Bagno Vignoni (Siena)

Situated high in the Val d’Orcia find Bagno Vignone, in the Commune of San Quirico d’Orcia. It’s about 30 minute’s drive from the house. San Quirico includes some truly iconic scenery and the area surrounding Bagno Vignone is well worth exploring, especially in the Summer when it’s blue clays can appear almost Lunar. We think of Bagno Vignone as ‘just behind Pienza’ as that’s how we approach it from here and indeed the two visits go hand in hand. Portrayed here on a bright winter holiday afternoon, busy with locals out for Passeggiata after lunch, the little hill town has a steaming Roman Bath at it’s heart as opposed to the more typical Piazza – or town square.  The central Bath is surrounded by caffes, restaurants and bars; there’s the usual gift shop presence that you might expect from a place that’s so firmly on the tourist maps. But do not be put off – Bagno vignone is a very special visit indeed and fits in very nicely as a stop en route to a Brunello Tasting (don’t actually bathe in this case) at Montalcino en route from Pienza. On a Winter’s day – or in cooler weather we love to use the Spa, too.

THE DRIVE 30 minutes very scenic drive from Siena House to Bagno Vignone.  PARK at the top of the hill within blue pay and display spaces. BATHE Adler is super but you must book ahead.  for a spur of the moment decision we love the Hotel Posta Marcucci GOOD FOR Quick stop en route from Pienza to Montalcino, Spa. EAT We like Osteria Leone Drink we like Il Barrino also for live Jazz DON’T MISS the most beautiful Apothecary right by the bath the Hortus Mirabilis for a unique selection of hand made fragrance, soaps, cosmetics, incense & herbal teas.  ITINERARY relaxed half a day at the baths combines well with lunch at Pienza or San Quirico, a drive / photography in the Val d’Orcia, or as an en route to Montalcino. ITINERARY whistle stop If you’ve only dedicated a couple of nights to seeing the best of the area, give Bagno Vignone an hour to an hour and a half; mix it into a day’s drive in the Val d’Orcia stopping at Pienza centre for a couple of hours, then heading on to Montalcino Vineyards or historic Centre OR begin with Pienza, head to Bagno Vignone and then program your GPS to take you to Siena via the Monte Uliveto Maggiore Abbey and Asciano passing through the Crete Senese.

Siena House is a boutique hotel in Tuscany with British owners.  We write and photograph Tuscany year round as a resource for our guests publishing our insider guide to Tuscany and our blog, Tuscany Reportage.

Adler Thermae https://www.adler-thermae.com/

Hotel La Posta (pool) http://www.hotelpostamarcucci.it/

Hortus Mirabilis http://www.hortusmirabilis.it/

Osteria del Leone http://www.osteriadelleone.it/

Il Barrino http://www.ilbarrino.it/