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Last updated: 28 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

The UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia is one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, a ravishing expanse of open, undulating farmland broken by cypresses in soldier-straight lines and dominated by Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano.

Atmospheric hill-top towns dot the countryside, many dating back to medieval times, when settlements were built on outcrops of rock or hill summits; both easier to protect and harder to invade.

Pottering between two of three of the towns is a glorious way to spend a day; Pienza and Montepulciano are the biggest draws, but other highlights include the spa village of Bagno Vignoni – where a thermal pool takes the place of the central piazza – and San Quirico d’Orcia, with its magnificent Collegiata church. Close to Montepulciano is Villa La Foce, with a beautiful garden open to visitors.

Unpaved white roads link many of the smaller villages in the area, making this ideal walking and cycling country. Weaving through these unspoilt landscapes on either foot or two wheels is a fabulous way to appreciate some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in Italy.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Bagno Vignoni
Experience

Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany, Italy

This small, enchanting village, situated on a hill above the Val d’Orcia, is famous for its central square, which is a large pool filled with hot springs water. You can’t bathe in it these days, so head for Hotel Posta Marcucci instead.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Garden of Villa La Foce
Experience

Garden of Villa La Foce

Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy

Villa La Foce was once home to Marchese Antonio Origo and his Anglo-American biographer wife Iris who, in 1925, commissioned renowned English architect Cecil Pinsent to make a garden. The glorious result overlooks the Val d’Orcia and Monte Amiata and is open to visitors.

Best for ages: 18+ | £9

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Montepulciano
Experience

Montepulciano

Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

Famous for its production of robust red wines (which can be sampled at the town’s many enotecas), hilltop Montepulciano is also worth visiting for its grand palazzi, the Duomo, and, just outside the walls, Sangallo’s church of San Biagio.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Idyllic square with fountain, town hall and a small coffee house in Pienza.
Experience

Pienza

Pienza, Tuscany, Italy

In the mid-15th century, Pope Pius II commissioned architect Bernardo Rossellino to remodel erstwhile Corsignano, resulting in what many see as a perfect example of Renaissance town planning, with grandiose palazzi and splendid churches in what is essentially a rural village.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Visit to the Cinta Senese farm in Montepulciano

Visit to the Cinta Senese farm in Montepulciano

Montepulciano

Roberto knows his pigs one by one; they are raised in a semi-wild state, with carefully selected feed and cereals grown in the Tuscan countr...

€42 | Rating 5 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Agriturismo Il Rigo

Casabianca, Tuscany, Italy[4.3 miles]

A long-established agriturismo located in a glorious setting just outside lovely old San Quirico in the Val d’Orica. A working organic farm run by the ninth generation of a family.

Official star rating:

Adler Spa Resort Thermae

San Quirico d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy[5.1 miles]

One of the best thermal spa resorts in Tuscany, surrounded by the glorious Val d’Orcia, with superb facilities including a huge indoor-outdoor pool complex with waters heated to a natural 37°C.

Official star rating:

Lupaia

Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy[9.6 miles]

A beautiful, stylishly-restored 17th-century farmhouse complex is a romantic retreat for couples or those looking for an intimate, authentic place to stay.

Official star rating:

Follonico Hotel

Torrita di Siena SI, Tuscany, Italy[12.3 miles]

A mellow old farmhouse set in beautiful countryside in the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia, restored by its owners into a laid-back, intimate agriturismo.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Walk from Montalcino to Sant Antimo

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy[16.2 miles]

A beautiful 3-hour walk (just over 8 miles) that takes you through farmland and Brunello wine country, passing old farmhouses and tiny stone hamlets that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Abbey of Sant’Antimo
Experience

Abbey of Sant’Antimo

Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Tuscany, Italy[14.5 miles]

The beautiful Benedictine abbey of Sant’Antimo lies in open countryside close to Montalcino and dates from the 8th century; the resident monks sing Gregorian chants each evening.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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panorama of the Brunello wine lands in the spring with hills covered with soft green grass in the town of Montalcino
Experience

Montalcino Wine Region

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy[16.4 miles]

Known for its highly-prized (and often expensive) DOCG Brunello wine, Montalcino is one of the most famous wine-growing areas in Tuscany. Many of the local wine estates are open for tastings; among the best are Casato Primedonne, Casanova di Neri, Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo and Castello di Banfi. Visits must be booked in advance.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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