Val d'Orcia

The Basics

The Val d'Orcia, a favorite subject of Renaissance painters and modern photographers, covers a small area of Tuscany between the town of Siena and Mount Amiata, and is known for its beautiful landscapes, medieval towns, and excellent cuisine. Take a Val d'Orcia tour to visit the villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano, and to sample their local Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines—perhaps paired with pecorino cheeses from nearby Pienza—during a wine tasting session. Other delightful small towns worth a visit on a private tour of the Val d'Orcia are San Quirico d'Orcia, famous for its olive oil, and Bagno Vignoni, home to historic thermal baths.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The scenery around the Val d'Orcia area is truly picturesque, so don’t forget your camera.

• Some of Italy’s most prestigious wines are produced in the Val d'Orcia, so wine lovers will especially appreciate exploring the area’s wineries and tasting rooms.

• There is a small amount of walking during most Tuscany tours, either through hilltop towns or across winery vineyards; comfortable shoes and a sun hat are recommended.

• Winery visits may not be appropriate for young children.

How to Get There

Val d'Orcia is located about an hour south of Florence and is an easy day trip from Rome, Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena. There is little public transportation between the towns and wineries in this area, so by far the best way to explore is by joining a small-group tour with transportation included.

When to Get There

The Val d'Orcia is lovely year-round but is particularly interesting to visit in the fall, when the grapes and olives are harvested and many towns hold wine and olive oil festivals.

Famous Tuscan Landscapes

The Val d'Orcia is just one of many areas in Tuscany known for its striking scenery. The stark chalk hills of the Crete Senesi and the wooded countryside of Chianti are also beautiful—and are equally popular wine tour destinations.

Ways to explore

Val d’Orcia tours most commonly start from Florence or Siena, but can also depart from Rome, Pisa, and San Gimignano. Take a Val d'Orcia wine tour to visit the villages of Montalcino and Montepulciano, and to sample their local brunello di Montalcino and vino nobile di Montepulciano wines—perhaps paired with pecorino cheeses from historic Pienza. Other delightful small towns worth a visit on a private tour of the Val d'Orcia are San Quirico d'Orcia, famous for its olive oil, and Bagno Vignoni, home to historic thermal baths. You can also admire the area from above on a hot-air balloon trip.

Accessibility

Historic hill towns and wineries can often present accessibility challenges. Work with a specialist provider to plan your trip if you rely on a wheelchair.

Age limits

The legal drinking age in Italy is 18. While most wineries welcome older children, visits may not be appropriate for little kids.

What to pack

Consider bringing a power bank as you’ll load up on photos.

What to wear

There is a small amount of walking during most Tuscany tours, either through hilltop towns or across winery vineyards; comfortable shoes and a sun hat are recommended.

Not allowed

Remember that a cappuccino is a morning drink, or someone will point it out to you.

Address 

The Val d'Orcia covers the area of Tuscany between the town of Siena and Mt. Amiata: Siena is about a 47-mile (76-kilometer) drive south of Florence or about 147 miles (236 kilometers) south of Rome.

Driving

If you have a designated driver, one classic route for exploring is the Orcia wine trail, which links Abbadia San Salvatore, Pienza, Trequanda, San Quirico d’Orcia, Torrita di Siena, Buonconvento, and Castiglione d’Orcia.

Public transportation

There is little public transportation between the towns and wineries in this area, so by far the best way to explore is a small-group or private tour with transportation included.

Best times to visit

The Val d’Orcia is a daytime destination, although the light for photography is best during the golden hour just after sunrise or just before sunset.

Best days to visit

This is a popular region so aim to visit midweek if you can.

Best months to visit

The Val d'Orcia is lovely year-round but is particularly interesting to visit in the fall, when the grapes and olives are harvested and many towns hold wine and olive oil festivals.

Special events

In early December, San Quirico d’Orcia hosts its olive oil festival, featuring tastings, traditions, music, and guided hikes.