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Val d�Orcia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the breathtakingly beautiful Val d�Orcia has inspired many artists who have immortalized its beauty on the canvas. With its never-ending hills, grain fields, and streams, it is universally recognized as the most beautiful landscape on earth.

Val d'Orcia offers a wide range of vacation villas and farmhouses for a comfortable stay. Staying in vacation villas is becoming increasingly popular for the privacy and independence they provide cannot be matched by the best of hotels. Feel more like a local and less like a tourist, wander around local markets, mingle with the people and experience the real Italian life by staying in a farmhouse or vacation rental in Val d'Orcia.

Things to see and do in Val d�Orcia

The places worth visiting in Val d'Orcia include the villages of Pienza, Castelmuzio, Monte Oliveto, Petrolio, Castiglione D�Orcia, Montefollonico and Radicofoni. Especially worth a mention are Bagno Vignoni and Montepulciano.

• Bagno Vignoni: This is a tiny spa village and in the place where the main square should be, there is an ancient walled basin with steaming hot water.
• Montepulciano: This graceful, aristocratic hill town is best-known for its wine, Montepulciano's Vino Nobile di. There are some beautiful villages on the hills around Montepulciano, such as Montefollonico, a walled town with a frescoed parish church and Palazzo Comunale, both from the 13th century

The other major attractions in this area are the abundant thermal springs. The glorious Tuscan surroundings have resulted in the coming up of a number of spas where you can relax your body, mind and spirits.

Restaurants in Val d'Orcia

• La Grotta: Located next to the glorious Renaissance church of San Biagio the place serves a gourmet menu. The speciality here is the malfatti, gnocchi-like balls of sheep's-milk ricotta and basil, served with a taleggio sauce
• Latte Di Luna: This place was the favorite with the crew of the film The English Patient, and Latte di Luna. It is an elegant trattoria serving decent local cuisine at a fair price. Be sure to book ahead, even out of season. The place is closed on Tuesdays.
• Osteria da Gagliano: Treat yourself to a succulent menu that serves acciughe sotto pesto (anchovies in pesto sauce) and stringozzi. Do not forget to try the excellent panna cotta.

Entertainment and nightlife

Val d'Orcia is a relatively quiet place. You can spend a leisurely evening in the main squares but if you are looking for something loud and exciting, you can head for the nearby Siena.

Golfing

For golfing, again head for the Siena Golf Club Le Segalaie. The 18 hole golf club, located near the airport of Ampugnano, is surrounded by charming Tuscan hills and old farmhouses. Facilities here include pitching green, putting green, snack-bar, pro-shop, beach volley, and mini football.