Pienza is a beautiful Tuscan hill town not too far from Chianciano. Our friends Shelly and Susan asked us to give a wave to Pienza, one of their favorite spots in Italy. Walking through the town gave one a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Pienza is full of arches, has some notable churches and a palace devoted to Pius II of the Piccolomini family. We took a tour of the palace.

Then it was off to a little spa town in the Orcia Valley—Bagno Vignoni. The center of town is dominated by a large pool that was a thermal spring. Barbara and our fellow travelers stuck their feet in the outflow stream. Guido conveniently brought paper towels so they could dry off their feet. A little festival was taking place for the locals with wine, cheese, olive oil, and fresh roasted chestnuts.

Dinner was on our own: wild boar ragu over home made pappardelle for Barbara and a beef cutlet for Nick.