Val D’Orcia is a wide territory in southern Tuscany, known worldwide for its picturesque landscapes with green rolling hills, secluded churches and farmhouses surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Home to ancient villages and wheat fields gold colored, the Valley takes its name from the Orcia river that stretches between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto.

The beautiful Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO heritage site since 2004. You will feel like you are in a postcard, medieval villages rich in art and history surrounded by cypress-lined hills. And the best part? Natural landscapes and the human intervention are linked in perfect harmony here. Let’s break this down:

HOW TO REACH THE VAL D'ORCIA

Siena and Grosseto, the two major Tuscan cities that delimit the area, can be easily reached by train, but small towns such as San Quirico d'Orcia, Pienza, Castiglione d'Orcia, Radicofani and Montalcino are not connected by the railway system. Put it more simply? To go to the heart of the Valley and discover its small medieval villages and panoramas, it is recommended to use the car or alternatively the local bus service.

To better enjoy the spectacular landscapes it is also possible to rent bicycles, scooters and vintage cars. If you prefer to walk, the Via Francigena is probably your choice, an old pilgrimage route that runs from England to Italy, passing through the villages of San Quirico d'Orcia, Castiglione d'Orcia and Radicofani.

WHEN TO GO TO VAL D’ORCIA: SPRING OR AUTUMN?

Val d'Orcia Park offers a different experience in each season and let’s start by saying this is all true.

In spring (end of March/June) the hills are bright green and the flowers bloom drawing beautiful carpets of bright yellow poppies and broom. It is the perfect season to visit the enchanting Tuscan gardens at their maximum splendor, such as La Foce Gardens or Villa Trecci Park, an incredible garden that brings together almost four hundred different species of plants that do not require watering in the summer.

During the autumn season (late September/October) the plants and vineyards that cover the hills change again and welcome the warm shades ranging from yellow to brown, and again orange and red as in a perfect pictorial composition. A great time if you're interested in the fall foliage and harvest season.

In summer the hills turn into desert dunes in grey, yellow ochre and light brown colors, dotted by cypress trees, while in winter the light fog that settles on the barren landscapes creates a ghostly atmosphere. Snowfalls are not so frequent in this area of Tuscany but if you are lucky enough, you will be able to enjoy a natural spectacle of rare beauty.

WHAT TO DO IN VAL D'ORCIA

Whether you are a nature lover, a food & wine enthusiast, a photographer or a simple traveller in search of the authentic Tuscan tradition, culture and flavours, you will surely enjoy a unique experience. Ready for a hard truth? With its stunning natural beauty, charm and simplicity, Val d'Orcia will surprise you, always.

IF YOU LOVE CULTURE AND HISTORY

Here are some beautiful ancient medieval villages we suggest you to visit:

• Pienza: also known as "the ideal city", designed according to the canons of a Renaissance city by the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II. Perched on top of a hill, it offers a breath-taking view of the Val d'Orcia. Do not miss the lively historic center, a UNESCO heritage site, with Piazza Pio II designed with a unique trapezoidal shape and the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

• Castiglione d'Orcia: a small Tuscan village with narrow streets and beautiful spots where you can admire the landscape of the Val d'Orcia Park from above. Here you can marvel at the Rocca Aldobrandesca’s ruins and the nearby Rocca di Tentennano, a popular spot for photographers served as a sentinel over the surrounding area and do not forget to visit the natural thermal baths Bagni di San Filippo with free access.

• San Quirico d'Orcia: a small and astonishing medieval village crossed by the Via Francigena pilgrim route, halfway between Pienza and Montepulciano. It houses the collegiate church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Horti Leonini, a splendid Italian garden designed in the 16th century that is definitely worth a visit. In the surroundings you can appreciate the iconic symbols of the Valley such as the rows of cypresses, the Cappella della Vitaleta and the hill of the Belvedere farmhouse.

• Radicofani: a village known for the imposing fortress that stands out and dominates the surrounding landscape. In the past, its strategic position was the scene of multiple historical events.

