- What is the best time to visit the Val d’Orcia?
- Where is the Val d’Orcia?
- Are there any castles or fortresses worth visiting in Val d’Orcia?
- Are there any museums worth visiting in Val d’Orcia?
- How much does a wine tasting at a Brunello di Montalcino winery cost?
- What are the ‘strade bianche’ (white roads)?
- What are the ‘pici’?
- What is ‘cacio e pepe’ sauce?
- What is ‘sugo all’aglione’?
- Why does Val d’Orcia bread not contain salt?
- How much does a tasting of extra virgin olive oil cost in Val d’Orcia?
- Is driving in Val d’Orcia stressful?
- Is Montalcino the only place where wine is produced in Val d’Orcia?
- Are there whales in Val d’Orcia?
- Are there any hot springs/thermal baths in Val d’Orcia?
- Are there roads and paths in the Val d’Orcia suitable for hiking?
- Are there places in the Val d’Orcia where you can take beautiful photos of its landscapes?
- How much does it cost to rent a car in Val d’Orcia? How about a van?
- Why the Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage area?
What is the best time to visit the Val d’Orcia?
The Val d’Orcia is always beautiful, and offers so much 365 days a year. Obviously, if you are more interested in outdoor activities, the best period is from March to October, but do you really want to miss the Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco delle Crete (White Truffle Exhibition Market), which takes place on the second and third weekends of November in San Giovanni d’Asso, in the municipality of Montalcino?
Where is the Val d’Orcia?
The Val d’Orcia is located in the province of Siena, Tuscany, about 100 km from Florence and 190 km from Rome. The nearest airports are Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA) and Perugia (PEG).
Are there any castles or fortresses worth visiting in Val d’Orcia?
Yes, there are at least four, and they are all splendid:
- Radicofani Fortress: dating back to the 9th century, it can be visited in its entirety and is simply marvellous, both outside and inside. It is located in Radicofani, in the southern part of the Val d’Orcia
- Rocca di Tentennano: imposing and massive, it dates back to year 850 circa. It is visitable and it is located in the municipality of Castiglione d’Orcia
- Rocca Aldobrandesca: dating back to the 10th century, it is located in Castiglione d’Orcia. From its walkways there is a superlative panorama of the entire Val d’Orcia
- Fortezza di Montalcino: built around 1300, it is mighty and elegant. Its walkways are walkable. Climb them to enjoy a breath-taking view of the Val d’Orcia
Are there any museums worth visiting in Val d’Orcia?
There are many, and more can be found in the immediate vicinity (in Abbadia San Salvatore, for example).
- Palazzo Borgia, Diocesan Museum (in Pienza)
- Diocesan and Civic Museums united (in Montalcino)
- Museum of Brunello (in Montalcino)
- Museo of the Glass (in Montalcino)
- Palazzo Piccolomini’s Museum (in Pienza)
- Radicofani’s Park Museum of the Fortified City (in Radicofani)
- San Giovanni’s Art Hall (in Castiglione d’Orcia)
I strongly recommend contacting each museum directly to check opening days and times.
How much does a wine tasting at a Brunello di Montalcino winery cost?
Price range from around €20 for a simple tasting (usually accompanied by snacks anyway, because you don’t drink on an empty stomach…) to over €150, for experiences including lunch or dinner among the vines. A tasting with snacks and a guided tour of the winery costs around €40. I strongly suggest contacting the producer to make a reservation and for specific information about the tasting.
For further information, please contact San Lorenzo – Vini di Montalcino
What are the ‘strade bianche’ (white roads)?
The expression ‘strade bianche’ (meaning ‘white roads’) refers to the dirt roads typical of the Tuscan hills, and particularly of the Sienese area. The strade bianche are hard, dusty, tiring, they are the measure of every cyclist’s capacities, they are a streak of sweat that winds through the hills of the Val d’Orcia, the Crete and Chianti; and then they are scenic, they are exhilarating, they are the most sincere way to immerse oneself in nature (the famous ‘cycling Tuscany’ was born on these fascinating dirt roads). The Strade Bianche is also a cycling race that takes place every March in the province of Siena. White roads are the dream and nightmare of any cyclist, amateur or professional. The strade bianche are another of the attractions that make Val d’Orcia unique.
What are the ‘pici’?
‘Pici’ are a fresh handmade pasta typical of the Val d’Orcia. They are similar to spaghetti in length, but much thicker, and are pleasantly full-bodied in the mouth. They are prepared with water, soft wheat and a pinch of salt. The cooking time is short… and the taste extraordinary!
What is ‘cacio e pepe’ sauce?
The cacio e pepe sauce is characteristic of the Lazio region, but if you come to the Val d’Orcia you simply must try it with pici: a fabulous marriage for which your taste buds will be eternally grateful! The ingredients are very simple: black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese. That’s all you need to delight your palate.
What is ‘sugo all’aglione’?
