Bagno Vignoni + Montalcino

Depart villa via SS71 south and SP146/SR2 through Val d'Orcia.

Arrive Bagno Vignoni. Park at the small village car park (free or nominal). Walk directly to the Piazza delle Sorgenti — the central thermal pool steaming in morning air. The steam is most visible in cooler morning conditions. Allow 20 minutes for the piazza.

Parco dei Mulini (free): descend to the ancient water mill network and thermal channels along the Orcia River. The limestone travertine formations deposited by centuries of thermal flow are naturally sculptural. Steam rises from the channels through the mill ruins. Allow 40 minutes.

Optional spa split: group members who want a thermal swim can take a day pass at Hotel Posta Marcucci (~€20–30; book 1–2 days ahead at postamaruccci.com). The rest of the group proceeds to Montalcino to arrange lunch, meeting by 12:30 PM.

Depart Bagno Vignoni for Montalcino (~15 minutes north on SR2).

Fortezza di Montalcino (~€4): the 1361 Sienese fortress crowning Montalcino's summit. Walk the ramparts for a 360-degree panorama over the Val d'Orcia, Monte Amiata, and the Brunello vineyards. The Fortezza enoteca within the ramparts pours Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, and Moscadello at cellar prices. Allow 45 minutes.

Optional winery or enoteca: Pre-booked Brunello estate visit (Banfi — most visitor-friendly; Biondi Santi — most historically significant, months-ahead booking). Or: Caffè Fiaschetteria Italiana 1888 (Piazza del Popolo, Art Nouveau bar founded by Ferruccio Biondi Santi in 1888) and Enoteca Osticcio (Via Matteotti) for walk-in tastings.

Depart Montalcino for Abbazia di Sant'Antimo (12 km south via SP55 to Castelnuovo dell'Abate, approximately 15 minutes).

Abbazia di Sant'Antimo (free, donations welcome): 12th-century Romanesque abbey built in luminous alabastrite stone, isolated in an olive grove. Study the carved capitals — particularly the Daniel in the Lion's Den . If the Augustinian monks are chanting canonical hours, stay as long as the programme allows. Allow 40–45 minutes. Verify seasonal hours at antimo.it .

Depart Sant'Antimo for Cortona via SR2 north and SS71. Estimated return 6:30 PM.