Curator’s statement
The Val d'Orcia is a picturesque region located in southern Tuscany, Italy, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming medieval towns and rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves. This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the quintessential Tuscan countryside. From the iconic cypress-lined roads to the golden wheat fields and historic hilltop villages like Pienza and Montalcino, the Val d'Orcia captures the essence of Italy's rural charm and timeless allure. Whether exploring ancient thermal baths, sampling world-class wines or soaking in serene ambiance, the Val d'Orcia promises an unforgettable journey.
I love the Val d'Orcia, and I look forward to sharing its beauty — the food, the wine and its people — with you.
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Day 1: Arrive in Florence
Your private driver will meet you at the station or airport with a Champagne Toast & Welcome! Stop at the mall for some shopping (in case you forgot anything!) on the way to your hotel or villa. Time to relax and unpack. Wander the property. Take a swim. Enjoy a welcome celebration dinner.
Day 2: A day at the baths
Start the day and release that jet lag with a relaxing morning at a local Tuscan spa and thermal bath. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the medieval village of Montepulciano and wine tasting at the Fortress. In the afternoon, a Pizza Cooking Class and Dinner with a local chef.
Day 3: A day in Pienza
Begin your day with a private yoga and meditation class at your villa. Then your driver will take you to Pienza and at La Bandita. Don’t miss cheese shop Marusco e Maria Enoteca and the lovely linens shop, Altroieri Pienza Tessuti. Then off to a biodynamic flower farm for a tour and floral class, followed by Dinner & Wine at the Farm. Take the flowers back to your hotel to enjoy all week!
Day 4: Wine, Cheese & Olive Oils
Take in the masterpiece of Italian landscape and architecture of La Foce on a garden tour and lunch. Then Olive Oil tasting at Chiarentana. Visit a local cheesemaker and meet the flock. Then wine tasting at Fabbrica, producer of purist organic wines made from Sangiovese grapes. Dinner at Locanda Demetra.
Day 5: A Day to Discover
Enjoy the day exploring San Gimignano & Siena for treats and shopping! Don’t miss their world-famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano. Visit the glorious cathedral of Siena. End the day with dinner at the famous medieval Piazza del Campo in Siena!
Day 6: All about Slow Food
Begin the day with a local chef on a trip to the local Farmers Market in Lucignano and then learn some Tuscan Authentic dishes in a cooking class and lunch. Afternoon brings another handmade pasta class & dinner.
Day 7: Discover Brunello
Visit Abbey of Sant'Antimo in the morning. Then a visit to Podere le Ripi for wine tasting and lunch. The afternoon brings a visit to Nostra Vita winery, a small vineyard where they handpaint the labels. Late afternoon gives you time to gather your thoughts and belongings before a farewell dinner and celebration.
Day 8: Arrivederci!
Enjoy your final breakfast prior to your departure to Florence to catch your flight or train.
Need to know
"It's not about being good at something. It's about being good to yourself." -Unknown
Travel Advisor
Carolyne Snow
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Tuscany. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Relax & Unwind in Key West.