Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Ponte d’Arbia to San Quirico d’Orcia

Last night’s dinner was fun and heartwarming. It feels like we’re building a new community, one that forms on the road with fellow pilgrims and strangers who quickly become familiar faces. It just goes to show—when one door closes, another one truly opens.

We set off around 6:00 AM after saying our goodbyes to the hostel keepers and grabbing a strong morning coffee. The air was cool, the skies clear—a perfect morning for hiking. Early sunlight cast long shadows over the landscape, adding depth and character to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Tuscany is every bit as breathtaking as they say. The region lives up to the hype and then some. Gently undulating fields, golden wheat swaying in the breeze, clusters of cypress trees—it all feels like walking through a Renaissance painting.

There’s something magical about the stretch from Ponte d’Arbia to San Quirico d’Orcia. The path winds through quiet country roads, sunflower fields, and rustic farmhouses, where time seems to slow down. The rhythm of walking allows you to take it all in—the crunch of gravel underfoot, the warm scent of sun-baked earth, and the silence interrupted only by birdsong or a distant tractor.

Not long into the walk, we passed through Buonconvento, a beautifully preserved medieval village. Its name means “happy place,” and it lives up to it. Surrounded by ancient brick walls, the town is filled with charming alleyways, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. We took a short walk in the town, soaking in the atmosphere. It’s one of those towns that seems untouched by time—quiet, authentic, and full of stories.

As I continued, the route opened up to sweeping vineyards typical of the Val d’Orcia region. This is prime wine country—home to some of Tuscany’s most celebrated labels, including Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino. You can see the well-tended rows of vines stretching across the hillsides, and occasionally catch the scent of fermenting grapes in the breeze. Some hikers take detours for tastings, and there are a few rustic wine estates where you can pause for a glass and a chat with the winemakers.

I arrived in San Quirico d’Orcia around noon. The town is small but rich in beauty and history. It’s perched on a hill and features cobbled streets, Romanesque churches, and manicured Renaissance gardens. The Horti Leonini, a 16th-century garden at the town’s edge, offers a peaceful spot to unwind after the day’s walk.

San Quirico has a quiet elegance to it—less touristy than some of Tuscany’s other towns, which only adds to its charm. We spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the downtown area, admiring local artwork and the unique mix of architecture—including some historic fortresses scattered throughout. Later, the whole crew met up to enjoy traditional beer,, and pizza. With a long, hot hike ahead of us tomorrow, we called it an early night. Rome is closer every day!!