Tuscan paths to discover Valdichiana Senese by foot

Via Francigena, Via Lauretana, Cammino di Assisi and many other paths to explore Valdichiana Senese

Spring is the best time of the year to organize excursions on foot: discover with us the most beautiful Tuscan paths to do on foot in the Valdichiana Senese. From the famous Via Francigena to the Via Lauretana, there are many paths to follow in stages, with a slow walking philosophy that will accompany you to take a walking holiday of several days to combine the pleasure of walking in nature, discovering the villages and their history.

If you are planning an excursion in Tuscany here are some ideas for you:

The Via Francigena in Valdichiana Senese, on foot on the most important path in Europe

Via Francigena is one of the most famous walking routes in Europe, starting from Canterbury, England and arriving in Rome, passing through France and central-northern Italy. The Tuscan stretch is among the most beautiful and well-known of the Via Francigena, but not everyone knows that the path also crosses one of the most panoramic areas of the Valdichiana Senese, precisely between Radicofani and Acquapendente, in San Casciano dei Bagni area: walkers, as well as enjoy the breathtaking view of the countryside of the Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia, they can also stop in the small hamlet of Ponte a Rigo.

The Via Lauretana: Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena and Montepulciano

The Via Lauretana is a path of Etruscan origin, which had enormous success in medieval times. Name come from the destination, the Holy House of Loreto, in the Marche region: the path connected the Sanctuary to Siena, also including an Umbrian stretch. In recent years the Via Lauretana is experiencing a new fame thanks to the redevelopment of the Tuscan stretch, including the passage of the municipalities of Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena and Montepulciano.
The route in Valdichiana Senese is rather flat, in the typical Tuscan countryside, with some gradients to enter the village of Sinalunga and then into the medieval fortification of Torrita di Siena where, among other things, it is possible to admire a small masterpiece created by the sculptor Donatello: a marble lunette preserved in the Church of Santa Flora and Lucilla. Then continue towards Valiano, a small fortification perched on a hill halfway between Montepulciano and Cortona, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the entire Valdichiana.

Cammino di Assisi (Path of Assisi): from France to Assisi passing through the Valdichiana Senese

The path know also as Le Chemine d'Assise is a religious journey that starts from Vèzelay, the place where the first convent of Franciscan pilgrims in France was erected, and reaches Assisi, the place of meditation and retreat. chosen by St. Francis. The path shares part of the route with the Via Francigena but there is a deviation in the south of Tuscany: the pilgrims of the Way of Assisi arriving from Pienza walk the stretch of Valdichiana Senese in the municipalities of Montepulciano, crossing the ancient village and skirting the Montepulciano Lake, up to Chiusi, skirting the Chiusi Lake, and then heading towards Umbria.
There are wonderful paths to explore in spring and throughout the year. Here you will find other suggestions for walking and walking routes in Valdichiana Senese.

For a complete experience, Valdichiana Living has thought of stays with walks with expert environmental guides, or in freedom. Take a look at our proposals.