The Val d'Orcia is, next to Chianti and Maremma, one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, perfect for a trip on the road by motorcycle or car.
The best of this part of Italy is the landscape, of those that you have seen a thousand times in movies and magazines and that you have imagined a thousand times in books: green hills dotted with ancient medieval villages, unforgettable panoramas and food that will drive you crazy. The Val d'Orcia, how could it be otherwise, is Unesco's world heritage and one of the most famous rural tourism destinations in Italy. If you plan a trip around here we are going to give you a few tips to enjoy the route by car through Tuscany 🙂
Where is?
The Val d'Orcia is located in the province of Siena and extends to the limit of Tuscany with Umbria. It is an ideal place to rent a car nearby and explore it at your own pace.
RD_Elsie photo on Flickr
Itinerary Val d'Orcia
On this map we propose a route with 10 of the most authentic places, so you don't get lost. And if you get lost, don't worry too much, it's a fantastic place to go aimlessly ... just enjoy!
What to see and do in Val d'Orcia?
1. MONTALCINO
A small medieval citadel that rises between the hills of the Val d'Orcia. Here you can see the walled castle, the Palacio dei Priori with its tower and stroll through the streets of its historic center. Although, if there is something that is really worthwhile in Montalcino, it is to drink a glass of brunello di Montalcino on a terrace, whether you are passionate about wine as a complete inexperienced (like us).
2. SAN QUIRICO D'ORCIA
Of Etruscan origin this town is built on the top of a hill, so from there the views are magnificent (especially in spring and summer, when the meadows are green and full of flowers). San Quirico was an important stage of the Via Francigena, which linked the English city of Canterbury with Rome.
Photo of Pug Girl on Flickr
3. BAGNO VIGNONI
Famous for the thermal springs of volcanic origin and for its architectural configuration: the center of the town is a green thermal lake! No doubt a curious and atypical stop.
4. CASTIGLIONE D'ORCIA
Another medieval town where to get lost, wing, all to walk and take pictures of their stone houses and their typically Tuscan corners. It is worth approaching the village of Rocca d'Orcia to see the fortress that dominates its hill.
5. BAGNI SAN FILIPPO
If what you want is rural tourism alternated with wellness and leisure tourism, you cannot visit Bagni San Filippo, where one of the best hot springs in Tuscany and all of Italy is located. They are the Fosso Bianco hot springs, which are also free! They deserve much, much, much the visit.
Photo by Udo Schröter on Flickr
6. RADICOFANI
It is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany and from the top of its fortress you can see a panorama of the surrounding campaign that removes the hiccups.
7. KETONE
Cetona offers a pleasant walk between streets and buildings of Etruscan origin. It is a perfect stop before following the itinerary to Sarteano.
8. SARTEANO
Without doubt one of the jewels of the Val d'Orcia. Sarteano is a perfect mix between Etruscan, medieval and Renaissance art. We advise you to spend at least a couple of hours in this authentic town and eat at one of its bars.
Photo by Dennis Kleine on Flickr
9. MONTEPULCIANO
If you travel in August you can not miss the party of il Bravio de Montepulciano: the best comes the last day, when some big men take a run pushing empty wine barrels that weigh about 80kg! Montepulciano also in recent years has become fashionable among young people for having come out in the movie New Moon of the Twilight saga ... yes that of vampires hehe.
10. THINK
The cathedral and Pio II square are the protagonists of this citadel lost by the Tuscan campaign. If you like gastronomic souvenirs do not forget to buy cacio, the typical cheese of Pienza (by the way, if you visit Pienza in September you will find the festival of cacio, very fun and authentic).
Photo by Elias Georges on Flickr
