The pecorino cheese of Pienza is one of the best in Italy, especially the version 'sotto cenere' or 'under ashes'.

The cheese has ancient origins and has probably been produced in the zone since man first settled here. Sometimes known as 'Pecorino della Val d'Orcia' or 'Cacio di Pienza' it is produced between October and July and seasoned for up to 2 months to give it its distinctive flavour.

Until the beginning of the 15th century Pienza was always a small farming hamlet, but it had the good fortune to be the birthplace of Enea Silvio Piccolomini in 1405.

Do stop by nearby Monticchiello which is located right in the middle of the Orcia valley. This smalled walled town was originally a XII century hospital for pilgrims and is as much as it was at the time.

If you are also wondering where the classic Tuscan postcards are photographed, it's here.

Proceed to the thermal baths of Rapolano terme and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the thermal baths.All you need is a bathrobe for when you come out.

Rapolano is frequently visited hydromineral spa situated at 334 mt height in a hill area rich in oak woods.It is a popular thermal station with hot sulphureous waters hot,

The springs of the Antica Querciolaia and San Giovanni, at Rapolano are ancient and famous, popular since the fourth and third centuries before Christ and greatly appreciated by the Republic of Siena during the fourteenth century. The sulphuric-bicarbonate-calcium waters of the San Giovanni Thermal Spa delivers 1100 litres a minute at a constant temperature of 39 degrees, and the establishment offers numerous other valuable services making up and complementing the beneficial properties of the water. Worth noting, the programs aimed at recuperating a better physical form in seven days: anti-cellulite cures, weight loss, post-partum, and anti-stress cures. The programs based on the sulphuric waters are associated with a hypocaloric diet and physical activity in the pool, gym and woods. These waters managed to cure Garibaldi's injuries sustained at Aspromonte.

 

TERME OF SAINT GIOVANNI
The Terme di San Giovanni  is found to approximately Km 2 to south the west of Rapolano. The particularly plentiful waters are indicated in the cure of the osteoarticolari diseases and the diseases of the respiratory apparatus. You the following therapies are carried out: baths, mud, inhalations, aerosol, nebulizzazioni, massages and idromassaggi. Season May-ottobre.

Now it is time to drive on to your central Florence destination.

This tour is also available from Florence to Rome

RATES:

NOTES:

• Duration: - 7 hours ending in Florence

PAYMENTS:

All rates are quoted in EURO funds. Payment in Dollars, Euro, traveller cheque or personal cheque. Rate includes driver-guide for the whole tour.
Please note that the driver will not enter sites but give running commentaries of what you are seeing and give enough time to visit each sight.
Price does not include  , cheese tasting and entrance fees to the baths.

Light lunch with cheese tasting is approx. 14.00 euro per person , admission fee to the baths are 16.00 euro per person