Day 8 of the Via Francigena, Buonconvento to San Quirico d'Orcia - 13.3 miles (21km) - 619m Ascent

As usual we were up at 7am, and ate a lovely breakfast at our hotel Ghibellino. We left Buonconvento, passing the city walls at 8.15am. The fruit shop, and patisserie were both open at this time. We followed the path, passing the petrol station as the mist cleared from the Vineyards. Going along further tracks before arriving at Caparzo vineyard. If using the book written by Sandy Brown, we decided the picture on the cover is here!!
We stopped at Caparzo vineyard at 10 am (4.5 miles, 150m ascent). During the summer months they have a special pilgrim deal for €8 with wine, water and a sandwich. They opened specially for us, and we sampled some delicious wine, a real treat at 10am. We continued with the mist clearing with views to Montalcino, famous for producing some of Italy’s finest wines.
After 9 miles (327m, 3 hours 50 mins), we called into Tucci cafe, in Torrenieri. and ate a delicious tuna and tomato sandwich, and bought a few other things. The Easter display was something to behold!
Continuing along a quiet road with great views, then after a bridge we turned right, going under a main road, then uphill and through the main gate of San Quirico d'Orcia at 3.15pm. We walked round, and visited a couple of churches. There is a pilgrim’s stamp inside an office of pilgrims, and we saw the first advert we had seen for a pilgrim’s meal. We checked into our accommodation of Torre Camaldoli B &B at 4pm.
We ate dinner at bar La Torre, near the coop, that had been advertised for pilgrims. Being a quiet time of year, the pilgrim menu was not available, but we had a lovely meal, and ate the first chicken of the trip. It was very busy, and were lucky to get served first at 7.20pm. We bought food in the supermarket for the next 2 days.
Distance 13.3 miles (21km)
Duration of Walk 6 Hours 45 minutes including breaks
Elevation Gained 2030 feet (619m)
Pace 30 min a mile
Websites used www.bookings.com Torre Camaldoli B &B, part of the Capitano Collection, with the most amazing breakfast in a bar.
www.latorreris... Dinner at La Torre restaurant, very nice. Busy with locals.
Information
San Quiro is a UNESCO world-heritage site. We took time to explore, walked on the walls, visit alleyways etc, both when we arrived and after breakfast the following day. It is a fabulous old town, however, we both preferred Buonconvento the previous day.