Visit Val d’Orcia Italy: Villages, Vineyards & Rolling Hills

The Val d’Orcia is Tuscany at its most cinematic, winding roads lined with cypress trees, villages perched on ridges, and sunsets that seem made for postcards. This UNESCO-listed valley invites you to slow down and indulge: sip bold reds, wander medieval piazzas, and sink into hot springs that have lured travelers for centuries. Between vineyard picnics, villa stays, and views that stop you in your tracks, it’s the Tuscany you daydream about. Add in unforgettable Tuscany wine tours, and the Val d’Orcia quickly turns from a destination into an experience you’ll never want to leave.

Visit Val d’Orcia and it’s best towns

Stroll through Renaissance harmony in Pienza

Pienza charms instantly with streets that smell of pecorino, little shops overflowing with handmade goods, and piazzas that open onto sweeping views of the Val d’Orcia. Grab a slice of cheese, wander into Palazzo Piccolomini for its terrace views, and let the slow rhythm of the town do the rest. Exploring these streets is one of the essential things to do in Pienza, a mix of flavor, scenery, and that effortless Tuscan magic.

Sip legendary vintages in Montalcino

Montalcino is pure Tuscan indulgence, a village where every street seems to lead to a glass of Brunello. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and oak forests, it’s the perfect place to wander rustic cellars, enjoy long tastings, and pair bold reds with hearty local food. Visiting the famous Montalcino wineries is an experience no traveler should miss, but the town itself also deserves time to explore.

From its fortress views to lazy afternoons in sunny piazzas, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Montalcino beyond the wine glass.

Soak up healing waters in Bagno Vignoni

With its iconic central thermal pool and Roman-inspired architecture, Bagno Vignoni is a standout among Tuscany’s spa towns. Known for its therapeutic waters, it’s the perfect place to unwind in soothing resorts or dip into natural pools surrounded by timeless charm. Adding a visit here is one of the most relaxing things to do in Pienza, especially if you’re chasing wellness with a Tuscan twist.

Climb to the fortress of Radicofani

The fortress of Radicofani rises boldly at the edge of the Val d’Orcia, its towers catching the eye long before you reach the village. To visit Val d’Orcia Italy without climbing up here would be a miss, the views stretch for miles, and the cobbled lanes below hum with stories of the past. Legends of Ghino di Tacco, the “gentleman bandit” of Tuscany, add a playful twist, making Radicofani feel less like a museum and more like a storybook brought to life.

Wander the timeless streets of San Quirico d’Orcia

San Quirico d’Orcia feels made for slow afternoons. Stroll through gardens where roses climb ancient walls, duck into little chapels, then settle into a long lunch with views of olive groves and cypress-lined hills. The village has a soft, romantic charm that makes you want to linger, glass in hand, and let time slide by.

Rejuvenate your senses at Bagni San Filippo

Tucked into the woods near Monte Amiata, Bagni San Filippo is all about wild hot springs and dreamy scenery. Here, mineral-rich waters flow over limestone, creating surreal white formations like the famous “White Whale.” Best part? It’s free to soak in, and the setting feels wonderfully off-the-map. Pack a towel, wander through the forest path, and claim your own little corner of this natural spa.

Catch golden hour at La Foce’s famous viewpoint

La Foce is where the Val d’Orcia shows off. Between its sculpted gardens, rustic Dopolavoro restaurant, and rolling fields, every corner feels like a painting come to life. Just down the road, the famous cypress-lined curves deliver one of Tuscany’s most iconic views, and at sunset, it’s pure magic. Bring your camera, because capturing this scene is reason enough to visit Val d’Orcia Italy.

Step back in time at the Abbey of Sant’Antimo

Just outside Montalcino, the Abbey of Sant’Antimo feels like stepping into another time. Surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills, this Romanesque gem offers a calm escape from the road. Step inside and Gregorian chants echo through the stone arches, creating a timeless atmosphere. Visiting this abbey is one of the most soulful things to do in Montalcino, a pause that blends history, spirituality, and Tuscan beauty.

Marvel at Crete Senesi’s lunar landscapes

South of Siena, the Crete Senesi looks almost otherworldly, rolling clay hills that shift with the light, broken only by the occasional cypress or farmhouse. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you want to pull over every few minutes for a photo. Take it slow on a scenic drive here, and let the wide skies and soft curves of the land show you a wilder side of Tuscany.

Discover medieval allure in Castiglione d’Orcia

Castiglione d’Orcia has all the Tuscan charm without the crowds. Crumbling towers like the Rocca di Tentennano set the scene, while terraces invite you to sip an aperitivo with sweeping views over the valley. It’s relaxed, a little rugged, and the perfect place to end a slow day in the Val d’Orcia.

Savor the essence of wine in Tuscany

Wine isn’t just a drink in Tuscany, it’s the heartbeat of the region. From bold Brunello in Montalcino to the smooth Vino Nobile of Montepulciano and the crisp Vernaccia of San Gimignano, every glass tells the story of the land and the people who care for it. Wander through sun-drenched vineyards, join laid-back tastings in rustic cellars, or book one of the unforgettable Tuscany wine tours that pair local flavors with stunning landscapes. Wine is more than a tradition, it’s an experience to be savored slowly, one sip at a time.

Good to know before visiting Val d’Orcia