Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena
Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena
$1260
Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena
8 Days Starting in Siena, Italy and ending in Orvieto or Acquapendente
Visiting: Siena, Monteroni d'Arbia, Buonconvento, San Quirico d'Orcia, Castiglione d'Orcia, Radicofani, Orvieto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FR7
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Southern Tuscany on Stage 7 of the Via Francigena, starting from the historic city of Siena. This self-guided walking tour invites you to follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, traversing the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Delight in the charm of quintessential Italian towns such as Radicofani, Montalcino, and Buonconvento, while staying in comfortable 3-star hotels and charming agriturismos. Enjoy the stunning landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress-lined paths, and explore medieval villages and historic sites along the way. With luggage transfers, digital maps, and a pilgrim's passport included, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience of Tuscany's timeless beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Siena
Location: Siena
Accommodation Name: Hotel
On arrival in Siena make your own way to the first hotel. There is lots to see and do in Siena. We recommend wandering through the old town centre and visiting the main square, Piazza del Campo, which is where the famous "Palio" is held twice a year. You can climb the nearby tower, the Torre del Mangia and visit the stunning Duomo and numerous imposing medieval palaces. History will come alive as you meander through the narrow streets of this fantastically preserved jewel of Italy.
Day 2 : Walk via Cuna to Monteroni or Lucignano d'Arbia (6-7hrs, 21km/13mi)
Location: Monteroni d'Arbia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you'll start your walk along the Via Francigena through beautiful Tuscan countryside. You'll spend the day walking alongside cultivated meadows, with colours that change from greens to yellows to ochres depending on the season. You'll pass through the medieval village of Cuna, just a few hundred metres before you enter the town of Monteroni d'Arbia, with its famous watermill. The last part of the walk leads you to the fortified hamlet of Lucignano d'Arbia, along it's characteristic cypress tree- lined entrance.
Ascent: 307m/1007ft, descent 467m/1532ft
Day 3 : Over rolling hills to Buonconvento (4-5hrs, 13.8km/8.6mi)
Location: Buonconvento
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's walk is through a series of rolling hills and wheat-cultivated fields in the heart of the "Crete Senesi", a region named for its clay crags. This area has distinctive grey coloured soil which makes the scenery look like you're on the moon. Today's destination is the walled town of Buonconvento, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Ascent 307m/1007ft, descent 467m/1532ft
Day 4 : Views of the Val D'Orcia reward as you walk to San Quirico d'Orcia (6-7hrs, 21km/13mi)
Location: San Quirico d'Orcia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's walk will take you to towards San Quirico, over dirt roads and some asphalted ones - though these will be compensated for by the beautiful views of the Val d'Orcia, among hills tinted with charming shades and scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. In San Quirico you will stand enchanted before the gate of the Collegiata church with its various architectural styles, before enjoying a rest among the green hedges of the 16th century classic Italian garden, Horti Leonini.
Ascent 641m/2103ft, descent 376m/1233ft
Day 5 : Walk to Castiglione d'Orcia (3hrs, 10km/6.2mi)
Location: Castiglione d'Orcia
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The walk continues across the Val d'Orcia. Just beyond San Quirico you will enter a timeless world visiting Vignoni Alto, and you can enjoy an invigorating rest in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, with its pool in the middle of the main square. Another highlight today is your destination Castiglione, in the heart of the Val d'Orcia. On the main square, Piazza il Vecchietta, named after the Castiglione-born artist, you'll find the splendid Palazzo del Comune and several medieval buildings.
Ascent 420m/1377ft, descent 310m/1017ft
Day 6 : Continue past ancient towns and woods towards Radicofani (6-7hrs, 21km/13mi)
Location: Radicofani
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo or Apartment
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Passing ancient towns and after a stretch of hills you'll arrive at an agriturismo, where you'll stay tonight. Located in the hills and amongst olive groves, you'll be in typical Tuscan countryside.
Or if the agriturismo is not available, transfer to Radicofani for your overnight stay in an apartment, with dinner in a nearby restaurant. Radicofani has many attractions including an imposing fortress dominating the entire valley and the Pieve di San Pietro, a jewel dating from the 13th century.
