Welcome in Val d'Orcia. The area is formed by an amazing hilly countryside considered a UNESCO heritage site for the beauty and the right preservation. Farmhouses and vineyards, sunflower fields and tiny forests, will lead you to discover and appreciate this wonderful region in the Centre of Italy. The Via Francigena will cross Tuscany, entering into the Lazio region, in the land that was dominated by the mysterious Etruscan civilization, before the domination of the Romans.
Highlights:
- Siena and the "Piazza del Campo" where the famous "palio" takes place
- The Val d'Orcia landscape, a UNESCO heritage site
- The Etruscan land, tiny villages and volcanic lakes
Daily itinerary
Day 1: SienaArrival in Siena and accommodation in your hotel in the heart of the medieval town. Dinner is not included. Overnight stay in Siena.
Day 2: Siena - Lucignano ( 7 hours , + 327/ -492 m; 23 km )On a sunny day this path , can be unforgettable thanks to unlimited views from the crests of Val d'Arbia, following never-ending white streets. Siena is behind you on hills in the horizon. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Lucignano . (B)
Day 3: Lucignano – Buonconvento ( 4 hours , +57mt – 96mt, 13 km)Today you will follow mainly country tracks, surrounded by the lovely Tuscan hills. Dinner not included and overnight stay in Buonconvento. (B-D)
Day 4: Buonconvento - San Quirico d'Orcia ( 6 hours , + 513/ -258 m; 22 km )After an initial flat segment, the trail begins to ascend towards the perfectly conserved village of Buonconvento. Climbing further into the Ombrone valley, you follow a portion of the Cassia towards Montalcino, where Brunello vines cover the hillside. Then you walk on a disused track along Via Cassia, still asphalted, to arrive in San Quirico, welcoming you with a marvellous collegiate church. Dinner and overnight stay in San Quirico d'Orcia. (B-D)
Day 5: San Quirico d'Orcia - Radicofani (6,30 hours hiking, +908 m /- 532 m; 26 km)The path is characterized by ascents and descents on bare hills. You will reach the small fortified village of Bagno Vignoni, famous for its monumental tub and ancient thermal springs. The beautiful slope down valley leads to Le Briccole, an old disused hospital. You then follow a long asphalt track and go steeply uphill towards Radicofani, one of the most important strongholds in Italy for centuries. Dinner and overnight stay in Radicofani. (B-D)
Day 6: Radicofani - Acquapendente (4h hours hiking, +250 mt /- 750 m; 15 km)A fairly long day across lovely countryside enjoying a beautiful panorama on the valley of the Paglia river and Mt. Amiata. The last stretch climbing towards Acquapendente signal the border line between Tuscany and Latium. Dinner and overnight stay in Acquapendente. (B-D)
Day 7: Acquapendente – Bolsena ( 5,30 hours hiking, +230 m /- 290 m; 23.50 km)Follow the route to San Lorenzo Nuovo, where you can admire views of Lake Bolsena. Going down the volcanic crater, undertake a pleasant route along excavated streets leading to Bolsena, going up and down among olive groves, fields, and forests in the background. Dinner and overnight stay in Bolsena (B-D)
Day 8: Bolsena - Montefiascone (5 hours hiking, + 560 mt – 270 mt; 18 km)Discovering the volcanic lake of Bolsena, laying in a huge ancient caldera. After passing through oak forest you'll have the unique chance to walk on the original "Cassia" roman road, understanding the ability of Romans as road builder. Dinner overnight stay in Hotel in Montefiascone. (B-D)
Day 9: Montefiascone - Viterbo (4h30 hours hiking, +100 mt - 400 mt.)Montefiascone was an important and strategic defensive place for the Popes. Walking in the countryside with a lot of sheep and cattle until the medieval hot spring of Baganaccio, where the pilgrim bound for Rome used to stop to rest their bodies in the warm natural water. Above us rises Viterbo, the fortified town of Viterbo is waiting for you. End of tour (B)
In Viterbo you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena
Note meals: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)
Skill level: easy, 3 to 7 hours walking each day, well-marked paved and unpaved paths.
Accommodation: 8 nights in hotel*** or B&B , based on twin/triple rooms
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
Included:
- 8 nights' accommodation with breakfast included
- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 9
- Dinners included as described in the program
- Private transfer from Centeno to Acquapendente on day 6
- 24 hrs Phone assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items
- All lunches (about 5€ for each pic nic lunch)
- Dinners not included in the program
- Transfer to the first accommodation in Siena on day 1
- Transfer to the airport on day 9
- Tourist tax