As you enter into the landscape south of the Crete Senesi, southeast of Siena and Val d'Orcia, you appear to be stepping into another world, one which can only be described as “lunar” with its soft sloping gray colored hills, almost entirely deprived of color. The clay knolls which dot the landscape are the result of the steady erosion of the sediment which remains of the Pliocene sea, a large body of water from between 2.5 and 4.5 million years ago. This area, sometimes referred to as the Desert of Accona, is full of traces of ancient cultures, small medieval towns, local festivals and stunning landscapes.
There is a diverse selection of activities and areas to visit to fully enjoy the area of the Crete Senesi. The local towns of Asciano, Buonconvento and Serre di Rapolano offer a taste of the local cutlural flavor as well as delicious restaurants highlight the local culinary traditions. Heading southeast of Siena, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is one of the first stops followed by the thermal waters at Rapolano Terme and delicious flavour of white truffles in San Giovanni d'Asso.
