Southern Tuscany

What sort of weather can I expect?

Meteorological records for the area, taken over a period of more than 10 years, are represented in the Weather Chart provided
with each itinerary. In April the air is fresh, the sun warm, and there are likely to be (occasionally heavy) showers; evenings can be a bit nippy. In May the temperatures warm  considerably. Daytime temperatures from mid May through June will feel hot if you are travelling from more temperate climes. If you are fit and can cope with very hot, sunny conditions, you may wish to consider July and August in order to enjoy the benefits of a quiet period as many other tourists and locals head for the mountains or coast; stamina and heat/sun resistance, sun cream and hat will be required. Early September is still hot and dry. Throughout these summer months, the periods of hot, sunny days are punctuated by brief but dramatic thunderstorms demanding proper waterproofs. Mid-late September offers increasingly pleasant temperatures and in October the air becomes fresher, the views longer, while returning rains turn the fields green again.

What sort of walking can I expect?

This walking holiday is Grade 3 . The walking is reasonably demanding: there is only one free day. Although much of the walking follows dirt roads, there are also farm tracks, smaller wooded paths and small surfaced roads. Some field crossings, some thread-like grassy tracks. For those planning an autumn trip – do be prepared to cross one or two roughly ploughed fields. There are no vertiginous patches.  People are always surprised by the steep climb up to Montalcino! Pienza too requires quite an effort (at the end of an otherwise easy walk). The walk to Bagno Vignoni is the ‘big one’ – it’s long, up and down, some eroded and tough sections underfoot and you cross some quite wild and isolated countryside, which adds to the sense of adventure.

8-day: Walks are offered on 6 days (or 7 with the optional extension). 5-day: Walks are offered on 4 days (5 with optional extension). The walk lengths vary from 2.5 hours to a maximum of 7 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 or rests. On certain days paths may cross a more rugged terrain or ground that is muddy in wet weather – please make sure that your foot­wear provides sufficient ankle
support.

What if I don't want to walk?

You don’t have to! You can get a lift with the Route Manager to the next hotel when your bags are moved on, or we can arrange taxis and advise you of local transport options to facilitate shortening the walks.

How do I get to the start of the route?

TRAVEL TO ITALY

The recommended destination airports for this route are Pisa and Florence for the start of the route; and Florence or Rome airports for the end of the route.  Note: Rome airports are not convenient to Buonconvento (start of 5-day route).

TRAVEL TO THE FIRST HOTEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

From Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale Station: Take the high-speed Pisa Mover train which runs every day from 6am to midnight at 5/8-minute intervals and costs €5. Train tickets can be bought at the far right hand end of the arrivals hall as you come out of baggage reclaim into the hall. You should be able to buy a combined Pisa Mover and train ticket to avoid queuing for a train ticket at Pisa Centrale.

Alternatively you can take a taxi from the airport to Pisa Centrale station.

From Pisa Centrale take the train (usually destined for Florence) that stops at Empoli.  At Empoli change onto a train to Siena (journey time 2 hours; price approx. €11). Tickets for the whole journey can be bought at the biglietteria counter/ information desk, which is located at the right hand end of the arrivals hall as you come out of baggage reclaim into the hall or the ticket machine at the start of the platforms. You must validate your ticket before boarding by stamping it in the green and white platform machines. 

For BUONCONVENTO (5-day route): The fastest train routing from Pisa Centrale is via Empoli and Siena. Journey time 2 hours 20, €13.There are more expensive options with only one change (at either Grosseto or Montepescali), but they take longer.

Train timetables: www.trenitalia.com

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remember to validate any train ticket you purchase in Italy before you board the train by stamping it in the green and white machine at the entrance to the platform; your ticket is not valid for travel unless you do this and you can be fined if you fail to do so.

From Florence airport: There is an airport bus (every 30 mins, journey time 20 mins) which takes you to Florence station (or you could take a taxi). From here, trains run direct to Siena (some via Empoli). Journey time 1.5 hours; price approx. €12. 

There are also twice-hourly buses Florence-Siena, cost €9, journey time 1 hr 25 mins. Florence bus station “Autostazione Sita” is approx 350m from the main entrance to the train station, across the Piazza della Stazione towards Via della Scala.

Buy your ticket in the bus station ticket office.  RAPIDA buses take 1hour 15mins, ORDINARIA buses take 1hr 35mins. For timetables: http://www.tiemmespa.it/ 

For BUONCONVENTO (5-day route): The fastest train routing from Florence is via Siena / Empoli & Siena. Journey time 2 - 2.5 hours, €12.

