Tuscany Walking Holiday

Arrive in the Val d’Orcia, with its rolling wheatfields and luscious vineyards. You’ll stay in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, nestled between the villages of San Quirico and Pienza. On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the enchanting Agriturismo Il Rigo by our own Walks Team and your hosts, Matthias and Luisa, who own Il Rigo and the surrounding land.

Choose between :

Easy/Moderate Option: 12.5 km, 3 – 5 hours walking, 310m ascent
The opening walk of the trip is a delight that takes in one of the most iconic sights of the Val D’Orcia, namely the UNESCO World Heritage town of Pienza. Arriving in this exquisite medieval hill-top town in time for lunch gives you ample time to explore its historic and architectural treasures in the early afternoon, before marvelling at the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia on the way home.

Moderate/Hard Option: 14 km, 4 – 6 hours walking, 440m ascent
An early morning extension takes you via Capella Vitaleta and the ever-photogenic Podere Belvedere before reaching Pienza.
Winetasting: as Tuscany, and more importantly the Val d’Orcia, is home to some of the world’s best wines, join us for a complimentary winetasting before dinner this evening.

Choose between :

Easier Option: 13.5 km, 4 – 5 hours walking, 340m ascent
On today’s shorter option, you’ll walk through the olive groves and vineyards that surround San Quirico before reaching an old Medici stronghold in the hamlet of Vignoni Alto.

Harder/Longer Option: 18 km, 5 – 6 hours walking, 304m ascent
The longer of the two walks today visits one the most iconic sights in Tuscany, the historic hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, famous for its hot springs. Sweeping valley views characterise the walk back to Il Rigo in the early afternoon.

Moderate Walk: 15.5 km, 4 – 6hours walking, 510m ascent

This walk follows the renowned ancient pilgrimage trail, known as the Via Francinega. Your destination is magical Montalcino, surrounded by the Brunello vineyards that produce one of the most celebrated red wines in the world.

Today a short transfer (included) will collect your from Montalcino at the end of the day.

Your rest day is the perfect opportunity to do something different – such as visit Siena, treat yourself to a spa in Bagno Vignoni, or book yourself onto a cookery class to remember….

Lorenza is Luisa’s mother the matriarch at Il Rigo and Luisa’s mother. She is also an award- winning chef. She offers traditional Tuscan cookery classes from her family home in the centre of San Quirico d’Orcia. With her expert guidance you will prepare together a four-course menu, including the preparation of hand-made fresh pasta. Recipes change according to the season, but they are always traditional and Tuscan.

Aprons are provided, as is water, coffee, an aperitif and a small appetizer, before the group sits at the table and enjoys the fruits of its labour over a four course lunch. Subject to availability (and first-come, first-served), Lorenza requires at least 48 hours notice in order to ensure fresh ingredients. Maximum group size is 4. The class starts at 10.45 and costs €70 per person. Wine is available but not included in the price.

Choose between :

Easier Option: 11.5 km, 3 – 4 hours walking, 206m ascent
A charming walk through countryside so synonymous with Tuscany and the Val d’Orcia. Enjoy extended views to Montalcino and Montepulciano and also the northern Crete Senesei region.

Harder/Longer Option: 17 km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 351m ascent
The longer walk today extends the morning’s route to incorporate the iconic and much-photographed Cipressi, perhaps Tuscany’s best example of a ring of Cypress trees, all set against golden wheatfields.

Choose between :

Easier Option: 9.2 km, 3 – 4 hours walking, 320m ascent
Today a short complimentary transfer takes our more leisurely walkers to the exquisite village of Montichiello in the morning. Starting from Montichiello, today’s shorter walk approaches Montepulciano through the famous Vino Nobile vineyards before arriving in the hill-top town, another Tuscan gem, just after lunch.

Harder/Longer Option: 15.5 km, 4 – 6 hours walking, 530m ascent
A short complimentary transfer will take you to Pienza. Starting here, the harder walk today passes through the walled village of Montichiello, before passing through the vineyards that produce the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano red wine. The walk ends by passing the impressive San Biaggio Cathedral and then climbing up through the historic streets of Montepulciano. It’s a fitting finale to end a week of wonderful walks.

Onward independent travel or Collett’s airport transfer.
Our transfer service is likely to depart early, at around 6am, in order to get guests to Pisa Airport in time for mid-morning flights.