Overview
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From the medieval alleys of Siena to the hilltop sanctuaries and thermal waters of Central Italy, the Siena-to-Viterbo pilgrimage combines walking, wine, history, and well-being. Though the official Via Francigena skirts parts of Val d’Orcia, our route intentionally includes its most enchanting corners — vineyards, cypress-lined roads, and hot springs — before entering Lazio and culminating in the “City of the Popes.”
You begin in Siena, one of Italy’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities, with its shell-shaped piazza and soaring Duomo. After a transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore (famed for its frescoes), you walk toward Buonconvento, entering the countryside of Val d’Arbia and then Val d’Orcia. Expect terraces of vineyards producing Brunello, gentle hills dotted with silvery olive groves, and stops in small towns like San Quirico d’Orcia and Bagno Vignoni. The latter, with its large central thermal basin, is a beloved pause for pilgrims, poets, and emperors alike.
From Bagno Vignoni you continue toward Bagni San Filippo and Abbadia San Salvatore, touching on lesser-visited slopes of Monte Amiata. In Abbadia you’ll sense ancient religious energy, and perhaps glimpse manuscripts and crypts that tie you to spiritual traditions.
Crossing into Lazio, you walk from Acquapendente toward Bolsena, glimpsing the volcanic crater lake and local legends of miracles. The path onward to Montefiascone reveals ancient stretches of the Via Cassia still paved after 2,000 years.
Finally, the route leads you into Viterbo: a city steeped in papal history, medieval walls, aristocratic palaces, and cloisters of calm. By journey’s end you will have walked through Tuscany’s poetic terrains and Lazio’s storied hills, all framed by wine, springs, and the timeless quiet of pilgrimage.
Pilgrim Paths provides full support — transfers where needed, luggage transport, hand-picked lodgings, guide accompaniment, daily walking maps, and evening reflections. Whether your spirit seeks solace, cultural immersion, or a walking adventure, this Siena → Viterbo route is a deeply rewarding part of the longer Via Francigena experience.
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary

Monday, October 25, 2026 - Gather in Siena
Monday, October 25, 2026 - Gather in Siena
Description
Arrive in Siena, settle in, and enjoy an orientation walk through its medieval streets. This city’s Gothic cathedral and Piazza del Campo set the tone for your pilgrimage through time, art, and sacred landscapes.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0

Tuesday, October 26, 2026 - Transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, walk to Buonconvento
Tuesday, October 26, 2026 - Transfer to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, walk to Buonconvento
Description
We begin with a transfer to the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, famed for Signorelli frescoes. From there we walk through soft hills and olive groves to overnight in Buonconvento’s quiet setting.
distance: 12.4 km
ascent: 247 m
descent: 308 m
% hard surfaces: 26^
difficulty rating: 6
Wednesday, October 27, 2026 – Buonconvento to San Quirico D'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni
Wednesday, October 27, 2026 – Buonconvento to San Quirico D'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni
Description
Traverse vineyard terraces, cypress-lined ridgelines, and pastoral roads to San Quirico d’Orcia. Continue to Bagno Vignoni, where warm springs flow through its historic piazza pool.
distance: 28 km
ascent: 610 m
descent: 538 m
% hard surfaces: 30%
difficulty rating: 8

Thursday, October 28, 2026 – Transfer to Pienza, walk to Bagno Vignoni
Thursday, October 28, 2026 – Transfer to Pienza, walk to Bagno Vignoni
Description
After a short transfer to Pienza, stroll through rolling Val d’Orcia hills, passing cheese farms and scenic viewpoints before returning to Bagno Vignoni for a restful evening by the thermal waters.
distance: 14.2 km
ascent: 320 m
descent: 493 m
% hard surfaces: 21%
difficulty rating: 6

Friday, October 29, 2026 – Bagno Vignoni to Bagni San Filippo
Friday, October 29, 2026 – Bagno Vignoni to Bagni San Filippo
Description
Leave behind the central pool of Bagno Vignoni and walk into more secluded landscapes. Arrive at Bagni San Filippo, where sulfurous cascades and grotto baths offer quiet refreshment along the path.
distance: 13.8 km
ascent: 653 m
descent: 325 m
% hard surfaces: 36
difficulty rating: 7
Saturday, October 30, 2026 - Bagni San Filippo to Abbadia San Salvatore
Saturday, October 30, 2026 - Bagni San Filippo to Abbadia San Salvatore
Description
The route leads upward toward Monte Amiata. Cross forested slopes and rural paths before entering Abbadia San Salvatore, where the abbey’s crypt and ancient manuscripts echo its monastic legacy.
distance: 25.8 km
ascent: 265 m
descent: 721 m
% hard surfaces: 71%
difficulty rating: 7
Sunday, October 31, 2026 - Abbadia San Salvatore to Acquapendente
Sunday, October 31, 2026 - Abbadia San Salvatore to Acquapendente
Description
Descending from Monte Amiata’s heights, the trail passes through woodlands and ridge trails into Lazio. End the day in Acquapendente, with its Romanesque church and subterranean crypt of the Santo Sepolcro.
distance: 25.8 km
ascent: 265 m
descent: 721 m
% hard surfaces: 71%
difficulty rating: 7
Monday, November 1, 2026 - Acquapendente to Bolsena
Monday, November 1, 2026 - Acquapendente to Bolsena
Description
Walk toward Lake Bolsena, descending into its volcanic basin. Olive groves, rural roads, and a sense of early medieval pilgrimage accompany you to the shores of this storied crater lake.
distance: 24.0 km
ascent: 279 m
descent: 355 m
% hard surfaces: 28%
difficulty rating: 7

Tuesday, November 2, 2026 - Bolsena to Montefiascone
Tuesday, November 2, 2026 - Bolsena to Montefiascone
Description
Climb gently from Bolsena through rolling vineyards and olive groves. Reach Montefiascone, whose Rocca offers expansive views and whose famed “Est! Est!! Est!!!” wine greets pilgrims with local flavor.
distance: 16.4 km
ascent: 496 m
descent: 205 m
% hard surfaces: 41%
difficulty rating: 7
Wednesday, November 3, 2026 - Montefiascone to Viterbo
Wednesday, November 3, 2026 - Montefiascone to Viterbo
Description
This final stage follows ancient paved route of the Via Cassia, crossing hills and quiet valleys before arriving in Viterbo. Explore papal palaces, medieval quarters, and the renowned cloisters of Santa Maria Nuova.
distance: 18.4 km
ascent: 144 m
descent: 411 m
% hard surfaces: 25%
difficulty rating: 6

Thursday, November 4, 2026 - Depart Viterbo
Thursday, November 4, 2026 - Depart Viterbo
Description
After breakfast, the pilgrimage concludes in Viterbo. Depart at leisure, or extend your stay to wander its historic center, thermal springs, and hidden lanes.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
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