Siena to Montefiascone

The tour begins in Siena which is rich in history and culture and was home to Italy’s patron saint, Catherine of Siena. So, go to our website post for some ideas on what to see in Siena. Also, not to be missed are the Piazzo del Campo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Sanctuary of St Catherine of Siena and fabulous museums. But, best of all, are the food and wine specialities from Siena!

Begin Stage 34 of your Via Francigena Siena to Montefiascone tour at the Piazza del Campo in Siena. Then take a last stroll through the streets of Siena to Porta Romana. Leave the city behind and enjoy the distant vistas of Siena and the colourful rolling hills of Tuscany. After a gradual descent along sealed roads and trails for about 10 km stop for a rest break Isola d’Arbia. Then, continue a further 5 km along the white, gravel roads of the Crete Senesi or ‘badlands’ of Tuscany. After that, visit Grancia di Cuna and stop for a rest by the water fountain. Then continue walk for about 6 km through Monteroni d’Arbia with its fortified mill and reservoir. And finally, the pleasure of relaxing at the hotel in Lucignano d’Arbia

From Lucignano d’Arbia to Buonconvento is a 15 km easy walk. So, begin the day with a short section on sealed roads to Quinciano. Then continues along a straight, level track surrounded by sunflowers, farmland and rolling hills. After 7.5 km stop for a pilgrim’s break at Ponte d’Arbia. It is a further 7.5 km along white, gravel paths and rolling hills to Buonconvento. Finally, relax and discover why Buonconvento earned its name as ‘the good city’!

Leave Buonconvento through Porta Senese and walk through trails towards picturesque vineyards set against a backdrop of rolling hills. After walking 8 km stop for a pilgrim’s break at Caparzo in the Montalcino vineyards. Then, continue along more white gravel roads surrounded by rolling hills immersed in a patchwork of colour. After 16 km arrive at Torrenieri for a pilgrim’s break. Then continue a further 10 km along sealed and gravel roads with a steep ascent into San Quirico d’Orcia. Enjoy all the sites of UNESCO listed medieval village.

It is a 32.5 km very demanding walk from San Quirico d’Orcia to Radicofani. The walk continues through the UNESCO listed Val d’Orcia with is extraordinary fusion of art, landscapes and ecosystems. After 4 km visit the charming fortress of Vignoni Alto with its distant views of Radicofani. Then descend into the valley to the baths of Bagno Vignoni and stop for a pilgrim’s rest. After that it is a lengthy, level walk along white roads with spectacular views of the Tuscan landscape. Then a long, tough walk with steep ascents, and streams to cross all the way to Radicofani. Please note it is possible to walk this lengthy section over 2 days.

Via Francigena Radicofani to Acquapendente is a 27 km difficult walk. It begins with a steep descent from 750 m to 300 m for 8 km. However, the views are one of the most beautiful and exciting along the Via Francigena. You are immersed in boundless hills and golden flowers, with Mount Amiata dominating to the right and the Rocca of Radicofani never out of sight. After that, it is a level 3 km walk to Ponte a Rigo for a rest stop at a bar. Then there is a length 12 km walk beside Via Cassia to Chiusarelle. Finally, there is a pleasant walk 4 km along a forested minor road leading into Acquapendente.

Via Francigena stage 38 is a 24 km easy walk from Acquapendente to Bolsena. It begins at Santo Sepolcro Cathedral famous for its crypt with a model of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Then, continue through fields and pastures to San Lorenzo Nuovo on the Via Cassia. So, stop for a rest break and admire the town and its marvelous views of Lake Bolsena. Then there is a pleasant walk through fields, olive groves and vineyards to Bolsena. Here, you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Cristina which is also famous for originating the feast of Corpus Christi. And best of all! Wander around the shores of Lake Bolsena!

Via Francigena Stage 39 from Bolsena to Montefiascone has amazing views of Lake Bolsena! However, the best views are at high elevations. So, although it is a short distance of 18 km, there are many difficult elevations. Then, there is a pleasant walk through the shady forests of Parco di Turona walking beside fast flowing streams and waterfalls. But the most exciting part is arriving at the 100 km from St Peter’s tomb sign on the approach to Montefiascone. After that, visit San Flaviano church and find out why Est!Est!Est! is so famous! Finally, there is a very steep walk to the Giardino dei Papi with a pleasant rest surrounded by panoramic views of Lake Bolsena and far distant horizons of Lazio!