Hi, we are currently in Orvieto where the temperature has been over 100. We leave tomorrow morning for our next base in San Gimignano. We’d love to take a scenic drive thru the Val D’Orcia region if that makes sense from Orvieto. We wouldn’t mind stoping someplace along the way either. Given the heat starts very early, a scenic place for a swim would be fantastic! We did go to Lake Bolsena to swim yesterday! It’s a tough time to be enjoying Italy, but we are! If anyone can recommend a spectacular drive and/or stop that we could add to our route to San G (from Orvieto,) please let me know. Thank you!!!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16167 posts
From Orvieto find your way to Sferracavallo and then drive all the way to Acquapendente. From Acquapendente stay on the SR2 (Strada Regionale 2, aka Via Cassia) all the way to Siena. Then from Siena you can take the freeway (or even just stay on the SR2) to Poggibonsi where you take the road (SP1 or Strada Provinciale 1) to San Gimignano.
That is the best scenic route. It's less than 3 hours drive, if you don't stop.
Along the way you can visit Bagni San Filippo (Thermal Spa baths) or, a bit up the Mt. Amiata, Abbadia San Salvatore. Those are all on the Mount Amiata slopes. It might be cooler as you go up the Mt. Amiata. Still along the way there is another famous place for thermal spa baths: Bagno Vignoni .
Pretty towns along the way are San Quirico d'Orcia, Buonconvento, Monteriggioni, Colle Val D'Elsa, besides of course Siena. Montalcino and Pienza are also not far off from the SR2 route.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
If you’re ok with an adventure, and you like natural pools & falls, look at Bangi San Filippo.
(White whale falls)
https://www.wanderingitaly.com/blog/article/1066/bagni-san-filippo
It’s a little over an hour from Orvieto, on the way you could check out Acquapendente or Radicofani. Both are designated e-Borgo villages. The Abbey San Saoatore. Is located between the two.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
Thank you! This helps a lot!
Posted by
New York
318 posts
We stopped for lunch and a couple of hours in San Querico on our way from Siena to Montepulciano. It's a small, quiet, untouristy town. It's also on your way. We enjoyed it.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
13 posts
You could stop at Diborrato waterfall and swimming pools on the Elsa River in Colle Val D'Elsa. It's not that far from San Gimignano (but on the way there) and it's beautiful. Cool, turquoise waters.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
We followed much of your advice and enjoyed a scenic drive in Tuscany; including stopping at the Bagni San Filipo. It was a nice; just wish the water were cool for such a hot day; lol! Now, that waterfall sounds nice (Dylan) but it looks like the walk to it may be too much for my husband. I read about an hour each way to get to it? My husband is 70 with knees requiring surgery when we get back. Unless it’s a really easy flat walk, it’s probably to much for his knees. It sounds wonderful and cool though!