Essential Tuscany

On Offer

7 nights accommodation

Availability Sep-Oct 2026

One itinerary available

Half Board

Grades 1 & 2 details

544kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,649

pp

Inc flights

Members From

£1,599

pp

Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Arguably one of Italy’s most evocative landscapes, Tuscany tempts with rolling hills, ancient vineyards, cypress trees, and photogenic medieval towns filled with interesting art and architecture. Highlights include relaxing in the natural hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, walking through rural landscapes, and spending time in historic towns and villages such as Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino. There’s also plenty of gentle countryside walks as well as the chance to sample the food and wine this region is so famous for.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
The 3-star Hotel Albergo Palazzuolo is set in a peaceful location in the countryside surrounding the village of San Quirico, and is very convenient for the local amenities. This family-owned hotel was originally an attractive farmhouse, extended on both sides to incorporate the bedrooms. The property has excellent views to the rolling hills of Montalcino and offers good standards of service and comfort with a relaxing atmosphere after your days out walking.
Italy - Tuscany - Hotel Albergo Palazzuolo -camera con vista piano superiore 3.jpg

Walking grades and options

This is a level 1 and level 2 graded Activity, Easier walks: 4 to 7 miles (6½ to 11km) on good tracks and paths, with short but steep ascents. Up to 900 feet (270m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 6 to 10 miles (9½ to 16km) on good tracks and paths, with short but steep ascents. Up to 1,800 feet (540m) of ascent in a day.


What You’ll Love

  • Discovering this breathtaking landscape on foot
  • Visiting the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino
  • Taking a ridge walk for beautiful views of Rocca
  • Enjoying the natural hot springs at Bagno Vignoni
  • Spending time in the tiny village of Pienza
  • Sampling regional food and wine

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in San Quirico
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Welcome to Hotel Albergo Palazzuolo. Unpack and settle in.

The hot springs at Bagno Vignoni have been known since Etruscan times. Santa Caterina of Siena and Lorenzo the Magnificent were amongst those to have taken advantage of the therapeutic values of the waters. The Medici family built the splendid arcaded pool which sits in the middle of the village where you would expect to find the main square.

Option 1 - A New Route to The Spa

Distance: 4 miles (6½km)

Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: We start our week with an exploration of San Quirico, a fascinating town in its own right with some spectacular views from the town walls. We then head south out of town through beautiful countryside to Vignoni Alta with its truncated tower. Our route continues descending towards Bagno Vignoni accompanied by great views to Rocca d’Orcia.

Highlight: Explore Bagno Vignone with its hot springs and interesting history.

Option 2 - A Castle and a Spa

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 700 feet (200m)

In summary: After exploring San Quirico with the easier group, we too head south, taking a loop out to the west via Forn del Chigi and Poggio Grande. We then head east past the ruins of the old bridge, swept away in 1929, and up the side of the calcite cliffs, past bathing pools, to arrive in Bagno Vignoni to join the easier group.

Highlight: Views to Monte Amiata, which forms the southern backdrop to the Val d’Orcia.

Montalcino is a Tuscan hill town with a full circuit of walls. It was permanently settled in 1,000AD by fugitives from the Saracens and their family groups, the Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga and Travaglio. To this day you will see rival flags outside the houses and they compete against each other in an archery competition. The final destination of both walks is the Abbey of Sant'Antimo with time to explore before enjoying refreshments in the village of Castelnuovo dell Abate.

Option 1 - Montalicino to Sant'Antimo

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Total ascent: 700 feet (240m)

In summary: The harder walk begins at Montalcino where, after a chance to look around, we head off towards the Abbey of Sant'Antimo through undulating countryside, woodland and farmland.

Highlight: Villa a Tolli, an ancient hamlet of Etruscan origin.

Option 2 - From the Castle to the Abbey

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: Our walk starts with a bus ride to Montalcino where we can explore the town and enjoy a drink before re-joining the coach to take us to the start of our walk a couple of miles south. Our route takes us through forests, vineyards and farmlands as we make our way to our objective of the day, the Abbey of San Antimo. Our coach then picks us up at the edge of Castelnuovo dell Abate.

Highlight: Visit the attractive town of Montalcino.

Pienza was once a small village named Corsignano, where Pope Pius II was born. When he became Pope in 1459, he commissioned the most famous architect of his day, Bernardo Rossellini, to create a city fit for a Pope on the site of his birthplace. Pius died within three years of the completion of the city, which was largely ignored by future Popes, leaving us with a beautifully preserved renaissance city not much bigger than a village.

Option 1 - Montepulciano to Montichiello

Distance: 5.5 miles (9.6km)

Total ascent: 1000 feet (300m)

In summary: After looking around the beautiful city of Montepulciano, we start our walk across rolling countryside past the pilgrimage church of San Biagio. On reaching Montichiello, we reboard our coach for the beautiful walled hilltop town of Pienza.

Highlight: Monticchiello is a delightful walled village with a crooked watch tower and a 13th century parish church.

Option 2 - Montepulciano to Pienza

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)

In summary: Our walk starts from Montepulciano. After a spot of sightseeing, we head east out of town towards Monticchiello and onto Pienza where we can join the easier group for refreshments.

Highlight: Pienza is an historical town with Romanesque architecture.

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. If there is sufficient demand, leaders can organise a visit to San Gimignano.

San Gimignano: This is a fascinating hilltop town with a breathtaking skyline of towers. You can enter the town through the Porta San Giovanni and then head to the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo has an exotic interior containing fresco cycles of the Old and New Testament stories. It is worthwhile visiting the Rocca and ramparts which offer extensive views across the countryside. The church of St. Augustine is well away from the crowds and has frescoes on the life of Saint Francis. On the return to San Quirico you could stop at the heavily fortified small town of Monteriggioni, once the border of the Florence and Siena republics.

