My Photography & Travel Guide to Tuscany (Val d'Orcia), Italy
When you close your eyes and imagine the typical Tuscan landscape, the iconic images of Val d'Orcia come to mind. Imagine a place where rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with cypress trees and medieval hilltop towns. This picturesque region feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
This part of Italy has everything visitors come to see, from amazing vistas to churches to windy roads through the countryside to landscapes that are among the most beautiful in the world.
At Sunrise
In this blog, I will review my favorite places to stay and recommend the best locations to photograph in Val d’Orcia.
Where to Stay?
The first big decision is where to stay. This decision depends on whether you are coming as a photographer or a traveler. After visiting several times, I recommend that Photographers stay in San Quirico or Pienza. All the best locations are just a few minutes away from San Quirico.
I love the rolling hills of Tuscany at Sunrise
Here are a few of my favorite hotel recommendations. I recommend Wellness Center Casanova for photographers because it is literally within walking distance of Belvedere, Tuscany's most iconic photo spot.
Castello Banfi—Il Borgo: Set on a hilltop 10 km from Montalcino, overlooking its own vineyards, Castello Banfi—Il Borgo is a stunning hotel. It's worth visiting just for the views, but the rooms are also fantastic. You can also borrow bikes and ride around the property. We loved our stay.
Castello di Banfi Hotel
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco: This is one of the best hotels in the world. This hotel is a bucket list for special occasions. It is located 12 km from Montalcino. The views, food, and service are outstanding.
The Rosewood shot with my Drone
PALAZZO DEL CAPITANO Wellness & Relais - Luxury Borgo Capitano Collection Set inside San Quirico d'Orcia's historic town walls, Palazzo del Capitano is a charming 15th-century building. The only problem with the hotel is that you cannot park there. You have to park in a public parking lot about 7 minutes away.
San Quirico
RELAIS CHIOSTRO DI PIENZA: The Relais Chiostro di Pienza is a former Franciscan Convent dating back to the 15th century. It is located in a beautiful spot in the center of Pienza. They have a veranda that has incredible views of the Tuscan hills. We loved the hotel, but again, you cannot park there.
Relais Chiostro di Pienza Hotel
Wellness Center Casanova (For Photographers) (Strada Provinciale 146 di Chianciano, San Quirico d' Orcia, San Quirico d'Orcia, Italy, 53027). The reason for staying here is the location just outside the walls of San Quirico. It is within walking distance of Belvedere. Also, they have parking right in front of the hotel so that you can get to your car right away early in the morning.
When to Go?
Choosing the best time to travel to Italy, particularly to Tuscany, depends on what you want to see. One of the nice things about Tuscany is that it is always beautiful, no matter the season.
Travel to Val d'Orcia in Spring if you wish to be surrounded by beautiful green blooming poppy fields.
Travel to Val d'Orcia in Summer if you want to experience its typical golden yellow fields of wheat. However, the Summer months in Tuscany can get very hot and crowded.
Travel to Val d'Orcia in Autumn: Autumn is our favorite season in Tuscany. The green cypresses stand out even more against the earthy, brownish color. The temperatures are ideal, tourists are much fewer, and you will likely have fantastic weather.
You will need a Car
The only easy way to get to and around the Val d’Orcia is by car. It is very easy to drive to all the best photography locations.
Morning Light
It’s a quick drive up from Rome, about two hours to San Quirico/Pienza on the A1 autostrada, exiting at the town of Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. It will take you about 1.5 hours to arrive from Florence on the A1 to the Betolle exit. The drive from Siena is less than an hour on the SR2.
By the Entrance of San Quirico
Where to Eat
Restaurants:
Osteria La Porta (Monticchiello): Renowned for its warm ambiance and exquisite Tuscan cuisine, this osteria offers dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
La Bottega di Portanuova (Pienza): A cozy spot with a fantastic selection of local cheeses, meats, and wines. Perfect for a light lunch or an evening meal.
Trattoria La Loggia del Chianti (San Quirico d'Orcia): Traditional Tuscan dishes served in a charming, rustic setting. Their homemade pasta is a must-try!
Ristorante Daria (Monticchiello): Known for its creative takes on Tuscan classics, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience.
Il Rossellino (Pienza): A tiny, intimate restaurant with only a few tables, offering personalized service and delicious, authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Coffee Shops:
Bar Il Casello (Pienza): Perfect for a morning cappuccino with a view. Their pastries are also worth trying!
Caffe' del Corso (San Quirico d'Orcia): A great spot to relax with a coffee and watch the world go by.
Bar La Posta (Bagno Vignoni): Enjoy a coffee in this historic thermal village, with views over the ancient baths.
Photography Locations
San Quirico
The beautiful town of San Quirico d'Orcia sits atop a hilltop halfway between Pienza and Montalcino. This small, picturesque village is surrounded by fortified walls, and rows of cypress trees stand above the surrounding countryside.
It is a wonderful town to walk through, and make sure to stop for dinner in the small family-owned restaurants.
Podere Belvedere
This is the most photographed spot in all of Italy. I recommend visiting at Sunrise. There is a small road right next to Belvedere where you can park your car.
Podere Belvedere
You might not see fog every morning but when you do it is magical.
Fog at Podere Belvedere
GPS Coordinates: 43.06616389366422, 11.614930514583575
Croce di Prata (aka: “The Four Trees”)
It’s a 90-second walk from where you were shooting in Podere Belvedere. It is just to the left of Belvedere. Just continue walking down the same road you drove into, follow the hedge until you come to an opening, then turn right and cut through the hedge, and the four trees are right there.
This is also a sunrise shoot.
Sunrise
Madonna di Vitaleta Chapel
This is probably the second most iconic spot in Val d’Orcia. Again, it is best photographed at sunrise. It is located about 3 kilometers down the road towards Pienza from Podere Belvedere.
