Tuscan Hills

Ancie nt Paths to Rome: Section I of 225 Miles to Rome

A walk through central and Southern Tuscany, characterised by paths through vineyards, olive groves and forest, and landscapes punctuated with cypress trees and walled hill towns and villages

Day 1 • Arrive in San Gimignano

The ‘Medieval Manhattan' is irresistibly char ming and perfectly preserved It houses a fine array of religious and secular frescoes and monuments Stay on the central piazza.

HHH Leon Bianco

Day 2 • San Gimignano to Colle Val d’Elsa

Walk across low hills with vineyards and olive groves to the medieval hill town of Colle Val d’Elsa, renowned for its ‘tunnel’ streets (8.7 miles, 4.5 hrs).

HHHH Palazzo San Lorenzo

Day 3 • Colle Val d’Elsa to Monteriggioni

Paths across open far mland and through woods lead to the high village of Monteriggioni, encircled by walls with 14 watchtowers (11 6 miles, 6 hrs)

HHHH Hotel Monteriggioni

Day 4 • Monteriggioni to Siena

Follow paths through woods and meadows to Siena, the best-preserved, great medieval city in Europe (11 9 miles, 6 5 hrs)

HHHH Athena

Day 5 • Siena to Lucignano

Tracks across low open hills of the Crete region lead to the village of Lucignano (15 miles, 7–7.5 hrs).

HHH Borgo Antico

Day 6 • Lucignano to Buonconvento

Gravel lanes along the Arbia Valley lead to Buonconvento, with its interesting museum of medieval Masters (9.8 miles, 5 hrs). Optional walk to the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore (magnificent frescoed cloister) (5 8 miles, 3 hrs)

HHH Fattoria Pieve a Salti

Day 7 • Buonconvento to Montalcino

Paths up through renowned vineyards of Brunello (Italy’s most expensive red wine!) lead to hilltop Montalcino (10 9 or 13 1 miles, 5 5 or 6 5 hrs)

HHH Dei Capitani

Day 8 • Departure day, or...

Continue with Section 2 of the 225 Miles to Rome route: ‘Ancient Volcanic Landscapes’ (following pages)

Please note: The Romans rested ‘ every four days’ If you plan to walk more than one section of 225 Miles to Rome, we strongly urge you to book some rest days between the sections Please contact the office for advice

Route open: April-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Florence (39 miles)

Train + taxi: 2 hrs - ~€35

Taxi: 1 hr - ~€120 u Pisa (46 miles)

Train + taxi: 1.5 hrs - ~€30

Taxi: 1.25 hrs - ~€130

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English and Italian.

Route Book: 145 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate (Grade 3) See p 8

Terrain: Small gravel roads; mule/far m/woodland tracks and paths; some asphalt near towns