Full Day Tour to Val d'Orcia with Wine & Cheese Tastings

About this experience

Enjoy a rich and ripe tour through the worlds of grape and gourmet cheese. Experience art and architecture and blend it with good wines and mouth-warming specialties. You will visit the stunning Val d'Orcia and the very special towns snuggling in it. There's the chance to get to know wine cellars while nibbling on sheep's cheese. A prefect day out for the senses and the soul.

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Duration: 120 min

   Discover the postcard views of the green, rolling hills in Val d’Orcia. Meet your friendly, local tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Grab a seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will shortly depart for the scenic beauty of Val d’Orcia! During the picturesque drive, your guide will dive into some interesting information about the towns and lush land of the Valley. The drive to Val d’Orcia will take about two hours.

2. Stop 2

   Duration: 60 min

   After driving through the spellbinding, Tuscan hills, you will be itching to explore one of the fairytale towns! Your first stop will be Montalcino, the land of world-renowned Brunello wine. Follow your guide uphill into the town, as you stroll through labyrinths of cobblestone, medieval streets. Your guide will lead you to a famous Brunello winery. A local producer will lead you through the winery, as he or she explains the secrets of Brunello production. Then, indulge in some samples of some of the finest wines in Italy! Cheers!

3. Stop 3

   Duration: 60 min

   You will have some free time after the wine tasting to independently explore Montalcino and enjoy a pleasant, Tuscan lunch on your own. Montalcino is a hidden gem of Tuscany, encompassing the medieval essence of the region. We recommend you walk uphill through the town, until you reach the town's majestic Fortress. Here, you can find breathtaking views of the surrounding rolling hills, ancient oak trees, scenic roads, and perfect vineyards! . The medieval stronghold's impressive stone walls and towers will transport you back in time, evoking its strategic significance in ancient battles. The fortress is not only a historic gem but also a prominent cultural landmark, showcasing the rich heritage of this region. Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes!

4. Stop 4

   Duration: 60 min

   After your journey through the rolling hills, you will arrive in Pienza, standing upon a hill and dominating the Orcia Valley with extraordinary views! Your guide will explain that Pienza is different from other towns in Tuscany, as it was rebuilt to be an idealist-Renaissance town by order of Pope Pius II. Enjoy exploring Pienza at your leisure - admire the atmosphere of harmony and peace that surrounds you.

5. Stop 5

   Duration: 10 min

   As you walk along the narrow and charming streets of Pienza, you will be captivated by the breathtaking Pienza Cathedral. Located in the town's charming historic center, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. You'll be enachanted by the cathedral's elegant facade adorned with intricate sculptures and delicate details. Pienza's relaxed atmosphere and charming ambiance make it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Tuscany. Immerse yourself in the historical richness and artistic splendor of Pienza and create lasting memories in this timeless Tuscan town.

6. Stop 6

   Duration: 10 min

   Val d’Orcia stands out in Tuscany as being home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. If you have ever seen a postcard from Tuscany, it most likely was a photo from Val d’Orcia! Your bus driver will bring you by some of the famous landscapes, so be sure to have your camera ready! Your guide will point out the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta, one of the most photographed spots in Tuscany. This small chapel contrasts magically with the bright, green rolling hills, and it is perfectly framed with a line of cyprus trees. Legend has it that this was the exact spot where Virgin Mary appeared to the shepherds. The bus will also drive by the gladiator’s home in Ridley Scott’s Academy Award-winning “Gladiator.” Although the film primarily focuses on Rome, the gladiator character (played by Russel Crowe) heads home in a serene paradise surrounded by rolling, green hills and cyprus trees. Your guide will explain that this tiny slice of heaven was filmed in Val d'Orcia!

7. Stop 7

   Duration: 120 min

   The last stop of your tour in Val d’Orcia will bring you to Montepulciano, home to the exquisite Vino Nobile vineyards. More recently, the town also became a popular destination, as it is where the vampire movie, "New Moon,'' was filmed. Spend an hour discovering the most elegant village in Val D'Orcia - full of magnificent palaces, Renaissance buildings, and imposing churches. There is no better way to finish a tour of Tuscany than with a wine tasting! Meet back with your group, and follow your guide to a wonderful winery in the historical heart of Montalcino. Follow a local producer into the fragrant wine cellar, and learn all about the Nobile wine making process. Then, savor the flavors of the famous Nobile wine! This tasting will be accompanied by some light snacks, made from fresh, local ingredients. Then, purchase any last-minute souvenirs before heading back to Florence.

8. Stop 8

   Duration: 120 min

   The bus will take you back to Florence, and you will arrive back in the early evening. Don’t miss out on this magical opportunity to explore the postcard scenery and picturesque, hilltop towns of Val d’Orcia!

What's included

English information from the provider

• Visit to a winery in Montepulciano with tasting of the famous “Vino Nobile" and cheese pairing
• Visit to a wine cellar in Montalcino with tasting of the world-famous Brunello wine
• Expert multilingual Tour Leader
• Free time in Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano
• Journey by fully-fitted GT Coach with Free Wifi on board
• Interactive audio guide for Chinese, Korean, and Japanese

What's not included

English information from the provider

• Lunch
• Gratuities
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Attractions tickets not included in the product

Additional information

English information from the provider

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Please show up 20 minutes before the tour departure
• English and Spanish are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in Italian, German, Portuguese or French a minimum of 4 pax is required
• The order of the visits may change and Montepulciano could be the first stop
• If you select Chinese, Korean, or Japanese, the historical explanations and tour commentary will be provided exclusively via audio guide (via App) in your chosen language. You will not be left alone: a professional Tour Leader will accompany the group throughout the trip. The Tour Leader will manage the group and provide logistics, meeting point details, and emergency assistance in English, while the cultural insights will be delivered via the app in your language. The wine tastings will be conducted in English. However, the app will provide additional information about the local wine in the selected native language.
• Disinfected radio units will be provided, and headphones will be single-use. Showing your voucher on your phone will be enough; it is not necessary to print it out.

Cancellation policy

English information from the provider

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.