Val d'Orcia
Val d'Orcia
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Val d'Orcia
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
81 within 3 miles
Attractions
98 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
455 reviews
Excellent
411
Very good
38
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Adam and Becki
Lynnwood, WA92 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This was a pretty disappointing stop on our tour of Tuscany. Really, where you park to go walk to the viewpoint is prettier than the actual viewpoint. We rented a car and drove around Tuscany and there were so many better spots. I’d say stopping here isn’t worth the time.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heli K
Lappeenranta, Finland1,526 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
I visited Tuscany in the beginning of May and as a part of our trip we drove from Siena to Val d'Orcia area ( road Via Cassia (SR2)). We used Discover Tuscany web site's tips for those who only have 24 hours when we planned the trip and our route.
Our first pit stop was a small medieval village Buenconvento where we had just ice creams. If you have just one day - do not stop - drive directly to Val d'Orcia area. From this tiny village we continued to Pienza, also UNESCO World Heritage site, and then to Montepulciano where we also stayed the night.
This was my first time in Val d'Orcia and I just loved it. And one day was absolutely too little. I will definitely go back and I am also curious to see this area in summer time as well as harvest time when everything is golden yellow. In May everything was amazingly green - so green that it is hard to imagine - so differently green than e.g. in Finland where we also have lots of forest. Val d'Orsia was rolling green hills, cypresses as in post cards, hilltop towns, castles, breathtaking sceneries, small country roads....
So when driving there make sure that you are not in a hurry because after every curve you - at least I did - want to stop and take pictures. The beauty of Val d'Orcia just makes you speechless or saying wow and wow and wow after wow. In the beginning of May there were also quite little other tourists which I found great. Sometimes we had these amazingly beautiful roads just to ourselves.
By the way just before San Quirico there is a perfect place to stop and take iconic Tuscan photos as the web site suggested (green hills and cypress trees - amazing scenery). And before Pienza you'll find the Cappella Vitaleta - tiny chapel - worth to stop and take photos or even drive to it.
Pienza itself was beautiful and unique Renaissance city - we had there also a lunch and we visited Palazzo Piccolomini. From Palazzos terrace you'll have amazing view to Val d'Orcia country side - and this Palazzo is also a set for the Romeo and Juliette movie. From Pienza we took a side detour to Montichiello because we wanted to spend more time in country side and on cypress lined roads. And from there we drove to Montepulciano and stayed the night.
Our first pit stop was a small medieval village Buenconvento where we had just ice creams. If you have just one day - do not stop - drive directly to Val d'Orcia area. From this tiny village we continued to Pienza, also UNESCO World Heritage site, and then to Montepulciano where we also stayed the night.
This was my first time in Val d'Orcia and I just loved it. And one day was absolutely too little. I will definitely go back and I am also curious to see this area in summer time as well as harvest time when everything is golden yellow. In May everything was amazingly green - so green that it is hard to imagine - so differently green than e.g. in Finland where we also have lots of forest. Val d'Orsia was rolling green hills, cypresses as in post cards, hilltop towns, castles, breathtaking sceneries, small country roads....
So when driving there make sure that you are not in a hurry because after every curve you - at least I did - want to stop and take pictures. The beauty of Val d'Orcia just makes you speechless or saying wow and wow and wow after wow. In the beginning of May there were also quite little other tourists which I found great. Sometimes we had these amazingly beautiful roads just to ourselves.
By the way just before San Quirico there is a perfect place to stop and take iconic Tuscan photos as the web site suggested (green hills and cypress trees - amazing scenery). And before Pienza you'll find the Cappella Vitaleta - tiny chapel - worth to stop and take photos or even drive to it.
Pienza itself was beautiful and unique Renaissance city - we had there also a lunch and we visited Palazzo Piccolomini. From Palazzos terrace you'll have amazing view to Val d'Orcia country side - and this Palazzo is also a set for the Romeo and Juliette movie. From Pienza we took a side detour to Montichiello because we wanted to spend more time in country side and on cypress lined roads. And from there we drove to Montepulciano and stayed the night.
