The Via Francigena dips briefly into the Val d’Orcia from Siena to Viterbo, but it misses some of its greatest sights! We make up for this by adding to the Francigena’s itinerary with some wise and wonderful wine and hot springs location. Along the way we see beautiful Siena, charming Pienza, world-renown Montepulciano, and the home of the Brunello wines, Montalcino. We continue into Lazio to see the towns of Acquapendente, Montefiascone, and Viterbo. Sprinkle in several amazing hot spring locations and you have a fabulous walking tour of some of the best sights of Central Italy.
Itinerary for Siena to Viterbo:
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 – Orientation session, tour Siena, overnight in Siena
Few places in the world ring so clearly with the echoes of the Middle Ages. Siena is an unspoiled medieval hub, and its vibrant streets are home to countless shops and eateries. Best of all is its cathedral, widely seen as one of the great medieval buildings of Italy.
Thursday, October 17, 2024 – Monte Oliveto Maggiore to Buonconvento (12km)
Transfer by van to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore to view the amazing 15th c frescoes by Signorelli, then walk to Buonconvento to enjoy this quiet, walled village. Continue on the Via Francigena to Brunello vineyards for a wine tasting. Transfer to Montalcino, home of Brunello wines, known around the world for their full-bodied flavors, developed from years of aging. Overnight Montalcino.
Friday, October 18, 2024 – Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni
Walk to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. Tour the abbey and then walk to the hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, whose central square is a thermal bath and whose warm waters were beloved by Lorenzo the Magnificent, St Catherine of Siena, and Pope Pius II. Bring your swimsuit! Overnight Bagno Vignoni.
Saturday, October 19, 2024 – Bagno Vignoni to Pienza
Walk first to quaint village of San Quirico d’Orcia, then onward to unspoiled Pienza, a town transformed into the “ideal city of the Renaisssance” by its benefactor and native son, Enea Silvio Piccolomini (who later became Pope Pius II). The central square, designed by the architect Il Rossellino, features a harmonious ensemble of buildings including the Cathedral, Papal Palace, and Town Hall. Overnight Pienza.
Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Pienza to Montepulciano
Walk among vineyards to the beloved hill town of Montepulciano, a name synonymous with the Vino Nobile de Montepulciano DOCG red wine. The town’s hilltop location allows the perfect setting for underground wine cellars. A walk through Montepulciano is a step back in time. Overnight Montepulciano.
Monday, October 21, 2024 – Montepulciano to Acquapendente
Today we transfer back to the Via Francigena, beginning the walk in the quiet hilltop town of Radicofani, originally a fortress of nearby Siena. A downhill walk leads through fields of grain and then we cross the ancient Via Cassia to end the day at the walled town of Proceno, now in Lazio. Transfer to Acquapendente, home of San Sepolcro Cathedral with its relics and beautiful, ancient crypt. Overnight in Acquapendente.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – Acquapendente to Montefiascone
Today we walk in woods and among fields to experience for ourselves one of the most celebrated wine stories of Italy – the “Est, Est, Est!” wines of Montefiascone. We’ll overlook volcanic Lago di Bolsena for much of the day, but at the end will see this circular lake from the heights of the Rocca dei Papi. Overnight Montefiascone.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – Montefiascone to Viterbo
As we leave Viterbo we will walk on the original surface of the Roman road “Via Cassia,” heading across the valley to the Tuscia region, steeped in Etruscan – and Papal – history. Popes found their 12-13th c palace to be a refuge from the hostile crowds of Rome, and their architectural treasures can be seen today. Viterbo is also a thermal bath headquarters, and an optional dip in one of the areas many terme will be offered. A celebratory dinner finishes your day. Overnight Viterbo.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
After breakfast at our hotel we depart Viterbo for our next adventures.
