259m/850ft, descent 293m/961ft

Meals: B

Day 4
Views of the Val D'Orcia reward as you walk to San Quirico d'Orcia (6-7hrs)

Today's walk will take you to towards San Quirico, over dirt roads and some asphalted ones - though these will be compensated for by the beautiful views of the Val d'Orcia, among hills tinted with charming shades and scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. In San Quirico you will stand enchanted before 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. Distance 21.5km/13.4mi; Ascent 641m/2103ft, descent 376m/1233ft

Meals: B

Day 5
Walk to Castiglione d'Orcia (3hrs)

The walk continues across the Val d'Orcia. Just beyond San Quirico you will enter a timeless world visiting Vignoni Alto, and you can 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. Distance 9km/5.6mi; Ascent 200m/656ft, descent 300m/984ft

Meals: B

Day 6
Continue past ancient towns and woods towards Radicofani (6-7hrs,)

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. Or if the agriturismo is not available, transfer 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. Distance 21km/13mi; Ascent 900m/2952ft, descent 300m/984ft

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Walk to Centeno and transfer to Orvieto (4hrs)

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 (included) 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 centre and a very interesting underground network of tunnels. Enjoy your visit of this lovely city at your own rhythm. Distance 15.5km/9.6mi; Ascent 130m/426ft, descent 630m/2067ft

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes (or continue to Rome)

The trip concludes this morning in Orvieto, or you can continue along the Via Francigena to Rome.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's 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
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked
Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 40 x 30 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
Credenziale - the pilgrim's passport
Private transfer from the agriturismo to Radicofani on day 7 (or on day 6 dependent on accommodation booked) and from Centeno to Orvieto
Emergency hotline and SMS alert

What's not included

Travel to Siena and from Orvieto
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Entrance fees (museums, galleries etc.)
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Tourist Tax - allow EUR2 per day - payable directly to each hotel
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. Most sections are not particularly steep, with the exception of the climb to Radicofani on day 6. The last two walks are long but can be shortened with a transfer if requested in advance (at an extra cost). The whole itinerary is mainly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), and some sections on asphalted road - especially the first and last walking days. You should be able to walk for up to 8 hours a day in sometimes hot sun on stony tracks. The classic Tuscany landscape of small (although sometimes steep) hills, olive groves and vineyards, are traversed each walking day. The whole itinerary is well-marked by the official signs of the Via Francigena. A good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

Note:

Trip not available 30 Jun - 3 Jul & 14-17 Aug due to Palio Horse Races, Siena

Priceper person from

£1030GBP

Options & Supplements*

Single supplementGBP£230
Solo traveller supplementGBP£350

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.