Written May 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evgenyr1981
Israel688 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Before I start, please, do not associate Val d'Orcia and the whole Tuscany with Podere Belvedere pictures. This is wrong, the valley is incredible stunning and that famous villa doesn't do justice, it is below mediocre, there are million spots and opportunities with much better view, stop hunting that "{Belvedere early morning fog" sickness and be original. There is much more than trivial sp146 if you know what I mean.
Go forth and explore while driving, but get a SUV, the local roads a below terrible.
Every single town has its own atmosphere. Best time to take photos after 6-7 pm, it gets dark pretty late, around 9 pm in summer, so you have plenty of time.
The valley deserves at least a week of stay and the best bet will be some agroturismo, as these are located outside of towns and allow you to actually "breath" the sunset/sunrise views from terrace while enjoying complete silence with some local made wine and cheese.
Go forth and explore while driving, but get a SUV, the local roads a below terrible.
Every single town has its own atmosphere. Best time to take photos after 6-7 pm, it gets dark pretty late, around 9 pm in summer, so you have plenty of time.
The valley deserves at least a week of stay and the best bet will be some agroturismo, as these are located outside of towns and allow you to actually "breath" the sunset/sunrise views from terrace while enjoying complete silence with some local made wine and cheese.
Written June 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KLE2013
Centreville, VA3,680 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Our family spent a glorious week at the agritourismo resort, Il Poggio, in S. Casciano dei Bagni and with the flexibility that a rental car provided, we were able to explore the marvelous countryside of the Val d'Orcia. Undulating hills with Renaissance towns mounted on rocky heights, panoramic vistas punctuated with idyllic farmhouses, sinuous country roads lined by towering Italian cypress-everyday was a new discovery. The road from Montepulciano to Pienza and from Pienza to San Quirico d'Orcia along SS146 is particularly noteworthy. Make sure to Explore and enjoy the towns and countryside in this very special area!
Written September 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loreen K
Prague, Czech Republic251 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Some might mention to avoid Belvedere, Vitaletta, sp146. This is a mistake, its ridiculous I think to avoid sights just because they are popular and or famous. Tbere is a reason an attraction is so popular, because its worth seeing. So I do believe in seeing what some may call cliches or over rated because they are so widely photographed, just try to find different times to enjoy them without the crowds. This area cannot be seen in a day or just hours but if time is really limited then choose a couple of destinations rather then trying to see everything, but take time to really enjoy. Far better to see less but make great memories of what you do visit, if time permits, enjoy the drives and stop to see the beautiful hilltop villages along the routes. Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico, drive the sp146 for its fantastic beauty, then head off to the smaller roads, do a loop back to Montepulciano from Pienza via sp18 and sp88, enjoy the zig zag road of cipressi, stop in at Montichiello. Swing over to Montefollonico via sp15, then sp renielli to either sp71 or sp14 to Montisi, follow sp14 to San Giovanni d'asso to Torrenieri, then a totally quiet, perfect for cycling or running twisting turning road sp137 to San Quirico. You could in drive this in a loop but is really worthwhile to stop in these villages along the routes so try break these into a number of drives over a period of days. The Val d'Orcia borders the Crete Senesi, the scenery in a space of few kilometers changes from lush wooded hills to almost moonscape. The light is so intense mid day, its hard to capture the beauty, but not everything can be seen in the soft early morning light or at dramatic sunsets, so do not fret about it, just enjoy it.
Written August 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcella202014
New York City, NY48 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
If you want to see the real Tuscany, take a drive along SP146 to Pienza. The gentle rolling hills in the countryside are one of the most picturesque landscapes. If you have ever dreamed of seeing this part of Italy, driving along this route is the way to go. Visit Pienza because from this town, there are breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape below. You won't regret this drive. I loved it.
