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Think of Tuscany and you naturally think of warm sun-filled days, rolling hills of gold or green, rows of tall Cypress trees and leisurely lunches. In the beautiful southern wine regions of Brunello and Nobile, you will experience all this whilst passing through wonderful Renaissance towns and visiting superb monasteries. You will spend the nights in quaint hotels or agriturismo (farm house resorts). Luggage is transferred at every change of accommodation. You will receive detailed maps and direction to guide you through this amazing experience.
A less known part of Tuscany: the southern wine regions of "Brunello" and "Nobile", The thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni and the Val d'Orcia with its linear, almost geometric, but breathtaking landscape, its renaissance towns and its superb monasteries.
DAY 1: CHIUSI – MONTEPULCIANO
Make your way to Chiusi, where you are met by our representative who will spend a short time going over the tour with you answering any question you may have. He will then drive you to your hotel in Montepulciano. Overnight: Montepulciano
Day 2: MONTEPULCIANO-PIENZA (5 hrs walking time)
From the San Biagio church which is in the outskirts of town and certainly worth a visit the dirt road take you to Montichiello a nice little village immersed in the "Crete". you can stop there for a nice lunch or just for a cappuccino before continuing to Pienza, one of the nicest Renaissence town of Tuscany. Visit the town which is also an agricultural centre well known for pecorino cheese, and truffle production.
Overnight: Pienza (B)
Day 3: PIENZA-SAN QUIRICO D’ ORCIA-BAGNO VIGNONI (5 hrs walking time)
The walking today cross a beautiful region of rolling hills, oaks woods an nice villages and end in, or close by, a thermal bathing place where the main square is a basin of steaming hot water. It is possible to swim in the thermal pool if you do not get there too late; depending on availability the night can be spent in Bagno Vignoni, or in agriturismo 2km from town along your trail. (B)
Day 4: BAGNO VIGNONI-SANT’ANTIMO (6 hrs walking time)
A quite hard day walking along dry river beds in a rather wild environment to reach St Antimo, a lovely abbey isolated in the middle of a pastoral landscape with grazing herds around to add to the peacefulness of the scene. Enjoy the abbey and the evening chants of the monks.
Overnight: Sant’Antimo (B)
Day 5: ST ANTIMO MONTALCINO – Only 10 km
Mostly uphill to reach Montalcino, the capital of Brunello wine ; It is a nice medieval town with plenty of shopping possibilities well worth spending some leisurely time.
Overnight: Montalcino. (B)
Day 6: MONTALCINO-BUONCONVENTO - (4 hrs. walking time)
Montalcino is the country of Brunello one of the most famous wine of this region so you will be walking through vineyards and olive trees. You can chose a shorter version, spending the night in a 3 stars hotel in town or a longer run through a beautiful "Crete" landscape. In this case, you will spend the night in a nice agriturismo 3 km from Buonconvento. (B)
Day 7 – BUONOCONVENTO-MONTE OLIVETO MAGGIORE-SIENA (3h30 walking time)
A short day, but full of up and downs; Because of the monastery closing time, you will start the day with a transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, one of the most impressing abbey of Italy, a red bricks construction in a rugged landscape. Visit the abbey before the tourist rush hours and start walking back toward your hotel or agriturismo. You can stop for a light snack at Chiusure, the first village on your way back. There is a small “Alimentari” which now has upgraded to a wooden terrace where they serve good freshly made panini. Pick up your luggage and catch a train to Siena or at an additional cost a private transfer to Siena where we have booked a hotel for you. (B)
Day 8
Siena - Free day in Siena to visit the town before your departure for your next destination. (B)
Entrance fees to museums and monuments are not included other than those specifically mentioned above as being included.
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