Italy · Guide

Val d'Orcia GuideThe Best Towns, Views and Farm Stays

Base yourself in Pienza or on an agriturismo between Pienza and San Quirico: the famous cypress views are minutes away.Pick Montalcino for Brunello wine, Bagno Vignoni for thermal water and Montepulciano for a livelier town.

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The short answer

First visitPienzaRenaissance town, valley views
Wine loversMontalcinohome of Brunello
Thermal waterBagno Vignonia hot pool instead of a square
Quiet and viewsAgriturismofarm stay among the hills

Where the towns are

Montalcino in the west, Montepulciano in the east, Pienza and San Quirico in the middle. The free hot springs of Bagni San Filippo lie to the south.

What is the Val d'Orcia?

The Val d'Orcia is a valley of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads and hilltop towns in southern Tuscany, south of Siena. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 as a landscape shaped by Renaissance farming, and the park covers five towns: Castiglione d'Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani and San Quirico d'Orcia.

It is a place for slow days: short drives between towns, wine and pecorino tastings, sunsets over the hills. Plan at least two nights, three or four if you want to relax.

Our tip: Go to the viewpoints early in the morning: in spring and autumn fog often lies in the valleys, and the hills rise out of it like islands.

Where should you stay?

1
Good for: First visit, couples
Pienza

The ideal Renaissance town of Pope Pius II, small and car-free, on a ridge with views over the whole valley. Many cheese shops, restaurants and the walk along the town walls.
- the best valley views from the walls
- restaurants and shops within walking distance
- central for all the classic viewpoints
- full of day visitors at midday
- few parking spaces in summer
$$–$$$Not ideal for: Anyone looking for a big town with nightlife.

Try here: Pecorino di Pienza, the sheep's cheese the town is famous for.
Hotels in Pienza →
2
Good for: Wine lovers
Montalcino

A fortified hill town above vineyards, home of Brunello di Montalcino. Wineries all around, a fortress and a bigger choice of restaurants.
- Brunello wineries right outside town
- fortress and lively old center
- good base for the western valley
- steep streets
- wine tastings mean someone has to drive
$$–$$$Not ideal for: Travelers who don't drink wine and want quiet hills.

Try here: A glass of Brunello di Montalcino with a plate of local salumi.
Hotels in Montalcino →
3
Good for: Central, thermal water
San Quirico d'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni

San Quirico is a calm town in the middle of the valley with the Horti Leonini garden; Bagno Vignoni next door has a thermal pool almost 50 meters long as its square. Bathing in the pool itself is not allowed, but the warm water runs free in the Parco dei Mulini below.
- right in the middle of the valley
- thermal water and spa hotels next door
- close to the famous cypress groups
- fewer shops and restaurants
- Bagno Vignoni gets busy at weekends
$$Not ideal for: Anyone who wants lots of evening choice.

Try here: Pici, thick hand-rolled pasta, with garlic and tomato sauce.
Hotels in San Quirico d'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni →
4
Good for: Livelier evenings
Montepulciano

A larger hill town just outside the Val d'Orcia, at the edge of the Valdichiana. Palaces, wine cellars under the town and more restaurants.
- more restaurants and evening life
- wine cellars of Vino Nobile
- easy day trips into the valley
- outside the UNESCO area
- steep main street
$$Not ideal for: Travelers who want to wake up in the middle of the valley.

Try here: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the town's famous red wine.
Hotels in Montepulciano →
5
Good for: Families, longer stays
Agriturismo in the hills

A farm stay between the towns, often with a pool, olive oil and wine from the estate and dinners with the hosts. The real Val d'Orcia experience, but only with a car.
- views, quiet and a pool
- home-grown food and wine
- space for families
- a car is essential
- summer weeks often need a minimum stay
$$–$$$Not ideal for: Travelers without a car.

Try here: Olive oil from the estate on toasted Tuscan bread.
Hotels in Agriturismo in the hills →

Where are the famous views?

The Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, a small chapel framed by cypresses, lies between San Quirico and Pienza and is reached on foot along a gravel track. The cypress circle on a hill near San Quirico is visible from the road to Pienza.

The winding cypress road near Monticchiello is best photographed from above in the morning. Please stay on public roads and paths: most viewpoints lie on private farmland.

How do you get to the Val d'Orcia?

By car: about two hours from Florence or Rome, about an hour from Siena. Trains do not reach the valley, and buses are rare, so rent a car. The nearest airports are Florence and Rome.

Your two days in the Val d'Orcia

Day 1: Pienza and the cypress views

MorningPienza: walk the walls, then pecorino tasting.
MiddayLunch with pici in Pienza or Monticchiello.
AfternoonWalk to the Vitaleta chapel, then the cypress circle near San Quirico.
EveningSunset over the hills from Pienza.

Day 2: wine and water

MorningMontalcino: fortress and a booked winery visit.
MiddayLunch in Montalcino.
AfternoonBagno Vignoni: thermal square and the Parco dei Mulini.
EveningDinner in San Quirico.

Tours and experiences nearby

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Plan my tripPick a route, change the days, done: hotels and tours for every stop included.Open the planner →

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to stay in the Val d'Orcia?

Pienza for a first visit, or an agriturismo between Pienza and San Quirico. Both put the famous views within minutes.

Do you need a car in the Val d'Orcia?

Yes. Trains do not reach the valley and buses are rare. A car is the only practical way to move between towns and viewpoints.

How many days do you need in the Val d'Orcia?

Two nights for the main towns and views, three or four to slow down with wine tastings and thermal baths.

Can you swim in the hot springs of Bagno Vignoni?

Not in the historic pool in the square. The warm water runs freely in the Parco dei Mulini below the village, and there are spa hotels.

When is the best time to visit the Val d'Orcia?

April to June for green hills and spring flowers, September and October for harvest and soft light. July and August are hot.

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