Ascent 769m/2923ft, descent 536m/1758ft
Day 7 : Walk to Centeno and transfer to Orvieto (4hrs, 17km/10.5mi)
Location: Orvieto
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day starts with a short transfer from the agriturismo to the main square in Radicofani. Leaving Radicofani on foot you'll follow the old consular road Via Cassia, surrounded by hills and Mount Amiata en route to Centeno. At Centeno you will be picked up and transferred (included) to Orvieto. Beautiful Orvieto rises on a tufaceous hill in the middle of the Umbrian countryside. Home to an impressive Cathedral, one of the most important in Italy, a well-preserved medieval town centre and a very interesting underground network of tunnels. Enjoy your visit of this lovely city at your own rhythm.
Ascent 516m/1693ft, descent 972m/3189ft
Day 8 : Trip concludes (or continue to Rome)
Location: Orvieto
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes this morning in Orvieto, or you can continue along the Via Francigena to Rome.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo/B&B's -
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat or fish dish with seasonal vegetabl
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7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked
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Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 40 x 30 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
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Credenziale - the pilgrim's passport
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Private transfer from the agriturismo to Radicofani on day 7 (or on day 6 dependent on accommodation booked) and from Centeno to Orvieto
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Emergency hotline and SMS alert
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Travel to Siena and from Orvieto
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance
What's Not Included
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Travel to Siena and from Acquapendente
Travel arrangements to the starting point in Siena and from the endpoint in Acquapendente are not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, drinks, and other personal expenses.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to museums, galleries, and other attractions are not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday, so no guide is provided.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Tourist Tax
Allow EUR2 per day, payable directly to each hotel.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the included allowance.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal items such as drinks, souvenirs, phone calls, internet, and laundry are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo/B&B's. During the trip you'll stay 7 nights in selected 3 star hotels in larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cozy, friendly agriturismo (farms) and inns. All rooms have en-suite facilities. Some of the accommodations chosen have a swimming pool and internal restaurant. Due to limited availability of accommodation the last night near to Acquapendente does not have a restaurant except on Friday and Saturday and you will need to get a lift from the proprietor or a taxi to the town for dinner (2km). Alternatively, if your Via Francigena journey ends at this stage, we highly recommend taking the Orvieto option where you will be in a central location overnight with a number of restaurants within walking distance.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
This is a moderate grade walk along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. Most sections are not particularly steep, with the exception of the climb to Radicofani on day 6. The last two walks are long but can be shortened with a transfer if requested in advance (at an extra cost). The whole itinerary is mainly on paths and gravel roads (strade bianche), and some sections on asphalted road - especially the first and last walking days. You should be able to walk for up to 8 hours a day in sometimes hot sun on stony tracks. The classic Tuscany landscape of small (although sometimes steep) hills, olive groves and vineyards, are traversed each walking day. The whole itinerary is well-marked by the official signs of the Via Francigena.
A good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes private transfers from the agriturismo to Radicofani on day 7 (or on day 6 dependent on accommodation booked) and from Centeno to Orvieto. Travel to Siena and from Acquapendente is also included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodations will we stay in during the tour?
You will stay 7 nights in selected 3-star hotels in larger towns, and in cozy, friendly agriturismo (farms) and inns in the villages and countryside. All rooms have en-suite facilities. Some accommodations have a swimming pool and internal restaurant.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, tea, coffee, and juices. The included dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad or pasta dish, followed by either a chicken, red meat, or fish dish with seasonal vegetables.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided. Each person is allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 60 x 50 x 40 cm. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour includes an emergency hotline and SMS alert for support. Additionally, a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a route book per room booked is provided.
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Are there any transfers included in the tour?
Yes, private transfers are included from the agriturismo to Radicofani on day 7 (or on day 6 depending on accommodation booked) and from Centeno to Orvieto.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). It involves walking along well-defined and clearly marked paths, with some sections being steep, especially the climb to Radicofani on day 6. The last two walks are long but can be shortened with a transfer if requested in advance (at an extra cost). A good level of fitness is required and prior experience is advisable.
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What happens if I need to shorten the walks?
The last two walks are long but can be shortened with a transfer if requested in advance, at an extra cost.
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What is the Via Francigena?
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy. This tour covers Stage 7 of the Via Francigena in Italy, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.