Central Tuscany: Le Crete and the Val d'Orcia

ISBN-13: 9781507831700 / Angielski / Miękka / 2015 / 288 str.

Scott Tiezzi Grabinger

Opis

Central Tuscany: Le Crete and the Val d'Orcia

Latest 2016 to 2017 Edition

The latest version of this guidebook on the Le Crete and Val d'Orcia regions in central Tuscany is the fifth book in Scott Tiezzi Grabinger's "Inside Tuscany: A Second Time Around" series.

Here he takes you to the area of Tuscany that provides many of the pictures in calendars, coffee table books, movies, and postcards - the cedar lined drives and roads going over hills with small towns and solitary farms. Val d'Orcia towns stand high on hills with their Roccas and forts visible for miles. Different areas produce a variety of world class wines and foods, especially the "pecorino" cheese from Pienza region.

Here you'll find information to: learn about the art and sites in several Val d'Orcia towns, view some of the greatest landscapes and panoramas in Tuscany, use decimal GPS coordinates for navigating, get an idea of mobility accessibility of tourist sites and towns, cook from authentic Italian recipes, many from my Italian family.

The book helps you visit a variety of sites from spas to forts to scenic areas to small and large towns: Drive through the eerie and astounding rolling clay hills of "Le Crete" viewing rolling fields of grain, pasture land, small ponds, and sheep.
After passing through the "Le Crete" stop at the "Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore" and enjoy the peace and quiet of this monastery hidden deep in the forest. Walk easily through the hill town of "Montalcino," climb the ramparts of its "fortezza" for an open view of the Val d'Orcia all the way to Monte Amiata, taste the world famous "Brunello di Montalcino," and study art in the churches and the excellent "Museo Civico e Diocesano."
Listen to the monks say their prayers in the Gregorian chant at the "Abbazia di Sant'Antimo" a few kilometers from Montalcino.
Stop at the "ideal humanist city" of "Pienza" with its unique Piazza Pio II and brilliant architecture. Have a lunch taking an option for each course that uses Pienza's great "pecorino" cheese.
Explore deceptively quiet "San Quirico d'Orcia" famous for its gardens: the "Horti Leoni" and the "Rose Garden."
Take a break from the effort of touring in the spa town of "Bagno Vignoni," first used by the ancient Romans. St. Catherine of Siena was brought there by her mother who hoped that the waters would cure of her desire to become a nun - they didn't.
Be surprised by the beauty and treasures in the tiny hill town of "Monticchiello."
Want to avoid the cost of using the spas in Bagno Vignoni and dive into natural hot tubs? Drive to the "Fosso Bianco" at "Bagni San Filippo" and take a short hike through the forest to visit its wild pools. Bring your swim suit.
Explore the "fortezza" and rocca of "Radicofani, " the highest in the Val d'Orcia near Monte Amiata.
Spend a day or two at the exciting and busy "Montepulciano, " the largest town in the area. Appreciate the stunning panoramas from its walls. Visit the museums and churches. Taste the excellent "Vino Nobile di Montepulciano" and have a great lunch at the "Ristorante Enoteca la Corte Medicea."

So, set up a base in one of the larger towns in the regions like Montalcino, Montepulciano, or Pienza and spend three or four days carefully exploring the beautiful scenery, hill towns, restaurants, museums, fortresses, and churches, finishing the day in one of the hot springs.

For more information: www.insidetuscanybooks.com.

For itinerary information: www.insidetuscanytours.com