We'll be in Tuscany around Pienza for a couple of days next summer and I keep reading about thermal springs, but can't seem to get a grasp on if they are a tourist trap with bus loads of tourists, relaxing, crowded, fun, a worthwhile stop, etc. Do you pay to get in or just walk up and jump in? Can you recommend any for a family with teens or would they not enjoy that? (I know that depends on the teens) Just lookin' to relax. Not many posts on this topic so I'm just looking for a little info. Thanks!

I've been to many terme in Italy and never came across one that had any tourists to speak of. For the most part, you just walk in and pay for the services you want. In some cases, you'll need a prescription from an (Italian, presumably) doctor, but that's usually for special treatments. If you just want to hang around the pool, you just pay a nominal fee that gets you a towel and a locker, a chaise and umbrella. Usually there's a café/bar where you can have a light meal. It's a wonderful way to relax for a day or part of a day.

<<you'll need a prescription from an (Italian, presumably) doctor>>

I guess I can leave my doctor-husband at home in that case

This is interesting - I was just thinking of sitting and basking in the glory of an Italian thermal spring without having to think about anything. What sort of services would someone get?

Kwren, they have all the typical spa services available: massage, hydrojet massages, herbal body wraps, etc. For the doctor's prescriptions, these folks are seeking treatments in mineral pools that have a certain mineral content, they're staying at the spa hotel as a guest and may need a special diet, injections (for whatever the doc thinks ails them) and in some cases they're receiving colonics. (Sorry, but you did ask!)

BC

Ah a spa trip! I wasn't picturing that at all. Sounds like a trip to take without husband and kids.

Next time DH is in trouble, I'll sign him up for the colonic (whatever that is - doesn't sound pleasant)!