Via Francigena easy, from Siena to Orvieto

You start your journey from Siena, without doubt one of the most interesting cities along the Francigena and famed for its historic Palio horse race. Spend your day wandering through its cobblestone streets, exploring the coats-of-arms adorning the walls of the contrade, or ascending the Torre del Mangia for a panoramic view of the town's rooftops. Don't miss the chance to visit the awe-inspiring duomo, where the striking black and white columns will leave a lasting impression. If you're fortunate, you might catch a festival in one of the contradas, witnessing the skillful artistry of flag-throwers. Conclude your day by sitting at a table in Piazza del Campo, savoring a plate of pici all'aglione for dinner, all while admiring the illuminated Palazzo Pubblico.

Hopefully the sun grace your first day of the journey, as the Crests of the Val d'Arbia promise unforgettable views. A bus will take you from Siena to Isola d'Arbia: from there your path will lead you along the characteristic dirt roads towards the fortified village of Lucignano, adorned with its exquisite church. As you approach Monteroni d'Arbia, take in the awe-inspiring sight of the Grancia di Cuna, a fortified farm that once stored the wheat reserves destined for the Republic of Siena.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +175/-165 m

Departing from Lucignano, your adventure will proceed through the Valle dell'Ombrone, leading you to Buonconvento. Passing through the gate of the walls, you'll step into the charming old town center of the village, uncovering the meaning behind its name, "happy fortunate place". Meander through the picturesque streets, where life unfolds peacefully in tune with the unhurried rhythms of a countryside village. Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to marvel at the masterpieces of some of the most renowned Sienese painters housed in the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d'Arbia.

Distance: 14 km

Elevation gain: +170/-205 m

After a transfer to San Quirico, you wander through the captivating scenery of the Val D'Orcia, featuring hills adorned with picturesque hues, vineyards, and scattered cypress trees. You step into a timeless realm as you explore Vignoni Alto, immersing yourself in its unique ambiance. As you reach today's destination, indulge in a rejuvenating break in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, where the unmistakable pool graces the center of the main square.

Distance: 6 km

Elevation gain: +105/-220 m
 
 
 
 

Distance: 6 km

Elevation gain: +105/-220 m 

As you leave Bagno Vignoni, you continue your walk across one of the most breathtaking panoramic sections along the entire Via Francigena. You finally reach Castiglione, a hilltop village nestled in the heart of the Val d'Orcia. 

Distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: +320/-95 m

After an initial transfer to Gallina, the path will lead you to Radicofani. This hilly section will offer wide panoramic views, but for an ever better view you will be able to see most of southern Tuscany from the Radicofani fortress. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Pieve di San Pietro, a precious gem dating back to the thirteenth century. Conclude your day with an evening stroll through its old town center, marveling at the enchanting illumination of the fortress.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +390/-70 m

Leaving Radicofani behind, your journey continues towards one of the most beautiful stretches of the Via Francigena. As you depart from the fortress, you'll traverse the ancient Via Cassia, surrounded by an endless landscape of hills dominated by Monte Amiata. Progressing through the valley bottom of the Val di Paglia and following the course of the Cassia nuova, you'll reach Ponte a Rigo. A transfer will take you to Acquapendente, the northernmost municipality of Lazio. You traverse the Porta della Ripa before entering its historic town center. Take a contemplative stroll in the quietude of the Romanesque crypt beneath the Basilica del Santo Sepolcro, where decorated capitals and arches grace the surroundings. According to tradition, some stones believed to be bathed in the blood of Christ are purportedly preserved here.

Distance: 10,5 km

Elevation gain: +50/-540 km

From San Lorenzo Nuovo, your journey will gently progress until the first glimpses of Lake Bolsena unfold. Descending into a volcanic crater, you'll traverse dirt tracks, alternating between dense woods and meadows adorned with scattered olive trees before reaching Bolsena. For those curious about the miracle of the Corpus Domini, renowned in Bolsena, the Cappella del Miracolo houses marble pieces stained by the blood flowing from a Host in the thirteenth century. Alternatively, if your interest lies in the local cuisine, indulge in products from the lake, such as Sbroscia, a regional soup crafted from lake fish and tomatoes.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +160/-335 km

Departing from Bolsena, a transfer will take you to Sugano. From there your journey will lead you through woods and olive groves. You will cross an area renowned for the production of extra virgin olive oil, it's highly recommended to savor a taste of it on a piece of fragrant local bread before reaching Orvieto. This city, strongly linked to the Papal State, rises on a tufa cliff 300 m above sea level, and offers several architectural wonders such as the Duomo, the Pozzo di San Patrizio and its underground caves.

Distance: 6 km

Elevation gain: +170/-295 m 

Last day is included. Service ends after breakfast.

A wonderful section of Via Francigena, between the lunar landscape of Crete Senesi and the Medieval charm of Orvieto. 

In this version, some sections are skipped by public transport or taxi transfer in order to reduce the lenght of the walks.

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.

Below you see some examples of the facilities used for this trip, but keep in mind that they may vary based on availability in the period. We could therefore book for you structures different from those you see listed here, but of the same category and carefully chosen according to SloWays criteria.