From Siena or Florence we reach the Val D'Orcia, a valley so beautiful that it deserves the certification of World Heritage Site. Rolling hills, dotted with dark cypresses, red poppies and sunflowers make these landscapes a perfect setting for a day to carry in the heart and palate. The Val d'Orcia, from the medieval streets of Montepulciano to the smaller and more picturesque streets of Pienza, San Quirico D'Orcia and Montalcino.
In addition to its beauty, the area is known worldwide for its DOC wines Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepulciano.
The first village we meet is that of Montalcino where grapes have been cultivated since the times of the Etruscans first and then the Romans. The position allows an ideal sun exposure that makes the grapes ripen perfectly for a product particularly suitable to be subjected to long periods of aging with a taste and taste, aroma and a decidedly superior appearance.
Walking up and down the steep streets is a pleasure for the taste, wine bars and small bars offer unmissable views and tastings and do not be surprised if here as in Siena, every now and then you meet statues and effigies of the Roman Wolf, symbol of the Sienese territory. Legend has it that Senio and Ascanio, sons of Remus, killed by his brother Romulus, fled and founded Sena (Siena) and Asciano.
We continue on the provincial road 14 savoring landscapes coming out of fairy tales, we meet the famous cypresses of San Quirico d'Orcia, the most photographed in Tuscany. San Quirico d'Orcia is a small wonderful village built on the Via Francigena, a route that in the Middle Ages moved hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and therefore potential customers.
A little further, on another peak Pienza, the city of sheep cheese, so famous and good that it is called Pecorino di Pienza. The Borgo is one of the Ideal Cities built in the Middle Ages to give dignity and quality of life to citizens. Here it was Pope Pius II born Bartolomeo Piccolomini who contracted the best architects to completely renovate the village. We will not miss the opportunity to visit Palazzo Piccolomini and taste the thousand nuances of Pienza cheeses.
We arrived at lunch, our proposal takes you to a beautiful old farmhouse, transformed into a winery where you can taste the wines and products of the region.
In the afternoon, after a nice walk through the rows, as a last visit awaits us Montepulciano, an incredibly beautiful village. Getting to the central square is a bit tiring but it's worth it, the beauty of the streets, the buildings, the views that suddenly open, the visit of the cellars and caves, the unique atmosphere of a magical village, the taste of its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
And if you happen to be on the last Sunday of August do not miss the Bravio delle Botti, an uphill race with wine barrels, full!
How to end such an intense day if not visiting a winery where they grow among the oldest vineyards in Tuscany, observe Pienza and Montalcino at dusk illuminate the nearby hills, and taste wines and products, you do not have to worry, this is one of the advantages of being accompanied by those who know and take care of you.
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