Born in Italy, Anita was bitten by the travel bug before she could walk. After a short experience in the UK, she literally went on the other side of the world and landed in French Guiana. Besides launching rockets, she loves everything about traveling and living abroad and (of course) writing about it!
Even if much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for its beauty. You have to see it to believe it. The many pictures that mass tourism popularised, barely show the most photogenic sight of Petra, and yet there is so much more to see! Without further ado, let’s dive into the complete Petra travel guide that will give you hints on how to prepare for your trips and what you will see.
Moving abroad may be overwhelming, especially If you don’t speak the language. Luckily for you, I have already gone through this, twice! Thanks to my experience, I now share with you the most effective tips on how to learn a new language as an expat. In less than 4 months, the exact way I did it.
If I say Tuscany, probably the first image popping into your head is an endless expanse of golden hills and cypresses avenues. You are picturing the idyllic landscape of Val d’Orcia. One of the most beautiful places in Italy (and I’m not saying that as a Tuscany native 😉 ). Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or simply passing by, in this guide I’ll introduce you to 7 incredible spots. You will admire the most beautiful landscapes in Val d’Orcia and take your photography to the next level.
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At the end of the blog post you will find a map which locates all the mentioned spots.
The most beautiful Val d’Orcia photo spots for Insta-perfect shots
1. Biancane di Leonina
Darker with the humidity, these dunes made of clay, turn white when the sun dries them during the day. They are also known as Accona desert, even though they are sprinkled with bushes and small trees. It’s a nice destination for hikers, as several paths cross the area.
You can observe Biancane di Leonina from the panoramic point I’ve highlighted on the map below or park your car and wander in this incredible landscape.
2. Crete Senesi nearby Asciano
Crete Senesi (Clays of Siena) identifies a typical area in the South of Siena. The soil, bare and grey, and the rounded hills remind of the sand dunes in the desert.
There are many different spots where you can observe the Crete Senesi. Above all, my two favorites are in Asciano (the second point from the top on the map), and the panoramic view nearby Agriturismo Baccoleno (our next stop).
This views has been taken from the area nearby Asciano. Biancane di Leonina are very close by this area.
3. Agriturismo Baccoleno
Agriturismo Baccoleno is well known for its serpentine road that introduces its guests to the estate. The best spot to admire this view is from the surrounding hills. You can park your car a few meters from the entrance when you are coming from the North.
Drone restrictions apply as it’s private property.
Agriturismo Baccoleno is also an excellent place to stay. If you are planning a night in Val d’Orcia, consider staying there.
4. Bosco di Cipressi, Cypresses of San Quirico d’Orcia
Cypresses are well known for decorating the sides of long avenues in the Tuscany campaigns. That’s why it’s quite rare to see a group of cypresses. While visiting San Quirico d’Orcia, you can see the cypress grove. A group of cypresses that has grown without following a particular line, in the middle of the bare hills.
Do you want more cypresses?
Just a few meters up on the hill, a group of cypresses is lined in a circle. This is also a very popular spot to take pictures. Note: Both spots offer very nice photos, especially If they are shoot from afar or with a drone.
On the left a glimpse of the cypress grove and on the right the cypress circle.
5. Elysian Fields
Remember the last scene from the Gladiator? In 2000, Massimo Decimo Meridio aka the Gladiator aka Russel Crowe, enters the Elysium after an epic battle against power and slavery. The rest is history, but, if you ever asked yourself where the Roman’s Paradise is, Ridley Scott decided it’s in Val d’Orcia a few kilometers outside Pienza.
These beautiful golden fields are a must-see, if you are passionate about the movie or simply are looking for a beautiful photo spot.
6. Bagno Vignoni
Another movie set, have you ever seen Andrei Tarkovski’s masterpiece Nostalghia? Then you will probably remember the scene of the protagonist crossing a huge pool in a small village. That’s Bagno Vignoni. This small town has become famous for its thermal treatments. However, the most characteristic thing about Bagno Vignoni is the central square, which hosts a large pool.
