Where to Stay in Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

Val d’Orcia is one of the lesser known areas in Tuscany, but quite possibly the most beautiful. Rich in history especially of the time of Pope Pius II this region of Italy is sure to leave your belly full of wine, phone full of photos and heart full of memories.

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The Best Hotels in Val d’Orica at a Glance

• Stay in a Former Theater: Hotel San Gregorio
• A Picturesque Farmhouse: Agriturismo Il Casalino
• Stay in the Countryside with a Pool: Hotel Palazzuolo
• For Rest & Relaxation: Capanna Suites
• A More Rustic Feel:  Az.Agr. Il Cavalleggero
• Perfect for Groups: Country House Art and Garden

Why Stay in Val d’Orcia?

The region of Val d’Orcia is rich in history.  Renaissance and Medieval towns and villages can be found scattered across the region, some tiny with not much to see and some with shops and restaurants that cater to tourists.  The Orcia landscape is deemed the best preserved and most beautiful in Tuscany and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004.    Roman influences can be found here including hot springs and a well known old Roman road, the via Cassia which is still considered one of the prettiest roads in Italy.

Pienza

Not many towns can boast having its piazza and monumental buildings designed by an artist who was commissioned by the Pope, but Pienza can.  Pope Pius II commissioned Leon Battista Alberti’s pupil Bernardo Rossellino in 1458 to design the most notorious parts of this Renaissance town. The piazza is still well preserved, filled with shops and restaurants that are tourist friendly.  

Noteworthy Attractions to Visit in Pienza

• Piazza Pio II
• The duomo
• Palazzo Piccolomini
• Museo Diocesano

The Via Francigena

The Via Francigena was one of three pilgrim routes in medieval Europe, this route, in particular, starting from Canterbury and ending in Rome.  This pilgrimage would take about two and a half months, and the majority of the pilgrims would be on foot for the entire trip.  

The road lost significance after the 13th century. However, it was also used before this time predominantly by merchants and traders.  Goods were transported along the route, including works of art where many of the churches along the route can have noticeable French Romanesque architecture as a result.  The road is getting some more life now, and hikers and pilgrims have shown interest again.  

San Quirico D’Orcia and The Val D’Orcia

The medieval village of San Quirico d’Orcia can be found in history as far back as the 8th century, where mentions of it can be found in records from pilgrims on the Via Francigena.  The town is extremely peaceful and is great for those needing a little break from all the hills in the region as the town is quite flat.  The single main street has some shops and restaurants, making this a perfect stop when traveling through the region.
South of San Quirico, on either side of the via Cassia, is the picturesque valley of the Orcia River.  This is where you’ll want to pull out your camera, as the area contains well-preserved villages, castles, and thermal baths to the west of the Cassia.  To the east, the valley has a landscape of eroded clay slopes and small sharp ridges known as calanchi.

Montalcino

The hill town of Montalcino is the perfect stop for both the views as well as the many wine bars and shops in town.  As it’s on a hill, you will also get wide panoramic views of the countryside, including vines and olive groves.  In the Middle Ages, this town was flourishing and independent but was repeatedly attacked by the Sienese.  Florence came to defend the town many times, but Montalcino succumbed to Sienese rule after the Battle of Montaperti in 1260. In 1462 Montalcino received the title of city from Pope Pius II after a period of calm.  The townspeople were also able to successfully resist a siege in 1526 from the troops of Pope Clement VII, who were fighting the Sienese. 

Want to see the best of Val D’Orcia but not sure you want to stay the night? Stay in Florence and book one of our day-trips

Stay in a Former Theater

Hotel San Gregorio

€€ | Hotel | Historic | Central | Restaurant | Pienza

For those looking to stay in the heart of town in Pienza then look no further than the Hotel San Gregorio. A retro-style hotel that was formerly a theater, this is the perfect hotel to have a memorable stay in a less known part of the Tuscan countryside.

The property has an on-site restaurant that boasts amazing gluten-free options for those who have any dietary restrictions as well. A buffet breakfast is served daily with loads of options both sweet and savory allowing you to fill your belly before venturing off the explore town a few steps away.

Not sure if Val d’Orcia is for you? Check out our guide on where to stay in Florence

A Picturesque Farmhouse

Agriturismo Il Casalino

€€ | Farmhouse | Close to Town | Views | Pienza

This 19th-century farmhouse with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and on-site vineyards and olive trees is sure to make your stay memorable. Close to the town of Pienza ,the property rents bikes for those looking to venture using other modes of transportation besides a car.

The apartments all have a cozy rustic feel complete with an open kitchen for when you want to cook meals from the delicious goodies you have picked up in town.

Want to make your trip perfect? Check out our free Tuscany Travel Blog

Stay in the Countryside with a Pool

Hotel Palazzuolo

€ | Hotel | Pool | Views | San Quirico dʼOrcia

Centrally located in Tuscany this hotel is great for those wanting to explore all Val d’Orcia has to offer. If I were you I’d spend a day or two relaxing by the pool on-site and eating at the restaurant then spend the rest of your time exploring close by towns and villages. There is no shortage of beautiful views on Tuscan landscape all around this property.

Located in San Quirico dʼOrcia with Montalcino 9 miles away your close to all the magic.

For Rest & Relaxation in Montalcino

 Capanna Suites

€€€ | Farmhouse | Pool | Spa | Views | Montalcino

Be prepared to feel rested and rejuvenated after your stay in Capanna Suites where the property comes equipped with an on-site spa. Take a dive in the infinity pool where you can look out at the enchanting Tuscany landscape.

Capanna Suites has a restaurant on the property with delicious food and wine. You also have the chance to experience a wine tasting on site for days where you’d like to stay at the property instead of going into town.

Located in Montalcino with bike rentals available you can take the chance to explore the countryside any time you’d like.

Not exactly what you’re looking for? Check out these dreamy vineyards with accommodation.

A More Rustic Feel

 Az.Agr. Il Cavalleggero

€ | Farm Stay | Horses | Views | Campiglia dʼOrcia

Perfect for a romantic view of the sunset in the Tuscan countryside this farm stay is a great couples getaway for those wanting a more private and rustic experience. Guests can also book horseback riding lessons for a more unique view of the surrounding area.

The daily breakfast is full of fresh produce and is vegetarian friendly for those looking for accommodations with more dietary friendly options.

Not exactly what you’re looking for? Check out these dreamy vineyards with accommodation.

Perfect for Groups

Country House Art and Garden

€€| Groups | Apartments | Pool | Wine | Paganico

If you’re looking for a great option for a group stay then look no further then the self-catered apartments of Country House Art and Garden. Offerings two and three bedroom apartments overlooking Tuscan vineyards and on the grounds of Monte Antico Castle, your stay is bound to be memorable!

I recommend cooking a few meals at the apartment, but even if you don’t make sure you try the olive oil that is produced directly on-site on the family estate by the owners.

Not sure where to stay yet? Check out our free guide on where to stay in Italy

Where is the Orcia river Valley, and How Do I Get There

By Air:  Florence Airport Peretola (FLR) is the closest international airport roughly under 2 hours driving from Florece to Pienza

By Car:  The easiest way to get to Val d’Orcia is by car. This gives you the most freedom to explore the surrounding area. Many of the towns like Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia and Montalcino all have carparks outside the city walls. Parking in some smaller towns may be less easy.

By train: Trenitalia runs trains to Siena where you’d have to take a train with Tiemma Spa and then a bus to get to certain towns. Trenitalia has a direct train running once a week. My advice would be to rent a car for this region of Italy.

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