Guide of Siena Itineraries Siena : Val d Orcia, Italy

Siena Siena : Val D Orcia, Italy

Hills outlined by the endless rows of cypress trees, majestic castles, thermal spa towns, tiny Medieval villages surrounded by olive groves, wine cellars that hold the valuable oak and chestnut casks where the famous Brunello di Montalcino ages. This is the Val d’Orcia, one of the most precious jewels in the Siena area.

You can use your hotel in Siena as your base or you can move from place to place, choosing one of the rural country farmhouses or the relais in the Val D’Orcia. If instead you wish to commune with nature to find your psychological-physical equilibrium, why not stay in a fitness and health center in Tuscany?

Montalcino

This beautiful village stands on the top of a hill that is almost entirely covered in vineyards: the area is in fact famous for the production of the super tuscan Brunello di Montalcino wine. The village is a pretty destination, not just for wine lovers, but also for art and architecture enthusiasts. The old center of Montalcino is a perfect example of Medieval Siena architecture, with its ancient walls, Palazzo dei Priori and the wonderful Rocca fortress, built around the 14th century.

Pienza

Pienza was declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO and is considered to be the “symbol city” of the Italian Renaissance, thanks to the work by Enea Silvio Piccolomini who had the wonderful civil and religious buildings such as the Assunta Cathedral, the majestic Palazzo Piccolomini, from where there is a wonderful view over the whole of the Val d’Orcia, the Bishop’s Palace and the Municipal Palace, built in the mid 15th century. Pecorino di Pienza, a typical cheese that you must try with walnuts and pears, is also worth a mention of its own.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a charming village known as the “pearl of the 16th century” due to the wonderful Renaissance buildings that can be seen in the old village center. The splendid Piazza Grande is completely surrounded by opulent buildings such as Palazzo Pubblico. Montepulciano is also famous for the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Chianciano Terme

This famous thermal spa town is at 550 meters above sea level and dates back to ancient times: The Romans had in fact already discovered the curative advantages of the waters here. Chianciano Terme is still a tourist resort today. People come from all over the world to try the rich properties of the local mineral water, the fresh, healthy climate and wonderful scenery of the area where the tow is located, among the oak and chestnut woods and the sunny hills.