Ancient Paths to Rome II: Volcanic Landscapes – Independent
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Volcanic Landscapes is the second section of ATG’s Ancient Paths to Rome trip. This is a 225-mile independent walking route in three sections, each very different in character, which can be walked in week-long stages of about 70 miles each, or as a full 225-mile walk in three weeks. Sections 1 and 3 are Tuscan Hills and Approach to Rome.
This second stage from Montalcino to Viterbo takes you through southern Tuscany and into Lazio, a fascinating and diverse progression across open rolling hills and through vineyards, along the Roman Via Cassia, through forests and to the ancient volcanic crater of Lake Bolsena. Finish with a final leg along the best-preserved section of the Roman road north of Rome, to the walled city of Viterbo.
Spring is prime time for flowers and birds. Swimming is best from the summer through to the autumn when the waters of Lake Bolsena are at their warmest, although the open-air hot springs near Viterbo are a lovely temperature all year round.
Duration: 8 or 9 days
Itinerary
Time to explore Montalcino, centre of Brunello wine production. Hotel with pool and panoramic views.
Inhabited since Etruscan times, this little medieval town boasts a spectacular location and a splendid fortress. A friendly and welcoming town, with some attractive shops and bars, and home of one of Italy’s most famous and finest wines – Brunello di Montalcino. Montalcino’s sacred art museum is very highly rated by all who visit.
Superb views and small pool in summer
Walk through the vineyards of Brunello to the superb Romanesque abbey-church of Sant’Antimo, built of alabaster and onyx. Then on to the Orcia Valley and Bagno Vignoni, with its Roman thermal baths in the central piazza (11.2 or 14.1 miles, 5.5 or 7 hours).
The central piazza of this picturesque town is a thermal pool where Romans rested and bathed en route north along the Via Cassia. Today you are not allowed to bathe here but you can take the waters in the nearby springs. The Renaissance arcaded area at the near end was built by the Medici who, like the Romans and Catherine of Siena before them, took the sulphur cure here.
Modern hotel overlooking Roman baths
Follow farm tracks leading towards the hilltop town of Castiglione d’Orcia, dominated by the imposing Rocca Aldobrandesca. Continue along strade bianche (gravel tracks) through quiet countryside, before reaching our charming B&B, set in a beautifully restored 8th-century palace in the medieval village of Campiglia d'Orcia, perched upon a rocky outcrop. (9.5 miles / 4.5-5 hours)
Campiglia d'Orcia, located close to the Via Francigena, the ancient road to Rome, dates back to 973 and was home to the Visconti family. This small medieval town has a very distinctive conical shape and at the top you'll find the tower and remains of the ruined castle, known as Rocca Visconti. Enjoy a wander through medieval streets and wonderful views over the Val d'Orcia.
Charming and welcoming B&B in historic centre
Walk through ancient chestnut and beech forests on the volcanic slopes of Monte Amiata before descending to the medieval town of Abbadia San Salvatore, with its 8th-century abbey. Continue on to Piancastagnaio, a hillside town with panoramic views, and stay overnight in a restored convent (11.8 miles / 6 hours).
Meaning ‘Castle on the chestnut plain’, this town of twisting streets rises on the slopes of Monte Amiata. It grew around the Rocca Aldobrandesca, a solid fortress built to watch over the valley of the Paglia river. Aside from the impressive fortress there are also a number of interesting churches.
Beautifully restored convent with pool and gardens
Tracks along low ridges with long views bring you 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 (17.6 miles, 7.5-8 hours). Comfortable 3-star hotel.
A small, unpretentious market town, little visited by tourists and named after its former cascades that flowed into Paglia, a tributary of the Tiber. It stands on a volcanic table sloping steeply down to the Paglia and was on the pilgrim’s route from the north to Rome. The most significant site here is the Basilica of San Sepolcro and its substantial crypt. The city museum is also well worth a visit. Just beyond the town is the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve with its Flower Museum and a variety of wildlife.
Friendly, refurbished hotel with family-run restaurant
Pass through open farmland, rural lanes and tracks via the small town of San Lorenzo Nuovo, enjoying wide views of Lake Bolsena, before descending to the town and your lakeside hotel (14.9 miles, 7-8 hours).
Friendly and welcoming, this is an attractive lakeside town of medieval alleyways and narrow cobbled streets that has been popular as a resort since Roman times. It has a well-preserved 14th century castle, with a museum and some interesting churches. The church of Santa Cristina boasts some fascinating catacombs. There are swimming opportunities in the lake or relax lakeside in one of the many bars.
Modern hotel close to lake
Ancient paths with lake views lead to panoramic Montefiascone, surmounted by a fortress. 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 hours). 3-star accommodation in the historic centre.
Clinging to the rim of an old volcanic crater, Montefiascone dates back to the Etruscans. Notable for its 17th century cathedral which dominates the skyline and the renowned white wine called Est! Est!! Est!!!
In historic centre, terrace with panoramic views
Following one of the finest sections of paved Roman road in Italy, 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 hours). Boutique, 4-star hotel in the centre.
Something of a rival to Rome during the 13th century, this medieval town houses several grand palaces and churches. Our optional city walk gives you a flavour for most parts of the city and places of interest, finishing at the archaeological museum, exhibiting fine Roman pottery and Etruscan artefacts. There are a number of good restaurants here offering from modern fare to traditional specialities.
Boutique hotel in central location
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to Challenging. The length of each day varies from 4.5 hours to a maximum of 8 hours walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. The walking is reasonably demanding as there are no rest days built into the itinerary.
Terrain: Dirt roads, farm tracks, wooded paths, broad gravel and cart tracks. For those planning an autumn trip, be prepared to cross one or two roughly ploughed fields. Terrain may be more rugged at times so please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. There are some steep ascents but no vertiginous sections.
Volcanic Landscapes is the second section of ATG's Ancient Paths to Rome making up a total of 225 Miles. If you plan to walk all three sections (including Tuscan Hills and Approach to Rome) we would rate the walking as challenging due to the sheer volume of walking and we would recommend rest sections between each weeklong itinerary.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour in Italy starting in the spa town of Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany, takes you south into Lazio. Keen walkers will enjoy 6 days of dedicated walking, exploring the volcanic landscapes of this lesser known part of central Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bagno Vignoni
Day 2: Bagno Vignoni to Campiglia d'Orcia
Day 3: Campiglia d'Orcia to Piancastagnaio
Day 4: Piancastagnaio to Acquapendente
Day 5: Acquapendente to Bolsena
Day 6: Bolsena to Montefiascone
Day 7: Montefiascone to Viterbo
Day 8: Departure
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 9 day independent walking tour in Italy includes everything on the 8 day itinerary with an extra day at the start of the trip staying in the medieval hilltop town of Montalcino, famous for Brunello di Montalcino wine. Enjoy an additional walk through Brunello vineyards and the opportunity to visit the superb Romanesque abbey-church of Sant’Antimo.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Montalcino
Day 2: Montalcino to Bagno Vignoni
Day 3: Bagno Vignoni to Campiglia d'Orcia
Day 4: Campiglia d'Orcia to Piancastagnaio
Day 5: Piancastagnaio to Acquapendente
Day 6: Acquapendente to Bolsena
Day 7: Bolsena to Montefiascone
Day 8: Montefiascone to Viterbo
Day 9: Departure
Prices (per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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