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Hills of Southern Tuscany Walk
Day 1: Arrive in Montepulciano
You arrive at our hotel set in its own wooded grounds overlooking Montepulciano. Dinner is taken at the local trattoriawhere you’ll dine outside on the covered terrace.
Day 2: Montepulciano/Campiglia d’Orcia 16km/10mi/4.5hr
You begin your holiday with a scenic transfer to the hills above Montepulciano. Then, crossing little streams and rivers, your walking route takes you through archetypal Tuscan countryside: sunflowers, smooth hills and cypress trees. A final climb takes you up through woodland to the hamlet of Campiglia d’Orcia nestling in the shadow of Monte Amiata where a warm welcome awaits.
Day 3: At Campiglia d’Orcia
Why not take a leisurely stroll down to the hot springs at Bagni San Filippo (5km), with a picnic and bathe in the natural rock pools underneath petrified waterfalls of bright limestone? Nadia, your hotelier, knows a good route. Horse riding is available at the hotel for those with some experience. Or explore the pretty hamlet of Campiglia d’Orcia, or further afield to neighbouring Vivo d’Orcia enjoying stunning views over towards Pienza along the way.
Day 4: Campiglia d’Orcia/Bagno Vignoni 15km/9mi/4hr
A woodland track leads you past stunning views all the way across the broad Orcia valley to the Sienese Crete and the hills beyond. Up to Rocca d’Orcia, one of the last Sienese bastions against Florentine expansion. Take time here to explore the maze of mediaeval streets before joining the lazy Orcia river, which leads you to the Osteria dell’Orcia opposite Bagno Vignoni.
Day 5: At Bagno Vignoni
The hot spring basin here was an important Etruscan site, and consecrated to the Nymphs by the Romans. It’s marvellously peaceful here too as the centre is closed to cars - explore the antiques shops or savour a cappucino in one of the cafés near the thermal baths. For those wanting to venture further afield, mediaeval Siena, with one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, can be reached on the local bus.
Day 6: Bagno Vignoni/San Quirico 18km/11mi/4.5hr
Following the Orcia westwards, you really feel you’re entering a secret place, with Rocca d’Orcia dominating the valley and herons fishing in the clear river. Passing the picturesque fortress at Ripa d’Orcia, a 10 km detour takes you to Sant’Antimo, probably the finest Romanesque church in Tuscany. Turning north to San Quirico, you pass Montalcino, magnificently outlined on its hillside.
Day 7: At San Quirico
Our stylish hotel here has a park, fishing lake, and a large heated outdoor pool with panoramic views. Mediaeval San Quirco is charming (12C collegiate church and Renaissance formal gardens), or a bus will take you to hilltop Montalcino for wine tasting in its mediaeval fortress.
Day 8: San Quirico/Pienza/Montepulciano 18km/11mi/5.5hr
We give you a lift to Pienza, a 15C Papal city with quintessential Renaissance architecture. Then it’s along the aptly-named “Strada Panoramica” to Montichiello, a mediaeval hill village where time seems to have stood still. Shortly, you approach Montepulciano from the west - its most impressive side - via the magnificent Church of San Biaggio, standing alone outside the city walls in a classic and prominent setting.
Day 9: Leave Montepulciano