THE HILLS OF SOUTHERN TUSCANY

This holiday takes in the best walks in the southern part of Tuscany, from Monte Amiata to the hidden Orcia valley, and from Etruscan hot soda baths to the mediaeval hilltop town of Montepulciano. It uses the excellent Siena Province footpaths. Some are forest trails, others strade bianche (unsurfaced “white” roads) criss-crossing the countryside among the vineyards.

The area is richly historical too, with the celebrated hilltop towns of mediaeval Montepulciano and Pienza, Pope Pius II’s perfectly preserved Renaissance “new town”. But there are also lesser known gems: the tranquil square of Roman baths at Bagno Vignoni; the proud hill village of Rocca d’Orcia dominated by its 11C fortress, and the untouched charm of Montichiello, a mediaeval hill village left behind by the 21st century. Our hotels offer traditional Tuscan country cooking, and there are opportunities for tasting the famous Vino Nobile of Montepulciano.

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.