Mini guide of Valdichiana Senese's paths

WHAT A BETTER DAY TO DISCOVER A TERRITORY IF NOT ON FOOT? THE VALDICHIANA SENESE IS PERFECT FOR THE WALKING LOVERS. VENTURE AMONG THE TRACKS AND THE NATURAL TRAIL TO DISCOVER THE SINGLE LANDSCAPE OF THE VALDICHIANA, HAS NEVER BEEN SO BEAUTIFUL. HERE THERE ARE SOME PATHS TO DISCOVER.

THE VIN SANTO TRAIL IN TORRITA DI SIENA

You can go through it either on foot, on horseback, or by mountain bike. It is a 7 km trail along the local roads, which, according to historical records, recall the ancient medieval road that united the two Castles of Torrita and Montefollonico, i.e. the last bulwarks of the Republic of Siena in the wars against Montepulciano, which was allied to Florence. The area features one of the most striking scenery you can ever enjoy. The trail starts from the Camper Area of Torrita di Siena, and ends near Porta Follonica in Montefollonico. There you can find some parking areas available. Do not miss the tradition of Vin Santo, i.e. the major excellence of this area. It is a symbol of hospitality, as well as the protagonist of the event “Lo gradireste un goccio di Vin Santo? [Would You Like a Sip of Vin Santo?]”.   It is held every year on December 8, in Montefollonico.

THE “SENTIERO DELLA BONIFICA [“RECLAMATION TRAIL”]”, FROM MONTEPULCIANO TO CHIUSI

 Available either for walking or cycling enthusiasts. It winds along the Canale Maestro della Chiana, from Chiusi to Arezzo. A flat trail of about 65 km through cultivated fields and landscapes of great beauty, such as the Montepulciano Lake Nature Reserve, and historical remains, which testify to the reclamation works carried on in Val di Chiana, a swamp in the past. There are a lot of access points to the path, with the possibility of leaving the car near the trail. Otherwise, if you stay at one of the numerous farmhouses in Val di Chiana, you easily get there without going too far. Along the Path, you will find some practical directions to make pleasant digressions towards particular points of interest, or to combine the walk with small incursions in the various localities that arise in the valley. Discover the path by bike.

THE VINO NOBILE TRAIL IN MONTEPULCIANO

It is a cycle-pedestrian track, freely accessible every season on horseback, for a tour that combines travel, discovery, nature and well-being. The trail connects Montepulciano to the “Sentiero della Bonifica [Reclamation Trail]” to the east, and, through the Trail “Via della Barlettaia”, connects to the Via Francigena to the west. The trail takes its name from the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Beautiful vineyards are actually located in the landscapes crossed by the track, which has an overall development of 18.3 km. It starts from Piazza Sant’Agnese, a few meters from the historical center of the town, at 520 m ASL, to reach the Visitor Center “La Casetta” at Lake Montepulciano, at 520 m ASL. You can cover the train in about 3 hours and 45 minutes on foot, or in about 1 hour and a half by bike. We suggest you to go in a group, even with your family, maybe stopping at some points to admire the scenery, especially in spring, or in autumn: these are the best periods of the year to enjoy the landscape, but the trail is still accessible all year round. In fact, the trail winds through local streets of a public use, and is all fully signaled, freely accessible by everyone. Explore the Nobile trail with a tour.

THE “VIA DELLA BARLETTAIA” TRAIL IN PIENZA

Firstly, it takes over the heading of a route that, in the 14th century, joined Mount Amiata with Montepulciano and Val di Chiana. Then it passes through the Briccole, the shelter of Spedaletto and, below, between Monticchiello and Corsignano. It is a 20-km trail starting at the Temple of San Biagio, from Monticchiello and Pienza, passing through landscapes of stunning scenic beauty such as the Buca del Beato. The trail then follows the panoramic road to Pienza, in the amazing scenery of the most typical hills of Val d’Orcia (which is a Unesco Heritage Site). Then it continues through the beautiful Pieve di Corsignano, a sacred Romanesque building, and ends at the Castle of Spedaletto. The castle was built in XII Century and located along the route of the ancient Via Francigena.

YOU JUST HAVE TO PREPARE SHOES AND BACKPACK, AND CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL ITINERARY TO DISCOVER THE SECRETS PLACES OF VAL DI CHIANA SENESE.