Montepulciano/Monticchiello/Pienza, 30th August 2012 The walking Adventurers commence their day with a 7.30am breakfast start. The idea was to some how avoid the heat of the day with a early start, but we did not start walking until 8.45am. Leaving Montepulciano we exit the walls of the town and visit the splendid San Biagio Church, consecrated in 1529 and considered to be Antonio da Sangallo's masterpiece. Following waymarks we follow dirt tracks with picturesque view abound in all directions. Olive Groves, Vineyards and cypress trees hug the roads. We take a lunch stop at Monticchiello. Pannini with prosciutto, Provalone Cheese and Tomato was delicious. After enjoying a little fosicking through the cobblestone streets and some delicious Siena Paneforte it was time to move onwards to Pienza. The walk continued through the tributaries Torrente Tresa and eventually a final climb took us through the gates of Pienza, by this stage most of us were exhausted by the heat. We had completed 15kilometers today. Having checked into our accommodation "Santo Gregorio", we changed and took a walk through the cobbled street of this walled city. A Gelati in hand and we were in heaven watching the people walking by. Dinner was at the "Prads Restaurant" which had wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and how perfect than to be dinning Alfresco! Gnocchi al Ragu for Jojo and Peter had Gnocchi al butter and Sage, deliciously finished with a bottle of Montepulciano Vino. It does not get better than this folks.