The Monte Amiata – 1738 m. above sea level – is the highest peak in South Tuscany and the oldest extinct volcano in Italy. It is located between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto and stretches its slopes as far as the Maremma (East) and the province of Viterbo (South). Its natural vegetation is extremely varied: below 600 m. elevation oak, turkey oak and hornbeam predominate; from 600 m. to about 1100 m. the main species is chestnut forest, while the highest levels are covered by pine and beech wood.
 Between 600 and 800 m. several springs flow out of the slopes of the mountain In several cases they are the source of rivers, like the Orcia, the Fiora and the Paglia and give their name to the valley through which they flow.
The medieval villages, which surround the mountain like a crown, are rich in historical and cultural interest. Near old castles and churches, in a maze of alleys, traditional inns offer local specialty and natural products, such as chestnuts, berries and mushrooms.
In the western part of the Amiata region, olive cultivation has become deeply rooted over many centuries. Now at days the quality of this olive oil is guaranteed by official certification. Even more important is the wine production. World famous wines, like Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano, Rosso di Montecucco and Bianco di Pitigliano are produced around the Amiata region.