During our wanderings in Val d’Orcia this picturesque village seemed the perfect location to have lunch. Around the central square, there are many tasty restaurants and artisan’s shops. My menu recommendations? Pici alla Gricia (similar to spaghetti alla carbonara) or everything with truffles.
Val d’Orcia and the zones between Florence and Siena are some of the major producers of white truffles in the world. Although, If you have never tasted truffle, be prepared for the very strong taste.
7. Agriturismo Poggio Covili, Cypress Avenue
Where is the most straight cypress line you will ever see?
The answer is easy: at Poggio Covili. The perspective of this avenue is a dream for every photographer or artist. It’s indeed one of the most photographed spots in Val d’Orcia. If you stop for taking pictures, don’t forget to park your car so that you don’t bother the staff and clients that may enter the property.
Just like Agriturismo Baccoleno, Poggio Coviliis also an excellent option if you consider a night out in Val d’Orcia.
How to get to Val d’Orcia and how to move around
The best way to move around in Tuscany is with a rental car. Especially in the south of Tuscany, where you will want to stop at EVERY corner you see (speaking from experience). Wherever you are traveling I always recommend Discover Cars. They always have the best prices and many options.
If you are coming from Florence, take the Autostrada A1 towards Chiusi and Chianciano, and exit at Montesavino. Find all my favorite photo spots on the map below. Consider about 4 to 5 hours to see them all, including the stop at Bagno Vignoni for lunch.
When it’s the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is from mid-April to August.
From April to May, is when the fields are covered by red poppies, and the campaign gets greener after Winter. It’s indeed a magical period to explore this beautiful valley.
Personally, I prefer Summer. It’s the time when the wheat fields turn to gold, and the hay bales roll in the fields. June and July are also when sunflowers bloom, offering another beautiful photographic subject.
In conclusion, is Val d’Orcia worth for photographers?
Indeed! And what’s great about it is that every season and every moment of the day has its particular charm. That’s why you should consider spending at least a night in the area. Are you looking for more inspiration for planning the perfect Tuscany getaway? I have more hidden gems for you! The photos from this blog post were taken by my awesome dad and award winning photographer, Claudio Sericano.
French Guiana is a land of contradictions. 98% of its surface is covered by the lush Amazonian rain forest. And yet one-quarter of the remaining 4% hosts Europe’s Spaceport: the Guiana Space Centre. Since 1968, the site has been active for over 50 years and launched more than 300 rockets.
6 Reasons why you should visit the Guiana Space Centre:
1. Dream of launching a rocket at Jupiter’s Control Centre
The hearth and brain of CNES technicians during the final countdown is Jupiter Control Centre. The place has a theatre feeling. Red carpet and large comfortable seats, placed like in an amphitheater, face a huge glass wall. Beyond that? The Control Centre. Empty during public visits, it gets crowded on launch day. The operation’s director (DDO) and his assistants monitor the parameters and execute the final procedures until the rocket take-off.
By the way, have you dreamed of assisting to a launch? It’s a magical experience! If you’re interested don’t forget to check the guide to attend a rocket launch, and the Facebook page of the Centre Spatial Guyanais to be updated on upcoming launches and reserve your place.
2. Admire a real Ariane 5 EPC from Orchidée Belvedere
But first, what is an EPC?
Short for Etage Principal Cryotéchnique (Cryotechnic Main Stage), the EPC is Ariane 5 “body”, to which the two boosters are attached. It’s filled with liquid oxygen and hydrogen and has a Vulcain engine. When the EPC ends its mission, it re-enters the atmosphere and falls into the ocean.
This EPC was recovered for studies on the mechanical parts and components. It now lies at the entrance of the ELA (Ariane and Vega launch complexes), like a silent guardian. In recent years, to honor Webb telescope mission in December 2021, an artist collective painted a space-themed mural. A stair next to the parking allows you to sneak peek at the interior.
3. Stand on an active launchpad on ELA 3
One of the things I love the most when I’m visiting historical places is to relive in my mind what happened there. Now can you imagine how grandiose an Ariane 5 take-off must be? Since 1996 more than 110 rockets took off from this launchpad, making it one of the most important spots to visit for space geeks… and kids!
