THE SWEET HILLS OF SIENA AND VAL D'ORCIA

1° Day Siena

Late morning arrival of group in Siena, a city with the Chianti woods on one sideand the crete (hilly area between Siena and Val di Chiana with clay earth) on the other, and compared to the land once dominated by the city, Siena is in a central position as though resting in the middle of a low hill. The city, famous for its Palio with its districts, is truly fascinating, thanks to its multicoloured flags, its narrow, winding streets, the perfection of its Gothic monuments, the many famous people born there, and its high quality products you can savour anywhere. The very high Torre del Mangia that stands proud over Piazza del Campo can be seen from all around, and it is precisely from this square that you can get to the Dome, San Domenico, Santa Caterina, Piazza Salimbeni, Via di Città, and Porta Romana. Lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon departure for the Abbey of San Galgano. . The magnificent, suggestive remains of what used to be a majestic Cistercian abbey are in a valley surrounded by the woods of Siena and the river Merse. What is left of the magnificent building is absolutely unbelievable; slightly further north you can see the small Church of Montesiepi, with its famous “sword in the stone”, bringing to mind the legend of San Galgano, but, as opposed to the legend of Excalibur, can be seen and touched, not just imagined. Arrival at hotel, evening meal and accommodation.

2° Day Monte Oliveto – Montalcino – Abbey of San Antimo

After breakfast in the hotel, the first stop is at the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, right in the centre of the Siena clay earth hills. Then on to Montalcino, standing on a high hill that looks down to Val d’Orcia, Valle dell’Arso and Val d’Arbia. The town is spread out over the side of the hill protected by a majestic fortress with ancient churches and buildings scattered all over. We suggest a stop at the wine cellar where the excellent, world famous “Brunello” wine is made. Stop for lunch. Next stop the Abbey of S.Antimo: a marvellous example of a Romanesque-French style abbey that suddenly appears before you after the last bend in a cool road surrounded by woods. It is built on a plateau surrounded by hills, and at the back you can see the quarries where the marvellous stone used to build it came from: alabaster. Return to hotel, evening meal and accommodation.

3° Day Montepulciano – Pienza

After breakfast in the hotel, the first stop is Montepulciano. This town, that stands on a hill opposite Val di Chiana, in an area once inhabited by the Etruscans and the Romans, at a height of six hundred and five metres above sea level, is considered a sixteenth century jewel due to the many excellent pieces of architecture. Montepulciano is famous above all for its Nobile, a red, d.o.c.g. wine, exalted since early days by wine experts. Speaking of which, you can visit one of the wine cellars more often than not made out of the cellars of the Patrician buildings. Once you leave the town you will immediateley see the magnificent Church of San Biagio, and the beutiful green of the field all around is contrasted by the travertine yellow, colours that change tone depending on the season, the weather and, even the time of day. Inside, the shape in the centre is such that the sound can be heard clearly all over the church. Next stop nearby Pienza where you will have lunch in a restaurant. Tour of the city in the afternoon; Pienza, the Renaissance city par excellence. "Born from a thought of love and a dream of beauty", its name comes from its Pope Pio II, who succeeded in having it founded in only four years, thus creating a jewel like no other, an example to everybody of beauty, harmony and architectural perfection. There are many beautiful places to see: as well as the numerous monuments, much appreciated by tourists, there is something unique to be seen in every corner, like breathtaking, unexpected views that open out before your very eyes, or streets with suggestive, poetical names: Via delle Serve Smarrite, Via della Fortuna, Via dell’Amore, Via del Bacio. In the many shops that sell typical, local products, you can find something tasty to suit everybody: cheese, wine, oil, aromatic herbs etc...Return to hotel, evening meal and accommodation.

4° Day San Gimignano

After breakfast in the hotel, departure for San Gimignano, the beautiful city of the towers. You will visit: Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo del Popolo e del Podestà, Piazza della Cisterna. Lunch in a restaurant.