Written May 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nazir
Montefollonico, Italy202 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
Remember you are in UN World Heritage Sites Zone of which beautiful Pienza is the principle Town, constructed by Pope Piccolomino who began urbanization. Films like the English Patient were shot here. The area is also famous for its Pecorino Cheese, Olive Oil, Wine, Terracotta, Pottery and many more items. Bagno Vignoni the roman spa definitely deserves a visit as much as Montalcino where the World Famoos Brunello comes from. Montepulciano produces the Vino Nobile. Montefollonico a village situate on a ridge where both Val d'Orca and Val di Chiana can be viewed. The best time to visit is in th Autumn when the harvest of Olives and Grapes etc takes place. How long will the elderly italian generation continue this tedious work by hand. Go see!
Written July 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India3,893 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I don’t think words can do justice, so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. This is the most ethereal landscape in Italy, and perhaps anywhere in the world. A car is necessary, and don’t just drive the main roads like the unforgettable SP146 connecting the iconic hill-towns of Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano etc. but the various unmarked dirt roads (the one from Il Rigo to Cretaiole, for example) where every turn presents a little slice of heaven. It helps to spend a few nights somewhere in the valley (we chose Montalcino) to really get under its skin. We will return.
PS – This needs planning to optimise your time spent and cover maximum ground. The Fodors forum has an exhaustive itinerary for the region courtesy Stu Dudley, an invaluable contributor, as does Karen Brown’s website.
PS – This needs planning to optimise your time spent and cover maximum ground. The Fodors forum has an exhaustive itinerary for the region courtesy Stu Dudley, an invaluable contributor, as does Karen Brown’s website.
Written November 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
c_meggy
London460 contributions
I've been to Tuscany various times and the last three times I rented large villas with friends in the Val d'Orcia area. Absolutely amazing.
There are a lot of beautiful places to visit such as Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Montepulciano or just drive through the countryside.
It's a must see for everyone going to Tuscany.
There are a lot of beautiful places to visit such as Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Montepulciano or just drive through the countryside.
It's a must see for everyone going to Tuscany.
Written March 19, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BartMuur
Zuid Scharwoude585 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
The Val d'Orcia (valley of the river Orcia) is declared Unesco World Heritage Site. It is the unique combination of an unbelievable and stunning landscape, the quiet life of the ''contadini'', the outstandig quality of food and wines, culture and history that can be found under each stone that you may lift, and the kind people with their amazing hospitality that made us decide more than 10 years ago that exploring the world any further would be a waste of time. Since than we spent our holidays only in the beautiful heart of the Val d'Orcia, in Pienza. And since we are retired we donot speak of holidays any longer, but we cal this place another place to celebrate our daily life. Dolce far niente, here it becomes true! And more than this.
Written October 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Golfnut83
London, UK224 contributions
Thinking of going to Tuscany in early September. We don't want to drive but want to visit San Gimiano, Sienna, Lucca and stay in a romantic hotel that would enable us to visit these places. Also definitely want a wine tour. Any recommendations of how to do this much appreciated.
murraya930
Champaign, IL41 contributions
I highly recommend a tour guide named Costanza. I think we found her on trip advisor. She gives wonderful tours of Sienna - extremely knowledgeable ! And we also did a wine tour with her where she drove our rental through Montepulciano, Montecino and a third wine town. She could suggest places to stay in Sienna. We really enjoyed a small wonderful hotel Hotel Santa Catarina. Beautiful garden area with a great view.
Miroslav M
1 contribution
Prosím doporučte mi místa pro fotografování krajiny, mapu míst odkud a kdy pořídit ty nejlepší záběry v polovine října Děkuji
overdoityks
St. Petersburg, FL167 contributions
What is the best drive in Tuscany to photograph cypress tree lined roads and country side, please and thank you?!
Mighty_rhtdm
Mumbai, India90 contributions
We drive to Pienza . Beautiful views .
Yakın Djan
Izmir Province, Türkiye
Hello I would like to comprehend your life style and what you do as citizens in your daily lives. I am researching Chianti as my subject as now. So I would like to be answered in a few days time. And if you knew about Chianti beforehand you can help me about a better introducement of it. Merci. Et bon journée.
Irisblonde
Naples, Italy38 contributions
Salve!