The insider tip? Before going on the visit, watch a past Ariane 5 launch. That way you will be able to picture that special moment even more.
4. Learn everything about Italian launcher VEGA from its launchpad
The newcomer at Guiana Space Centre is the Italian-made rocket VEGA. From Tangara observation point.
Did you know? Observation points at the Guiana Space Centre are named after birds from the region: Ibis, Tangara, Toucan, Kikiwi, Colibri, and Agami.
This observation site has an excellent view of VEGA’s mobile gantry but also of Ariane 5 launchpad. You should note that when there is a VEGA assembly campaign in progress the site is closed to the public. Stay informed about ongoing campaigns on the CSG Facebook page.
5. Meet Ariane 6 on ELA 4
Ariane 6 maiden flight will be in 2023-2024. But while waiting, we still can see the rocket shipyard from the outside. The bus stops externally to the area, but there are still many buildings you can spot. The most impressive of all is the huge 90-metre-high mobile gantry. Yeah, you’ve read it right, this giant has wheels that can move it back to 100 meters during Ariane 6 take-off. Its metallic frame is heavier than the one of the Eiffel Tower, 8200 tonnes against 7300.
Another building that will capture your attention is the BAL (Bâtiment Assemblage Lanceur). Not very tall but quite long, this structure is used to stock and assembly parts of the rocket during a launch campaign. Together with the gantry, they are the main buildings of the Ariane 6 launch complex.
6. Take a selfie with Ariane 5 mock-up
How cool would it be to take a selfie with a rocket? Although it’s only a mock-up, the 1:1 model of Ariane 5 launcher is the landmark of the Guiana Space Centre. And besides being a showstopper, the mock-up shows you the way to the Space Museum entry.
Did you know? There are two Ariane 5 mock-ups. In addition to the one of the Guiana Space Centre, a second mock-up is at the entry of the Cité de l’éspace de Toulouse (Toulouse Space City). There is a project to add a second mock-up of VEGA rocket in front of Ariane 5.
+ A little extra
If you are lucky enough, you also may spot the inhabitants of the Guiana Space Centre natural reserve. Sloths, capybaras, tortoises, and macaws are only a few of the animals that live inside the 700 square kilometers of the CSG area. The easier to spot are tortoises and capybaras crossing the road in search of greener pastures. Very few (lucky!) tourists have also seen jaguars, deer or giant anteaters.
You can also test your chance of seeing wild animals and insects, during the Visite des Savanes (CSG Natural Reserve Tour). Ask your guide when the next one will be and If you can save your spot.
How to reserve your visit
The visit is completely FREE. All the registrations are accepted If they are made at least 48 hours (working days) before the visit otherwise you will be refused. When reserving your spot, you must provide your first and last name, and your date and country of birth for foreign visitors, or city and region for French people. In order to reserve you can call or send an email to the Visitors Centre:
The visits take place from Monday to Saturday in two different slots:
Morning: From 8 to 11.30 AM Afternoon: From 1 to 4.30 PM
Keep always in mind that no visitors are allowed from D-1 to D+1 when there is a launch. Furthermore, since you are visiting an active launch base, the itineraries may vary depending on the satellites or rocket operations. Kids under 8 years old cannot visit the base for safety reasons, instead, they can discover the Space Museum.
Updated: due to the current works in progress, the Space Museum is actually closed. Its doors will reopen in the second semester of 2023.
Looking for more inspiration from French Guiana?
The Guiana Space Center is one of the best things to do when visiting French Guiana. But if you are looking for more reasons to visit, this is why you should add this destination to your bucket list. And for more French Guiana information, tips, and guides check out our French Guiana page.
You may think you have landed on Mars when first stepping into the Wadi Rum desert. The red sea of sand, iceberg-crossed by black mountains of granite rocks, reminds the red planet as seen in many thematic movies. Since 1962, when the Lawrence of Arabia movie came out, tourism became more popular in this remote region of Jordan. Nowadays this fascinating area attracts almost the same number of visitors as neighbor Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the world.
