The Valdichiana Senese offers unique sensations in Autumn and Winter

A season is not enough to enjoy all the nuances of the Valdichiana Senese. Unique emotions await you here, from October to January.

The Valdichiana Senese, which at first glance may seem like the classic Tuscany, beautiful to look at and good to eat, offers surprising experiences and emotions at any time of the year. In the nine villages of Cetona, Chianciano Terme, Chiusi, Montepulciano, San Casciano dei Bagni, Sarteano, Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena and Trequanda, there is still much to discover apart from Summer and Spring. Just think about landscapes: in Autumn and Winter, Valdichiana transforms into a Monet painting showing the colors of nature which at the end of Summer goes from blooming green to the warm red, orange and gold, up to a gray-blue in the last months of the year. Whether you are fond of the lowest temperatures or constantly in search of heat, gourmand travelers, bikers and walkers, alone or with the family, the Valdichiana Senese will give you unique emotions from October to January. Let's find this out together.

The landscape that changes color

The iconic Tuscan landscape with hills, vineyards, cypresses, woods and olive groves offers in Autumn a real spectacle of nature that is different every day. Walking through the woods or simply driving from one village to another makes you feel like you are inside an impressionist painting. The best way to admire the phenomenon of foliage (the passage of colors that marks the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn) is to wear fleece and hiking boots, obviously don’t forget to bring a camera! Start exploring of one of the paths of the Valdichiana Senese: you can do it by yourself consulting the tracks online or contacting Valdichiana Living who will put you in contact with the environmental guides of the area for a complete experience that combines adventure and knowledge adding a “tasty” stop in a farm to recharge your batteries. The Natural Reserve of Pietraporciana between Chianciano Terme and Sarteano, the Nobile Trail that winds through the vineyards of Montepulciano, the Vin Santo trail which joins the two castles of Torrita di Siena and Montefollonico, the path of Il Rigo in San Casciano dei Bagni are just some of the suggestions (all the other trails can be found here) for a trekking through the colors of Autumn. If you prefer riding a bike instead of ​​walking, no problem: here you can cover most of the trails on two wheels. You can choose to bring your own bike from home or rent it on site (Valdichiana Living will also help you with this), choosing both electric or muscle bikes, depending on your needs, with transport, pick up service and expert guide.

You will find daily experiences or real holiday packages designed for walkers (three days starting from € 359.00 per person) or for cyclists (three days starting from € 329.00 per person).

Natural wellness

Autumn in Valdichiana Senese is the perfect time of the year to stock up wellness and prepare for Winter and the new year. Here, in addition to the landscape and horizons that relax the spirit, there are thermal waters to give physical and mental pleasure. Relaxing has never been so natural. In Fonteverde, in San Casciano dei Bagni, evocative emotions and unique wellness experiences await you in a luxurious spa that overlooks the Val d'Orcia with three thermal pools, regenerating paths and a wide range of massages (also with olive oil and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano!). The perfect choice for a romantic getaway. Also, in Chianciano Terme you can recharge your energies at the Terme Sensoriali, where modern technologies of remise en forme are combined with traditional psycho-physical relaxation techniques; or at the Theia Thermal Pools, where you can spend relaxing moments with your family, with children, relaxing in the outdoor pool even when the temperature drops. The Terme di Montepulciano, on the other hand, is a paradise for relaxing and anti-stress massages, to be combined with various wellness treatments. In the three spas of the Valdichiana Senese it will be possible to take advantage of the Bonus Terme (for all information, see the official sites of the structures) which will be available from November 8thand will allow everyone, without income constraints, to take advantage of a bonus of € 200 for wellness and relaxation programs.

An opportunity not to be missed!

The warm flavor of Autumn

The scent of Autumn in the Valdichiana Senese is not only the one of the woods and nature, it is also the one of the just finished harvest that remains in the air, the one of the nòvo oil, ribollita (a Tuscan dish) and chestnuts, mushrooms, Vin Santo, Bread of Saints and so on and so forth. This certainly is the best time of the year to visit local companies. From October to January, the first results of the just ended season are elaborated and you get the first sensations about the quality of the products that will be put on the market next year. The producers will reveal the first previews and, who knows, you may be able to taste something during the preview. The food and wine proposals to experience in Autumn are many, from wine tours (imagine admiring a boundless landscape of red and orange vineyards with a glass of wine in hand!), to cooking classes to learn seasonal recipes, or tours of Tuscan Pecorino or Chianina breed that are always available.

If, on the other hand, you want to experience a proper gourmet stay, we suggest the Valdichiana Living package "Gourmet Autumn on the Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano e dei sapori della Valdichiana Senese" (four days starting from € 365.00 per person).

Welcoming villages all year round

Even if the seasons change, the authenticity of the villages and the hospitality of the local communities do not change. Life does not stop in the communities of the Valdichiana Senese, which continue to be animated by traditional events - such as the Olio Novo Festival in Trequanda from 16th to 25th October - or events with an original cut - such as Christmas in Montepulciano scheduled from 19th November to 6th January – which are able to attract visitors from all over Italy. From October to January it is possible to stroll through the streets of the historic centers and feel at home even if you are a stranger: natural light illuminates the ancient walls of the castles highlighting details that are hard to notice in the frenzy of summer; the shops and restaurants become real shelters in which you can find refreshment to enjoy a good glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or a slice of cake in the middle of the afternoon, the sky becomes an exclusive open-air cinema, which offers the most beautiful sunsets which you can comfortably watch sitting on a bench. The beauty then continues in the Museums of the Valdichiana Senese, where the immense cultural and artistic heritage of this area is safeguarded. You can find information and opening hours directly here; there is also the Fondazione Musei Senesi Card, which gives guests of the area (as well as residents) discounts and concessions to visit the museums belonging to the circuit. In Valdichiana Senese there are seven affiliated structures: the Archaeological Civic Museum of Cetona, the Archaeological Museum of Chianciano Terme, the Civic Museum of the Underground City in Chiusi, the Civic Museum Pinacoteca Crociani in Montepulciano, the Civic Archaeological Museum in Sarteano, the Pallavicini Collection in Trequanda and the Terracotta Museum in Petroio.

All information on the FMS Card can be found here.

Christmas in Montepulciano and New Year’s Eve in the countryside of the Valdichiana Senese

During the Christmas period, the villages of the Valdichiana Senese are transformed into small Christmas villages that host characteristic Christmas markets with a Tuscan identity. It ranges from small events organized by local associations designed to keep the community spirit alive to more structured events that attract visitors from all over Italy. This is Christmas in Montepulciano, which from 19th November to January 6th will host the largest Christmas village in central Italy, with markets that illuminate Piazza Grande and the Castle of Santa Claus, to experience great family emotions. You can organize your stay with admission included to the Castle of Santa Claus directly with Valdichiana Living and enrich it with experiences to learn about the local food and wine and wellness offer.

Like Christmas, New Year's Eve is also a valid excuse to travel and relax for the new year: what better place to do it than in Tuscany? From long stays in farmhouses in the countryside with friends to romantic getaways for couples, the Valdichiana Senese is perfect for these occasions because it suits everyone’s need, from those who are passionate about food and wine to those who instead take advantage of the end of the year for some rest. Valdichiana Living can help you in organizing a perfect New Year's Eve, satisfying your group of friends or your partner by offering exclusive experiences, a wide choice of accommodations and a perfect dinner.

Are you ready to experience all these emotions? Valdichiana Living also accompanies you from October to January, always ready to amaze you by showing you the most beautiful side of the Valdichiana Senese.