Val d'Orcia

The Val d'Orcia south of Siena is a UNESCO-protected cultural landscape and the most photogenic spot in Tuscany. The famous cypress avenue at Agriturismo Poggio Covili, the solitary chapel Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, and the gentle hills near San Quirico d'Orcia adorn every other Tuscany poster.

Especially in spring (April/May), when the hills are emerald green and red poppies bloom between the cypresses, and in autumn (October/November), when the landscape is cloaked in gold and copper tones, the Val d'Orcia is magical.

Places worth seeing: Pienza (Renaissance town, famous for Pecorino cheese), Montalcino (Brunello wine, imposing fortress), Bagno Vignoni (thermal town with a pool instead of a square), San Quirico d'Orcia (Horti Leonini, one of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens).