Italy: Pienza & Val d’Orcia

Pienza is a small town in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Val d’Orcia valley of classic rolling hills of Tuscan landscapes. Pienza was designed in the 15th century under Pope Pius II, who transformed his birthplace into an “ideal city.” The town’s centerpiece, Piazza Pio II, is surrounded by buildings like the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Duomo, and the Palazzo Comunale, all showcasing elegant Renaissance architecture. From many places in the town you can have the stunning views of the rolling hills of the beautiful Val d’Orcia farmlands clad in olive groves and fields of grain. Pienza is also famous for its being the birthplace of the pecorino cheese.