Get the lowest rate for your Hotel in Tuscany through Booking.com

Get the best deal direct from the owners on TuscanyAccommodation.com

Book your unique Tuscan Experience

Book your Tour

Book your Tickets ahead & Skip the line!

Buy Museum Tickets

Visiting the Val d'Orcia, the Tuscany of Your Dreams

The beautiful landscape is the absolute protagonist

Medieval castles, sinuous gills, ancient villages, gorgeous farmhouses, isolated homesteads, roads lined with cypress trees, fabulous vineyards and olive groves and golden fields of grain and sunflowers: these are just some of the elements that form the fantastic and harmonious landscapes of the Val d'Orcia. This rich green valley, which encompasses the Orcia river and where it derives its name, is in southern Tuscany, stretching between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto. The entire area is protected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Valdorcia Tuscany

Time seems to slow down in picturesque towns like Pienza, a real jewel known as the "Ideal City" with its beautiful Palazzo Piccolomini. The small town of Castiglion d'Orcia with its fortress seems to take you back in time. At the furthest southernmost point, there is the hilltop town of Radicofani with its imposing castle tower, and if you go west, you arrive at the walled medieval city of Montalcino and the vineyards for making Brunello wine. A must-see is the beautiful and suggestive Romanesque Abbey of Sant' Antimo, one of the best examples of medieval monastic architecture remaining.

After a day visiting museums, ancient abbeys and castles, you can relax in one of the many thermal hot springs of the region, such as the ones in Bagno Vignoni or in Bagni di San Filippo.

This region is rich in high quality food items such as "pecorino" cheese of Pienza (a cheese made from the milk of the many sheep that graze the grasses in the area around the town), genuine extra virgin olive oil, gorgeous wine resulting from a long and ancient tradition, saffron, mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, game such as wild board and other specialties along the wine road.

A vacation in Val d'Orcia is a special journey between flavors and marvelous panoramas that you will never forget. The most beautiful photos you see of Tuscany come from this paradise!

Watch the video below showcasing the area of the Val d'Orcia and Siena, made by the foundation that manages the museums across the territory, with all of the main sights you'll see.

You'll love reading about...

Visiting the Ideal Renaissance city of Pienza

The Renaissance city of Pienza is a must-see destination in the Val d'Orcia. What to see? The beautiful hilltop town in southern Tuscany is small, here is our recommendation on what to see and do while in Pienza.

Read More

What to see and do in 24 hours in Val d'Orcia

The magnificent Val d'Orcia represents Tuscany across the world: gently rolling hills, vineyards, cypresses, medieval hilltop towns and castles. Here's our suggestions on how to organize a day through the area and see the top sights.

Read More

7 Reasons to Base Your Vacation in Val d'Orcia

Art, history, nature & wine are the obvious reason why you should make Val d’Orcia in Tuscany your base for holiday accommodations. But we got a few extra you might not even realize, read here for great reasons from experts who live in Tuscany.

Read More

San Quirico d’Orcia

Spending a day in the Val d’Orcia? We highly recommend enjoying a lunch or dinner here as you explore the small medieval town near Pienza. Take time to also stop outside of the town to enjoy breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape.

Read More

Montalcino: A town & its Wine

Don’t miss the magnificent Montalcino, the city of the great Brunello wine, on your vacation to Tuscany. Here are our suggestions on what to see and do in Montalcino.

Read More

Val d’Orcia: A DOC Wine Tasting Itinerary

The UNESCO World Heritage territory of Val d’Orcia is one of the magical places to explore while on vacation in Tuscany. The landscapes, with its small picturesque towns and rolling hills, call to you, as well as the delicious wines created in the area! Check our list of wineries to add to your wine tasting itinerary in the area.

Read More

Visit Palazzo Piccolomini, beautiful Renaissance palace in Pienza

In Pienza, we highly recommend visiting Palazzo Piccolomini, the first example of Renaissance architecture. With its terrace and hanging garden, you'll enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding Val d'Orcia landscape.

Read More

San Giovanni in Poggio - Immersed in the Crete Senesi

This beautiful rural home of San Giovanni in Poggio has been recently renovated and offers five fully equipped apartments. There is a large swimming pool for guests, all modern amenities such as washing machine and dishwasher in each apartment and a panoramic view of the wonderful landscape of the Crete Senesi.

Read More

Montepulciano

Wonderful panoramas, great wines and quaint medieval villages to explore: this is the Valdorcia and this is Montepulciano! Set amidst those rolling hills that chatracterize the Tuscan outline, a few steps from Siena, Pienza and Montalcino, Montepulciano is like an amalgam of the best that Tuscany has to offers. So what are you waiting for? Venture out to the discovery of this marvellus town and taste a glass of its Nobile wine!

