Classic Tuscany - September 26-October 2, 2010

Before our rendezvous in Siena, undoubtedly one of Italy's most enchanting cities, allow time to visit the wonderful cathedral and its stunning piazza. We take a scenic drive to Montalcino, in the heart of the Brunello wine country, for our Introductory Talk and Welcome Dinner.

In the morning we explore the medieval treasures of Montalcino, one the most historic and vibrant Tuscan hilltop towns. After a short transfer we walk through olive groves and vineyards to the romantic abbey of Sant’Antimo to attend to a gregorian chant. After lunch in a local trattoria, we continue walking until we reach a family run Brunello organic wine farm where we will be shown the wine production in the canteens and enjoy a wonderful wine tasting.

We walk directly from the hotel over rolling hillsides, through vineyards and wheat fields, to the medieval village of San Quirico d’Orcia, where we have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we walk through the countryside along dirt roads to the hot water Spa resort of Bagno Vignoni, with a Renaissance pool in the main square where hot water bubbles up from underground springs. Here Santa Caterina of Siena and Lorenzo the Magnificent, of the Medici family, came to enjoy the benefits of these waters. We can spend the afternoon in the hot water pool or wander around and relax in a café.

On Monte Cetona, we walk through oak and maple woods to see the caves where Saint Francis dwelt and continue to lunch in Castigliocello del Trinoro. Trails through beech woods lead us to the spectacular stately gardens of La Foce, originally designed by the English architect Cecil Pinsent, and once the home of Iris Origo. The harmony between buildings, garden and nature makes this an ideal example of Tuscany's architectural and cultural evolution in the 20th century.

We walk from our hotel to Agriturismo Il Rigo, a Tuscan farmhouse specializing in cookery courses, where we will have the chance to join in preparing typical Tuscan specialities followed by lunch in this glorious setting. In the afternoon we either walk or have a transfer to visitthe Romitorio of Pienza, an Etruscan tomb excavated in the rocks and which was used as a hermitage in the Middle Ages. We continue to our hotel in the lovely town of Pienza, a delightful hilltop town built by Pope Pius II in his own honor.

This morning, we visit Montepulciano, a stunning little renaissance town perched on its hill of tufa and famous for its "vino nobile" red wine. We walk from the magnificent church of San Biagio to the hillside village of Montichiello, with superb views of the Orcia valley. We lunch at an organic farm before returning to Pienza for an aperitif and Farewell Dinner.

This morning The Wayfarers arrange your transfer to Chiusi station.