3, 2, 1… décollage! Whether you are passionate about the space race or not, attend a rocket launch is a once-in-a-lifetime experience everyone should cross off their bucket list. The sudden light, the rocket crossing the sky, the noise and vibrations. In addition, the feeling of having witnessed something extraordinary. Because even though we launch a rocket almost every day nowadays, this is still something extraordinary that only a hundred years ago people considered impossible.
Do you know how many fountains there are in Villa d’Este Tivoli? 51. The answer is quite surprising considering that the Villa expands on only 4,5 hectares. What’s even more surprising is the number of its water jets: 364. And 64 waterfalls! Just to give you some numbers… By the way, I have a little confession to make. I may have used a clickbait headline for this post: 479 is the sum of all the fountains, waterfalls, and water jets of the Villa. But If you will continue to read, you will see that it was absolutely worth it, and I hope you will forgive me! 🙂
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
Prepare your visit and the ONE thing I wish I knew
To visit Villa d’Este and If you have enough time, I recommend you to book a unique ticket that includes also Villa Adriana and the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor. To move around consider renting a car or booking a taxi (although that might be expensive). Tivoli is quite far from Rome’s city center.
If it’s your first time visiting, note that Villa d’Este is all about stairs!
There are so many stairs between the different levels. When visiting dress comfortably and wear good shoes. I risked stumbling many times (well that’s partly due to my long dress). Keep that in mind, especially if you’re adding Villa Adriana to your tour. you’ll easily walk 12-15 kilometers in one day.
Stairs of the Bubbling FountainsFountain of Prosperina
Let’s start with some historical background:
The history of Villa d’Este Tivoli
Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, who became governor of Tivoli in 1549, after his candidacy to become Pope was rejected, commissioned this masterpiece of the Renaissance. Unfortunately, the cardinal never saw the gardens of his Villa ended. In fact, he died in 1572 and his nephew inherited his possession along with the Villa. Later, each one of the following owners made some modifications to the gardens, until the Villa was neglected and abandoned by the end of the 17th century.
In the second half of the 19th century, the Villa had a new owner: Cardinal Gustav Von Hohenlohe. Thanks to him, the Villa was brought back to its ancient splendors, and attracted again artists, poets, and musicians from all around Europe. After World War I, the Italian state acquired the Villa and made it accessible to all.
Visiting the interiors
The Villa’s interiors are very beautiful and highly decorated. Before you enter the cardinal’s apartments, there is a small section of the villa that hosts modern exhibitions and archaeological finds from Tivoli and its surroundings. While visiting don’t forget to look up and admire the ceilings.
During the Villa’s decline, Ippolito d’Este’s apartments were robbed. Many of the decorations were sold or even stolen. However, luckily for us, the splendid frescoes on the ceilings and walls remained intact. On the lower floor, under the cardinal’s apartment, there is a series of 11 rooms highly decorated in a mannerism style. The illusion of curtains, columns, and doors creates many optical effects that amaze the visitors. The cardinal used these rooms to meditate, study and relax during his stays at the Villa.
Two fountains were part of the decorations of the Hall of Venus and the Hall of the fountain. The one who decorated the Hall of Venus was removed in the 19th century, together with his statue. While the second, a wall fountain, is still present and represents a gateway between the Villa and the exteriors, where the cardinal welcomed his guests who entered from the gardens.
While wandering in the different rooms, have a look at the spectacular view outside the windows. You can admire almost the whole garden. Although the many trees, that were added in the mid-1600s, hide part of the view.
Get lost in the beauty of the Villa’s gardens
The jewel in the crown of Villa d’Este is without a doubt its gardens.
Once you exit the Cardinal’s apartments, you are in the Vialone, a very large Terrace that has a view of some of the fountains. The garden is a sort of labyrinth. Don’t start your visit without a map! You may miss some of the fountains and believe me when I say that each one of them is worth to be seen. When visiting, ask at the box office if and at what time the Water Organ will play. According to the answer, organize your visit to the garden so that you can assist to the organ activation.
