Montalcino, the renowned Tuscan municipality, home to stunning villages and birthplace of the illustrious Brunello wine, is a treasure trove of wonders to visit and explore. Beyond its undeniable scenic beauty, the intoxicating flavors and aromas of its cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the Tuscans, Montalcino offers a selection of excellent trails and itineraries to help you delve into the region’s identity. If you enjoy hiking or simply taking long walks, here are three excursions that allow you to immerse yourself in the nature of Val d'Orcia and the surroundings of this characteristic Italian village while relaxing and engaging in some outdoor activities amidst the Sienese landscape.
Abbey of Sant'Antimo: Loop Itinerary from Castelnuovo dell'Abate
Let’s begin with an easy route, ideal for those who want to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenery of the Sienese hills without too much effort. Starting from
Castelnuovo dell'Abate, you’ll walk just under three kilometers, half of which are on paved roads, to reach the Abbey of Sant'Antimo—one of the most significant Romanesque structures in Tuscany. This short trail, taking about 50 minutes, is suitable for everyone, with no steep inclines or barriers.
Fortress, Montalcino: Loop Itinerary from Montalcino
A bit more challenging than the first, this route is recommended for more experienced hikers or those confident in completing two hours of walking without too much strain. Starting near a designated parking lot, the trail covers about 8.5 kilometers through lush local vegetation, leading to the village of Montalcino. Along the way, you’ll encounter a fountain, and the elevation gain of about 300 meters adds to the adventure. The route ends at the magnificent fortress, seemingly untouched by time and open daily for visits from 9 AM to 8 PM.
For a more extended challenge, there’s another trail leading to the fortress, also starting from the parking lot. This path includes a stop at the Abbey of Sant'Antimo and spans approximately 20 kilometers. Designed for seasoned trekkers, it features significant elevation changes, reaching up to 600 meters, and offers a six-hour journey immersed in nature.
Abbey of Sant'Antimo: Loop Itinerary from Montalcino
Our final suggested route is relatively easy but requires a good level of physical endurance and some training. This trail spans 17 kilometers and takes about five hours at a moderate pace. Starting approximately 10 kilometers from the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, it traverses the valley of Civitella in a nearly straight line. After visiting the abbey, you can continue along a circular path that includes the charming hamlet of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, whose beauty has helped Montalcino become a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Feeling the Earth”: A Sensory Journey with Geologist Francesco Guerrini
The “Feeling the Earth” excursions (Siena, Pienza, Murlo Mines, Castelnuovo dell’Abate), led by Geologist Francesco Guerrini, include a sensory walk with stops at geologically significant points. These provide opportunities to experience the energy exchange between the geological substrate and ourselves, offering the chance to
“feel the energy of the place.”
Each excursion begins with a brief theoretical segment to explain the geology of the landscapes and the energy exchange being felt. Participants will explore the geological contexts of significant locations—churches, monasteries, castles, crypts, and caves—and how these “high places” have evolved over centuries. The experience includes
dowsing experiments to detect fault lines or water veins using a dowsing rod, highlighting their effects on us.
Participation in these excursions, set in geologically, artistically, or archaeologically significant locations, offers an enjoyable way to gain awareness of oneself and how the surrounding environment impacts one’s well-being. These theoretical and practical excursions are designed for everyone, introducing the principles of geobio-environmental analysis while raising awareness of the variations in psychophysical well-being influenced by different geological terrains.
Guided tours are also available in English. To contact Geologist Francesco Guerrini and organize a sensory excursion,
visit this page.