Read More

The Natural, Outdoor Hot Springs at Bagni San Filippo

Discover the beautiful outdoor hot springs at Bagni San Filippo in southern Tuscany along the eastern skirts of Monte Amiata. Hot water at the source makes it possible to bathe even in cold seasons - and the spectacular White Whale needs to be seen and enjoyed!

Read More

Podere Cunina - Dreamy Sunsets near Siena

Located just outside Buonconvento, Podere Cunina has spectacular views over the beautiful Tuscan countryside and of the medieval hilltop village of Montalcino. It is the perfect base from which to visit Siena and the Valdorcia but, most of all, enjoy the warmth and welcome of the Freddi family into their home. It is a wonderful venue for an unforgettable wedding.

Read More

Montalcino: A Brunello Wine Tasting Itinerary

The zone for Brunello wine is concentrated in an area around Montalcino, filled with small towns, magical landscapes and vineyards of all sizes. Browse our list of vineyards and add some of our top choices to your wine tasting itinerary in Montalcino.

Read More

A Journey through Tuscany's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

From 1982 to 2013, UNESCO has added 7 places in Tuscany to the World Heritage Sites List: follow along with us on a journey through the amazing art, culture and natural landscape of Tuscany to the discover the rich heritage Tuscany holds for all of us.

Read More

Stuart Apartments in Montepulciano

Would you like to stay in Montepulciano and have wine shops, cafes and restaurants minutes away? With free parking nearby, the Stuart Apartments are perfect for exploring the town as well as the stunning landscapes of the Val d'Orcia area and its wineries. The four self-catering apartments are suited for 2-4 guests and offer stunning vistas of the town and surrounding countryside.

Read More

Exploring Monte Amiata

Monte Amiata, the highest mountain in the south of Tuscany, offers activities year-round as well as a wonderful view over the Val d'Orcia from its peak.

Read More

Visit the beautiful Abbey of Sant'Antimo

If you are near Montalcino, make sure to head to and visit this beautiful Romanesque abbey said to be from the time of Charlemagne. Its beauty will enchant you!

Read More

DelCorto Suites - Boutique Hotel in Montepulciano

The boutique hotel in the historical palazzo in Montepulciano offers 5 spacious suites with ensuite bathroom amidst classic furnishings and modern amenities. Air-conditioning, high speed internet and gourmet breakfasts will ensure you rest every night and wake up prepared to start another day exploring the Val d'Orcia and Tuscany.

Read more about DelCorto

Hot Springs in Tuscany: Spas and Nature

Tuscany is like Alice's Wonderland: it never ceases to surprise, tourists and locals alike. Hot springs are a must to enjoy both Tuscany's beautiful landscapes as well as nearby cities, no matter what the weather might be like. Don't wait, and include a stop at one of Tuscany's many hot springs and spas this winter, sprimg, summer or fall!

Read More

Extinct But Not Dead: Amiata Volcano in Tuscany

Thermal water spas are a refreshing reprieve in a hectic schedule touring the Tuscan countryside. Tuscany and its extinct volcano, Amiata, provide the heat for the many hot springs where one can enjoy the revitalizing and sometimes healing waters.

Read More

Visit Buonconvento

A day trip around Siena should include this picturesque town only 25 kilometers to the south and easily reached by car or train. It is a prime example of architecture, landscapes and good wine from inside the heart of the Creti Senese.

Read More

Top 5 Accommodations in the Val d'Orcia area

Since we get asked often where we recommend staying in this area, here are our top picks of vacation rental apartments and hotels for the area!

Read More

Bagno Vignoni: Hot Springs in Val d'Orcia

Bagno Vignoni is the most famous hot springs location in the Val d'Orcia, the splendid UNESCO area to the south of Siena, famous for its unique central square, a large basin with water from the hot springs!

Read More

Montefreddo Private Villas & Apartments

In southern Tuscany, near the border with Umbria & Lazio on the skirts of Monte Cetona, the Montefreddo estate offers elegant and exclusive lodgings in a private villa and villa apartments. With simple modern furnishings combined with traditional country decor, the villas with private pool, ample gardens and A/C offer the perfect setting for a relaxing stay in Tuscany amidst organically grown vineyards and olive groves.

Read More

Agriturismo I Pianelli: Plan your Home Base Near Siena

Looking for the ideal base for your holidays near Siena? Agriturismo i Pianelli immersed in the tranquil & untouched countryside near Murlo and Val d’Orcia offers the perfect family-friendly solution. Find out why this is where you want to be...

Read More about I Pianelli

Our Travel Guides

  • DiscoverTuscany.com
  • VisitFlorence.com
  • Chianti.com
  • Tuscany Accommodation.com
  • Florence Accommodation.com