The Upper Garden
The Oval Fountain is one of the largest basins in the Villa with the Venus Grotto.
The Hundred Fountains is an alley that connects the Oval Fountain to the Fountain of Rome. The alley has about 280 water sprouts that have many different forms, mainly animal masks.
The Fountain of Rome is a miniature representation of ancient Rome. It’s also known as Rometta fountain because it’s a small representation of the Eternal City that can be admired to the right of the basins.
The three fountains are a symbolic representation of the Tiber. The river emerges from the mountains (Oval Fountain), bathes the valley (Hundred Fountains), and reaches Rome and the sea (Roma Fountain).
The Oval FountainThe Hundred FountainsThe Fountain of Rome
The Fountain of the Owl is an ingenious automaton that produced music. In the early 2000s, the fountain was restored, and now the owl and the birds can move and sing again.
The Fountain of the Organ is a masterpiece of engineering and its innovative mechanism has been copied in other creations. Claude Venard created and installed the Water Organ in 1571, but due to its frailty, the Organ was restored many times during the past centuries. Today the mechanism is functional and delights the tourists by playing four different baroque melodies for about 4 minutes.
The Fountain of Neptune was a rocky fountain work of Italian maestro Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Unfortunately, the decline of the Villa for over two centuries caused the degradation of the fountain which was completely restored in 1930.
The Fountain of NeptuneThe Fountain of the Organ
The Lower Garden
The three Fish Ponds had a practical use. In fact, they served to provide fresh fish and ducks to the table of the cardinal.
The Fountain of the Swans and the Belvedere. One of the most beautiful views over Rome is in Villa d’Este, and more precisely in this bucolic corner, that’s the Fountain of the Swans. At the lindens shadow enjoy the beautiful view on Rome and its surroundings.
The Fountain of Diana of Ephesus was once next to the Water Organ and is modeled after a classical statue of the 2nd-century of Diana.
Last but not least, admire the view from the Gran Loggia
Before ending your visit, stop by the Gran Loggia. The structure of the covered terrace reminds that of an ancient Roman Triumphal Arch. But what makes it special is the view of Rome and its surroundings. The smallest terrace on the right faces the garden directly above the Rome Fountain.
Do NOT overlook Tivoli when you’re visiting Rome
If you’re visiting Rome and the Italian region of Lazio, you should definitely put Villa d’Este on your list! Together with Villa Adriana, Tivoli’s villae is a must-visit to understand Rome’s history and heritage. Did you know that it’s possible to visit Rome centre in a day? Although, I recommend spending more time in the eternal city, you may be interested in my one-day Rome itinerary, including the Vatican City. So that you can explore more Lazio and beyond.
Are you looking for more inspiration for your trip to Italy? I have more inspiring places for you, divided by region so that it’s easier to build your itinerary.
What’s worse than a long-haul flight? A long-haul flight with toddlers! Especially If you are the parent who’s supposed to take care of them. Because let’s face it, long-haul flights are tiring and difficult for us grownups. Let alone a toddler or kid who has an established routine, based on fixed hours to eat and sleep. But I’m not trying to discourage you. Traveling with our kids is a beautiful experience to share the knowledge of our world and create new memories. But how can you improve it? Continue your reading to know all the secrets to a perfect flight.
Petra has been a dream of mine for a very long time. In fact, I remember, as a little kid, going through my grandma’s travel guides and being astonished by the beauty of the Treasury photos. But I had to wait for almost my 30s to do my first Jordan trip. No need to say I wasn’t disappointed! On the contrary, I was pleased to see Petra is much more than the Treasury. With no further ado come to discover with us what to see in Petra.
Are you looking to visit something unusual and modern in Tuscany? Peccioli and Ghizzano are the perfect destinations If you are nearby Pisa. Nestled in the famous and spectacular Tuscany hills, the two villages look like a medieval fairy tale from afar. But don’t be fooled! Once you are in their narrow streets you’ll find modern murals and sculptures everywhere around the corner.
