San Gimignano, Siena, the Val d'Orcia, and the Chianti hills are all well-trodden areas of Tuscany — and rightly so. They form the iconic scenery of one of Italy's most famous and romanticized regions, with medieval cities, rolling fields, ancient hill towns, and acres of vineyards. For wine, food, history, and stunning views, why go anywhere else?

Well, for one reason: to avoid the throngs of visitors who had that same thought. If you're looking for a less-trafficked corner of the region, leave the city of Siena and head southwest, where a series of twisting provincial roads reveal old stone villages of just a few hundred people.