Trekking in Val d’Orcia: Avinionis Balnea, la Via del Grano

Tuscany is a land of a thousand faces: the dirt paths surrounded by a thousand cypresses in the hills are the favorite destination for trekking lovers and cyclists.

Here you will find a unique panorama, perfect to be discovered slowly, at a walking pace, enjoying every magnificent view and the nature around you. Combine healthy physical activity with the exploration of a wonderful area, and don’t forget to stop in some cellar where you can taste the wine and products of this land!
Slowly, step by step, among nature, ancient abbeys and castles, vineyards and wheat fields you can enjoy these wonderful views and walk inside a postcard.

Today we recommend a beautiful itinerary that starts from San Quirico d’Orcia, passes through the Castle of Ripa d’Orcia, crosses Bagno Vignoni and Vignoni Alto and then returns to San Quirico. We are talking about the Avinionis Balnea, also known as Via del Grano which crosses the most beautiful and characteristic hills of the Val d’Orcia. An itinerary that you can cover on foot in about 4 hours with a difference in height of minimal difficulty. Obviously, given the overall length of the route, you can take part of the route and then return by bus.

Length 4 h (total 8h)

Duration 17.6 km (total 35,2 km)

Difficulty easy

Trekking in Val d’Orcia: Avinionis Balnea, la Via del Grano

Walk the same streets once crossed by wagons loaded with wheat to reach the mills: from San Quirico d’Orcia you go up towards the castle of Ripa d’Orcia along the road to Ripa d’Orcia. During the journey you will arrive at a point from which with your eyes you can dominate the entire surrounding valley. You can admire the Orcia river flowing below, and in front of you Monte Amiata will stand out in all its majesty. Walking further you pass in front of the Podere Romitorio, an ancient church dating back to before 1200, and then continue through a small cypress grove where a crossroads are indicated.

Proceed towards the castle of Ripa d’Orcia, from where one of the most famous scenarios of the Valdorcia suddenly opens up: the castle that stands out on the precipice while flowing in the suggestive landscape under the river.

After enjoying the spectacular view, go back to the junction already indicated and, taking the other road, cross the wood towards Mulina up to the characteristic bridge of the same name. If you are tired then it is time to rest: go back and go towards Bagno Vignoni continuing along the road to Ripa d’Orcia and then taking the road to Bagno Vignoni. Known and renowned spa resort already at the time of the Etruscans and Romans, the pearl of the Val d’Orcia will captivate you with its natural hot water springs in Parco dei Mulini, where you can dip your feet and regenerate after the walk, perhaps eating something in one of the many rooms along the famous rectangular thermal bath, the real center of Bagno Vignoni.
We continue our journey heading towards Vignoni Alto, a small village on which the keep tower stands. Here, too, you can enjoy the view that is truly unparalleled, before resuming your way back to San Quirico d’Orcia.