Mi consigliate dove alloggiare per un weekend lungo in Val d Orcia? Conviene una sistemazione in mezza pensione? Grazie!
LivIngrid
Brembio, Italy252 contributions
Ciao, ti consiglio di alloggiare a Pienza (un borgo molto caratteristico a pochi km da molti luoghi di interesse: terme, Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano ecc). Potresti valutare una camera con annessa zona cucina (ti consiglio il bed and breakfast: Camere il Giglio di Pienza, la signora Roberta avrà sicuramente una stanza con zona cucina che fa per te ed è sito proprio in centro storico... ) Spero di esserti stata utile, se hai dubbi chiedi pure.
TitoFromAtlanta
Atlanta, GA160 contributions
1. May I ask you which city/airport did you fly into from US?
2. Where did you rent a car, I mean which city/town in Val d"Orcia? Or in bigger cities/airport you flew into?
Thanks
Tito from Atlanta
Nata P
Montreal, Canada18 contributions
Hello Tito,
To answer you questions:
1. I flew into Florence, as this was my first destination. I spent a couple of days in Florence and then rented the car there. 2. I rented the car at a Hertz location in Florence South, but if you are not staying in Florence you can also rent it at the airport (though my understanding is that there is a surcharge for cars that are rented at an airport location). To be honest, I do not know if you can rent a car in one of the cities in Val d'Orcia but I believe you can check online either on Hertz website or Europcar.
LeanneHaney
Redwood City, CA48 contributions
Hi, I have been to Pienza, Montepulciano, Montefioralle, Siena. What other villages should I visit next trip? It will be June and would like to go off the beaten path to avoid crowds, towns with a few restaurants, shopping and gorgeous churches. Thanks.
Frank H
Ladysmith, Canada29 contributions
I’d like to revisit Volterra.
Betina2
Province of Granada, Spain18 contributions
Hola, junto a mi familia ,vamos a disfrutar de la región de la Toscana, tenemos poco tiempo porque seguimos ruta hacia Roma, por eso quiero perderme con el coche por ese valle evocador ....nos alojamos en S Gimigianno, pero haremos ruta por los pueblecitos, Siena por supuesto ,pero queria saber que pueblos merecen ver porque me encantaría recorrerlos todos, pero en solo dos días... no sé, lo que me daría tiempo.
Wolfgang B
Vienna, Austria71 contributions
Bagno Vinoni : römische Therme mit neuem SPA-Hotel und toller Landschaft herum
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingVal d'Orcia - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Val d'Orcia
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Val d'Orcia:
- Pienza, Val d'Orcia, Montalcino wine and Pecorino cheese PRIVATE TOUR from SIENA (From $489.27)
- Private Tour: Medieval Val d'Orcia by Minivan from Florence (From $450.35)
- Val d'Orcia private tour: Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano (From $478.71)
- Tuscan Food and Wine Tour of Val d'Orcia from Florence (From $105.64)
- Small-Group Montepulciano and Pienza Day Trip from Siena (From $177.92)
- Hotels near Val d'Orcia:
- (0.02 mi) Agriturismo Poderino
- (0.83 mi) Agriturismo Bonello
- (1.27 mi) Cretaiole
- (1.41 mi) Antica Sosta
- (0.47 mi) Agriturismo La Buca
- Restaurants near Val d'Orcia:
- (1.40 mi) Ristorante Fonte alla Vena
- (1.38 mi) Antica Trattoria Toscana al Vecchio Forno - Capitano Collection
- (1.46 mi) La Bottega di Portanuova
- (1.40 mi) Intralci Wine Bar
- (1.25 mi) Il Garibaldi
- Attractions near Val d'Orcia:
- (0.45 mi) Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
- (1.40 mi) San Quirico d'Orcia
- (1.42 mi) Collegiata di San Quirico
- (2.69 mi) E-Bike Tuscany
- (3.04 mi) Piazza delle Sorgenti
Val d'Orcia Information
Excellent Reviews | 411 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 38 |
Val d'Orcia Photos | 989 |