Etruscan hilltop villages and towns

A short route that takes in the following beautiful villages and towns in the Val d'Orcia (all of which are located on hilltops):

- Montichiello: The landscape around Montichiello is like a postcard of Tuscany; winding roads, surrounded by cypresses that take you past many olive groves and vineyards. Montichiello is known for its castle and the annual theatre festival on the village square. - Pienza: a town that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to the many special buildings (palaces, churches, a beautiful central square), it is also the birthplace of the pecorino di Pienza: a tasty cheese made from sheep's milk. - Montepulciano: in addition to the fact that this town is world famous for its wines, you also have a beautiful view of the surroundings. The town is very atmospheric with old buildings, restaurants and many shops with local delicacies.

Between Montichiello and Pienza you cycle on a gravel road that climbs and descends steeply (15%) , the rest of the route is on paved roads.