A motorbike itinerary in splendid Tuscany, from Siena through the Crete Senesi to the splendid Val D'Orcia, passing through Montalcino.
After our tour from Florence to Siena, we left for Pienza, crossing one of the most beautiful areas of Italy to be discovered by motorbike: the Crete Senesi and the Val D'Orcia.
Content index
Our itinerario part from Siena, a wonderful city to stay even for a couple of nights. Here you find the guide to the most beautiful things to do and see in Siena.
The Crete of Siena
The south-east area of Siena is called Crete Senesi, from the clay (clay) which gives the typical greyish color to the soil. In this area of the Toscana, one of the most suggestive, you can especially notice expanses of cultivated fields occasionally crossed by rows of cypresses and some isolated cottages. Between one curve and the next you can see the gullies and the biancane, typical forms of grayish earth of this area. The road that connects Siena to Asciano is truly incredible and a immense pleasure for driving and for the view.
Asciano
The first stop of our tour is Asciano, a small village surrounded by medieval walls and immersed in the heart of the Crete Senesi, and the first thing you notice when you arrive is the Tower of the Mencia. Don't miss a stroll through Corso Giacomo Matteotti, the main street that crosses the center, up to the upper part of the street where you will find the Collegiate Church of Sant'Agata, with a gray stone facade, inside which two interesting sixteenth-century frescoes are preserved, among other things.
Stop in Asciano
Asciano, being in a strategic position between Crete Senesi and Val D'Orcia it is the ideal place to stay for a few days. For those who want to stay in the center, as we did, thePeace Hotel it is the perfect solution not only for its location and hospitality, but also for the convenience of a garage for the motorcycle, for the internal restaurant and above all for the garden and for Swimmingpool which at the end of the day are a real cure-all.
Abbey of Monte Oliveto
Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore Located in a beautiful position among the gullies typical of the area, theAbbey of Monte Oliveto it is immersed in a forest of cypresses and oaks. It was founded in 1313 by Bernardo Tolomei who decided to retire to this isolated place after joining the Benedictine order. The church was built at the beginning of the 400th century, but the interior was transformed into a Baroque style only in the 18th century. The real attraction of the Abbey are the frescoes in the great cloister. There are 35 scenes that entirely cover the walls of the four sides of the cloister and depict the episodes of the life of St. Benedict. In the upper courtyard next to the church you will also find a souvenir shop and typical products from the Abbey's farm. and a cellar under the cloister, where you can taste the wines.
Montalcino
The village, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino, is surrounded by mighty walls and dominated by an ancient castle. Located west of Pienza, it overlooks the Val D'Orcia Natural Park. The historic center is dominated by the mighty Roll, a fortress built in 1361 which makes it even more impressive from every point you look at: the panorama which can be enjoyed from the ramparts of the fortress is truly spectacular.
Don't miss a visit to the long and narrow tower of the Priory palace, seat of the Municipality, which overlooks the main square known as Piazza del Popolo, with its beautiful gothic loggia. Also worth visiting are the Bishop's Palace and asked her to Sant 'Agostino, Sant' Egidio and San Francesco. Then you can devote yourself to tastings of the best wines and dishes of the area in the many wine bar and restaurants that you will find walking in the alleys of the village.
Pienza and the Val D'Orcia
From Montalcino you can go into the magnificent Val D'Orcia. The Valley takes its name from Orcia river, is located in the province of Siena, north of Mount Amiata and close to the border withUmbria. In addition to postcard landscapes, there are many little ones villages, natural spas, paved and unpaved roads (accessible to all) and many flavors of food and wines that will literally make you fall in love. And to not miss anything you can try the path ofHeroic in motion.
