Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

Ancie nt Paths to Rome: Section II of 225 Mi les to Rome

South of Montalcino the country becomes wilder, with forests, low plateaux and ancient volcanic landscapes dominated by Monte Amiata (1,753m / 5,750ft) and the wide crater Lake of Bolsena

Day 1 • Free day in Montalcino

Centre of Brunello wine production. Hotel with pool and panoramic views.

HHH Dei Capitani

Day 2 • Montalcino to Pescina

Paths through vineyards lead down to the superb Romanesque abbey church of Sant’Antimo You then continue down through olive groves into the Orcia Valley, before walking up to the forested slopes of Monte Amiata (16 miles, 8 hrs)

HH Hotel La Scottiglia

Day 3 • Pescina to Piancastagnaio

Walk through forest of chestnut and beech, to the ancient volcanic peak of Monte Amiata. Then continue down through forest, and a cleft in the volcanic cliffs, to Piancastagnaio, on the side of the mountain with panoramic views (12 6 miles, 7 hrs)

HHH Hotel Relais San Lorenzo

Day 4 • Piancastagnaio to Acquapendente

Tracks along low ridges with long views bring us to the ancient town of Proceno, from where you descend to the Serlate Valley before walking up to the town of Acquapendente, with its fine square and waterfalls (20.2 miles, 9 hrs).

HHH Albergo Toscana

Day 5 • Acquapendente to Bolsena

Forest tracks through the low Monte Volsinii lead to the edge of a wide ancient volcanic crater, then down to the wide blue waters of Lake Bolsena (12 4 miles, 6 hrs)

HHHH Hotel Columbus

Day 6 • Bolsena to Montefiascone

Ancient paths with lake views lead to panoramic Montefiascone Amongst its fine churches is that of San Flaviano, which houses the tomb of the bishop whose visit to the town is famously commemorated in the name of its wine: Est! Est!! Est!!! (11 1 miles, 5 5 hrs)

HHH Urbano V

Day 7 • Montefiascone to Viterbo

Following one of the finest sections of paved Roman road in Italy we cross a plateau, pausing to enjoy Roman baths and thermal springs on the ancient route, before continuing to the walled city of Viterbo (11 4 miles, 5 5 hrs)

HHH Hotel Tuscia

Day 8 • Departure day, or...

Continue with Section 3 of the 225 Miles to Rome route: ‘Approach to Rome’ (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 (73 miles)

Train + taxi: 3 5 hrs - €40

Taxi: 1 hr 45 - ~€220 u Pisa (97 miles)

Train + taxi: 3 hrs - €30

Taxi: 2 hrs 15 - ~€350

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

Route Book: 150 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information. Walking: Moderate to challenging (Grade 3 – 4). See p.8.

Terrain: Dirt roads; far m tracks and smaller wooded paths; broad gravel and cart tracks