Itinerary 1 - "The Gladiator"

This tour begins in a remote corner of Val 'Orcia and not far from the sources of the Orcia itself. The village of La Foce hosts a fine example of a southern Sienese garden, open every Wednesday afternoon with guided tours. The tours depart every hour from the Fattoria La Foce courtyard - from 3pm to 7pm (April-September) and from 3pm to 9pm (October-March).

Leave La Foce along the road in front of the house, going toward Castelluccio. Pass the fortified village and continue until you reach the sealed road again. Turn left towards Montichiello, where you will come through a series of curves adorned by closely planted cypresses, one of the most photographed places in Tuscany.

 

Montichiello deserves more than a short stop and we invite you to walk the streets of the village up to the towers and walls found at the top of the hill. This offers an exceptional view over the Val d'Orcia.

 

We continue to Pienza, which you will find as the road crests the hill upon which it stands. Shortly before coming to Pienza, however, on the left near a bend you will find a sign for the "Church of Corsignano". Follow this and after less than 200 metres you will find the church on the left. It is time to leave your car and walk. After a visit to old church, take the dirt road that leads to the valley. From this moment on, at every step, you will start along a path of mixed reality - the smells, sounds and landscapes - not to mention imagination (everyone who saw the film Gladiator will remember the way the Russell Crowe imagined his return home). The road leads to a farm on a knoll from which you can enjoy beautiful views throughout 360 degrees. At the end of the walk return to the car, and instead of visiting Pienza,perhaps double back on the road on which you came.

 

At Montichiello continue straight and turn right at the first sign for Castiglione d'Orcia. Continue along the road to a straight until you cross the Via Cassia. Turn left and continue for a few kilometres. On your right is a sign to Bagno Vignoni. Get closer to the small spa town, park the car again and walk. There awaits a place that seems to have stopped in a different era. It is time to relax and for lovers of spas and well-being it is an opportunity to try the services of the spa. For others, one can enjoy a good red wine - d'Orcia DOC with excellent pecorino di Pienza in one of the cafes or restaurants of the village.