Overview
The official Via Francigena route dips briefly into the famed Val d’Orcia from Siena to Viterbo, but as it speeds toward Rome it misses some of the Val d’Orcia’s greatest sights. We make up for this by adding to the Francigena’s itinerary with some wise and wonderful wine and hot springs locations. Along the way we enjoy beautiful Siena, charming Buonconvento, and charming and mysterious Abbadia San Salvatore on the slopes on Monte Amiata. We continue into Lazio to see the towns of Acquapendente, Montefiascone, and Viterbo. Sprinkle in several amazing hot spring locations like Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo and you have a fabulous walking tour of some of the best sights of Central Italy
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - Gather in Siena
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - Gather in Siena
Description
We gather in Siena for a brief city tour. 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. Word to the wise: book an extra day in Siena to enjoy the sites of this fantastic city.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, walk to Buonconvento
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, walk to Buonconvento
Description
We transfer to the monastery at Monte Oliveto Maggiore, site of some of Italy’s most spectacular frescoes, these by Luca Signorelli. We then walk to a delightful agriturismo near Buonconvento.
distance: 12.4 km
ascent: 247 m
descent: 308 m
% hard surfaces: 26^
difficulty rating: 6
Friday, June 6, 2025 – Buonconvento to San Quirico D'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni
Friday, June 6, 2025 – Buonconvento to San Quirico D'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni
Description
Pienza is one of Italy’s great wine towns but hasn’t been discovered by tourists. We transfer there in the morning, the walk to historic San Quirico d’Orcia. Just beyond are some of Italy’s most historic baths, Bagno Vignoni, loved by poets, emperors and saint (Saint Catherine, to be exact). Overnight at Bagno Vignoni.
distance: 28 km
ascent: 610 m
descent: 538 m
% hard surfaces: 30%
difficulty rating: 8
Saturday, June 7, 2025 – Transfer to Pienza, walk to Bagno Vignoni
Saturday, June 7, 2025 – Transfer to Pienza, walk to Bagno Vignoni
Description
On the slopes of Monte Amiata lies Bagni San Filippo, and impressive outdoor hot spring that beckons you with its warm waters. Overnight at Gallena.
distance: 14.2 km
ascent: 320 m
descent: 493 m
% hard surfaces: 21%
difficulty rating: 6
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Bagno Vignoni to Bagni San Filippo
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Bagno Vignoni to Bagni San Filippo
Description
One of the most influential monasteries of Central Italy was Abbadia San Salvatore, on the slopes of Monte Amiata. We visit to see the ancient crypt and to hear the surprising, intriguing story of the Codez Amiaticus, one of the most ancient, complete copies of the Bible that somehow showed up here in the 12th century after being lost for nearly six years.
distance: 13.8 km
ascent: 653 m
descent: 325 m
% hard surfaces: 36
difficulty rating: 7
Monday, June 9, 2025 - Bagni San Filippo to Abbadia San Salvatore
Monday, June 9, 2025 - Bagni San Filippo to Abbadia San Salvatore
Description
It’s downhill through farms and fields before heading uphill in one stiff climb to Acquapendente, the town that was saved by a young girl (you’ll have to join the group to learn more!). The town has a village set inside of it, the Torre Alfina, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The cathedral has one of the most impressive and ancient crypts, a 10th century structure with animals carved into the capitals. Overnight in Acquapendente.
distance: 25.8 km
ascent: 265 m
descent: 721 m
% hard surfaces: 71%
difficulty rating: 7
Tuesday, June 10 - Abbadia San Salvatore to Acquapendente
Tuesday, June 10 - Abbadia San Salvatore to Acquapendente
Description
Lago di Bolsena is a volcanic lake, and the town of Bolsena sits from the lakeshore up the crater’s edge, to the top. It makes for gorgeous scenery, and we didn’t even mention the historical castle and medieval city. A major miracle occurred at the town’s Basilica of Santa Cristina in 1263, which is depicted in a fresco by Raphael at the Vatican. Overnight in Bolsena.
distance: 25.8 km
ascent: 265 m
descent: 721 m
% hard surfaces: 71%
difficulty rating: 7
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - Acquapendente to Bolsena
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - Acquapendente to Bolsena
Description
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.
distance: 24.0 km
ascent: 279 m
descent: 355 m
% hard surfaces: 28%
difficulty rating: 7
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Bolsena to Montefiascone
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Bolsena to Montefiascone
Description
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.
distance: 16.4 km
ascent: 496 m
descent: 205 m
% hard surfaces: 41%
difficulty rating: 7
Friday, June 13, 2025 - Montefiascone to Viterbo
Friday, June 13, 2025 - Montefiascone to Viterbo
Description
Friday, June 13, 2025 Montefiascone To Viterbo As we leave Montefiascone 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.
distance: 18.4 km
ascent: 144 m
descent: 411 m
% hard surfaces: 25%
difficulty rating: 6
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - Depart Viterbo
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - Depart Viterbo
Description
It’s been an amazing trip, but time to hang up the swimsuit and take stock of what you’ve learned of the wines of Lazio and Tuscany. But first, take an optional morning tour through the Papal Palace and Romanesque cathedral. Viterbo has two train stations to help you get onward with your journey.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
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What we provide
- Hosted by Via Francigena expert, author Sandy Brown
- Expert Italian hiking guide Giovanni Ramaccioni
- All (10) overnight accommodations
- All Breakfasts and dinners (wine not included)
- Complete van and driver service
- Baggage transfer each day (up to 40 lbs/18km per person)
- E-guidebook by Sandy Brown from Cicerone Press
- Official Via Francigena pilgrim credential
- Private rooms and private baths
What you provide
- Transportation to and from the journey
- Lunches and snacks each day
- Gratuity for your guide and driver (€5-10 each per day depending on your satisfaction)
- Adequate fitness to walk 10-25km/day
