Imagine a huge thermal pool in the middle of a village’s main square. That is Bagno Vignoni. We have toured Tuscany twice by motorcycle, and on the second trip we drew a route from one small town to the next: Saturnia, Montemerano, Sorano, Pienza and Bagno Vignoni.
What is there to do in Saturnia?
Saturnia introduced us to Tuscany. We chose this small town on our first trip because we could not stay in Rome, and its nature, people, wine and food warmed us. On our second visit we sat in the square, walked around the village and fed the cats. The Cascate del Mulino, its thermal waterfall, is entirely natural, with the water a constant 37.5 degrees all year and free entry at any hour. Very early morning or near sunset is calmer.
Which other towns are on the route?
- Montemerano: a medieval town in the heart of the Maremma, on the list of Italy’s most beautiful villages, near the Saturnia thermal waters.
- Sorano: history and nature together, with a view and narrow historic streets.
- Bagno Vignoni: a small village in the Val d’Orcia known for its hot springs and the large thermal pool in the main square. You cannot swim in the square pool, but there are many thermal hotels around it.
- Pienza: a UNESCO World Heritage town in the Val d’Orcia, wonderful to visit and, if possible, to stay in.
What was riding in Tuscany like?
Tuscany was one of the places that excited us most on this tour. We toured the towns on a BMW GS 1250 Adventure. Hill-town roads are twisting, so slow down before bends, look through the exit and ride gently on wet roads; in narrow stone lanes, ride slowly or park at the entrance and walk.
Our 2023 route is covered in another post on Pisa and Tuscan villages. For cool mountain roads and evenings, Rider Healthcare makes a cashmere sock with silver yarn, and Galata Healthcare offers a magnesium and herbal tablet. Educated Moto Riders organises motorcycle tours and trips for those who prefer a group.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Toskana Kasabaları Motosiklet Turu.