3000 EURO PER PERSON
We will be walking on roads that have been used continuously for over 2 millennia. Starting from Orvieto, our route will traverse extinct volcanic lands, ancient valleys and deep gorges that hide Etruscan archeological treasures. We will encounter abandoned settlements, hilltop villages and breathtaking views and finally end our journey at the sea: Tirreno, the name of the west sea of Italy. Tirreni, is also the ancient Greek name for the Etruscans – a population that spread knowledge and civilization across earth and water. Come join us!
All hotels, breakfasts, 6 dinners, with wine, van support w/ healthy snacks are included in the tour price.
What’s Included
- Full van support from Orvieto to Tarquinia
- Luggage support throughout the trip
- 7 nights of hotels w/ private bathrooms
- Bi-lingual guides
- Healthy snacks and water
- All breakfasts
- 6 dinners
- Entrance into the hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio
- Visit of the National Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia
PRIVATE tailor-made trips are available upon request. Please ask us for details.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ORVIETO – CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
We start our journey in Orvieto*, where we will meet at 9AM in front of Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini. After a short transfer to the village of Lubriano we will start our walk with an incredible view of Valle dei Calanchi and its unforgettable landscape of shapes, colors and shadows. Today’s route will take us to Civita di Bagnoregio, a town of only 11 residents perched high upon a precipice – an island in the sky, connected to the main village only by a narrow bridge. A short drive leads us to our hotel.
The distance covered today is 8 km (5 miles), and dinner will be included.
*Tip: Be sure to arrive a day or two early to explore Orvieto, one of the key cities in the Etruscan empire and even a former home to the pope. This charming hilltop town is often overshadowed by larger Italian cities.*
DAY 2: SAN QUIRICO – SORANO
Journey through the past as we leave behind the town of San Quirico di Sorano and travel to Vitozza, a place where history spans from Etruscan times until the early 18th-century. Vitozza, completely void of inhabitants today, is the largest, most important cave settlement in central Italy. Meander along a small path through the ruins of this eerie fortress with some 200 caves cut from the tufa before reaching the Lente River. Finally approach Sorano, where we spend the night, through the Via Cava di San Rocco. This Etruscan road, carved deep through the solid tuff rock is part of a unique millenary network of Vie Cave, was an actual road until the last century.
10 km / 6.2 miles – Dinner included.
DAY 3: SORANO – SOVANA – PITIGLIANO
Today we are in the region of “The triangle of tufo”. Tuff, the volcanic red rock we have been seeing along the way, has been exploited by the Etruscans and Romans over the centuries to carve out roads, tombs and even entire towns. Today’s walk alternates between country roads, vineyards and archaeological remains. We end the stage walking along the Via Cava of San Giuseppe to reach the stunning town of Pitigliano, where we will spend 2 nights. Perched on a plateau with buildings clinging onto the rocky spur, the town overlooks the entire valley. Pitigliano is a melting pot of history and cultures: Etruscans, Romans, Tuscan nobility and from the 17th Century even a well settled Jewish community, so that the town is still known as Little Jerusalem.
Today’s hike covers 16 kilometers (10 miles), and dinner is included.
DAY 4: PITIGLIANO – MANCIANO
Today we leave the land of tufo, walking into the landscape of the Via Cava dei Fratenuti. The intimacy of the woods will then open onto beautiful white roads descending towards the river Fiora and then climbing along the hills towards Manciano. At the end of the day, a short drive leads us to Saturnia. Here we enjoy a bath in the natural thermal pools, famous for their sulphurous waters with curative and relaxing properties. Short drive to our hotel.
15 km / 9 .3 miles – Dinner included.
DAY 5: CASTRO – POGGIO CONTE
After a short transfer, we have an easy walk to the ruins of the ancient Castro, once a capital of the homonymous Duchy. Settled from prehistoric times, the town reached its splendor in the Renaissance, when the Farnese family started a magnificent project of restoration. Sadly, the fortune of the town did not last long: the wars against the Vatican State led to its complete destruction, ordered by the Pope in 1649.
