Val d'Orcia Tuscan Photography Tour

As a guest once put it, "an overdose of scenery." This tour of Tuscany will take us through the incredible Val d'Orcia (Orcia Valley), one of the most photographed regions of Tuscany. (All photos on this site are from my tours). It was nearly six hundred years ago when merchants had the idea of combining agricultural land with aesthetically pleasing scenery. Thus giving birth to the concept of landscaping as a man made creation. Today the farmers still pay as much attention to the aesthetics of their land as to the crops. The result is a feast for the eyes. In 2004, UNESCO elevated the Val D'Orcia to a World Heritage status - need I say more? The Val D'Orcia also has gastronomic treasures for the finest of palates, among which Italy's most highly rated wines and sheep's cheese.

We will also visit the stunningly beautiful towns of Montalcino, and Pienza. Apart from being so pretty, each of these towns have another claim to fame; Montalcino for wine and Pienza for cheese.

9.00 am - Our Tuscan tour starts as we head down the highway. It's a two hour drive to the Val d'Orcia (hence the higher price tag), but we'll see gorgeous scenery as we travel through the region known as the "Crete." Our photographic and scenery safari is under way, and the scenery is stunning. We'll make numerous stops for photos maybe take a coffee somewhere along the way.

We meander slowly to the little town of Montalcino where we arrive about lunch time. You'll be free to browse at you your leisure and of course have a bite to eat in a resturant or caffè. If you want to try a glass of wine there are numerous wine shops specializing in Italy's most valued wine which is made here; Brunello.

We leave Montalcino and travel leisurely through the gorgeous Orcia Valley continuing our photographic safari. I'll point out the famous photos and take you to discover the hidden ones too. We'll stop many times so you can take your own picture postcards. You will have seen these scenes in books and calendars, but it's even better to witness them first hand.

We eventually arrive in the tiny but charm packed town of Pienza, considered the first example of modern urban planning. Rebuilt in 1462, the town is disarmingly small but of great interest and scenic beauty, and if you like cheese then look no further; this is the place to ask for a cheese tasting, just walk into any shop. The tradition of cheese making is still very much a family affair and has traditions going back hundreds of years.

We complete our tour in Tuscany and return to our accommodation.

8.00pm - Return. Duration: approx eleven hours.

Val d'Orcia Tuscan Photography Tour.

Scenic Wine Tours in Tuscany

Val d'Orcia Tuscan Photography Tour