Train timetables: www.trenitalia.com

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remember to validate any train ticket you purchase in Italy before you board the train by stamping it in the green and white machine at the entrance to the platform; your ticket is not valid for travel unless you do this and you can be fined if you fail to do so.

From Rome Fiumcino airport: The “Leonardo Express” train runs very frequent services 7 days a week to Roma Termini station.  Journey time 32mins, €14. 

From Rome stations: There are frequent trains to Siena from Rome Termini, and less frequent departures from Ostiense and Tiburtina; however costs vary greatly (€17-€60!) depending on routing and type of train. Be sure to check www.trenitalia.com to plan your journey. Journey time from Termini: 3-3.5 hours.

From Rome Ciampino airport: 

There are shuttle buses to Roma Termini operated by Terravision (www.terravision.eu) and SIT (www.sitbusshuttle.com) . If you buy your ticket online it will cost €13 return, slightly more if you buy on the bus or at the airport/ station. Buses leave regularly from outside the departures terminal, journey time 40 minutes. 

Note: There is not a ticket counter selling bus tickets at Ciampino airport. You should simply go outside the terminal and look for the buses/their agents selling tickets.

A taxi journey from Ciampino to any one location within Rome’s walls is a very reasonable (approx) €30 for up to 4 passengers. This is a flat rate set by the government. Don’t let the taxi driver propose a higher rate. The taxi rank is outside the terminal.

The closest train station to Ciampino airport is “Ciampino”, which you can reach by bus (every 30 mins; cost €1, journey 5 mins) or taxi.  From Ciampino station there are very frequent train services to Roma Termini, journey time is approximately 15mins and costs €1.50. Services to the other central stations take between 45 minutes-1 hour as they are not direct. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remember to validate any train ticket you purchase in Italy before you board the train by stamping it in the green and white or yellow machine at the entrance to the platform; your ticket is not valid for travel unless you do this and you can be fined if you fail to do so.

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First Hotel (8-day route)

Siena station is quite a long way from the old town (35 – 40 minute walk). We suggest that the easiest way for you to reach your hotel would be to take a taxi from the station. If there are no taxis at Siena station you can call Radio Taxi Siena on 0577 49222. Taxis cost approx €10. 

First Hotel (5-day route)

Il Ghibellino: From the train station in Buonconvento, cross the main road and continue straight on into Via Vittorio Veneto. Take the 1st right along Via Liberazione. After 150 m, there is a car park/piazza on the LHS. The entrance to the Hotel Ghibellino is at the end of the first block of buildings on LHS to the left of the news stand. 

CAR PARKING

You can leave your car in Siena ‘Parcheggio Il Duomo’ (entrance through Porta Tufi) which has a special price for Siena hotel guests of €35 a day or €140 per week  (the ticket has to be stamped by the hotel before paying). You can return to Siena from Pienza or Montepulciano by bus except on Sundays. Journey time 2 hours, €11. A taxi back to Siena costs approx €130. 

In Buonconvento (start of 5-day route): You can leave your car in Buonconvento at the parking area along the main road or just in the square in front of the Hotel Ghibellino. 

In Pienza clients can park at the San Gregorio (standard) hotel. Contact the office for rates. There is a free car parking at the extension hotel in Montefollonico.

BY TAXI

To Siena:  A taxi from Florence airport to the first hotel in Siena takes 1.5 hours and costs from €140. A taxi from Pisa airport takes slightly under 2 hours and costs from €220. A taxi from Rome airport takes just over 2 hrs and costs from €480. Prices may be higher at weekends, Bank Holidays or late at night.

To Buonconvento: A taxi from Florence airport  takes 2 hours and costs approx €180. A taxi from Pisa takes 2.5 hrs and costs €250. 

Please place your booking with the ATG office at least two weeks before departure. The cost of the taxi will be confirmed to you once the booking is secured. Payment of the taxi fare should be made locally, not to ATG. The driver will have your flight details and will be waiting in Arrivals with a sign showing your name or ATG.

•If you change your flight please notify us on 01865 315678 so we can contact the taxi company to reschedule the taxi. 

•If, on the day of departure, your flight is cancelled or you miss or change it, please immediately contact the ATG emergency number 01865 315600 so we can contact the taxi company to reschedule or cancel the taxi for you. 

•If your flight is delayed and you have arranged for the taxi to meet you at the destination airport, your taxi driver will wait for you. 

•If you are delayed and you have arranged for a taxi to meet you at a non airport location (e.g. a train station) it is essential that you contact your Route Manager or call the ATG emergency line to notify us at the earliest possible moment, so we can contact the taxi company to re-schedule or cancel the taxi for you. 

