Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

On arrival in Siena make your own way to the first hotel. There is lots to see and do in Siena. We recommend wandering through the old town centre and visiting the main square, Piazza del Campo, which is where the famous "Palio" is held twice a year. You can climb the nearby tower, the Torre del Mangia and visit the stunning Duomo and numerous imposing medieval palaces. History will come alive as you meander through the narrow streets of this fantastically preserved jewel of Italy.

This morning you'll start your walk along the Via Francigena through beautiful Tuscan countryside. You'll spend the day walking alongside cultivated meadows, with colours that change from greens to yellows to ochres depending on the season. You'll pass through the medieval village of Cuna, just a few hundred metres before you enter the town of Monteroni d'Arbia, with its famous watermill. The last part of the walk leads you to the fortified hamlet of Lucignano d'Arbia, along it's characteristic cypress tree- lined entrance. Distance 21km/13mi; Ascent: 130m/426ft, descent 300m/984ft Surf/Unsurf 48/52%

Today's walk is through a series of rolling hills and wheat-cultivated fields in the heart of the "Crete Senesi", a region named for its clay crags. This area has distinctive grey coloured soil which makes the scenery look like you're on the moon. Today's destination is the walled town of Buonconvento, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Distance 13.8km/8.6mi; Ascent 150m/492ft, descent 200m/656ft Surf/Unsurf 30/69%

Today's walk will take you to towards San Quirico, over dirt roads and some asphalted ones - though these will be compensated for by the beautiful views of the Val d'Orcia, among hills tinted with charming shades and scattered with vineyards and cypress trees. In San Quirico you will stand enchanted before the gate of the Collegiata church with its various architectural styles, before enjoying a rest among the green hedges of the 16th century classic Italian garden, Horti Leonini. Distance 21.5km/13.4mi; Ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 300m/984ft Surf/Unsurf 26/74%

The walk continues across the Val d'Orcia. Just beyond San Quirico you will enter a timeless world visiting Vignoni Alto, and you can enjoy an invigorating rest in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, with its pool in the middle of the main square. Another highlight today is your destination Castiglione, in the heart of the Val d'Orcia. On the main square, Piazza il Vecchietta, named after the Castiglione-born artist, you'll find the splendid Palazzo del Comune and several medieval buildings. Distance 9km/5.6mi; Ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 300m/984ft Surf/Unsurf 32/68%

Passing ancient towns and after a stretch of hills you'll arrive at an agriturismo, where you'll stay tonight. Located in the hills and amongst olive groves, you'll be in typical Tuscan countryside. Or if the agriturismo is not available, transfer to Radicofani for your overnight stay in an apartment, with dinner in a nearby restaurant. Radicofani has many attractions including an imposing fortress dominating the entire valley and the Pieve di San Pietro, a jewel dating from the 13th century. Distance: 21km/13mi; Ascent 950m/3117ft, descent 550m/1804ft, Surf/Unsurf 32/68%

The day starts with a short transfer from the agriturismo to the main square in Radicofani. Leaving Radicofani on foot you'll follow the old consular road Via Cassia, surrounded by hills and Mount Amiata en route to Centeno. At Centeno you will be picked up and transferred (included) to Orvieto. Beautiful Orvieto rises on a tufaceous hill in the middle of the Umbrian countryside. Home to an impressive Cathedral, one of the most important in Italy, a well-preserved medieval town centre and a very interesting underground network of tunnels. Enjoy your visit of this lovely city at your own rhythm. Distance 15.5km/9.6mi; Ascent 220m/722ft, descent 400m/1312ft, Surf/Unsurf 50/50%

The trip concludes this morning in Orvieto, or you can continue along the Via Francigena to Rome.