A little over an hour’s drive from The Mall Firenze, among rolling hills dotted with cypresses, golden fields and timeless villages, we come to the stunning sight of Val d’Orcia.

Our weekend begins in Pienza, the ideal town built at the behest of Pope Pius II in the perfect balance of Medieval and Renaissance style. At the heart of the town is Piazza Pio II, with its shining cathedral, picturesque Palazzo Piccolomini and the Bishop’s Palace, home to the Diocesan Museum, with artworks by Luca Signorelli and Pietro Lorenzetti.

After a traditional lunch at Sette di Vino, we walk along Corso Rossellino, past small shops selling the town’s celebrated pecorino, and take the panoramic walk that encircles the town.

It’s well worth going the short distance to the Romanesque church of Corsignano, before returning to the centre at sunset, for aperitifs with breathtaking views at Idyllium.

Our second day is for San Quirico d’Orcia and its picture-postcard views. We enter the town by the Porta Cappuccini and head towards the beautiful Collegiate Church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. From here we take the main street – Via Dante Alighieri  – which brings us to Piazza della Libertà, then through the gates into Horti Leonini, an elegant Italian-style garden culminating in the small Rose Garden beside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a minor Romanesque jewel.

For lunch, we can opt for tradition – don’t miss the pici! – at Trattoria Osenna, where summer dining is in the shade of a delightful wisteria, or Trattoria Al Vecchio Forno; alternatively, try Da Ciacco for a creative twist.

Before leaving the area, we can treat ourselves to a detour to the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta, one of Val d’Orcia’s most iconic sites, and not far from the town.