The Val d’Orcia, or Valdorcia, is a region of Tuscany, which extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. It is characterised by gentle, carefully cultivated hills occasionally broken by gullies and by picturesque towns and villages such as Pienza (rebuilt as an “ideal town” in the 15th century under the patronage of Pope Pius II), Radicofani (home to the notorious brigand-hero Ghino di Tacco) and Montalcino (the Brunello di Montalcino is counted among the most prestigious of Italian wines). In 2004 the Val d’Orcia was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Map: Val d’Orcia
Map: Val d’Orcia