For lunch, we will enjoy delicious organic products and cheese farmed by a local family.
In the afternoon, a peaceful walk along the river Fiora, called Harmine by the Etruscans, leads us to the magic atmosphere of the Hermitage of Poggio Conte, where monks retreated for silence and meditation. High on the cliff and overlooking the waterfall, the Hermitage was carved into a deep gorge over 1000 years ago and still displays its unusual geometrical and floral designs.
(13 km / 8 miles – Lunch included.
DAY 6: VULCI – CAPALBIO
On our 6th day, we enjoy history and adventure in the Vulci archaeological park on the river Fiora. This park gives us a complete overview of the history of one of the most powerful and famous Etruscan cities.
We will then cross the magnificent Ponte del Diavolo, bridge of the Devil. This amazingly preserved structure dates back to the 3rd-century BC and leads to a medieval castle. The castle, built on top of a gorge and surrounded by a moat, has recently been turned into a museum displaying Etruscan urns, vases, and jewels.
In the afternoon, on our climb to the hilltop town of Capalbio, we will get our first glimpse of the Tirreno, the Etruscan Sea. To the tune of the cicadas and the smell of rosemary and Macchia Mediterranea, we will make our way to the medieval streets of Capalbio and end our day with a gorgeous sunset.
(8 km / 5 miles – Dinner included.
DAY 7: CAPALBIO – ARGENTARIO
Today is an easy walk from Capalbio through the coastal region of Maremma. Wild and unspoiled, this territory was once drained by the Etruscans and Romans to create rich and fertile farming land, but then abandoned it after collapse of the empire. Today we will reach the seaside and continue walking alongside the unspoiled beach of Feniglia, in a pine forest that abuts the sand. We once again end our day with a well-deserved bath in the crystal waters of the Tyrrhenian coast and celebrate the accomplishment of reaching the sea!
DAY 8: TARQUINIA – Tour end
On our last day, we will enjoy an extraordinary visit that offers a deep insight into Etruscan culture and history. Accompanied by a local guide, we will explore the unique Monterozzi Necropolis, located near Tarquinia. This site features approximately 6,000 graves, 200 of which are adorned with frescoes. These graves are replicas of Etruscan houses and depict scenes of daily life and traditional costumes. This exceptional site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significance as a unique testament to this vanished culture.
Following our visit to the necropolis, the tour will conclude in the center of Tarquinia. Here, we will bid farewell to our guides and have the opportunity to visit the National Etruscan Museum, which showcases treasures discovered in the surrounding Etruscan settlements.
*The tour ends here in Tarquinia around 3PM or you can travel back to Viterbo with your guides.
Location
Gallery
FAQs
How many miles do we hike per day?
We average between 14-21 kilometers per day. We encourage people to ride in the van if feeling fatigued. Most pilgrims walking the trail independently walk at least 25 kilometers per day with a heavy pack. With Spanish Steps, we have the luxury of a fully supported van, which carries our baggage and carries us the extra mile when needed.
What kind of hotels do we use?
We use 3- and 4-star hotels and family-run farmhouses. They are located along the route in small villages, away from large cities. All rooms have private baths. The smaller inns have no phone or TV in the room. Some nights we will be shuttled to our hotel located a bit off the route. There are nights when we may sleep two nights in one hotel.
Is there WIFI at our hotels?
Our hotels nearly always have free WIFI available although it is often just in the lobby/public areas. We generally stay at historical hotels, which often have thick walls, so WIFI rarely works in the rooms. Most bars and cafes enroute have free WIFI also.
How many meals are included?
All continental breakfasts and six dinners with wine and water are included in the price of this tour. One lunch with local cheese tasting is included. Other lunches and ONE dinner will be at your own expense. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to let us know what they are before the start of this trip.
How does one get to ORVIETO?
- Travelling from Rome the easiest way is by train. From Termini Station, there are more than 15 trains a day from 6 AM. Most of them are direct; others require changing at Tiburtina Station (Rome.) The journey lasts about an hour.