You can walk down to the church which I highly recommend doing during the late afternoon. If you are lucky, you might see a couple getting married.
If you have a drone you can getting some beautiful images like the one below.
Madonna di Vitaleta Chapel VIEWPOINT
I think the best shot of the church is at Sunrise from the SR22. There are multiple spots to stop so its’s a good idea to drive down the SR22 road a few times to know the best place to stop. Usually, you see where to stop because there are lots of photographers with tripods taking photos. I love the look of the backlit light on the church.
At Sunrise
Just before Sunrise the views are equally beautiful.
Also at Sunrise
Agriturismo Poggio Covili
Another dawn shoot, you’re going to drive up a hill, and you’ll see a long turnout on the left known as the “Pogio Covili viewpoint.” The shot is of this famous row of Cypress Trees from up on this hill. This farmhouse is in the Belvedere area, but it’s kind of way off in the distance, and this gets you much closer.
Address: SP323, 53023 Castiglione d’Orcia SI, Italy (GPS: 43.02323280058637, 11.62617447832908)
This is another location that looks amazing from above with a drone.
Viale di capressi
After you shoot that view from up high on the hill, you can go down to the entrance of that same Farmhouse and shoot its Instagram-famous row of trees from ground level. In the day, in awful light, it’s full of Instagrammers, but just after dawn, you’ll be all alone with no distractions.
Address: SR2, 53023 Castiglione d’orcia SI, Italy
Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia- Option 1
I would highly recommend driving around the area of San Quirico at Sunset. You will find so many beautiful places to photograph.
At Sunset
Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia Option 2
To find this location, you need to drive out of the other side of San Quirico, not towards Pienza.
Once you are on the highway, you will see the trees on your left side. There is a small parking for 3-4 cars.
If you walk up the hill from the Parking area, you will see another group of trees that form a circle of Cypress trees.
Shot With my Drone
The most photogenic ones are the lower group of trees. This is best shot from the other end of the bridge from where you park (there’s a walkway on the bridge), then head over the guardrail into the field.
Address: Val d’Orcia, SR2, 53027 San Quirico D’orcia SI, Italy
The Gladiator House
The famous scene house from the movie The Gladiator. There are 2 places to photograph this location. The first is to drive to the Pieve dei Santi Vito e Modesto a Consignano Church and walk down the pathway.
During the day the Gladiator house looks incredible during Spring time.
The other option is to drive from Pienza to the “Punto Panaramico Pienza” which is about 5 minutes down the road. From here I put up my drone and took the shot below.
The Gladiator House at Sunset
The Lone Cypress
Another famous location is the Lone Cypress. This is probably a nicer shot during the Spring with a field of green grass and poppies.
And here is what it looks like in the Spring
Abbazia di San Galgano
This is the old church with no roof, where we photographed our violinist. Really neat place and every photogenic. You park and then walk down a long row of trees, turn left and walk down another long row of trees (you can’t miss it). It’s an easy flat walk 5 or 6 minute walk. You have to pay a small entrance fee.
Address: Strada Comunale di S. Galgano, 53012 Chiusdino SI, Italy
Cipressi di Monticchiello
This location (SP88, 53026 Montepulciano SI, Italy) is just a 10-minute drive from Pienza. The curvy road with the cypress trees is magnificent.
The City of Montepulciano or Montalcino
There are 2 charming towns located about 40 minutes from San Quiraco d’Orcia - Montepulciano and Montalcino. It is worth the drive. You will find great views and restaurants.
Near Castello Banfi on the Drive to Montalcino
Pienza Viewpoint
Another town to stop and visit is Pienza. it is located about 10 kilomerts from San Quirico. Shops along the little lanes sell pecorino (sheep’s milk cheese), honey, and lots of other delicious treats.
It is worth a trip to Pienza. I love going in the afternoon for a coffee, gelato or an early dinner.
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio Church
This is a spot that is perfect at sunset.
Address: (Small parking lot nearby) Via dell’Artigianato, 3, 53045 Totona SI, Italy
Crete senesi
Crete Senesi is another spot to photograph the Cypress Trees in front of a beautiful home. They are located in Asciano, which is about 30 minutes from San Quirco.
Driving Around
Even if you just drive around the area between San Quirico and Pienza you will find so many beautiful locations to photograph. It is one of the most stunning locations in the world. I love to find locations with Cypress Trees.
Spring in Tuscany
I recommend driving through the area. You will find so many special locations.
There is so much beauty in Tuscany every where you look.
I have included a map of the photography locations below.
Day Trips From Val d’Orcia
Because of its location, there are lots of options for day trips from Val d'Orcia. Here are 3 places that are definitely worth a visit and that can be easily reached on a day trip.
Siena
Siena is an incredibly beautiful town. If possible, I think it's worth staying for 1-2 nights, but you could also take a day trip to the city. I would recommend visiting the central piazza known as Il Campo. This is where the famous Palio, a horse race, takes place every summer. You must also visit the famous Duomo of Siena.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is another incredible Italian hill town in Tuscany. The town is encircled by 13th-century walls. You will want to walk towards the Piazza della Cisterna, where you can try the best gelato in Italy at Gelateria Dondoli.
San Gimignano is famous for having the first skyscrapers in the world from the 12th century.
Orvieto
Orvieto is another incredible town located closer to Rome. You will want to visit the famous Duomo and the San Patrick Well. It was built in 1527.
The well has a depth of 54 meters and is lined with a double spiral staircase structure of 248 steps. The reason a double spiral staircase was used was so that those descending the well and those coming back up would never run into each other.
If you have the chance to visit Val d’Orcia (Tuscany), do not hesitate. It is a wonderful part of the world to explore for a few days.
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