•Please note that failure to advise ATG that you cannot meet the taxi booked for you may result in the taxi costs being passed back to you. 

Important: Taxi prices quoted apply to the local firm used regularly by ATG – and are guaranteed only if you book through the office in advance. If you get a taxi off a taxi rank please ask the driver to confirm the price for the journey before departing. 

AT THE END OF YOUR TRIP

Your onward journey from Pienza, Montepulciano or Montefollonico can be made by public transport, although you may prefer to take a taxi to the nearest train station.  

From Pienza to Pisa & Florence: There are several daily bus departures from Pienza to Buonconvento (not Sundays or public holidays). Journey time 40 mins, €3.40. See timetables here:www.tiemmespa.it

You need to buy your ticket (at a bar/shop etc nearby which has the bus company’s sticker in the window) before getting on the bus. When you have boarded you need to validate your ticket in the little orange machine inside. 

Or a taxi will cost €70 to Buonconvento, €130 to Siena.

From Buonconvento and Siena there are regular onward trains.

From Pienza to Florence/Florence airport: Please check timetables at www.trenitalia.com.  A shuttle bus runs from Florence station to the airport every 30 minutes, journey time 20 mins.

To Pisa/Pisa airport: Please check timetables at www.trenitalia.com.  At Pisa Centrale change onto the airport People Mover.  

From Pienza to Rome

To reach Chiusi-Chianciano station you need to travel via Montepulciano. There is a bus service between Pienza and Montepulciano. Your Route Manager will be able to give you current timetables or you can phone the bus company directly on Tel: 0577 204 111 /204 225 (only Italian spoken). Or, a taxi Pienza-Chiusi costs approx €100.

From Montepulciano: The closest train station is Chiusi-Chianciano. The bus journey to takes around 50 mins (windy road!). Or, a taxi journey takes 40 mins and costs approx €70.

NB buses leave from outside the town walls at some distance from the hotel. Please check the bus timetable before your departure - either ask your Route Manager or contact Chiusi tourist office on 0578 227667 (open daily 10.00-12.00). 

Please note that there are no buses on Sundays; therefore if you are travelling back on that day, you will need to book a taxi. 

From Montefollonico: There is no bus service to Chiusi Chianciano so you will have to take a taxi (30 mins, approx €75). 

BY TAXI

A taxi holding 3-4 passengers plus luggage will cost approx:

•To Florence: From Pienza €240; from Montepulciano/Montefollonico  €300 

•To Pisa or Rome: €350 from each location

•Pienza to Chiusi station: €100 (45 mins, allow 1hour to buy train ticket)

•Montepulciano/Montefollonico to Chiusi: €70 (30 mins, allow 1 hour to buy train ticket) 

If you need a taxi at the end of your trip, please ask your Route Manager to book it for you, and pay the taxi fare locally, not to ATG.

FUTHER INFORMATION

The following may be of use in helping you plan your journey:

Rail Europe: +44 (0) 870 8371 371 www.raileurope.co.uk

International Rail: +44 (0) 871 231 0790 www.internationalrail.com

Italian train timetables: www.trenitalia.com

All European train timetables: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml 

Whilst  ATG provides travel information that is accurate at the time of publication this may be subject to change, international flights may be delayed, national and regional transport systems may be subject to expedient alterations (whether timetables, or local engineering works). Information regarding such changes is available online.

Apart from flights or taxis booked through ATG, the Company has little or no knowledge of clients’ independent plans and arrangements prior to their arrival. 

Please check flight, train or bus timetables for the most up-to-date information prior to departure.

Where can I leave my car if I drive to the route?

You can leave your car in Siena ‘Parcheggio Il Duomo’ (entrance through Porta Tufi) which has a special price for Siena hotel guests of €35 a day or €140 per week  (the ticket has to be stamped by the hotel before paying). You can return to Siena from Pienza or Montepulciano by bus except on Sundays. Journey time 2 hours, €9. A taxi back to Siena costs approx €130. 

In Buonconvento (start of 5-day route): You can leave your car in Buonconvento at the parking area along the main road or just in the square in front of the Hotel Ghibellino. 

In Pienza clients can park at the San Gregorio (standard) hotel. Contact the office for rates. There is a free car parking at the extension hotel in Montefollonico.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever clothes and footwear you find most comfortable for everyday wear, and a change or two for the evenings – smart/casual.
Some trips include quite distinguished hotels and restaurants, for which you may wish to ‘dress up’ in the evening, however on Independent trips you have more flexibility in determining how casual you wish to be. For walking we recommend lightweight walking boots with firm ankle support (make sure you wear them in before the trip!), a small daypack for your lightweight waterproof clothing, camera, fleece etc. An increasing number of people bring telescopic walking poles. For a comprehensive packing list click here: what to bring

What sort of food can I expect?