Villa La Foce: Visit this villa and its gardens, made famous by Iris Origo’s book War in the Val d’Orcia – An Italian Diary 1943-44.

Located on a ridge that separates the Val d'Orcia and Valdichiana is the Piertaporciana Nature reserve known for its rare flora, we finish in the pretty hilltop town of Sarteano with it castle looming over.

Option 1 - Le Foce to Castiglioncello del Trinoro Sarteano

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1650 feet (500m)

In summary: We start our walk at Le Foce, and begin our gentle climb into the Pietraporciana Nature Reserve, with its rare flora. We then pass the visitor centre and café, and make a delightful detour to the medieval town of Castiglioncello del Trinoro before dropping down into beautiful Sarteano.

Highlight: Explore Sarteano a real treat off the tourist trail

Option 2 - Le Foce to Sarteano

Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)

Ascent: 1,280 feet (390m)

In summary: A short bus ride from the hotel, we start the walk at Le Foce an impressive country house with beautiful gardens. A gentle climb takes us into the Pietraporciana nature reserve passing low lying Beechwood, we pass the small visitor centre once a hideout for partisans in the world war. We then make our way through this idyllic reserve to the pretty medieval village of Sarteano and time for a small exploration.

Highlight: Explore Sarteano a real treat off the tourist trail

Today we travel south to the castle keep of Tentennano, known locally as Rocca d’Orcia. The harder walk is circular, starting and finishing at the Rocca and taking in three castles. The easier walk takes in a beautiful stretch of the Via Francigena heading for the little village of Gallina which sits on the 43rd Parallel. Both groups walk through undulating farmland and woodland where wild game, such as deer and boar have been seen. At the end of both walks there will be the opportunity to climb the tower of the castle keep and/or take refreshments at the café nearby before we return to the hotel.

Option 1 - From the Rocca to the 43rd Parallel along the Via Francigena

Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)

Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: Today’s walk begins with a circuit of the beautiful village of Castiglione d’Orcia before walking through Rocca d’Orcia village and picking up the Via Francigena which we walk almost all the way to Gallina. After a short refreshment stop we will board the coach to return to our starting point and meet up with the harder walkers at Rocca d’Orcia.

Highlight: Castiglione d’Orcia is an ancient settlement first referenced in 714AD.

Option 2 - Rocca D’Orcia Circular – A Three Castles Walk

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Total ascent: 1,640 feet (500m)

In summary: The walk starts by wandering through the medieval streets of Rocca d’Orcia village. An old road, now just a track takes us down to the Orcia River with views of Ripa d’Orcia. We follow the river for a while before gaining height to join a ridge with stunning views of Monte Amiata to the south. The return allows us to explore the village of Castiglione d’Orcia and its castle – the Rocca Aldobrandesca. Finally we return to Rocca d’Orcia to join the easier party with time to explore the castle and/or take refreshments.

Highlight: Take in views of three medieval castles.

We hope to see you again soon.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Accommodation

Hotel Albergo Palazzuolo - Tuscany

The 3-star Hotel Albergo Palazzuolo is set in a peaceful location in the countryside surrounding the village of San Quirico, and is very convenient for the local amenities. This family-owned hotel was originally an attractive farmhouse, extended on both sides to incorporate the bedrooms. The property has excellent views to the rolling hills of Montalcino and offers good standards of service and comfort with a relaxing atmosphere after your days out walking.

Hotel Albergo Palazzuolo facilities consists of:

  • Lounge
  • Bar
  • Terrace
  • Attractive gardens
  • Outdoor swimming pool (swimming hat is required)

Our holidays at Hotel Albergo Palazzuolo are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.

Breakfast

The self-select continental breakfast includes cereal, cheese and cooked meats, bread, croissants and home-produced honey. Tea and coffee is available.

Lunch (payable locally)

You can buy a picnic lunch from the hotel (order the night before). Alternatively ingredients can be bought in local shops, including a supermarket five minutes' walk away. On some days it may be possible to eat in a café during a walk or excursion; your leaders will advise you of all the options.

Evening meal

The five course set menu features many Tuscan specialities, using homemade pasta and locally-produced oil, meat and cheese. An alternative is available for vegetarians; however we recommend that those with special diets discuss their requirements with the manager or chef.

Drinks

There is a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits.

The hotel has 42 comfortable bedrooms, all en-suite with shower. 

All bedrooms also have:

  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Fridge
  • Hairdryer

Getting here

Address

Hotel Albego Palazzuolo
Via S. Caterina 43
San Quirico d’Orcia
53027 Siena

Tel: 0039 0577 897080

More Information

Vaccinations & health information EU NEW 2026

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

Passport & Visa information - SHARED FOR ALL EU NEW 2026

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Packing list - Overseas Guided Walking

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

With flights EU & WW

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Without flights EU

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

Local currency (Europe)

The local currency is the Euro (€)

Electricity information for Tuscany

220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

ATM availability for Tuscany

There are several ATM machines in San Quirico where you can obtain money.

Carbon Footprint - 544kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: SQR07-LCL09

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Dates & availability

Essential Tuscany

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

12 Sep - 19 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Call to Enquire

26 Sep - 3 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,779

£1,599

pp

Members

£1,729

£1,549

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Save £100 Per Person

3 Oct - 10 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,749 £1,649

£1,599 £1,499

pp

Members

£1,699 £1,599

£1,549 £1,449

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Save £100 Per Person

10 Oct - 17 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,749 £1,649

£1,599 £1,499

pp

Members

£1,699 £1,599

£1,549 £1,449

pp
Single rooms

£1,833 £1,733

pp

£1,783 £1,683

pp

£1,683 £1,583

pp

£1,633 £1,533

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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