Waters & Heights Tour - where Tuscany whispers from the heart of the earth
A journey between hot springs and hilltop villages: Bagni di San Filippo, Radicofani, Castiglione d’Orcia, Vivo d’Orcia and San Casciano dei Bagni. Discover authentic Tuscany with the Waters & Heights Tour from Podere Grotta Antica.
Alessio
Waters & Heights Tour
where Tuscany whispers from the heart of the earth
There are corners of Tuscany that feel more intimate, almost secret.
Places where the warm breath of underground springs meets the wind over the hills,
and the silence of ancient villages blends with the murmur of water flowing through white rocks.
This journey leads you through Bagni di San Filippo, Radicofani, and the hidden landscapes around them —
a path made of nature, well-being, and poetry.
Bagni di San Filippo
the hot springs in the woods
Deep in the forest, along a small stream, nature has shaped a dreamlike world.
The warm water flows over limestone rocks and forms the famous “White Whale”,
a natural cascade of chalk sculpted by time and steam.
Taking a dip here feels like entering another dimension —
the silence, the smell of sulfur, the pure sense of freedom.
👉 Tip: visit early in the morning or at sunset, when the light filters through the trees and the steam turns gold.
The water feels warmer, and the forest wraps you in a gentle embrace.
...
Radicofani
the guardian of the Val d'Orcia
Perched 800 meters above sea level, Radicofani watches over the valley like a stone sentinel.
Its mighty fortress, once home to the legendary bandit Ghino di Tacco, offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Tuscany.
From the top, your eyes can wander across the Val d’Orcia, the Amiata mountain, and even as far as Lake Trasimeno on clear days.
👉 Tip: after visiting the fortress, stop in a tiny local osteria for a glass of red wine the flavor seems to make the view even wider.
...
Castiglione d'Orcia
towers and warm stone
Descending the valley, you’ll reach Castiglione d’Orcia,
a compact, authentic village where the stone glows under the sun and the houses seem to lean against each other.
From the Rocca di Tentennano, perched at the top, you’ll enjoy one of the most iconic views of the Val d’Orcia,
a sea of rolling hills and cypress lines that have inspired countless photographs.
👉 Tip: climb to the top just before sunset, when the sun drops behind Pienza and the air smells of earth and lavender.
...
Vivo d'Orcia
the forest of silence
Hidden in the green slopes of Mount Amiata, Vivo d’Orcia feels like another world.
A cool, shaded hamlet known for its crystal-clear springs and forest trails that cross streams and cascades.
Here, water is everywhere — flowing, singing, giving life to the woods.
👉 Tip: follow the Ermicciolo Path, a gentle walk leading to an ancient hermitage from the year 1000,
tucked between trees and the sound of running water.
...
San Casciano dei Bagni
timeless well-being
A few kilometers away, another thermal village offers the same magic in an elegant tone.
San Casciano dei Bagni is a place where time slows down — warm waters, honey-colored stone, and a view that stretches endlessly across the valley.
Its free natural pools, surrounded by countryside, are perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
👉 Tip: alternate a dip in the hot pools with a visit to the village’s artisan shops and trattorias with a view —
the perfect balance of relaxation and Tuscan flavor.
Bagni di San Filippo
the hot springs in the woods
Deep in the forest, along a small stream, nature has shaped a dreamlike world.
The warm water flows over limestone rocks and forms the famous “White Whale”,
a natural cascade of chalk sculpted by time and steam.
Taking a dip here feels like entering another dimension — the silence, the smell of sulfur, the pure sense of freedom.
👉 Tip: visit early in the morning or at sunset, when the light filters through the trees and the steam turns gold.
The water feels warmer, and the forest wraps you in a gentle embrace.
...
Radicofani
the guardian of the
Val d'Orcia
Perched 800 meters above sea level, Radicofani watches over the valley like a stone sentinel.
Its mighty fortress, once home to the legendary bandit Ghino di Tacco, offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Tuscany.
From the top, your eyes can wander across the Val d’Orcia, the Amiata mountain, and even as far as Lake Trasimeno on clear days.
👉 Tip: after visiting the fortress, stop in a tiny local osteria for a glass of red wine —
the flavor seems to make the view even wider.
...
Castiglione d'Orcia
towers and
warm stone
Descending the valley, you’ll reach Castiglione d’Orcia,
a compact, authentic village where the stone glows under the sun and the houses seem to lean against each other.
From the Rocca di Tentennano, perched at the top, you’ll enjoy one of the most iconic views of the Val d’Orcia, a sea of rolling hills and cypress lines that have inspired countless photographs.
👉 Tip: climb to the top just before sunset, when the sun drops behind Pienza and the air smells of earth and lavender.
...
Vivo d'Orcia
the forest of silence
Hidden in the green slopes of Mount Amiata, Vivo d’Orcia feels like another world.
A cool, shaded hamlet known for its crystal-clear springs and forest trails that cross streams and cascades.
Here, water is everywhere — flowing, singing, giving life to the woods.
👉 Tip: follow the Ermicciolo Path, a gentle walk leading to an ancient hermitage from the year 1000,
tucked between trees and the sound of running water.
...
San Casciano dei Bagni
the timeless
well-being
A few kilometers away, another thermal village offers the same magic in an elegant tone.
San Casciano dei Bagni is a place where time slows down —
warm waters, honey-colored stone, and a view that stretches endlessly across the valley.
Its free natural pools, surrounded by countryside, are perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
👉 Tip: alternate a dip in the hot pools with a visit to the village’s artisan shops and trattorias with a view —
the perfect balance of relaxation and Tuscan flavor.
After a day of steam, towers, and endless views,
coming back to Podere Grotta Antica feels like closing a perfect circle.
The evening air smells of wood and countryside,
and the silence of the Tuscan night almost seems to speak.
Sitting in the garden with a glass of wine is the best reminder that true luxury is time itself. 🍷
📍 Distances from Podere Grotta Antica (Chiusi)
Bagni di San Filippo ~35 min · Radicofani ~45 min · Castiglione d'Orcia ~40 min · Vivo d'Orcia ~45 min · San Casciano dei Bagni ~55 min