The gently undulating hills of southern Tuscany offer some of the most beautiful vistas in Italy. Vineyards and bright green pastures are punctuated by neat rows of cypress trees, and the occasional herd of sheep can be seen grazing idly on lush farmlands. The Val d'Orcia lies at the heart of this bucolic landscape, its ancient slopes crowned by enchanting medieval towns and picturesque villages. Starting in the lovely city of Siena, with its great medieval square (Il Campo) crowned by the soaring dome of the Duomo, we spend a morning taking in the history and beauty of this lovely mediaeval city. On this trip over the week, we explore on foot some of the classic rural Tuscan scenery as well as a number of the most beautiful towns and villages in the region, including Montalcino, a classic hill-town completely surrounded by a fortified wall, Pienza, known for its outstanding Renaissance architecture, and Montepulciano, also surrounded by an impressive wall and full of interesting nooks and crannies. For gastronomes, this region boasts a long tradition of winemaking,
including the celebrated Brunello and the rich, full-bodied Vino
Nobile of Montepulciano. During Tuscany: Tastes of Tuscany Best Travels, 82 Bellevue Street, CAMMERAY, NSW
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