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This tour is a perfect introduction to the region and, for people who love museums, galleries and Gothic and Romanesque architecture, there is plenty to see and do. You have plenty of time to visit attractionson most of the days. You also have the time to visit the historic towns of San Gimignano, Colle Val D’Elsa, Siena and Montepulciano, and of course all the beautiful medieval villages along the Via Francigena and in the Val d’Orciaas this tour threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent procession: Monteriggioni, admired by Dante in his Divine Comedy, San Quirico, Buonconvento, Bagno Vignoni and Pienza, arguably the most perfect Renaissance town in Tuscany. You will have the time for visits to museums and galleries to admire Gothic and Romanesque architecture as well.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience with walking and a good general physical condition. Through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important ‘high ways’ in medieval times, you walk from village to village, a full immersion in the world-famed Tuscan landscape.
Arrival in Florence and transfer to Colle Val d’Elsa (either by private taxi or public transport), where you settle in your hotel in the old town, known for its perfectly preserved “tunnel” streets and for its crystal ware.
The first day walk initially takes you all the way round the historical town of Colle Val D’Elsa, perhaps not as famous as other Tuscan towns, but with a very interesting town centre. Then you descend into the valley where you pick up one of the supposed routes of the ancient Via Francigena.
After breakfast you begin your walk to San Gimignano, straight from the agriturismo. First you make your way up along the ridge to the hamlets of Ciuciano and San Donato, going past several old ‘pievi’ (countryside churches) and villas and often with wonderful views of the San Gimignano skyline..
Today you leave the agriturismo and head for Monteriggioni, described as a crown in the landscape byDante. The walk first brings you down into the river valley, and then, more or less following the Foci, you reach one of the most wonderful Romanesque churches inTuscany, la Badia a Conèo.
Today you first make a short train journey to Asciano, a beautiful, yet relatively unknown walled town. From here you start your walk in a southern direction. You cross the fascinating hilly region known as the Crete Senesi and reach the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, built in the 14th century by the Olivetan monks. ..
From the monastery of Monte Oliveto you first walk uphill to the small village of Chiusure, in a commanding position on a ridge, with a wonderful view of the monastery and the whole ‘Crete Senesi’ area. Then you continue your walk, mostly downhill, to Buonconvento, another walled medieval town.
You first make an easy stroll along another ‘strada bianca’ to the wonderful Ripa d’Orcia, a small fortified village in a strategic position above the River Orcia. On the other side of the river lies the castle of Rocca d’Orcia and Monte Amiata, a former volcano, symbol of southern Tuscany and important today for its thermal water.
From the monastery of Monte Oliveto you first walk uphill to the small village of Chiusure, in a commanding position on a ridge, with a wonderful view of the monastery and the whole ‘Crete Senesi’ area.
After breakfast you walk down the medieval alleys of Montepulciano to the impressive Chiesa di San Biagio, a 16th Century church nestled on the edge of the village walls, overlooking the winding valley below. From here you commence the walk into the picturesque valley and through vineyards and olive groves, past pastel-coloured villas and across rolling hills.
End of the tour. From Montepulciano it’s easy to return to either Rome or Florence
Spectacular Tuscan country side. Trails are well waymarked, at least for this section. Great quality maps. The hotels were very nice and quaint. Thanks again Longitude 180 for a very well organised journey.
