Accommodation for seven nights is at the 3 star Albergo di Murlo at the village of Vescovado di Murlo about twenty kilometres south of Siena. This is an excellent base for our rambles in the heart of Tuscany’s best walking country. The location is quiet and yet not far from bustling Siena.  Within a few minutes walk is the village of Vescovado di Murlo where there are small cafes and shops, a bank and pharmacy plus a bakery and grocery store for buying picnic ingredients. The historic old walled village of Murlo with its Etruscan museum is also just a few minutes walk. In the picturesque village one finds the Locanda del Castello, the palazzina and the palazzone (big palace) which is nine-hundred-year-old fortified citadel - once the summer residence of the Bishop of Siena. Today it houses the archaeological museum which displays many of the fascinating Etruscan artifacts which have been found in local archaeological digs.

The hotel is owned and run by the hospitable Rubegni family who live nearby. They take great pride in the hotel and restaurant and offer a warm welcome. The restaurant serves excellent Tuscan food. There is a lovely large swimming pool (not warm enough in May), a bar and lounge.

Rooms at the Albergo di Murlo are modern with twin or double beds, private bathroom with shower and TV ..

Italian breakfast usually includes fresh brioches with jam, coffee, juice and cereal. Lunches are either al fresco picnics (ingredients can be purchased at the local market) or sometimes we are in a village where it is possible to sample local food at a cafe or pizzeria. Dinners are taken family style and they are an Italian event. Some nights we dine at the Albergo di Murlo where the owner's wife lovingly prepares the meals. She prides herself in using only fresh local produce which is in season and the results are wonderful. The hotel has an excellent wine list for modest prices. Bottled water is available. Some nights we go out to eat in local restaurants. One restaurant everyone loves is a winery called Campriano. The risotto is wonderful. Another night we go to a typical Tuscan trattoria in the nearby town of Bonconvento. If you are a vegetarian the restaurants can provide delicious vegetarian options.

During our walks there are many opportunities to stop for a gelato ice-cream or a cappucino. The towns have plenty of places for wine-tasting...many of the vine-yards have their products displayed in the shops. One can eat, drink and enjoy... after walking you deserve it and in Italy it is expected.