uphill walking path on the Etruscan Way Buonconvento Chiusi walk
uphill walking path on the Etruscan Way Buonconvento Chiusi walk

Etruscan Way, Buonconvento to Chiusi

Level
2
Distance
103 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
price from
€ 903
CO2 footprint
132 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW560

A Journey in Tuscany, Through the Lands of the Etruscans: This is a voyage along the footsteps of this enigmatic civilization, pursuing the quintessential Tuscan beauty – the rolling hills of the Sienese countryside, the ideal city of Pienza, Montepulciano and its wineries, Sarteano with its Etruscan museum, and Chiusi, home to the underground city, a masterpiece of ancient ingenuity.

Legend has it that a legendary king once lived here, buried somewhere in a sarcophagus surrounded by 5000 golden chicks...

Highlights

  • Explore the natural, artistic, and cultural treasures of the Etruscan heritage
  • Discover the stunning landscapes, vast open fields, hills adorned with cypress trees and vineyards
  • Lose yourself in the incredibly well-preserved medieval and Renaissance villages and hilltop towns
  • Savor the peaceful country roads, friendly Tuscans, and delightful regional culinary specialties.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Buonconvento

Arrive in Buonconvento
Arrive in Buonconvento and check-in at the hotel. If you arrive early, enjoy a visit to the hamlet. History comes alive as you wander through the narrow streets of this fantastically preserved jewel of Italy. Buonconvento is now an important rural centre; thanks to its particular and strategic position, where the rivers Arbia and Ombrone join together, along the Via Francigena. It has a very ancient past. It is still enclosed inside the 14th century city walls, it still preserves the monumental north gate and the rectangular plan of that period and now houses an interesting museum of religious art.

Day 2

From Buonconvento to Asciano, 22 km

From Buonconvento to Asciano, 22 km
Today you start your walk through the core of ‘Crete Senesi’, well known for its typical rolling hills. You walk along country paths and gravel tracks enjoying fascinating views over the entire area. You pass through the picturesque village of Chiusure and you can visit the famous Monte Oliveto Maggiore (Abbey). The abbey was founded in 1319 by three Senese noblemen, Bernardo Giovanni Tolomei, Patrizio Patrizi and Ambrogio Piccolomini, who decided to give up their wealth and privileges in favour of living according to the rule of St Benedict. The walk ends in the quiet town of Asciano.

Distance: 22 km

Elevation gain: +909/-866 m

Day 3

From Asciano to Trequanda, 20,5 km

From Asciano to Trequanda, 20,5 km
Today you continue walking through the lunar landscape of the ‘Crete Senesi’, typical rolling hills all the way along country paths and gravel tracks enjoying fascinating views over the entire area. Along the walk you reach elegant villas and ancient country houses.

Distance: 20,5 km

Elevation gain: +672/-426 m

Day 4

From Trequanda to Pienza, 20 km

From Trequanda to Pienza, 20 km
Today’s walk it is one of the most iconic along gravel roads and country paths. We suggest a short detour to visit the medieval village of Petroio, the picturesque cone-shaped medieval village, perched on a hill (487 m), spiralling around a single steep street, with the remains of the old walls, ancient houses, palaces and churches, and the steps that climb up to the top of the tower and keep, retains the warm blond colour of the sandstone from which it was almost entirely built. Its origin is Etruscan, as evidenced by its name, which derives from the Etruscan and the archaeological finds discovered in the vicinity. Your destination of the day is Pienza from where you have great views of the entire Val d’Orcia.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +579/-540 m

Day 5

From Pienza to Montepulciano, 13 km

From Pienza to Montepulciano, 13 km
Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique Renaissance architecture. The town is well known for its delicious pecorino cheese and truffles; this is a grat spot to indulge in Tuscan treats! Today’s walk is gentle and very panoramic from Val d’Orcia valley to Val di Chiana. You walk mostly along Gravel tracks. It is suggested to take a short detour to reach the breathtaking hamlet of Monticchiello before continuing to Montepulciano, where you can relax enjoying a famous red wine!

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +595/-490 m

Day 6

Bus to Chianciano Terme, walk to Sarteano, 13 km

Bus to Chianciano Terme, walk to Sarteano, 13 km
In the morning a short bus ride will take you to the start of the walk in Chianciano Terme. The walk is quite easy and flat, running mostly through woods with some overlooking point of Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. The destination of the day is the Etruscan town of Sarteano, where it is strongly recommended to visit the Etruscan Museum!

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +600/-567 m

Day 7

From Sarteano to Chiusi, 14 km

From Sarteano to Chiusi, 14 km
Today you will walk through the hills and plains of Val di Chiana along gravel roads and country paths. We suggest you to do a short detour to visit the impressive Necropoli delle Pianacce. It's strongly recommended to visit the Etruscan museum in Chiusi! This small, quiet town on the southern edge of Tuscany was once one of the most important cities of the Etruscan Empire in the period between the 7th and 5th centuries BC. The city that stretches before our eyes today is an enchanting harmony of Etruscan ingenuity, Roman skill and medieval battles.

Distance: 14 km

Elevation gain: +236/-401 m

Day 8

Departure from Chiusi

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

Details

Is this for me?


If you're fascinated by the Etruscans, this is the journey for you: you'll walk through landscapes that still bear the traces of their presence, from Chiusi to Sarteano, from Petroio to Asciano. Good physical fitness and experience with multi-day hiking are required because the first three days involve consecutive 20-kilometer walks. It's also a journey through the enchanting Tuscany, amidst the Crete Senesi, the hills of Val d'Orcia, and the vineyards of Montepulciano.

Included


What is included

  • 7 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel (max 1 item per person)
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital form, app
  • 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.
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


We work with 3* hotels, B&Bs and farmhouses that reflect our way of experiencing travel: they are comfortable and characterful structures, which we choose one by one, managed by passionate and welcoming people.

Unless otherwise specified in the travel listing, all provide private en-suite rooms with breakfast included.

 

Buonconvento: Hotel il Ghibellino
Asciano: Hotel la Pace
Trequanda: B&B Il Conte Matto
Pienza: Hotel Rutiliano
Montepulciano: Hotel Il Duomo
Sarteano: Hotel La Gustea
Chiusi_Chiangiano: B&B La Corte Del Grillo

When to travel


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. 

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


On arrival, take a train to Buonconvento, from Siena.

On departure, take a bus to reach Chiusi-Chianciano terme train station.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
© 2024 SloWays. All rights reserved.
Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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