The wind in your hair, the soft lines of history and the roar of an engine is all you need to begin your journey in the beautiful Val d'Orcia: every season is perfect for traveling through these streets and getting lost in this landscape which has been chosen by numerous directors to shoot some famous movies, like Ridley Scott's Gladiator and the return home of Massimo Decimo Meridio (Russell Crowe)
Vintage car rental is the best way to add a touch of poetry to your stay in central Italy.
ph: Giuseppe Paris - wikipedia
But be careful, speeding through the Val d'Orcia is addictive!
The valley takes its name from the Orcia river, which winds along the Tuscan provinces of Siena and Grosseto, also touching the Umbrian region. The whole area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004; it includes villages such as Pienza, otherwise called the "ideal city", designed by the pope and humanist Pius II, an excellent example of an open-air Renaissance monument.
With a classic car rental, you can move easily to discover the Aldobrandesca fortress that surmounts Castiglione d'Orcia, the nerve center of the ancient Via Francigena, as well as San Quirico d'Orcia, a stop for pilgrims traveling to Rome and a village of well-preserved beauty.
You can climb up to Radicofani, a village from which you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the valley, thanks to the imposing watchtower, or visit the Romanesque church of San Pietro, with its splendid collection of Della Robbia terracotta and wooden statues.
You can dive into the past by visiting the city of Montalcino, which has remained practically unchanged since the 16th century, with the fortress, which hosts numerous events, festivals and concerts, and its alleys, in which a special atmosphere echoes.
Don't miss the 12th century Abbey of Sant 'Antimo, which is definitely worth a visit. Walking along the sinuous hills, dotted with oaks, vineyards, olive trees, cypresses and colorful flowers, you will arrive in Montepulciano, whose historic center is a real jewel enclosed within ancient city walls. No less important are the thermal waters which flow naturally from the ground and which gave birth to the villages of Bagni Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo.
Descending from Monte Amiata, stop at the "village of the torches", Abbadia San Salvatore, full of stone alleys and medieval decorations.
This itinerary also focuses on the food and wine of this area, allowing you to discover the traditional aromas and flavors of Tuscany, which have made the Val d'Orcia famous all over the world for its authenticity and quality. Discover the numerous companies that produce fine wines, meats and cheeses of this area every day.