Tuscan food is simple and uses good local ingredients which complement the excellent robust wines of the region. It is seasonal food usually prepared with home grown ingredients. Although the Tuscans are called ‘bean eaters’ (mangiafagioli)
the main staple of their diet, apart from pasta, is bread which is
traditionally unsalted to complement the salted prosciutto, salami and strong sheep’s cheeses.

Whilst it is a traditional cuisine, it is not a poor one, and meat and game feature strongly, preferably cooked on an open fire. The Tuscans are less interested in the presentation of the food than
in the excellence of the ingredients, and even the most elegant restaurants serve rustic terracotta bowls of rich vegetable and bean soups. The Tuscans also have a sweet tooth,
producing a variety of rich spicy cakes full of candied fruit and nuts, and light biscuits.

Breakfast

Most of the hotels we use offer a buffet-style breakfast with a wide range of both hot and cold choices. 4- and 5-star hotels almost always offer ‘cooked’ breakfast. Occasionally, in more remote areas, or in some 2 or 3-star hotels, breakfast can be a decidedly more ‘Continental’ affair – i.e. bread, croissant, juice, coffee.

Lunch

The ATG Route Booklets and our ‘Sustainable Shopping Guides’ are filled with information about markets and shops in which to buy your lunch. From seasonal fruits, local cheeses, cured hams and freshly baked breads, you are limited only by what you can carry in your pack!

Dinner

On some routes, usually where there is no other restaurant within walking distance, half-board accommodation is included (see ‘what is included’ for this trip). In other areas where there is a selection of restaurants, ATG includes a list of recommendations in your ATG Route Booklet. Some restaurants are recommended because they have provided meals that have been regularly enjoyed by ATG clients; other restaurants are renowned internationally (e.g., within the Guide Michelin).

Restaurant bookings

Your Route Manager will be delighted to book restaurants for you if required, ensuring the places you eat at are...

•Your first choice

•The highest standard

• The best value

...and you are not disappointed by finding the restaurant full.

Wine

Superb red wines of the area, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in particular complement the cuisine. Decent Chianti is also produced in much of this region. White wines are fewer but some of the Montalcino vineyards have started developing their own whites using grape varieties that are not necessarily traditional to the area. Try Banfi’s Fumaio (Sauvignon/Chardonnay) or Le Rime (Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio) for well priced and highly quaffable whites in this category.

Several of our independent routes (including this one) pass through well-known wine producing regions. If you are particularly interested in wine you may also like to consider...

• Classic Alsace

• Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron

• Siena to Florence

• Tuscany & Siena

• Tuscan Hills

• Barolo & the Langhe Hills 

• Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

• Roman Roads to Orvieto

• Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto

• Umbria & Assisi

• Sintra & the Portuguese Coast

What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

When you book, let us know about any restrictions. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our routes due to the wide variety of shops and restaurants available. Your Route Manager will provide you with advice and recommendations at your briefing.

What should I bring to wear in the evenings?

There is no need to dress up for dinner – ‘smart casual’ dress is acceptable in all but the smartest restaurants in Italy.

Do the hotels have WIFI, hair dryers, laundry service?

All have WIFI and hair dryers. Only the Santa Caterina offers laundry service.

How much should I budget for items not included?

You can get an idea of transport costs in the ‘getting there’ section of
the trip page. For lunches, costs will depend on whether you choose to buy picnic items or eat in bars/restaurants. Dinners: some are included (see ‘what’s included’). For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. Entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs will vary considerably depending on how much you want to see and how old you are (!). Over 60s enjoy significantly reduced prices at many attractions, so it is worth carrying (safely) some form of identification showing your age. Other costs are items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to limit your walking with public transport or taxis.

City Tax (Italy only)

In March 2011, the Italian legislature passed a decree that created a new tourism tax to be paid by visitors to Italy and collected by the accommodation where they are staying. The purpose is to raise revenue that municipalities can use to maintain local facilities and infrastructure and to help in the preservation of cultural and historical treasures, all of which benefits tourists. The roll-out of the tax has been gradual, with each council determining the way in which it should be implemented. First introduced in the big cities, since 2012
the tax has been introduced by many other town councils. The tax is charged by guest per night, with an upper limit to the number of nights that can be charged. The rate (usually €1-2 Euros per person per night) is determined by the rating of the accommodation. This tax is not included in the price of independent holidays but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.

What if I want to extend my trip?

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 booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.

Where can I find general FAQs?

For FAQs relating to the Company and general trip questions, click here