SloWays • Etruscan Way

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...

Route

Day 1: Arrive in Buonconvento

Day 2: From Buonconvento to Asciano, 22 km

Day 3: From Asciano to Trequanda, 20,5 km

Day 4: From Trequanda to Pienza, 20 km

Day 5: From Pienza to Montepulciano, 13 km

Day 6: Bus to Chianciano Terme, walk to Sarteano, 13 km

Day 7: From Sarteano to Chiusi, 14 km

Day 8: Departure from Chiusi

Day 1: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

accommodation

Buonconvento: Hotel il Ghibellino

www.hotelghibellino.it

Asciano: Hotel la Pace

www.hotellapace.net

Trequanda: B&B Il Conte Matto

www.chambres-hotes.fr

Pienza: Hotel Rutiliano

www.albergorutiliano.it

Montepulciano: Hotel Il Duomo

www.kayak.it/Hotel-a-Montepulciano-Albergo-Duomo

Sarteano: Hotel La Gustea

www.lagustea.com

Chiusi_Chiangiano: B&B La Corte Del Grillo

lacortedelgrillo.com

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.

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
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?

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.

Etruscan Way, from Buonconvento to Chiusi

Etruscan Way, from Buonconvento to Chiusi - 8 days

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Etruscan Way, from Buonconvento to Chiusi

Etruscan Way, from Buonconvento to Chiusi - 8 days

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