After breakfast the group is shuttled to visit the 14th Century Abbey,  Abbrazia Monte Oliveto Maggiore. 

This abbey is a large Benedictine Monastery and was founded in 1313 by Bernado Tolomei, a jurist from a prominent aristocratic family of Siena . In 1319 or 1320 it was approved by Bishop Guido Tarlati as Monte Oliveto, with reference to the Mount of Olives and in honour of Christ's Passion. The monastery was begun in 1320, the new congregation being approved by Pope Clement VI in 1344.The abbey was for centuries one of the main land possessors in the Siena region.On January 18, 1765, the monastery was made the seat of the Territorial Abbacy of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

Only seven had remained to complete the days walk, Netty, Peter Finney, Dawn and Katrina returned to the accommodation, whilst the resilient Peter Selar, Rob Collins, Adrienne, Ross, Aunty Mary, Venny and myself walked on to do the 10 kilometre hike to Pieve a Salti.

Before leaving the Abbey, those walking bought some beautiful panini filled with eggplant, provolone and prosciutto for lunch.

As we walk, we walk into the town Chiusure, and continuing on a dirt track seen wonderful views of the country side and with occasional views across the intervening valley to the Abbey.

We eventually stop to have lunch, finding shade from the searing heat before continuing and eventually arriving at the water hole, The Pieve and Salti restaurant where we all enjoyed a cold drink. 

Finally stripping off and getting into our budgie smugglers as all europeans do, we enjoyed a dip in the swimming pool. 

For dinner we returned to The Pieve and Salti Restaurant.