SloWays • Volterra and Etruscan Lands |

This journey is dedicated to one of the most enigmatic and fascinating peoples in history – the Etruscans. Even though part of their history is shrouded in mystery, their traces in the Tuscan territory are many, precious, and clearly visible: they can be found, in particular, between Val di Merse, Val d'Elsa, and Val d'Orcia, where votive statues and cypress keys, tombs, and ancient roads are hidden.

The path itself is marvelous – you'll walk among olive groves, vineyards, and fig trees, ancient Roman roads and Etruscan sunken roads, in the lunar landscape of the Val d'Orcia hills, tinted with enchanting shades. What more could you ask for? Perhaps wine – but fortunately, this is a blessed land in this sense, and the food is even better.

Route

Day 1: Arrive in Volterra

Day 2: From Volterra to Mazzolla, 10 km

Day 3: From Mazzolla to Casole d'Elsa, 18 km

Day 4: Morning transfer from Casole d'Elsa and walk to Sovicille, 20 km

Day 5: From Sovicille to San Rocco a Pilli, 11 km

Day 6: From San Rocco a Pilli to Vescovado, 19 km

Day 7: From Vescovado to Buonconvento, 19 km

Day 8: Arrivederci Buonconvento!

Day 1: Arrive in Volterra

Arrive in the ancient Etruscan city of Volterra, after check in take your time wondering through town where you can explore its Alabaster artisan shops, the interesting Etruscan Museum and the Roman Theatre, superb palaces and alluring city walls. Veláthri (the Etruscan name for Volterra), was part of the Etruscan confederation, known as the Etruscan dodecapolis, and from the second half of the 6th century BC enlarged the walls defending the acropolis to a circumference of about 1,800 metres, in practice the plane below the summit of the hill; this process was completed in the early 5th century BC.

Day 2: From Volterra to Mazzolla, 10 km

Today you start your holiday through history, passing through the extraordinary territory surrounding Volterra where the Tuscan countryside is at its wildest. The route ends at the small village of Mazzolla from where you have a breath-taking view of the iconic Tuscan landscape.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +290/-500 m

Day 3: From Mazzolla to Casole d'Elsa, 18 km

The day’s walk goes along paths and country roads. For a long stretch you walk through the “Tatti Forest”, one of the most important in Italy for the presence of the Oak (Quercus petraea), which is not very common in the Mediterranean environment.

Distance: 18 km

Elevation gain: +460/-335 m

Day 4: Morning transfer from Casole d'Elsa and walk to Sovicille, 20 km

A short transfer in the morning will take you to the start of the walk near Casa Verniano. From here you start a long walk through the area known as the “Montagnola Senese”. You walk mostly through the forests along main and secondary roads. Along the way you will pass by the Etruscan Tumulus of Mucellena, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Tuscany. Along the way are two striking Romanesque parish churches.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +688/-614 m

Day 5: From Sovicille to San Rocco a Pilli, 11 km

The day’s walk is short and easy across the tuscan plain separating the two villages. Along the route you can stop and visit the Etruscan Necropolis of Malignano. The earliest evidence of man in this area is very ancient, but at the rise of the Etruscan civilisation, the last centuries of the Iron Age, in the period from the 8th century B.C. to the 7th century B.C., a princely tomb was excavated in the necropolis of Malignano, very articulated and twenty metres deep. Around this, in the Archaic period, most of the other chamber tombs were added, which in this necropolis have a certain variety of types.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +109/-130 m

Day 6: From San Rocco a Pilli to Vescovado, 19 km

It is a long walk along the hills bordering the Val d'Arbia valley. You pass through the iconic Tuscan landscape of round shapes, vast fields, farmhouses and small villages. The enormous and renowned fertility of the fields, the presence of a large waterway such as the Arbia, and the ever-increasing importance assumed by the 'Strada Francigena', soon created the conditions for villages of a certain density to develop on the plains as well.

Distance: 19 km

Elevation gain: +471/-436 m

Day 7: From Vescovado to Buonconvento, 19 km

On the last walk you wonder though a wild area which follows the narrow valley of Crevole stream. You pass through Murlo (a charming medieval village with a very important Etruscan museum which we recommend a visit) and Miniera di Murlo where the ancient mines and factories where based. Then you walk through the iconic hills of Val d’Orcia towards Buonconvento where you can celebrate the end of your holiday through history sipping a glass of the famous Montalcino red wine.

Distance: 19 km

Elevation gain: +600/-740 m

Day 8: Arrivederci Buonconvento!

Our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked another service with us.

accommodation

Albergo Etruria - Volterra

https://albergoetruria.it/

B&B La Pecora Nera - Mazzolla

https://www.pecoraneravolterra.it/

Hotel Terre di Casole - Casole d'Elsa

https://www.hotelterredicasole.it/

Casale Il Colombaio di Toiano - Sovicille

https://www.casaleilcolombaio.com/

Villa Fattoria di Cavaglioni - San Rocco a Pillii

http://www.antichefamiglietoscane.com/

Bike Resort Bosco della Spina - Murlo

https://www.boscodellaspina.it/

Hotel Roma - Buonconvento

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

The climate in Tuscany is generally very mild with differences depending on the geography of the region, from coasts and valleys to the continental areas.The warmest months are generally July and August, with temperatures ranging from 23°C up to 30°C; the valleys can often see higher temperatures and 38°C to 40° C is not uncommon. While June and September offer both nice warm weather. Of course, there are always exceptions or dry spells that cause a few days to get really hot.Spring (April and May) and Autumn (October and November) are dry, with sunny days but the chances of rain are high. The weather can change very quickly and you must be prepared forrain, mist, wind, fog (and even hail or snow at higher elevations) –especially in spring and autumn.

Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg) from one hotel to the hotel is included in the price.

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

7 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
transfer from Casole d'Elsa to Casa Verniano
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

This journey is perfect for those who love ancient history or simply want to immerse themselves in the iconic Tuscan countryside.

It's a trip suitable for those with some training or who have undertaken walking trips in the past - most days cover about 20 km, and Tuscany with its hilly landscape might put a bit of strain on less trained legs.