Best Tuscan landscapes: Val d’Orcia & Crete Senesi
The tour starts from Arezzo and lasts about 8 hours.
This tour takes you along the most beautiful and suggestive Tuscan landscapes. We start our journey driving through the “moon” landscape of Siennese Crete (clay) where you have the chance to stop along the road, enjoy the best views and to take fabulous pictures. We reach an isolated and wild place where the Monte Oliveto Abbey rises. Over the centuries the Benedictine congregation has continued its community activity (herbalist and grape growing) following its motto: “ora et labora” (pray and work ). Then we enter in another paradise: the Valdorcia where we guide you through its rolling hills and coloured fields. We stop for lunch in Bagno Vignoni known for its thermal baths and its important role during past centuries. Bagno Vignoni is considered a “humanity hermitage of Unesco” because of its beautiful Roman tub in the middle of the main square. In the afternoon you can choose whether to spend some relaxing hours at Spa in Bagno Vignoni (cf. Wellness Tours) enjoying a dip in the hot springs, or visit Pienza. The town is considered a gem of the Renaissance and projected after the will of Pope Pius II. You have free time to visit the Pope Palace, to explore the romantic alleys and the nice craftshops and to taste the local “pecorino” cheese.
Other options to combine with Valdorcia: Montepulciano (cf. Winw Tours) – Amiata Mountain – Cortona
Other options to combine with Siennese Crete: Montalcino (cf. Wine Tours) – Siena – Chianti (cf. Wine Tours)