Val d'Orcia, Pienza & Montalcino Day Trips
West of Montepulciano the land opens into the Val d'Orcia — the cypress-lined ridges, isolated farmhouses and clay crete that became the UNESCO-listed image of Tuscany. Pienza, Pius II's ideal Renaissance town, is thirteen kilometres away; Montalcino and its Brunello another twenty-five; Bagno Vignoni's thermal square sits in between.
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Val d'Orcia Day Trips in Montepulciano — FAQ
What is the Val d'Orcia?
A valley south of Siena, UNESCO-listed since 2004, whose landscape of rolling clay hills, cypress avenues and hill towns was shaped by Sienese landowners in the 14th and 15th centuries and painted into the background of Renaissance art ever since.
How far is Pienza from Montepulciano?
About 13 km — twenty minutes by road. Pienza was rebuilt from scratch in the 1460s as Pope Pius II’s ideal Renaissance town and is famous for its pecorino, sold in every shop on the main street.
Should you visit Montalcino or Montepulciano?
Both if you can — they are forty minutes apart and make different wines. Montalcino’s Brunello is 100% Sangiovese aged at least four years and costs more; Montepulciano’s Nobile is softer, cheaper and easier to drink young. Most day trips take in both.