The weather has been dreary lately making travelling about less attractive. We did take a short trip through the gorgeous hills of Tuscany for an overnight stay in Pienza, one of our favourite towns.
We are creatures of habit, and a drive through the Tuscan hills always includes dropping into Asciano. The town itself is quaint, but it is the road leading to there is what we love. It is truly like driving through a postcard. Here are some photos taken on other trips, when the weather was better.
One of the main reasons for the stay in Pienza was to have dinner at Idyllium restaurant. I spotted it on Instagram and decided a visit was necessary. Most of our visits have been day trips, so it was fun to enjoy the town after the sun goes down. It was windy and cold, but the restaurant was warm and cosy inside.
The food was delicious, difficult to photograph in dull light.
We will go back and have lunch outside so we can look over the view from the edge of town.
Pienza has great shops, including local pecorino cheese and wine. We stocked up on some Pienza delights.
I love these tiny alleys.
The next morning we headed off in threatening rain and a slightly warmer day to nearby San Quirico d’Orcia. Come for a walk down the main street.
Entrance to the rose garden…on a better day.
The entrance to the stunning garden in the centre of town.
Another church.
This delightful little cafe/shop called us in.
Their coffee machine was not working so we had to be happy with buying some wine…another time.
Another church.
This area is gorgeous even in less than perfect weather. We will no doubt visit again when it is a little warmer and sunnier.
We stayed at Hotel San Gregorio in Pienza. It was excellent!
Gorgeous post Deb. The colours and intricate details in your photos are fabulous. I enjoy reading the captions. Better than some travel
Magazines
By: Dianne Cant on April 2, 2025
at 8:18 pm
I love these Tuscan towns!
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2025
at 5:06 am
Enjoyed walking with you in San Quirico d’Orcia & the gardens must be stunning in the sun. Pienza’s restaurant certainly has such atmosphere, love it. The dull lighting though may make reading menu a little difficult. I could ignore that just to be able to enjoy it.
By: Camillus Davall on April 2, 2025
at 8:49 pm
These towns are beautiful in any weather, but sunny days are special.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2025
at 5:07 am
It really is a favourite spot for us too – one can’t visit too many times – and an overnight stay makes it all the more enjoyable
By: Elizabeth Litzow on April 2, 2025
at 10:10 pm
Even after several visits there is always something interesting to find.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2025
at 5:08 am
Thank you for a walk down memory lane Debra. Back in 2017 I had a walking holiday staying overnight in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza. I loved all of them & it was one of the best holidays of my life.
By: Chris Lockhart on April 3, 2025
at 12:40 am
Driving through this gorgeous countryside is special. Walking would be great, more time to take in the incredible scenery.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2025
at 5:09 am
What a glorious trip – the ambience in the restaurant is wonderful. We’ve had days and days and still more days of rain here. Most people in town are wearing snorkels and flippers:)
By: Jan Trounce on April 3, 2025
at 1:44 am
We have had lots of rain here too…enough!
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2025
at 5:10 am
Lovely town! But it seems like there are only few people living there (?)
By: paul on April 3, 2025
at 2:26 am
The streets were quiet because of the cold wind. These towns have been much busier on previous visits.
I always try to take photos of places without people. Not everyone wants to be included in a stranger’s photos.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2025
at 5:06 am
Doing a walk in Early May from Montalcino to Montepulciano with nights also in Pienza and San Quirico. Will try book that restaurant in Pienza. Any other suggestions for those 4 places and I between on foot (cafes etc) would be appreciated.
By: Keith Miller on April 3, 2025
at 6:25 am
That walk sounds like great fun. I have written several posts about these towns. If you look at the right side of the page you will see a “Search” box. If you type the name of the town you are interested in all posts I have written will appear. The one on Montalcino is quite old, I clearly need to go back. The others are more recent. I hope they are helpful.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2025
at 1:57 pm