Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
those wanting to base themselves in the area for a week or two (discounts available for ex-
tended stays).
Osteria La Porta
( 0578 75 51 63; Via del Piano 3; meals €40; cafe 9am-12.30pm & 3-7pm, restaurant 12.30-3pm &
7.30-10.30pm)
Positioned just inside the town's main gate, this highly regarded place has a
small terrace with panoramic views of Val d'Orcia and a reputation for food and service
that behoves a reservation, even in low season. The €18 fixed lunch menu offers great
value, and
spuntini
(snacks) such as bruschettas, olives and cheese plates are served out-
side usual meal hours.
TUSCAN
€€
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
BAGNI SAN FILIPPO
Medieval pilgrims walking the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome loved pausing in this part of
central Tuscany to enjoy a long therapeutic soak in one of its thermal springs. If you're keen to do the
same, we suggest avoiding the famous thermal institute and hotels in Bagno Vignoni and instead head-
ing to the open-air cascades in this tiny village 16km southwest of Pienza. You'll find them just uphill
from Hotel le Terme - follow a sign marked 'Fosso Bianco' down a lane for about 150m to limestone
outcrops and you'll come to a set of warm tumbling cascades that get more spectacular the further
downhill you walk. It's a pleasant if slightly whiffy spot for a picnic, and you can take a dip for free.
