Val D'Orcia Tours
This small area southwest of Siena encompasses in just a few square kilometres some of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany: Pienza, Monticchiello, San Quirico D'Orcia. Less well known than Chianti, this wonderful valley was declared a World Heritage centre by UNESCO in 2004, and has inspired the most famous Sienese painters from Duccio to Lorenzetti. Among imposing medieval towers, Renaissance masterpieces and some of Tuscany’s real jewels of the Middle Ages such as the Abbey of St. Antimo, Val d'Orcia also offers other attractions to the visitor. For example, Bagno Vignoni, famous for its spas and its health centres, and also Montalcino, where they produce the famous Brunello, one of the most celebrated wines in the world.
ITINERARY 3: “Val D'Orcia”
km 52 / 1 day
Siena
A city that needs no introduction, with a unique atmosphere. The severe palaces and steep alleys of the old town have remained the same since the middle ages when Siena was an independent republic. A large part of the ancient pride is still present in the attitude of its citizens, which is expressed fully on July 2 and August 16 of each year during the famous Palio, perhaps the oldest and most authentic popular celebration in Italy. At the heart of the city is the magnificent shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, dominated by the high Torre del Mangia and considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe for architectural harmony and balance. However, Siena also offers beautiful churches and museums in addition to its ability to surprise even the most hurried visitor with unforgettable views. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Quirico d'Orcia
Located in the heart of the beautiful Val d'Orcia, San Quirico d'Orcia is a fortified city well worth a visit. A must see is the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulietta featuring the beautiful Gothic-Romanesque portals, the churches of Santa Maria di Vitaleta and Della Misericordia, the Praetorian Palace and the Palazzo Chigi. To complete the tour, the Leonini Gardens are splendid examples of Italian gardens, which were created in 1540 by Diomede Leoni.
Bagno Vignoni
Bagno Vignoni has been famous since Roman time for its thermal waters. The ancient city was given new impetus by the proximity of the Via Francigena, the medieval pilgrimage route that linked Canterbury to Rome. The central square of Bagno Vignoni is taken up by the pool, no longer used for the public but still very impressive, which reflects the surrounding stone buildings. Even Santa Caterina da Siena was immersed in these waters! The thermal baths of the town are still active and offer a wide range of treatments.
ITINERARY 4: “Brunello”
km 65.8 / 1 day
Montalcino
Dominated by an imposing castle, Montalcino has preserved its walls, gates and towers of the XVI century, recalling the days when it was the main ally of the Republic of Siena. Montalcino, however, owes its fame mainly to red wines, particularly the Brunello di Montalcino, famous throughout the world. 9 kms from the village is the magnificent Abbey of Sant’Antimo, one of the main Cistercian abbeys in Italy.
San Quirico d'Orcia
Located in the heart of the beautiful Val d'Orcia, San Quirico d'Orcia is a fortified city well worth a visit. A must see is the Collegiata dei Santi Quirico e Giulietta featuring the beautiful Gothic-Romanesque portals, the churches of Santa Maria di Vitaleta and Della Misericordia, the Praetorian Palace and the Palazzo Chigi. To complete the tour, the Leonini Gardens are splendid examples of Italian gardens, which were created in 1540 by Diomede Leoni.
Pienza
Pearl of the Italian Renaissance, from an artistic point of view Pienza is the most important city in the Val D'Orcia. Transformed in 1462 as the summer residence of Pope Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pius II), Pienza is a perfect example of the realization of philosophic and architectural theories of the Renaissance, aimed at creating the "ideal city". Since 1996 Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the major monuments, the Cathedral and the 15th century buildings (the beautiful Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Borgia and Palazzo Comunale) overlook the splendid Piazza Pio II. This town is also famous for having hosted the sets of famous movies such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "The English Patient." Do not miss the walk on the walls overlooking the Val D'Orcia, a taste of the famous local cheese, and the "pici", which are traditional home-made pasta.
Monticchiello
Monticchiello is a small and well-preserved medieval village. Compared to nearby Pienza, a Renaissance masterpiece, Monticchiello has retained its thirteenth century identity, which is clearly visible along the ancient, narrow streets of the village and admirable city walls, the ancient tower of the castle, and the Romanesque-Gothic church dedicated to Saint Leonard and Christopher. Perched on a hill overlooking the gentle landscape of the Val d'Orcia, Monticchiello is famous all over Italy for the "Poor Theatre", which since 1967 has been staged in the village. All the residents are involved in the “Poor Theater”, and the shows involve the creation of events related to the life of the village: the inhabitants plays the roles they have in real life in order to represent their daily life. Around this annual event other projects (performances, exhibitions) are organised, especially during summer.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano, the most important town of the western Val di Chiana, is old and charming, and is built around the beautiful medieval Piazza Grande. Among the most important buildings are the Palazzo Comunale, the Church of St. Augustine and the Tempio di San Biagio by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, whose dome was inspired by the Renaissance dome of St. Peter. Montepulciano is also famous for its wines, particularly the "Nobile di Montepulciano, known since the eighth century AD and defined in 1549 as “the perfect wine" by the bottler of Pope Paul III Farnese.