Your meeting point for the start of the tour is from the Siena train station (in front of pharmacy) at 9:00am. Give your mind a peaceful rest from the noise of the crowded towns, follow your expert guide on a pleasant walk along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrim route for the first time plotted down by the Archbishop ‘Sigeric the serious’ of Cantebury on his return from Rome in the 9th century and considered the main artery to Rome throughout the middle ages.
This route, that has for centuries been a highway of men and emotions, a spiritual pilgrimage and a wealthy trade route, has been forgotten and almost entirely relegated to history by the modern paved car roads. Only recently the route has been brought back from the grip of modernity and is today enjoyed by many pilgrims and hikers alike. Experience the beauty of the mixture between the Tuscan countryside and the glory of its medieval past, still present in its wonderfully preserved castles, villages and ruins.
See the Tuscany you would never want to miss before returning home, pass through forests and fields, vineyards and olive groves from Siena to the imposing fortress of Monteriggioni. A medieval walled town located on a natural hillock, built by the Sienese in the thirteenth century as a bastion of defense in their wars against Florence. It withstood many attacks from both the Florentines and the forces of the Bishop of Volterra until in an act of reconciliation with the Medicis, the town’s captain simply handed the keys of the town over to the Medicean forces - considered a "great betrayal" by the town's people. Once in Monteriggioni, you will enjoy a guided tasting of local organic wines before saying goodbye to your guide for the end of the tour. Feel free to explore the village and the surrounding area at your own pace.
You will be given a bus ticket to return to Siena at your own leisure. There are frequent buses departing from the nearby bus stop so you can return to Siena right away or enjoy lunch in Monteriggioni and return to Siena later in the afternoon.
The hiking tour is suitable for anyone in good physical condition and with experience in long walks. It is highly recommended you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, to bring water, a hat and in summer, sun cream.
