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| Day 1 |
Arrive in Siena. If only an evening is allowed to you, we suggest a good wander, down to the Campo (where the famous Palio is held) and the cathedral, envelop yourself in the magic of this historic town, and eat well in one of many possible restaurants. |
| Day 2 |
Monte Oliveto to Buonconvento (Pieve a Salti). Short taxi transfer included. After a look at the frescoes in the cloister at the Abbey (and more), a short but sharp start to your holiday takes you from the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore via (we suggest) lunch in one of Chiusure’s little restaurants, to your first taste of the Tuscan landscape and a little luxury at the hilltop country hotel of Pieve a Salti, with its views from the terrace and a plunge in the pool…
(11 km, 3½ - 4 hrs, CUSs 320m) |
| Day 3 |
Buonconvento to Montalcino. A gentle amble along the wide ridge road until you strike south across the cornfields along old tracks up and down the Tuscan countryside, with splendid views on the way to your first real climb – 300m or so up to the citadel of Montalcino.
(18 km, 5½ hrs, CUSs 610m) |
| Day 4 |
Montalcino to Sant’ Antimo. The easy day. Almost entirely downhill, through the vineyards around Montalcino onto the plateau land above the Villa a Tolli before you light upon the lovely Cistercian Abbey of Sant’ Antimo in its valley setting, and maybe lunch before the bus home.
(12 km, 3½ hrs, CUSs 225m) |
| Day 5 |
Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni. Drop down from Montalcino to the fertile farmland below, and further to the sleepy meadows of the Asso valley. Finally, a walk in along the Orcia valley to your next accommodation beside the ancient baths at Vignoni. (Stay an extra night here and enjoy the spa all day - admission included in your holiday price!)
(21 km, 5¾ hrs, CUSs 380m) |
| Day 6 |
Bagno Vignoni to Pienza. Start off up the hill to the delightful hamlet of Vignone, with its great view of Rocca d’Orcia on the other side of the Orcia valley, and then down to San Quirico, an unassuming yet attractive town with a fine medieval core – time for a coffee (or lunch if you start late!). Then a ramble across typical Tuscan rolling fields to the best hilltop town of them all, and a world heritage site – Pienza.
(16 km, 4½ hrs, CUSs 510m) |
| Day 7 |
Pienza to Montepulciano. For your last day, a walk across the pretty countryside east of Pienza to little Monticchiello, and perhaps a coffee stop. Afterwards, navigate through woodlands and up onto the ridge again for a great approach to Montepulciano via the extravagant temple of San Biagio, before climbing the infamous Montepulciano ramp to the cathedral square and your triumphant finale.
(16 km, 4½ hrs, CUSs 650m) |
| Day 8 |
Depart for home (or extend your stay) | |
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