Of all our many sojourns to this blessed part of sunny Italy our walking programs instill a sense of enlightenment and fulfillment by connecting with a world of another time.
There are no tour buses in sight as we discover and explore ancient villages, cypress-lined tracts, and monuments, which so fortunately survived modern times.
The undulating hills form crests and invite a further look. Stately cypresses crowded along sun-baked clay hills nurture the 'earthy wines', and everywhere are the sheep which offer milk to produce the finest pecorino cheeses. Etruscan tombs combine with Roman wells and Renaissance Palazzi. Here we meet history face to face.
Enjoy the fresh air, unending panoramas, village and countryside environment, food and wine, along with charming Tuscan inhabitants who are delighted to share their special place with fortunate visitors.
Our program
- - 1 night Montepulciano
- - 2 nights Pienza
- - 1 night Bagno Vignoni
- - 1 night Montalcino
- - 2 nights Buonconvento
- 1 night Siena
ITINERARY
June 14
Meet in Montepulciano. (We can assist with connection information from Rome.)
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 true coppersmiths in the world before relaxing with a glass of the local wine in the “Piazza”.
Enjoy a welcome dinner where everyone to get to know each other. Overnight in Montepulciano.
June 15
After breakfast you will have some free time to do some last minute shopping before our drive to Monticchiello, a true medieval town. (We will make a quick stop at San Biaggio for those who
have chosen to walk there instead of spending the morning in 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.
After our lunch we will walk a descending trail into the Valley of the Tresa River, then the gently ascending slope to our destination of 'The Perfect Renaissance town', Pienza. Pienza offers several choices for dinner options.
(9 kms walk)
June 16
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 “Horti Leonini Gardens”, where we will have 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)
June 17
After breakfast we will be transported to the tiny Spa town of Bagno Vignoni. From here we will 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)
June 18
We will be transported 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 Ghibellines.
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 then be transported back to Montalcino.
The little Fortezza is worth a visit if only to walk its battlements, with breath-taking views of the valley below. Montalcino has an amazing array of shops and trattorias. Relax in the square with a gelato, have an al fresco dinner – Be Italian !
Overnight in Montalcino.
(8 kms walk)
June 19
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 781) 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 Buonconvento, a perfect, walled medieval village, which in its day was one of Siena's key outer defenses.
Tonight we will have dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Buonconvento.
(0.5 km)
June 20
After breakfast we 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 and 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)
June 21
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 (due to 12:30pm closing) 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)
June 22
After breakfast our walking tour is complete. We will be happy to assist with connection information to your next destination or airport city of departure. We will also assist with information for an extended stay in Siena.
COST AND INCLUDED FEATURES
Cost
Per person based on sharing twin accommodation $2490.00 CAD / $1719 USD
Single supplement $485.00 CAD / $335 USD
Included Features
- 8 nights accommodation with private facilities
- Breakfast each day
- 2 Lunches and 3 Dinners
- 2 Wine tastings
- Guided walks with local guide and Rhapsodie Tours staff
- All transportation from Montelpucino on June 15 to Siena on June 21
- All luggage transfers
- All taxes and service charges
- Fully escorted by Rhapsodie Tours staff member
Deposit required: $500.00 CAD per person. Balance of payment by April 11, 2003
