The leaves get prettier every day.
Our trip into the countryside was a perfect way to spend a day. We drove the Val d’Orcia, which is the valley along the Orcia River. This area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a feast for the eyes.
There are various versions of this drive. We chose a route that took us from our villa to Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia, Monticchiello and then back home. We drove by Pienza but had already visited it earlier in the week. We skipped Montepulciano because we are visiting there today.
The drive was just stunning and filled with views of rolling Tuscan hills and beautiful vistas. The towns we visited were quiet and quaint and gorgeous. Around one turn there was a castle and around another a church with a tower that dated back to the 8th century. The sky was clear and the weather crisp and sunny.
Our own little piece of heaven was filled with morning light as we planned our day.
Much too cold to use the swimming pool, but it’s beautiful.
We set off for our drive about 9:30 with a plan to meander through the countryside.
Past uses for this structure, Spedaletto (c. 12th Century) have included serving as a hospital and a hostel for pilgrims and travelers. It’s now a hotel.
Our first stop was Bagno Vignoni. It is best known for its hot springs in the center of the town square. The springs have been mentioned in travel journals dating from the 9th century.
Leaving Bagno Vinoni, we were treated to more beautiful views.
Near Pienza, we took a road to one of the oldest churches in the region. The tower was built in the 8th century.
The infant who would grow up to become Pope Pius II was baptized in this font.
We lit a candle in honor and memory of a dear friend we love.
A look inside the tower.
Next stop Monticchiello, where we strolled through some beautiful narrow streets, enjoyed the flowers that decorated many of the shops and homes and then had a fantastic lunch on a terrace with a view over the valley.
Spreading the nets in preparation for catching the olives
Sitting on the terrace at Osteria La Porta
A good local beer.
Described as “Mushroom Pie with Pecorino Cream Sauce,” this appetizer was delicious. We’re hoping Betsy can recreate it in the future.
Tuscany is best known for red wines, but Betsy and Emily aren’t big red wine drinkers, so we’ve tasted a lot of whites and we’re happy about that. The white wines are crisp and clean.
Emily’s ravioli with ricotta and spinach. Perfect.
Betsy had the local pasta, pici, with tomato sauce. Fantastic.
Pappardelle with beef ragout for me, Bonnie and Lisa. Also delicious.
Yes, we loved every dish.
One dessert with everyone trying a taste.
It was a panna cotta in what we think was a guava sauce.
It was a panna cotta in what we think was a guava sauce.
The inside of the La Porta
A view of the terrace
The view from the terrace.
That’s Emily and Lisa taking in the view from an overlook.
We took an unpaved road through some of the countryside.
We happened upon a castle/fortress on the hillside.
Back home for another beautiful sunset.
Ciao!
Kim & Betsy 
Another fabulous day!