Via Francigena Offers Contrasts

Day 8

Our hotel in Monteriggioni, Rooms and Wine at Castello, has been our favorite accommodation…so far. A friendly greeting, a spotless room with a rooftop view and excellent breakfast choices set the mood for our 12-mile walk to Siena.

We enjoyed a peaceful morning of walking through forests and fields. Vineyards were left behind as the landscape spread across rolling hills. The large group of 30 +/- walkers who continually surrounded us yesterday either stayed behind us or took an alternate route…much to our relief!

Suddenly, in the middle of nowhere, a trailside rest stop appeared, attracting a crowd of fellow walkers. Drinks and snacks were available for a donation. There was also a real bathroom, hard to find on the Francigena and a real treat for me!

Walking into bustling cities is always a shock after a quiet day on the trail and Siena was no exception. We wandered up the narrow streets, following our blue GPS line toward our accommodation. We crossed Piazza del Campo, Siena’s main square, where crowds gathered to take in the sights and enjoy the sun.

Tomorrow we head for the small village of Ponte d’Arbia. It looks like a fairly flat walk…fingers crossed.