When I think about Tuscany, what immediately springs to mind is the typical hilly landscape, with cypress trees and hay bales, and the most iconic is definitely Val d’Orcia.
Constantly atmospheric, it is greeny in springtime, golden and ochre during summer and foggy in Autumn, it will always enchant you.
Val d’Orcia is a large valley located in the south of Tuscany, driving a car is essential to visit this area and the most scenic route I recommend is the road SP438 from Siena to Asciano this area is called “Crete Senesi”. Then from Asciano take road SP60 proceeding along road SP14 and you will arrive at Val d’Orcia. Enjoy the view of the quintessential image of Tuscany that inspired many painters of the Renaissance and which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
To fully enjoy your trip I highly recommend spending at least one night in one of the many “Agriturismo” which is a kind of farm stay, usually located on an isolated hilltop where you can taste fresh local food and take a dip in the pool. In addition to the countless and picturesque villages around this magical area I have selected 7 gorgeous photography spot I do not want you to miss. Enjoy!
1) Agriturismo Baccoleno
This location is not officially in Val d’Orcia, however, it is really close and you can find it along road SP60 between Asciano and San Giovanni d’Asso, which is the most scenic drive If you come from Siena towards Val d’Orcia.
The dirt road lined by cypress trees is private as it belongs to the Agriturismo, but on the main road not far from the entrance there is a lay-by where you can park your car and then walk on the field to take an epic picture.
2) Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia
Possibly the most photographed bunch of trees in the world, it’s about a cypress grove located on a hilltop and it was created by hunters to attract birds.
You can easily find this beauty proceeding along road SR3, about 6km before arriving at San Quirico d’Orcia coming from Siena. On your left and right there is a lay-by where you can stop and enjoy the iconic frame of Tuscany.
3) Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
One of the symbols of Tuscany. This charming and lonely chapel was built in the spot where legend says the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherdess.
You can easily find the chapel which lies between San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza by following a dirt road outside a gate where you can also park your car. You must walk around 15 minutes to reach the lovely church. Unfortunately is locked and cannot be visited inside, however, it’s a wonderful subject for a photo surrounded by soft hills.
4) The Elysian Fields
I’m pretty sure you have seen this spot already! These are the Elysian Fields where Maximus is seen wondering in the final scene of the movie Gladiator, starring by Russel Crowe.
This location is right under Pienza, you can park your car in front of Pieve di Corsignano Which is another lovely church that is also worth a visit. Afterwards, keep on walking along the dirt road and after 5 minutes you will really feel immersed in the Elysian Fields, the heaven of the heroes.
5) Bagni San Filippo
Val d’Orcia is not just about hills and cypress trees, there are also 2 natural hot spring, and guess what? They are completely free. One is Bagno Vignoni famous for its unique pool replacing the main square, and the other one is Bagni San Filippo, a tiny village with less than 100 residents.
Bagni San Filippo is popular for its fantastic path in the woods that runs along the river forming many pools with different temperatures where you can sit and relax. Halfway down the path there is a huge calcium formation called “Balena Bianca” (White Whale), named as such for its similarity to the mouth of a whale.
The water here is warmer and offers many waterfalls and stalactites giving you a great spot for photography. I definitely suggest to visit this gem in the early morning to avoid the crowd and if possible during spring or autumn.
6) Winding road lined by cypress trees
You shouldn’t miss this highly Instagrammable spot made famous by many car advertising campaigns, it is just at the foot of Monticchiello a tiny medieval village.
Coming from Pienza proceeding along road SP88 just one hundred meters before arriving at Monticchiello, pay attention to your right and you will see a narrow road, from there you can take a memorable shot. There is also another zigzagging road very similar to this one and not too far, visible from villa “La Foce”.
7) Agriturismo Poggio Covili
Last but not least, the beautiful Agriturismo, Poggio Covili. Which boasts the most impressive row of cypress trees in a straight line around Val d’Orcia.
The farmhouse is located along road SR2 near Bagno Vignoni. Once you have parked your car on a lay-by you have the chance to capture photos from the front as well as the side. Coming here as the sun sets would be ideal.
Amazing!