Our program –

• 1 night Montepulciano
• 2 nights Pienza
• 1 night Bagno Vignoni
• 2 nights Montalcino
• 1 night Buonconvento
• 1 night Siena

We are happy to assist with arrangements from Rome airport and additional nights in Montepulciano before the tour.

May 01
Meet in Montepulciano. Montepulciano is the highest of Tuscany's hill towns and the home of the famous 'Vino Nobile' wines. Upon arrival and after settling into our accommodation, the afternoon is free to explore, and if you wish, visit one of the few remaining coppersmiths in the world before relaxing with a glass of the local wine in the "Piazza". Enjoy a welcome dinner for everyone to get to know each other. Overnight in Montepulciano.

May 02
After breakfast we will walk along the path first to San Biagio, a stunning Pilgrimage church on route to Monticchiello, a true medieval town. Here we have a lunch planned on a terrace with panoramic views of the stunning 'Val d'Orcia', offering glimpses to most of our destinations over the next few days. The lunch will feature homemade 'pecorino cheeses' a famous local delicacy along with wine. After lunch we will be driven to Pienza, our home for the next 2 nights. (10 kms walk)

May 03
After breakfast we start off by walking an ancient Pilgrim track now used by shepherds to the walled village of San Quirico d'Orcia. We will have time here to explore the town, an established stop along the 'Via Francigena'. We will see the baroque exterior Corallo frescoes on the 17th century Palazzo Chigi, along with its spectacular 16th century "Horti Leonini Gardens", where we will have time for lunch. After this enjoyable day in the midst of nature and history, we will be transported back to Pienza with the remainder of the afternoon and evening free. (10 kms walk)

May 04
After breakfast we will be transported to the tine Spa town of Bagno Vignoni. From here we make a circuit walk on a route taking us from 'the thermal baths' along an ascent where we come to the characteristic medieval hamlet of Vignoni Alta. All that is left of this hamlet is the tower from the 'castello' dating from the year 1000 AD. We continue on to Castello della Ripa built in 1213 and on through a Mediterranean forest before arriving once again in Bagno Vignoni. The remainder of the afternoon is free. This is a wonderful opportunity to soak in the thermal pool. We have included this evening's dinner in a restaurant near the very pool built by Catherine de Medici. (10 kms walk)

May 05
This is an easy, but very special day. After breakfast we will be driven to a belvedere which presents the stunning 'Abbazia Sant' Antimo'. You are truly viewing a piece of heaven splendidly isolated - it really evokes an impression of eternity. This Benedictine Abbey (founded by Charlemagne in 791) is actually referred as "the singing stone". From the belvedere we will walk to the Abbey. Once inside its cool, quiet interior, take time to reflect and notice its quiet unadorned symmetry. If we time it right, we hope to hear the haunting Gregorian\ chant. From here we will be driven to another of Tuscany's famous hill towns, Montalcino, easily recognizable on approach by it's protruding battlements brandishing the Medici crest. It is crowned by the Fortezza with a wonderful story to tell as a last Sienese outpost, eventually capitulating to the Florentines resulting from the long conflict between the Guelfs and Guibellines. We will settle into our hotel within the city walls, The remainder of the afternoon is free to walk the battlements of the 'Fortezza' with breathtaking views down on the Val d'Orcia. Montalcino has an amazing array of stops and trattorias. Relax in the square with a gelato, have an al fresco dinner - Be Italian !

May 06
After breakfast we will walk from the battlement walls down into The hamlet of La Croce and on to one of Tuscany's famous wineries 'Barbi' for a visit and tasting of Tuscany's pride, the voluptuous Brunello. We will enjoy a picnic lunch after the tasting and return to Montalcino in time for an afternoon swim. (8 kms walk)

May 07
After breakfast we will move to Buonconvento and set out to set out to walk to Monte Oliveto Maggiore sited in one of the most beautiful tracts of Sienese countryside.Approaching from Buonconvento we climb through forests of pine, oak, and cypress. From the 'crete senesi' we descend down into a valley to what used to be one of the most powerful monasteries in the land. Its cloister contains an amazing cycle of Renaissance frescoes painted by Signorelli and Sodoma. The monks here supplement their state income by restoring ancient books, and through the production of wine, honey, olive oil and a cure-all herb liquor "Flora di Monte Oliveto', which they sell in the monastery apothecary. At the gate near the watchtower, there is a lovely terrace restaurant where you may wish to have lunch. We will then be driven back to Buonconvento with the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. (13 kms walk)

May 08
After breakfast we will walk to Murlo, once a 'Fief' of the Sienese bishops in the 13th Century. It is one of the most singular and charming spots in the province of Siena, immersed in dense woods parted by the Crevole River. If time permits we suggest visiting the 'Antiquarium', housing some of the most significant Etruscan archaeological finds of 'Poggio Civitate'. Here we will have lunch consisting of local specialties from the local producers, including wines, salami, olive oils, breads and cheeses. From Murlo we will be driven to Siena. We will be offering a walking orientation of this wonderful city to help you familiarize yourself with its winding medieval streets, and the huge fan shaped Piazza Del Campo, which hosts the raucous 'Palio' horse race twice each summer. Evening at leisure in Siena. (10 kms walk).

May 09
After breakfast our walking tour is complete. We will be happy to assist with connection and extension information.

COST AND INCLUDED FEATURES

Cost per person (based on sharing twin accommodation) $2390.00 Cad.

Included Features :

• 8 nights accommodation
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 3 dinners, 2 wine tastings
• Luggage transfer and land transportation May 02 – May 08
• Guided walking trips
• All taxes

Deposit required : $500.00 Cad
Fully escorted by Rose Tomassini
Single rate available on request