- If you travel from Fiumicino Airport you can use the fast train connection with Termini Station called Leonardo express (about 35 minutes) or other trains to Tiburtina station, where you can also catch some trains to Orvieto. In order to match at best with your schedule please check the Italian train schedule: www.trenitalia.com, where you can buy your ticket online in advance (recommended).
- Taxi rides from Fiumicino Airport to Rome center (within Aurelian walls) or Termini Station have a fixed, all-inclusive price of 48 Euro (no supplement is ever due.) The fixed rate from Ciampino airport (CIA) is 35 Euro. We recommend using only official taxis recognizable by the evident writing and number on each vehicle.
- Please let us know if you are interested in a private driver from Rome to Orvieto (200-250 Euro, up to 8 passengers.)
How do I depart from Tarquinia at the end of the tour?
- Every day there are trains from the Tarquinia Train Station to Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport. Trains are not direct, usually require one change in Roma Trastevere (small, easy station, not the central station). The interval between trains ranges from one to three hours. The trip takes two to three hours. To reach the center of Rome, there are about the same options, but usually without changes. In order to coordinate your schedule or to reach other destinations in Italy, please check the Italian rain schedule: www.trenitalia.com/en.html, where you can buy tickets online in advance (recommended.)
- A taxi to FCO airport from Rome center (within Aurelian walls) costs 48 Euro (3-4 people) and can be booked at the desk of your hotel. The fixed rate for Ciampino Airport (CIA) is 35 Euro. For connections with other town check the train company’s website: www.trenitalia.com/en.html.
- Please let us know if you are interested in a private driver from Tarquinia to FCO airport or Rome (200-250 Euro, up to 8 passengers.)
What kind of equipment should I pack?
The hikes are not fancy. I will supply you with an equipment list of basic items to pack. You are limited to one bag weighing 30-lbs and a one-day pack to hold items such as your camera, rain gear and water bottle. Hiking/trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots will be your most important pieces of equipment. Please be sure they are well broken in and that you have proper socks before arriving in Spain. Some of our hotels have outdoor swimming pools (not always open) so bring a bathing suit if you would like to swim.
How do I access spending money/how much should I bring?
Most people travel with an ATM card. Money machines are everywhere in Spain but be sure you know your PIN number before departing the US. Do not bring traveler’s checks (most banks will turn you away.) Most expenses are already built into Spanish Steps trips. Lunches will be a separate expense. The Menu del Dia or Menu del Peregrino is available at local cafes and will cost between 9-12 Euros. There are three course meals with wind and water included – a great value.
Should I leave a gratuity for our guides?
This is a very common question my clients ask–As a person working hard in the service industry to please the traveler, a gratuity is much appreciated by the staff members at the end of the tour. As a general guideline, people tip around 10 Euros per day, per guide. For trips where we have a bus driver, a gratuity of around 15 Euros per person at the end of the trip would be appreciated.
What is the average age of the group?
The average age of the hiker on a Spanish Steps tour is 50 years old during the spring and fall months but younger during the summer months. Most trips are a mix of a 40/60 ratio of men to women. I have taken school groups where the age range is 13- 20 years old. With an eager heart and a mind full of curiosities, a healthy person of any age is able to walk the Camino. Pilgrims of all ages are welcome of course!
What is the terrain like?
This area of Italy has its ups and downs. There are some long, slow climbs through farming areas, but not Himalayan or Rocky Mountain like terrain. In general, the paths are well worn and are not difficult. We walk along a lot of secondary farming roads, through vineyards, beech and chestnut forests and old country roads. The route is well marked with the red and white tripe and with white or red arrows. You will be provided with full detailed maps and cultural information.
Is there a single supplement?
Some people would like to be matched with a roommate. I can’t guarantee a match but will try to place you with someone if there are any requests. The price of the single supplement is 500 EUROS per person for this eight-day trip.
Can you provide references?
We would be delighted to share with you some references from former clients who have walked with us. If you would like to contact any former Spanish Steps participants, let us know by calling us. Check out our Customer Comments here on our website www.SpanishSteps.com.