Between history and legend: Murlo and San Galgano

PROGRAM

Friday 
Check-in at the pre-booked hotel upon arrival in Siena. Late afternoon meeting with the tour representative for a short welcome briefing followed by an aperitif in a spectacular location in the heart of Siena. Dinner (not included) and overnight stay at the hotel.

Saturday 
Following breakfast at the hotel, meet up with the tour guide and depart for Murlo, a municipality on the border between the Val di Merse, the district to which it belongs, and the Crete della Val d’Arbia zone.  The origins of Murlo are linked to the Etruscan civilisation, as proven by the discoveries at Poggio Civitate and Poggio Aguzzo. Following our tour of the small town with its Etruscan and medieval remains, we will delve further into the past with a visit to the Etruscan museum.
Next, a visit to the sentiero delle miniere, an educational tour that pays homage to the former mining activity in the area.
A light lunch at a farm featuring a sampling of their products will follow.
After, we will continue on in the direction of Monticiano, stopping to admire the Castello di Tocchi, located inside a medieval village dating back to 1100. Despite its heavy involvement in the wars between the Sienese and the Florentines, the village has maintained its ancient charm as can be seen in the city walls and the splendid entrance arch.
From here, we begin our journey to discover the legends of the municipalities bordering Siena. At San Galgano we will set off on our search for the “sword in the stone” at the Eremo di Montesiepi, stopping on the way up at a local bar for refreshment with a platter of cold cuts and a glass of wine. 
Return to Siena afterwards, with time to freshen up at the hotel before meeting for dinner at a restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Sunday 
Breakfast at the hotel followed by farewells and either free time to continue exploring the city or departure for home.