Aisling’s guidebook - Places to go
Places to go
Here are our recommendations of places to go (it will take some time to complete this list as we are discovering new places all the time!)
This is an iconic landmark in Val d'Orcia, not to be missed.
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Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
This is an iconic landmark in Val d'Orcia, not to be missed.
This 'Underground City' winery has a vast network of tunnels under the wineshop, where visitors can view two etruscan tombs, agricultural instruments and wine barrels. It's free to enter and you can also have the opportunity to taste some wines on the way out.
La Citta Sotterranea
80-82 Via di Gracciano nel CorsoThis 'Underground City' winery has a vast network of tunnels under the wineshop, where visitors can view two etruscan tombs, agricultural instruments and wine barrels. It's free to enter and you can also have the opportunity to taste some wines on the way out.
The epitome of elegance and effortless style, Bagno Vignoni is the perfect place for sipping an evening aperitivo while listening to the gentle bubbling of the volcanic springs. If you are visiting in the autum or winter, the sight of vapour rising from the surface of the water is even more enchanting.
Our tip for a priceless experience: a midnight foot dip in the thermal stream under the Tuscan stars. Bring a towel and grab a spot along the banks of the narrow stream, dangle your feet into the balmy water and admire the surrounding Roman ruins and the twinkling distant lights of Castiglione d’Orcia in the neighbouring hills.
Check out our restaurant suggestions in the restaurant guide!
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Bagno Vignoni
The epitome of elegance and effortless style, Bagno Vignoni is the perfect place for sipping an evening aperitivo while listening to the gentle bubbling of the volcanic springs. If you are visiting in the autum or winter, the sight of vapour rising from the surface of the water is even more enchanting.
Our tip for a priceless experience: a midnight foot dip in the thermal stream under the Tuscan stars. Bring a towel and grab a spot along the banks of the narrow stream, dangle your feet into the balmy water and admire the surrounding Roman ruins and the twinkling distant lights of Castiglione d’Orcia in the neighbouring hills.
Check out our restaurant suggestions in the restaurant guide!
A walk along Terrapile, the setting for 'Gladiator'.
It’s no surprise that numerous film-makers have been drawn to the astonishing beauty of Val d’Orcia. Just a stone’s throw from Pienza lies Terrapille, the cypress tree lined road that Ridley Scott chose as the setting for the home of Maximus (Russell Crowe) in Gladiator.
Walking along this remote path, listening to the sheaves of grain chiming in the breeze feels like stepping into the film.
Agriturismo A Terrapille
A walk along Terrapile, the setting for 'Gladiator'.
It’s no surprise that numerous film-makers have been drawn to the astonishing beauty of Val d’Orcia. Just a stone’s throw from Pienza lies Terrapille, the cypress tree lined road that Ridley Scott chose as the setting for the home of Maximus (Russell Crowe) in Gladiator.
Walking along this remote path, listening to the sheaves of grain chiming in the breeze feels like stepping into the film.
On the filming trail of 'Under the Tuscan Sun': A scenic 1 hour drive from ‘Villa i Girasoli’ will take you to the beautiful town of Cortona, where Frances buys her dilapidated Tuscan villa ‘Bramasole’. Incidentally, the real Frances Mayes (author of the book on which the film is based) still lives here.
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Cortona
On the filming trail of 'Under the Tuscan Sun': A scenic 1 hour drive from ‘Villa i Girasoli’ will take you to the beautiful town of Cortona, where Frances buys her dilapidated Tuscan villa ‘Bramasole’. Incidentally, the real Frances Mayes (author of the book on which the film is based) still lives here.
If you want to stray outside Val d'Orcia, Arezzo is a quaint town worth a visit. It was the setting for Roberto Begnini's oscar winning film 'La vita è bella'. The main piazza is beautiful and has lots of stylish restaurants.
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Arezzo
If you want to stray outside Val d'Orcia, Arezzo is a quaint town worth a visit. It was the setting for Roberto Begnini's oscar winning film 'La vita è bella'. The main piazza is beautiful and has lots of stylish restaurants.
If you like to experience thermal waters in the wild, this is the perfect spot. Take a dip in the thermal river in the forest at Bagni San Filippo.
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Bagni San Filippo
If you like to experience thermal waters in the wild, this is the perfect spot. Take a dip in the thermal river in the forest at Bagni San Filippo.
The Abbey of Sant'Antimo is beautiful and the drive to it is very scenic. We enjoy relaxing under the shade of the olive trees here and enjoying the view.
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Abbey of Sant'Antimo
222 Localita' S. AntimoThe Abbey of Sant'Antimo is beautiful and the drive to it is very scenic. We enjoy relaxing under the shade of the olive trees here and enjoying the view.
This is an iconic view that you will see on many postcards. It's just a short drive from home. There is also a large Villa there where you can have a guided tour of the gardens.
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La Foce
61 Strada della VittoriaThis is an iconic view that you will see on many postcards. It's just a short drive from home. There is also a large Villa there where you can have a guided tour of the gardens.
Shopping may not be your top priority for this trip, but if you happen to get a rainy day you can take a 30 minute drive to the Valdichiana Outlet Village, where you will find top brands at discounted prices.
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Valdichiana Outlet Village station
5 Via Enzo FerrariShopping may not be your top priority for this trip, but if you happen to get a rainy day you can take a 30 minute drive to the Valdichiana Outlet Village, where you will find top brands at discounted prices.
Pienza
Pienza is a must see!
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a must see!
San Quirico d'Orcia has some beautiful churches, gardens and nice restaurants. There is often a festival going on so you may catch something interesting.
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San Quirico d'Orcia
San Quirico d'Orcia has some beautiful churches, gardens and nice restaurants. There is often a festival going on so you may catch something interesting.
We may be biased of course, but this is the most beautiful borgo in Val d'Orcia and just 5 minutes walk from home. Take a walk up to the very top of the town to see Andrea's Garden and enjoy the view of the terracotta rooftops and hills below. It's the perfect place to sit and relax or even bring a book.
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Monticchiello
We may be biased of course, but this is the most beautiful borgo in Val d'Orcia and just 5 minutes walk from home. Take a walk up to the very top of the town to see Andrea's Garden and enjoy the view of the terracotta rooftops and hills below. It's the perfect place to sit and relax or even bring a book.
An important stop for wine lovers - the home of 'Brunello di Montalcino'
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Montalcino station
An important stop for wine lovers - the home of 'Brunello di Montalcino'