• Bagno Vignoni: a splendid medieval town popular for its unique square "Piazza delle fonti", a rectangular tub of hot water positioned above a thermal spring of volcanic origin. Small restaurants and shops are the setting for a very picturesque landscape surrounding the pool with the Loggia of Santa Cristina of Siena. Walking towards the Parco dei Mulini you will find free pools where you can bathe and relax.

• Montalcino: the medieval fortress and the narrow and steep streets characterize this small village. The Brunello red wine was born in this spectacular place. So what? Do not miss a visit to the Brunello museum to learn the history of this special Italian wine. A few km from Montalcino it is worth stopping and visiting the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a masterpiece of medieval architecture inhabited for centuries by Benedictine monks.

IF YOU LIKE TRADITIONAL FOOD AND LOCAL CUISINE

Tuscany is a region with great food specialties, let’s discover the typical products of this area.

• Montalcino, the land of Brunello: a DOCG red wine made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes that grow on the slopes of Montalcino hills. Some wineries in the area offer wine-tastings surrounded by stunning landscapes and guided tours of the cellar. Picnic tastings among the vineyards are also popular.

• Pecorino of Pienza: it’s a cheese produced from the milk of sheep reared in the Val d'Orcia. But wait. It gets better. It is possible to closely follow the process of production and aging of the cheese and then taste different varieties of cheese paired with a good glass of local red wine overlooking the incredible valley.

• If you love to get "hands on" you can enjoy a fun cooking class to learn how to make the “pici”, a flour and water typical pasta of the Tuscan tradition. You can also visit a local pasta factory where you can watch the grinding and transformation of ancient grains into pasta including a delicious final taste.

IF YOU LOVE NATURE AND OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

If you find joy and inspiration in the beauty of natural landscapes, seek to connect with nature in meaningful ways and value simplicity and wellbeing, here are some great ideas you might find interesting:

• Gardens and flowers: in spring, we highly recommend to visit the marvelous Tuscan gardens in the area. And if you love flowers, challenge yourself in one of the many flower workshop to create colorful guided flower arrangements with seasonal flowers freshly picked.

• Bagni di San Filippo (thermal baths): a short path leads to these free thermal springs immersed in an uncontaminated natural area characterized by limestone formations, short waterfalls and natural pools where visitors can bathe. Due to its unusual rock formation and majesty, a large limestone block called White Whale is considered one of the biggest attractions. A natural spectacle of great charm not to miss.

• Trekking along the Via Francigena: a medium-demanding trek of 32.5 km that begins in San Quirico d'Orcia and arrives in Radicofani. There are many alternative proposals also for beginners, which can enjoy easier routes and strolls always in close contact with the territory and the beauty of its natural landscape.

• If you love to explore the outdoors on two wheels keep in mind that many farmhouses here also offer their customers a bicycle or e-bike rental service and horseback riding, for more adventurous and experienced people.

3 UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART OF VAL D'ORCIA

• visit to the Checche oak: an imposing tree with almost 300 years of history located in Le Checche, about 22 meters high, with a diameter of almost 5 meters and a crown of 34 meters. Its majesty and longevity are a natural sight to behold.

• guided tour of the La Foce Gardens: by purchasing the entrance ticket, a guide will let you discover the history of this fascinating  Italian garden which overlooks the enchanting Val d'Orcia with exclusive views of Mount Amiata in the background.

• Treno Natura: a suggestive journey aboard a steam train that crosses the Valley and runs on a railway line that has been closed for years. An original and old-fashioned way to visit medieval villages and enjoy village fairs and festivals. The service is usually available from March.

If you are planning to discover the Val d'Orcia through an unconventional lens contact us to help you get oriented.

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At Byways of Italy we design unconventional travel itineraries with passion and care for couples, families, small groups or solo travelers. We are a local tour operator and DMC, contact us at info@bywaysofitaly.com to design your bespoke itinerary or get inspired by our all-inclusive holiday tours.