Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

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8 Days From

$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:

UTracks

Tour code:

FR7

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1260 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 31-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Stage 7 of the Via Francigena in Italy

  • Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries ago

  • Absorbing the classic Tuscan countryside

  • Visiting quintessential Italian towns and cities such as Radicofani, Montalcino and Siena

  • Wandering through the old town centre of Siena and visiting Piazza del Campo

  • Walking through the medieval village of Cuna and the fortified hamlet of Lucignano d'Arbia

  • Exploring the walled town of Buonconvento, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

  • Enjoying the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni and the medieval town of Castiglione d'Orcia

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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

  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels and agriturismo / B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps plus a route book per room booked

  • Luggage transfer (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 65 x 40 x 30 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess

  • Credenziale - the pilgrim's passport

  • Private transfer from the agriturismo to Radicofani on day 7 (or on day 6 dependent on accommodation booked) and from Centeno to Orvieto

  • Emergency hotline and SMS alert

  • Travel to Siena and from Orvieto

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance

show more

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Siena and from Acquapendente

    Travel arrangements to the starting point in Siena and from the endpoint in Acquapendente are not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Meals not listed as included, drinks, and other personal expenses.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to museums, galleries, and other attractions are not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, so no guide is provided.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Tourist Tax

    Allow EUR2 per day, payable directly to each hotel.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the included allowance.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

M. Morcom(Black Rock, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

10 Oct 2022

We enjoyed this part of our journey. Varied scenery and accomodation. Some long days - but forgotten about after the first red wine and shoes off. Lots of friends made!

M. Semenoff(Victoria, Canada)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

20 Oct 2023

Our hotels and bags were always waiting for us at the end of a long walking day, and we stayed in a wide variety of places. There weren’t that many others walkers, which is what I prefer, rather than a crowded trail. The landscape and food was incomparable!

J. Norberry(Kambah, ACT Australia)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

23 Oct 2016

This is a fabulous and sometimes challenging walk through the stunning Val d'Orcia, stopping each night at equally stunning hilltop towns. The quality of the accommodation and the meals provided was excellent. Thanks UTracks!

P. Govender(Ballito, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

2 Nov 2022

We were very happy. The accommodation was lovely. Will definitely use UTracks for the next trip.

C. Davidson(Wimborne, United Kingdom)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

28 May 2024

As usual efficient and does what it says 'on the tin'!

D. Woodbury(Gordon, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

16 Oct 2024

Excellent trip. Accomodation was unique and located in some wonderful places we would not have thought of reserving. Walks very well signposted and information provided was comprehensive

S. Davis(Richmond, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

29 May 2024

This is an excellent trip through beautiful landscapes and mostly special accommodation. Its important to pay attention to the walking notes as they are not individually tailored to each trip, and to review the accommodation before leaving home.

C. Smith(Mortlake, Australia)  

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

17 Oct 2024

Overall the walk completed through Tuscany was amazing. The countryside and the villages were an absolute delight to experience on foot. In terms of accommodation, all locations provided a comfortable and clean room for us to relax in after a day of hiking. The B&B Il Canto del Sole and Agriturismo La Selvella were both outstanding. The only negative would have been the B&B Locanda del Sorriso. While the accommodation was nice, it isn’t a B&B. A voucher for a coffee and pastry for breakfast at a local restaurant was far below the breakfast offerings provided at all other locations. As previously discussed, the issue surrounding the bag weights did dampen our view of the trip. I have no doubt that one of the bags may have been overweight at one point, but this was addressed immediately by our group. We checked weights to ensure the bags complied and thought the issue had been resolved.

Read all 8 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.