Aglione sauce should not be confused with garlic, oil and chilli pepper (the famous ‘aglio, olio, and peperoncino’ sauce). It is prepared with aglione (a typical product of the nearby Val di Chiana), which is a larger variety of garlic, with a more delicate flavour, less intense than other types, and definitely more digestible. The garlic is minced and then lightly fried in extra virgin olive oil, then tomato pulp and a little chilli pepper are added. If you happen to be in the area, you must try it.
Why does Val d’Orcia bread not contain salt?
Bread in Val d’Orcia, like most types of bread baked in Tuscany, does not contain salt because it generally accompanies strong, robust flavours, such as those of salami, ham, olive oil, liver sauce, and many others.
A curiosity: according to a legend, bread without salt originated around 1100, a time of strong rivalry between Pisa and Florence, when the Pisans, in order to hinder the Florentines, blocked all supplies of salt. Rather than surrender, the inhabitants of Florence began to bake bread without salt.
How much does a tasting of extra virgin olive oil cost in Val d’Orcia?
The price of an extra virgin olive oil tasting varies, but just €38 will allow you to live an experience where you can learn about (and recognise) superior olive oil. The tasting is usually accompanied by a visit to the olive grove from which the olives that will end up at the mill are obtained, and a mini-course on how to taste – with your eyes, nose and mouth – green gold. Again, it is worth contacting the farm to make a reservation and get confirmation on what is included in the tasting.
For further information, please contact Mascagni Organic Farm.
Is driving in the Val d’Orcia stressful?
Driving in the Val d’Orcia is not at all stressful at all, although one must always keep one’s eyes open to avoid dangerous close encounters with wild boars, cyclists, and tourists distracted by the marvellous panoramas proceeding at a… pedestrian pace. Joking aside: traffic is smooth, except for a few delays on the Via Cassia (marked as S.S.2 on maps), traffic lights are almost non-existent, and parking spaces are easy to find, and often free. Go slowly and you will have no problems. The only downside: drivers are not allowed to drink, which is a shame, in the land of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino…
Is Montalcino the only place where wine is produced in Val d’Orcia?
Absolutely not: the Consorzio del Vino Orcia produces excellent red and rosé wines (both Sangiovese-based), white wines (Trebbiano-based) and Vinsanto, a sweet fortified wine, excellent with desserts. The production area of Orcia Doc lies between that of Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the most important territories for the production of great wines. Twelve municipalities are included in the area of the Consorzio del Vino Orcia: Buonconvento, Castiglione d’Orcia, Pienza, Radicofani, San Quirico d’Orcia and Trequanda. In addition, parts of the municipalities of Abbadia San Salvatore, Chianciano Terme, Montalcino, San Casciano dei Bagni, Sarteano and Torrita di Siena.
Are there whales in Val d’Orcia?
Yes, there is one: Brunella. Its fossil skeleton, found at Poggio alle Mura, in the municipality of Montalcino, dates back to the Pliocene era, and is considered by experts to be one of the most significant palaeontological finds of recent decades. The preliminary dating of the whale dates back to an interval of the Lower Pliocene between 3.7 and 4.5 million years ago, and in that era the area that today gives life to Brunello was submerged by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Are there any hot springs/thermal baths in Val d’Orcia?
Yes, there are hot springs/thermal baths in Val d’Orcia. Both those in Bagno Vignoni (part of the municipality of San Quirico d’Orcia) and those in Bagni San Filippo (near Castiglione d’Orcia) are splendid. Famous since ancient times, they are an excellent way to relax and have fun, while also enjoying the therapeutic properties of the thermal waters. Both in Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo there are paid pools (inside renowned establishments complete with all services) and free pools accessible to all without paying any entrance fee.
Are there roads and paths in the Val d’Orcia suitable for hiking?
Absolutely. There are plenty of them, from easy ones suitable for everyone to those so challenging that they will seriously test even well-trained hikers. There are short and long routes, on the flat or with more or less accentuated gradients, between fields or through woods and along farms. In the Val d’Orcia, nature is marvellous, and it would be a crime not to take a few wonderful walks to fully immerse oneself in its splendour.
Are there places in the Val d’Orcia where you can take beautiful photos of its landscapes?
The entire Val d’Orcia is one immense paradise for lovers of photography. Starting from its most iconic place, the famous cypress ring of San Qujrico, the Val d’Orcia offers an endless series of unmistakable and beautiful panoramas: hills, vineyards, sunrises and sunsets, castles and fortresses, historical buildings and churches many centuries old, paths winding through woods and fields… You will be spoilt for choice as to what to photograph.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Val d’Orcia? How about a van?
Renting a car in Val d’Orcia is very affordable: fees start from 45€ per day for a small car (FIAT Panda) up to 80€ per day for larger, more powerful cars, such as a Volkswagen Golf.
Rental fees for a van start at 100€ per day.
Why the Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage area?
The Val d’Orcia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its extraordinary scenic beauty and cultural importance. Renowned for its rolling hills, cypress trees, medieval villages and cultivated fields, which form a unique landscape, the Val d’Orcia is a living work of art, in which the hand of man and nature blend harmoniously. It has inspired artists and poets over the centuries. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List aims to protect and preserve this exceptional cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
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