Highlights
- Val d'Orcia (UNESCO)
- Classic Tuscan cypress-lined roads
- San Quirico Collegiate Church
- Horti Leonini gardens
Stage conditions
| Section | Tuscany (Italy) |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Scarce |
| Shade | Minimal |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Ponte d'Arbia is served by Autolinee Toscane lines 112 and 114 from Siena, and by line 54A from Abbadia San Salvatore; the nearest station is Buonconvento on the Siena–Grosseto line, which the regional page recommends for this leg together with bus 112. At the far end, San Quirico d'Orcia has no station but sits on the 112 (Siena–Buonconvento–Torrenieri–San Quirico–Pienza–Montepulciano) and the 54A (Abbadia–San Quirico–Torrenieri–Buonconvento–Siena). Chiusi–Chianciano Terme on the Florence–Rome line is the rail link for the Val d'Orcia by bus. Florence airport is the nearest hub.
What the season does
The stage data give April to June and September to October, shade minimal, water scarce, and warnings of long exposed stretches and an early start in summer. The Val d'Orcia is a UNESCO landscape of wheat and cypress with almost no tree cover: in July and August the dirt roads from Buonconvento to Torrenieri are an oven by late morning, and the climb to San Quirico faces the afternoon sun. Spring is green and cool; after the harvest in autumn the hills are gold and the light is soft. Wet clay after spring storms doubles the effort on the tracks.
Safety on this stage
Heat and exposure again, plus one stretch of road: the regional page notes that the route skirts the provincial road to Montalcino between Buonconvento and Torrenieri, where lorries and coaches pass close — walk facing traffic and step onto the verge. More than half the leg is unpaved and there is a climb of nearly 600 m over the day, so pace yourself in the sun. The Ombrone crossing at Buonconvento is on a bridge.
Water and food
Scarce, and the stage notes tell you to carry water because there are few fountains. Fill up at Ponte d'Arbia. Buonconvento, walled and compact, has shops and a fountain; the regional page names Torrenieri as the next place with refreshment points and water. After that there is nothing until San Quirico itself, where the Horti Leonini gardens and the piazza have fountains and cafés. Two litres in summer.
Where pilgrims sleep
The directory's entry for San Quirico d'Orcia, the Ostello Palazzo del Pellegrino (pilgrim hostel), is here at tonight's finish: the town's tourist office runs it in the historic Palazzo Pretorio on Via Dante Alighieri, facing Palazzo Chigi and the Collegiata on the Francigena itself. The region's hospitality list adds La Collegiata, a church holiday home in the town. San Quirico also has hotels and agriturismi, and it is a popular base for the Val d'Orcia, so reserve in spring and autumn.
Sources: Visit Tuscany — Leg 35 Ponte d'Arbia to San Quirico d'Orcia · Visit Tuscany — pilgrim hospitality, leg 35 · Visit San Quirico — Palazzo del Pellegrino · Autolinee Toscane — line 112 Siena–Buonconvento–Montepulciano · Autolinee Toscane — line 114 Siena–Buonconvento–Torrenieri–Montalcino · Autolinee Toscane — line 54A Abbadia San Salvatore–Siena · Visit Tuscany — Useful suggestions before you leave
Common questions
How long is the Ponte d'Arbia to San Quirico d'Orcia stage?
It is 27.0 km (16.8 mi) and takes about 7 hours of walking, from Ponte d'Arbia to San Quirico d'Orcia.
How hard is Ponte d'Arbia to San Quirico d'Orcia?
It is rated moderate with 450 m of ascent and 300 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Ponte d'Arbia to San Quirico d'Orcia stage?
Water is scarce on this stage. Carry what you need before you set out.
How do I get to Ponte d'Arbia and away from San Quirico d'Orcia?
Ponte d'Arbia is served by Autolinee Toscane lines 112 and 114 from Siena, and by line 54A from Abbadia San Salvatore; the nearest station is Buonconvento on the Siena–Grosseto line, which the regional page recommends for this leg together with bus 112. At the far end, San Quirico d'Orcia has no station but sits on the 112 (Siena–Buonconvento–Torrenieri–San Quirico–Pienza–Montepulciano) and the 54A (Abbadia–San Quirico–Torrenieri–Buonconvento–Siena). Chiusi–Chianciano Terme on the Florence–Rome line is the rail link for the Val d'Orcia by bus.
Where do pilgrims sleep in San Quirico d'Orcia?
The directory's entry for San Quirico d'Orcia, the Ostello Palazzo del Pellegrino (pilgrim hostel), is here at tonight's finish: the town's tourist office runs it in the historic Palazzo Pretorio on Via Dante Alighieri, facing Palazzo Chigi and the Collegiata on the Francigena itself. The region's hospitality list adds La Collegiata, a church holiday home in the town. San Quirico also has hotels and agriturismi, and it is a popular base for the Val d'Orcia, so reserve in spring and autumn.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.