The second day is entirely dedicated to the discovery of Montalcino (Tuscany) and Bagno Vignoni.
Think about the cypress trees dotted across the landscape, rolling wheat fields, towns perched high up in the hills and amazing views, you will find all this and much more in Montalcino.

Montalcino, Tuscany, is a destination that deserves a thorough visit and is also an ideally conclusive stop of this route, as it is at the end of the Val d’Orcia.

The internationally renowned Brunello wine is produced here: this is one of the most prestigious and appreciated wines in the world, known since the XV century.

Since then, the hamlet has not changed much: just take a walk in the historic centre to realize it. The tiny alleyways, winding streets, and picturesque palazzi make it postcard perfect and a photographer’s dream. In the historic centre, you’ll find plenty of shops, making it easy to find treats catering to a range of tastes, from wine to food, art and handcrafted products.

Last but not least, be sure to check out the town’s main square, Piazza del Popolo, a Tuscan treasure still standing after six-hundred years, with six spectacular Renaissance arches adorning the nearby loggia.

During your visit to Montalcino (Tuscany), we recommend a stop at Bagno Vignoni (20 km far from Montalcino), a hamlet with few inhabitants located within the Natural Reserve of the Val d’Orcia.

No doubt this is one of the most charming corners of all the Val D’Orcia, on the Francigena Route, the waters that flow in Bagno Vignoni were used since Roman times: kings and popes stopped here to enjoy the benefits of thermal waters.

The village of Bagno Vignoni remained unchanged over time and when you arrive in the main square is like stepping back into the past, ideal for a romantic dinner.

The main square is known as “square of springs”, a rectangular tub that dates back to the XVI century that is one of its kind, like a pool in the heart of an ancient village.

Today, it’s no longer possible to bathe in this square, however, there are free thermal baths under the Parco dei Mulini, situated a short distance from the centre. Otherwise, if you are looking for a luxurious solution, try and get a day pass at the Adler Spa, a five star hotel with different thermal pools and a Dead Sea salt grotto.

Our tips:

• An interesting way to learn more about the wine production and tradition of this area is a tour of a winery and wine tasting. At Podere Brizio you can take part of a private guided tour of the estate – including the vineyards and the cellar – to know more about the main characteristics of Montalcino’s terroir.
• At Bagno Vignoni, you won’t find touristy restaurants, only typical trattorias serving up local cuisine and some of the famous regional wine, Nobile di Montepulciano, and the Rosso Orcia. We also recommend sampling the sheep cheese from neighbouring Pienza, along with a little local honey of course!
• You cannot visit the Val D’Orcia without seeing the most famous of his cypresses! Whether you are passionate about photography or you are simply looking for a click to share, reach these coordinates 43 ° 03’45.6 “N 11 ° 33’31.86” E
  On a hill overlooking a stretch of the Via Cassia near Torrenieri you will find a characteristic group of cypress trees on the rolling hills. The nice thing is that the landscape is constantly changing in colour but is everytime beautiful.

Where to stay: Discover this beautiful part of Tuscany with a winery as your home base. Podere Brizio, is a Brunello di Montalcino Winery with a luxurious “foresteria”, spa, tennis court and restaurant and is ideal for a relaxing getaway.