Siena at a Slow Pace: Discovering the City Where Urban Trekking Was Born
On Friday, October 31, 2025, the National Urban Trekking Day returns — an event that every year invites people to rediscover the joy of walking, of slow observation, and of discovery step by step. It’s a special day for many Italian cities, but even more so for Siena, which in 2003 created the project and became its leading city. And it could not have been born anywhere else: Siena is a city built to be walked, where distances are short, streets twist like a labyrinth, and every corner holds a story.
Those who visit in autumn will find an authentic atmosphere: mild weather, golden light, and a slower rhythm. It’s the perfect time to let your steps guide you, to pause in the squares, admire the details of façades, and breathe in the aroma of bakeries and trattorias. The historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, is a blend of art, spirituality, and daily life — an open-air museum waiting to be discovered by curious travelers.
Free Guided Tours Every Weekend in November: An Opportunity Not to Miss
Hotel Athena, located in the heart of the historic center, is the ideal base to enjoy this experience. From here, you can easily reach all the main urban trekking routes, from the classic paths to the lesser-known ones. For the 22nd National Urban Trekking Day, guests staying in Siena’s hotels will be able to take part in free guided tours organized by the Municipality every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in November.
October 31 will therefore mark the beginning of a series of special days when you can explore Siena with experienced and passionate guides who will make you fall in love with the city.Throughout all November weekends, guests of Hotel Athena will be able to enjoy a unique experience: a free guided tour of authentic Siena, designed specifically for National Urban Trekking Day.
The Middle Ages, Here and Now
On Friday, October 31, 2025, the main event will be titled “1300–2025 Jubilee and Paths of Faith: Places, Pilgrims, and Spirituality Through the Centuries.”
The itinerary intertwines art, history, and devotion. The starting and ending point will be at the Tourist Information Office in Piazza del Campo 7, right in the heart of the city. The tour lasts about two hours, with a low difficulty level and a distance of approximately 2 km.
Departures are scheduled from 2:00 p.m., every 20 minutes, for small groups accompanied by professional guides. The service is free for those who book directly on our website, and can be selected as a “zero” supplement on Simple Booking. Once the room is confirmed, simply contact the Siena Tourist Office via WhatsApp, email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or phone (0577 292222) to finalize your tour reservation.
The Story of Urban Trekking
Urban trekking was born in Siena as a new way to experience the city. The idea was simple: to offer a form of tourism “at human pace” — accessible to everyone, combining art, culture, nature, and food. Since then, the event has expanded to dozens of Italian cities, building a network of places united by a shared spirit of discovery.
Unlike traditional trekking, urban trekking doesn’t require special equipment or mountain trails — just a pair of comfortable shoes and the desire to look closely. It’s a way to explore monuments and views, but also to connect with local life, people, and the genuine rhythms of the city.
Walking Between Art and Everyday Life
The beauty of urban trekking in Siena lies in how each itinerary tells a different story. There’s one that winds through historic streets leading to Piazza del Campo, the beating heart of the city; one that climbs toward the Cathedral and the Crypt, a treasure chest of art and spirituality; and another that reaches the Medici Fortress, offering sweeping views of towers and hills.
But Siena also surprises visitors with its lesser-known places — quiet alleys, peaceful green corners within the city itself, such as Orto dei Pecci and Orto dei Tolomei, just to name two of the most famous. Each step is an invitation to slow down, to reconnect with your surroundings. And after a day of walking, there’s nothing more enjoyable than a relaxing dinner at the Mangia Restaurant of Hotel Athena, where the flavors of Tuscan cuisine meet the wines of the region.
Experiencing Siena Slowly
Taking part in the National Urban Trekking Day also means embracing a different way of traveling — sustainable, mindful, and full of authentic encounters. Siena naturally lends itself to this philosophy: a city built on a human scale, with pedestrian streets, green views, and panoramic points that invite you to stop and enjoy the moment.
From Hotel Athena, everything is within easy reach, and our staff is always available to recommend personalized routes, maps, and schedules. Whether you choose to explore the historic center or venture further into the surrounding hills, every walk becomes a chance to rediscover the joy of movement and discovery.
Photos 3, 4, 5 and 6 are courtesy of Trekking Urbano.