The Val d'Orcia is mainly an agricultural area of gently rolling hills, farmlands and vineyards, with many hilltop villas and towns.

While based in Bagno Vignoni, as depicted in the previous blog, we toured this pastoral area.

Here are some photos of the rural parts of Val d'Orcia.

T_24_1398 This is an early morning image overlooking an area of the valley.

T_24_1264 Here the sun has risen over the valley.

T_24_1279 These are the cypress trees that are the iconic symbol of Val d'Orcia.

T_24_1181 These same trees on the driveway to Poggio Covili, near San Quirico. 

T_24_1207 The same cypress trees just before sunrise.

T_24_1282 Here we are in the rolling hills near San Quirico.

T_24_1294 This ring of cypress trees, known as Rondó, sits in the middle of farm fields.

T_24_1352 One of the many hilltop villas.

T_24_1262

T_24_1284

T_24_1235 Another cypress-lined driveway to a hilltop villa.

T_24_1242 Vineyards near Montepulciano.

T_24_1219 Bagni San Filippo has thermal baths along the stream, which are open to the public.

T_24_1365 This tiny chapel, Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, is situated on a promontory in the fields of Val d'Orcia.

The valley of the Orcia River is a picturesque area that was a pleasure to tour.