Osteria dell'Orcia Castiglione d'Orcia

A journey through Val d'Orcia, one of Tuscany's most beautiful valleys, in search of an authentic rural retreat, might easily lead to Osteria dell'Orcia: a gorgeous 4 star hotel in the countryside between Bagno Vignoni and Castiglione d'Orcia.

Osteria dell'Orcia dates all the way back to the 17th century, time when the edifice served as a horse and carriage station for travelers making their way along the Via Francigena, the pilgrim route between Canterbury and Rome. The hotel's bedrooms and suites conserve much of the building's romantic, old world charm, in the form of traditional terracotta floors exposed wooden ceiling beams, and beautiful items of handcrafted furniture.

With its delicious seasonal menus, prepared with only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients, aficionado's of good food and wine will love Osteria dell'Orcia's "La Vecchia Posta" restaurant. A connoisseur collection of "Super Tuscans" is housed in the hotel's private wine cellar. In the summer, meals are served outdoors, on the panoramic patio.

A charming home-from-home in the heart of Tuscany, Osteria dell'Orcia lies within minutes of Castiglione d'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni, a village famous for its immense central bath, filled with steaming thermal waters. The beautifully conserved hill towns of Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia are all just a short and incredibly scenic car ride away. Fifty kilometers north of the Osteria, the magnificent medieval city of Siena is more than worthy of visit. Of course, those keen to simply relax and enjoy the quiet of the Tuscan countryside are likely to spend great part of their holiday in the hotel's garden, lazing by the swimming pool and admiring the views of Bagno Vignoni.