kaz11

I was wondering if there were any free,natural hot springs in northern tuscany,like the one just outside of Saturnia?

I am not interested in the spa pools that are associated with hotels or treatment complexes, but rather the hot water flowing over rock pools out in a field somewhere.

Also, if there aren't any comparable springs in northern Tuscany, is it worth spending a couple of days around Pitigliano and Sovana so I can visit the free waterfall near Saturnia?

rickandpat

Great question! We're going in April, and visiting a natural hot spring would be wonderful. Anyone?

Budman

I looked at places in Southern Tuscany and found what I wanted on Slowtrav.com. You might want to check there to see if you can find anything.

We tried to go to the Spa at Bagno Vignoni, but it was closed for cleaning the day we went (Thursday), so they steered us to Bagno San Filippo which was a few miles south. It was a pleasant afternoon.

Betsy

Budman, could you describe your spa afternoon in detail. I'll be in the area this spring and am looking for a half day or day at a spa.

I hear we're having some of your homemade wine at the SF GTG the day after tomorrow! Is that right? If so, that's very generous of you.

Budman

Betsy, I hope you enjoy the wine. Sounds like you are going to have a great GTG. Wish I could be there. Keep a watch out for R5. She's been eyeing those bottles for over a month.

Here's a cut/paste from my trip report:

"One day we went to Bagno Vignoni to partake of the spa. It was closed on Thursday for cleaning. We were directed to Bagno San Filippo which was just a few miles south. Spent a couple of hours at the pool and hot waterfalls. Cost was 7 Euro per person, 2 Euro for a huge towel, and they had lockers and showers and changing rooms."

Both were pools that were associated with Hotels. We just spent the afternoon in the nice warm water and under the hot, hot waterfalls.

No one spoke English, so we just got by. They had a 10 euro deposit on locker keys.

I would have preferred to go to Bagno Vignoni. Let me know if you have any other questions.

ecat

Hey there's a SF GTG?! I'm in Santa Cruz does that count?

LoveItaly

ecat, the GTG is in Yountville.

Betsy

Thanks a bunch Budman. This is just the info I was looking for.

ecat! Go to the US board and type in <yountville>, without the little pointy things, for info about the GTG. Consider yourself officially invited!

kaz11

Thanks Budman for the info.
I have been to the slowtrav site and picked up a few ideas, but I'm not sure if I have the right idea of what a spa is.

When you say a 'waterfall' at Bagno San Filippo, is this a man made or natural waterfall? I imagined spa resorts to have man made, rectangular pools with the water diverted into them.
I have also read about 'open air' hot springs.Are these also man made pools?

I guess I'm trying to decide if it is worth seeking out hot springs in a natural environment, or whether the experience will be just as enjoyable at a resort in a more formal setting.

thanks: confused

ecat

Betsy,

Thanks very much for the official invite and sadly Yountville will be a bit far North for me to travel that day

I know it's beautiful up there... Have a glass of wine for me - cin cin!

Eileen

Budman

I don't know if the waterfalls was natural or man made, but it was hot, hot, hot, and led into a warm rectangular pool.

I kinda/sorta understand what you are looking for, but I'm not sure if there is such a non-commercial place.

Steve_James

Kaz - 'Is it worth spending a couple of days around Pitigliano and Sovana so I can visit the free waterfall near Saturnia'?

Definitely. Pitigliano's a delight, Sovano and Sorano are close - and don't miss nearby Lake Bolsena ...

Steve