Free day to visit some of the towns in the Val d'Orcia, starting from San Quirico d'Orcia, famous for its cypresses, symbol of this area and of the whole of Tuscany; cypress that since ancient times was loved by the Etruscans and Renaissance painters. The small medieval village of San Quirico, in the heart of the valley, is bordered by its ancient city walls, with the Porta dei Cappuccini, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Horti Leonini, an example of one of the most beautiful Italian gardens of the valley. Leaving San Quirico you reach Bagno Vignoni a truly unusual village (not far from the Via Francigena) which instead of the church and the cobblestones, in the central square has a large tub of hot thermal water. Finally the picturesque village of Castiglione d'Orcia, on top of which stand the ruins of the Rocca Aldobrandeschi. Continuation to Pienza and overnight.
Breakfast. Day dedicated to visiting the town of Pienza, a Unesco heritage site since 1996,
that Pius II wanted to be the 'ideal city' of the Renaissance thanks to the work of Leon Battista Alberti. Meeting with the guide who will lead us through the historic center, the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Renaissance palaces (Palazzo Piccolomini papal residence), the medieval quarters and the panoramic streets from which you can enjoy the splendid landscape of the Val d'Orcia . The tour continues with the gastronomic part with a first stop for the tasting of the local cheese, the famous Pecorino di Pienza and subsequently at an artisan pastry shop for the tasting of some Pienza sweets including the Cantucci dell'amore. The itinerary ends with lunch in a famous local restaurant. A short distance from Pienza is the hamlet of Monticchiello, one of the most peaceful and authentic medieval villages, where among the stone alleys you reach the 'Teatro Povero', a simple square where pieces written by the local people, drawing inspiration from everyday life. Overnight.
Breakfast. Free day to visit the village of Montalcino, which became rich and famous thanks to Brunello and its renowned red wines since the 15th century. The historic center is dominated by the mighty Rocca and the panorama that can be enjoyed from the ramparts of the same is truly spectacular: it goes from Monte Amiata, through the Crete to Siena and crosses the entire Val d'Orcia up to the Maremma hills. To celebrate this spectacular landscape, a tasting of the fine wines at a local winery. Termination of services.
| Departure | Double |
|---|---|
| From January 2, 2023 to December 20, 2023 | € 263 |
Child 4/14 years € 169, child 0/3 years free
Minimum 4 participants (over 8 participants on request)
2 nights in a 3-star hotel near Pienza; accommodation in double rooms with private facilities; bed and breakfast treatment; visits as scheduled; guided tour of Pienza; 1 lunch in a restaurant; visit and tasting in the cellar.
Meals not mentioned; personal extras; anything not expressly indicated under "The fee includes" or defined in the program as optional; eventual tourist tax.
