EXCURSIONS around SIENA
Around Siena the countryside is perfect for all types of slow travel, excursions on foot, horseback or by bicycle that give the body and mind a fresh surge of vitality, away from our daily routine and stress. Footprints, bicycle tracks and hoof marks appear and disappear with the changing of seasons, and these itineraries are an invitation to the discovery of yet another aspect of this wonderful land.
From Siena you can plan some wonderful days or weekends in the country side. Or even just day trips as many places are within an hour and a half's distance from Siena using public transport or some travel agency from Siena. Don't forget to give a look also to our suggested excursions in Tuscany country side.
MONTEPULCIANO
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In the village of Montepulciano visit Antonio da Sangallo's San Biagio, a wonderful Renaissance church. You can then spend time walking the streets and feel what it was like to live in the medieval period.
PIENZA
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In Pienza, in the mid-15th century, Pope Pius II turned this out of the way hill town into a testing ground for the most advanced Renaissance ideas about urban planning. Take a morning to walk the streets before moving onto the next village.
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SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano is a medieval town that owes its famous skyline to the rival families who tried to outdo each other by building taller and taller towers. Of the original 76 towers only 13 still survive today.
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ASCIANO
This hill town is a medieval oasis in the "Crete" desert, with many historical monuments. It has a Romanesque Basilica di Sant'Agata within the 15th century ramparts.
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BAGNO VIGNONI
Besides being a pleasant little town set up like a terrace on the Orcia valley, it has a thermal water basin right in the middle of the town square. It is a popular spa town with both an official spa and outside stone culverts with thermal water running in the open.
LE CRETE
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The name comes from the "crests" of clay eroded over the centuries into a dramatic desert of parched hillocks. The area is home to some of the most remote vestiges of the Sienese heritage in the enchanting scenery of the Val d'Orcia area. This unique natural landscape has inspired countless poets, writers and painters. only 13 still survive today.
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MONTALCINO
South of the "Crete" , this enchanting fortified hill town is well-known for its red Brunello wine. A wine cellar (Enoteca) in the castle offers local wines for tasting and purchase.
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MONTERIGGIONI
This enchanting little hill town just 15 km north of Siena has an almost intact circular 13th century fortification wall enclosing the village. It used to be part of Siena's defence system against Florentine attacks.
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MONTE OLIVETO MAGGIORE
This 14th century Benedictine monastery stands on a rocky ridge near Asciano in a scenic park of traditional tuscan trees. The nave's choir stalls count among Italy's finest works of inlaid wood carvings.
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SANT'ANTIMO
The 12th century Benedictine abbey, 10 km south of Montalcino enjoys a delightful setting amid olive groves.Translucent onyx and alabaster in the bases of the columns give the nave a delicate light.
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SAN QUIRICO D'ORCIA
This fortified town 15 km east of Montalcino was a major stop for north european pigrims journeying to Rome in the Middle Ages. The amazing view of the Orcia valley can be enjoyed from Piazza della Libertà.
AIGAE
Italian Association of Excursion Ecotour Guides
Address: via Fiume 22, Poggibonsi Siena
Email: marzud@tin.it
AMICI DELLA BICICLETTA
Bicycle tour friends associationAddress: via Campaansi 32
Phone: 0577 45159 / Email: adb@adbsiena.it
Website - More info: http://www.adbsiena.it/
ASSOCIAZIONE GRANDAMA
Itineraries on foot, bikes and horseback on the land of the municipality of Poggibonsi.Municipality Phone: 0577 814 213
Email:grandama@cyber.dada.it
Website - More info: http://grandama.135.it/
BIKE MONTALCINO
The Val D'Orcia on Mountain BikeAddress: via S.Martini, 18
Phone:+39 347 0535638 / Email: bike@bikemontalcino.it
Website - More info: http://www.bikemontalcino.it/information.htm
Toscana Tour Guides Association
Address: Piazza S.Domenico 2Email: marzud@tin.it
Website - More info:http://www.guidedisiena.it/inglese/index_i.htm
TRENONATURA FERROVIA
Ferrovia Val d’OrciaAddress:Piazza Rosselli, 5
Phone:+39 (0)577 207 413 Email: trenonatura@katamail.com
Website - More info:http://www.ferrovieturistiche.it/p.asp?p=etrenonatura.asp
WELCOME PRIVATE TOUR SERVICES
Horse riding, mountainbike, trekking and excursions.
Address:via S.Martini, 18
Phone:+39 (0)577 282 810/Email: info@welcomesiena.com
Website - More info: http://www.welcomesiena.com/
Itineraries on foot and horseback
Municipality Phone: 0577 814 213
Itineraries on foot and horseback
Address: Pian del Lago Monteriggioni
Email: pipporamirez@hotmail.com
