Wed 29 Oct- Archaeological Etruscan Museum, Val d'Orcia, Radicofani, lunch at an agriturismo farmhouse

Wed 29 Oct- after our buffet breakfast we left on a tour of the Tuscan Val d'Orcia, Orcia Valley. It's the home of the Etruscans, who predated the Romans, and the site of the book 'Under the Tuscan Sun'.
We visited the Archaeological Etruscan Museum "Delle Acque" in Chianciano Therme (http://www.chianciano-terme.info/museoetruscodelleacque/indexe.php) that features Etruscan artifacts dug up in the surrounding area. Apparently they cremated their dead, and put the ashes into a 'canopic', which is usually in the shape of a head or house. The pediment ruins of an Etruscan Temple which dates back to the 2nd century B.C. was the featured display.
Then we continued to Radicofani, driving through typical Tuscany countryside, with roads lined with cypress trees, to the hilltop town, which was enveloped in clouds as we approached. We walked through the town, visiting the church with its unique art.
We had lunch at an agriturismo farmhouse: red house wine, pecorino cheese, various characteristic hors d'ouvres (spicy tomato, sausage, hard boiled egg, chicken liver pate on toast slices); minestrone soup with black cabbage, beans garbanzo beans in a thick delicious stock; homemade pasta with tomato and meat sauce; mixed salad (served after the main course and before dessert, as is customary here); delicious tiramisu for dessert.
Although the sky was cloudy and there was occasional rain, the countryside still had a beauty that was perhaps enhanced by the weather.