Val D'Orcia
About
Val d'Orcia is a breathtaking valley in Tuscany, renowned for its gentle rolling hills, medieval hill towns, and the world‑class vineyards that produce Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. In 2004 the valley was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its harmonious blend of pastoral landscapes and human settlement that exemplifies the Tuscan countryside. The historic Asciano‑Monte Antico railway snakes through the valley, offering visitors a nostalgic steam‑train journey across vineyards and olive groves on select days. Musicians, filmmakers and artists have long found inspiration here, with the valley serving as the backdrop for films such as *The English Patient* and *8½* and for countless works of art and photography.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Valley
- Asciano‑Monte Antico Steam Railway
- Brewing Brunello
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
The most scenic and comfortable times to visit Val d'Orcia are in the spring (April‑May) and autumn (September‑October), when temperatures are mild, the vineyards flourish, and the crowds are lighter.