VAL d’ORCIA

TUSCANY

 

Val d’Orcia:  A Timeless Tuscan Escape

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Val d’Orcia is a picturesque valley known for its rolling hills, medieval towns, and enchanting landscapes that seem almost too perfect to be real. Located in the province of Siena, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a quintessential representation of the Tuscan countryside, featuring golden wheat fields, cypress-lined roads, and vineyards that produce some of Italy’s finest wines. The valley has inspired poets, painters, and travelers for centuries, offering an authentic Italian experience steeped in history, culture, and gastronomic delights.

In this travel guide, we reveal all the information on Val d’Orcia in Tuscany. In addition, we show you the best things to do, beautiful pictures, the best photo spots, how to get there and where you can find the best places to stay.

PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE

These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – SKYSCANNER – we always start here and usually always finish here. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices. You can also try GOING to search prices across a variety of sites.

TRAVEL OPTIONS

CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.

TRAINS – TRAINLINE – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.

BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way.

ACCOMMODATIONS

BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.

HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.

TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.

ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.

                            Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.

 

Interesting information about Val’ d’Orcia

Val d’Orcia is one of the most breathtaking regions in Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, medieval villages, and picturesque landscapes that look like they were painted by Renaissance artists. Located in southern Tuscany, Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural significance and natural beauty.

This enchanting valley is dotted with charming hilltop towns, vast vineyards, olive groves, and iconic cypress trees lining winding country roads. Visitors can explore the historic towns of Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Bagno Vignoni, each offering unique experiences, from wine tasting to thermal baths.

Val d’Orcia is famous for producing some of Italy’s finest wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, as well as pecorino cheese from Pienza. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a food lover, a history buff, or simply looking to relax in stunning surroundings, Val d’Orcia is an unforgettable destination.

 

Best things to do in Val d’Orcia

Visit Pienza: The Renaissance Gem

Pienza is often considered the crown jewel of Val d’Orcia. Designed by Pope Pius II in the 15th century, this town showcases impeccable Renaissance architecture, particularly in its harmonious central square, Piazza Pio II. The Duomo of Pienza is an architectural marvel, and the Palazzo Piccolomini offers breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside. Don’t leave without trying Pecorino di Pienza, a locally produced sheep’s milk cheese that pairs wonderfully with a glass of Tuscan red.

 

Gladiator Avenue

The picturesque Gladiator Avenue is scenic and probably one of the most beautiful places in Val d’Orcia. Some of the most famous scenes from the movie Gladiator were shot here and also in reality this place is really magical. Situated in a picturesque landscape, this place was the perfect backdrop for the most beautiful movie scenes and even today this attraction is still visited with pleasure! The so-called De Cypresses – Gladiator Point is located a little below the old town of Pienza and is, thanks to the exceptionally romantic scenery, one of the most beautiful photo spots in the entire Orcia Valley!

 

Explore Montepulciano: The Wine Lover’s Haven

Famed for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, this hilltop town is a paradise for wine connoisseurs. Walk along its medieval streets, visit the Piazza Grande, and step into Cantina Contucci or De’ Ricci Winery for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience in centuries-old cellars. Montepulciano also offers historical sites like the San Biagio Church, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture set against a backdrop of cypress trees.

 

 Discover Montalcino: The Home of Brunello

Another must-visit for wine lovers, Montalcino is world-renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most prestigious red wines. The town itself is a medieval delight, with Fortezza di Montalcino, a 14th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Visit Castello Banfi or Biondi Santi Winery to learn about Brunello’s rich history and enjoy tastings with stunning vineyard views

 

Marvel at the Landscape in the Val d’Orcia Natural Park

This UNESCO-listed park is a photographer’s dream, boasting rolling fields, solitary farmhouses, and the iconic cypress tree-lined roads that define Tuscany. Rent a car or bike through this serene landscape to fully immerse yourself in its timeless beauty. The area is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the light bathes the hills in a golden glow.

 

 

Relax in the Thermal Baths of Bagno Vignoni

Unlike traditional town squares, Bagno Vignoni features a thermal water pool in its center, used since Roman times for its healing properties. While the main square’s pool is not for bathing, you can relax in the natural thermal baths at Hotel Posta Marcucci or visit the free public baths just outside the town. The combination of warm mineral-rich waters and the tranquil setting makes for an unforgettable wellness experience.

 

Wander Through San Quirico d’Orcia

This charming medieval town is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors but is well worth a visit. Stroll through its Horti Leonini Gardens, visit the Collegiata Church, and enjoy a leisurely meal at one of its cozy trattorias. San Quirico is also an excellent base for exploring the region, with easy access to some of Val d’Orcia’s most scenic.

 

Cypress Avenue Poggio Covili

Another characteristic feature of Val d’Orcia is the countless photogenic avenues of cypress trees that lead to the respective farms, wineries, or estates. One of the most popular photo spots is the long, picturesque avenue of the Poggio Covili farm, which is located on the SR2 road. Some of the coolest Instagram pictures of Tuscany are taken here. Although the avenue is only open to guests, you can take great pics right at the entrance. This cypress avenue is one of the most beautiful in the region and is  worth a stop when you explore the Val d’Orcia by car or bike!

 

 Monticchiello & Zig-Zag Street

Tuscany is famous for its romantic avenues of cypress trees and for its impressive zigzag streets, which create an extraordinary panorama. One of the best photo spots is located in Monticchiello, where a particularly photogenic winding zigzag road winds its way up a hill. A real insider tip is also a walk through the small, medieval village center of Monticchiello, which captivates visitors with a romantic setting and lots of flair.

 

    Cappella Madonna di Vitaleta

One of the most famous photo spots in Val d’Orcia is the beautiful Cappella Madonna di Vitaleta, a small chapel nestled in a picturesque landscape like in a fairy tale. This church had already been built in the 12th century and was restored in 1884. Thanks to the charming scenery that surrounds it, this attraction became a landmark in the Orcia Valley and one of the most popular photo spots in Tuscany. The scenery here is magical in the early morning and in the evening at sunset, when the landscape of the Val d’Orcia presents itself from its most beautiful side.

 

Where to Stay in Val d’Orcia

Luxury Retreats
Boutique & Mid-Range Stays
Budget-Friendly & Agriturismos

 

How to get to Val d’Orcia

BY CAR

Val D’Orcia is centrally located, making it easily accessible by car, a scenic drive that winds through the rolling hills and charming villages. From Florence, take the A1 and SR2, roughly a 2 hour drive.

Compare these car rental prices at Discover car or Rental cars.com, we use both of these companies. Both highly recommended.

Val d’Orcia is a timeless escape that captures the essence of Tuscany—rolling landscapes, historic villages, exceptional wines, and food to die for. Whether you’re exploring medieval hilltop towns, indulging in thermal baths, or a glass of Brunello under a  golden sunset, this region offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose a luxurious castle stay, a charming boutique hotel, or a rustic agriturismo, Val d’Orcia promises a journey through one of Italy’s most enchanting landscapes.

 

Tours of Val d’Orcia

If you don’t plan on renting a car while in Tuscany, you can visit Val d’Orcia on a tour. This takes care of your transportation to and from Val d’Orcia, which can save you a lot of time. Here are several tours from nearby towns.

                                                          3 x GYG TOURS.

More places to visit in Tuscany

CORTONA – Stunning Hillside Town

MONTEPULCIANO – A Guide to the Wine City

SAN GIMIGNANO – Visit the City of Towers

AREZZO – Charming Medieval City

PISA – The Iconic Leaning Tower