Monticchiello
(3 km)
Here you will find a wonderful medieval hillside village, surrounded by walls with towers. Explore the charm of the narrow streets and small squares. Don't miss the panoramic view of the Orcia Valley from the village entrance.

Pienza
(7 km)
Pope Pius II engaged Bernardo Rossellino to design this ideal Renaissance town. Pienza, with its great unity of style, as exemplified by the main square (Piazza Pio II), is a delightful jewel set in a perfect Tuscan landscape. Notice the architectural balance between the religious and civil activities of Rossellino's town plan. The Duomo, the Palazzo Piccolomini, and Passeggiata Panoramica are worth a visit.

Sant'Anna in Camprena
(15 km)
An Olivetian monastery of the 14th century with frescos by Il Sodoma, it was used extensively in the filming of "The English Patient".

Montepulciano
(12 km)
Noted for its world-famous Vino Nobile, Montepulciano, like many Tuscan hill-towns, resides on the crest of a knoll between two valleys. Park your car in one of the convenient lots or garages and walk the picturesque streets. The Piazza Grande, Palazzo Nobili-Tarugi, and the Palazzo Comunale should be on your itinerary. A short distance out of town, you will find the Chiesa della Madonna di San Biagio. San Biagio, situated in a small park, is the masterpiece of Antonio da Sangallo.

San Quirico d'Orcia
(17 km)
Inside the wall of this town you will find La Collegiata, a 12th century romanesque-Gothic church with an exceptional facade. In addition, you can visit the Horti Leonini, a lovely renaissance garden.

Bagno Vignoni
(12 km)
Bagno Vignoni is well known for its thermal baths. Here one finds both modern and historic spa facilities side by side. In the old piazza you will discover the Vasca Termale built by Lorenzo de Medici who frequented the town for its therapeutic waters.

Chiusi
(30 km)
In this town of Etruscan origins, one will find Museo Nazionale Etrusco. This museum houses wonderful artifacts excavated from nearby archeological sites. The earthenware funeral urns with far- ranging styles and themes are of special note. Visit to local Etruscan tombs, such as the Tomba della Scimmia, can be arranged by the museum guards.

Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore
(40 km)
Situated among cypress trees this abbey is the original home of the Olivetians, an order of Benedictine monks founded in 1313. The main attraction here is the cloisters with 36 superb frescos by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma. One should also view the choir stalls by Giovanni da Verona in the abbey church.

Montalcino
(32 km)
Brunello wine may be what Montalcino is noted for today, but this walled hill-town has a long history dating back to Etruscan times. The 14th century Rocca, the Palazzo Comunale and an enoteca or two are worthwhile excursions.

Abbazia di Sant'Antimo
(42 km)
Situated in a small valley planted in olive and cypress trees is this wonderful 9th century Romanesque abbey. The church's architecture is impressive and sophisticated, the setting and location are spectacular. Definitely not to be missed.

Monte Amiata
This mountain, which is visible from the hotel, is 1738 meters high and the highest in Tuscany. It is covered with chestnut and beech trees which change color splendidly in autumn. The mountain also serves as a diving line between the Val d'Orcia and the Maremma, an area of Tuscany, which is now being discovered by knowledgeable travelers.