8 things to do in Val d'Orcia when it rains

Val d’Orcia is so fascinating, no matter what!
Probably even more fascinating in a spring rainy day, when clouds move fast and lights change every minute, giving the impression to be in a living painting!
However, if you are travelling in these moments, you might have a practical need of an advice how to spend a rainy day at Il Rigo: and here we are!

Find our advices for 8 ideas you can do if the weather is really bad!

1. Cooking class

What a better idea than picking the chance to discover the great culinary tradition of our region during a cooking class!
There are many options for you, but it’s recommended booking in advance!

You can book our cooking class with Lorenza, otherwise we suggest Locanda Demetra in Montalcino and Podere Il Casale, in Pienza.

For the most exiting and complete culinary experience we warmly recommend to contact Juls’ Kitchen, our favourite food writer (and a very good friend)!

2. Hot springs, Day spa and relaxing massage

You can definitely treat yourself with a relaxing day of thermal baths!
Lucky you, the Val d’Orcia is rich of thermal springs, hotels with spa and natural sites!

You find a detailed list of hot spring sites in Val d’Orcia in this blog post.

3. Guided wine Tasting

Tuscany is well know for his great red wines, so why not learning more about it during a guided wine tasting, and a tour of a winery in Montalcino or Montepulciano?
Or check out the farms that produce the Orcia DOC!

4. Discover the museums of the Val d'Orcia

Many ignore the richness of the museums of the Val d’Orcia. Spread around the villages of the province of Siena you can find a variety of possibilities, weather you’re into history, arts, agriculture or religion!
We list here some of our favourites:

Museo Civico e Diocesano - Montalcino
Museo del Brunello - Montalcino
Museo della Cattedrale - Pienza
Museo minerario del Monte Amiata - Abbadia San Salvatore
Museo della mezzadria Senese - Buonconvento
Museo del Tartufo e Centro di Documentazione - San Giovanni d’Asso

For a complete list of the museums of the province of Siena have a look at this website.

5. Special book shops in Val d'Orcia

It’s not that easy to find an international book shop in the middle of the Tuscan countryside, but we are lucky enough to have two little, personal and special book shops with a selection of books for English-speaking travellers, Librorcia in Bagno Vignoni and Vald’O in San Quirico d’Orcia (the last one is a good idea for a glass of wine as well).

6. Visit of the Cathedral complex of Siena

The single large monumental complex comprises the Cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Gate of Heaven, the Baptistry, the Crypt, the Museo dell'Opera, the Panorama from the Unfinished Façade, the Oratory of St. Bernardino and the Costone Gardens, there is enough for a full rainy week!
For info and tickets

7. Visit at the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore

The complex of the abbey and monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is one of the most beautiful and evocative site to visit during your holiday in Val d’Orcia.

The visit includes several areas of the monastery, that runs still nowadays. The monks, as it use to be in the past, take care of farming the land around the abbey, producing olive oil, wine and different kinds of liqueurs with medicinal herbs. It’s possible to visit the farm and taste their products.