TOUR DESCRIPTION

Montepulciano and Pienza are located in the picturesque "Val d'Orcia". Sitting at an elevation of 605 mt. (about 2000 ft.) Montepulciano offers wonderful sceneries over the Tuscan rolling hills and the possibility to experience the taste of its famous wine Nobile di Montepulciano paired with the best local cuisine. In the last ten years Montepulciano has become a symbol of the Middle Ages and neo-Gothic culture, especially thanks to the fact that it has been chosen as a film set for several major international productions such as the film Twilight. Like several other Tuscan sites, Montepulciano has Etruscan origins and a Roman history but had its golden age mainly during the Medieval era and the Renaissance. 

After meeting you at your residence we will head, with your comfortable and luxury vehicle, to the Valdorcia region in Montepulciano.
Your tour will start from the top of the peak where the famous Piazza Grande (main square) features the Town Hall, the Cathedral and other important Renaissance Palaces. We will work our way down immersed in the magical atmosphere created by the unique architecture of both Medieval and Renaissance times. The ancient roads of the town are lined up with merchants selling local produce such as the famous cold cuts from wild boar meat, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the Pici pasta and local Truffle. Definitely worthwhile sampling.

Upon request we can arrange a brief wine tour in Montepulciano visiting one of the monumental cellars in the centre of the city, where you can have access to the underground city, excavated in the past millennia since the times of the Etruscans,
where the precious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has been kept for centuries to protect it from enemy incursions.

Leaving Montepulciano we will cross the region of Valdorcia, which is made up of gentle hills of clay where wheat is grown and where flocks of dairy sheep are grazed. This area is particularly renowned for the variety of herbs and flowers that make possible the production of milk of excellent quality that the cheesemakers transform in the famous Pecorino of Pienza.
On the way to Pienza there will be time to stop and take some nice photos using as a background one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany.

Pienza, once a sleepy medieval hilltown was transformed into what was to be Pope Pius II's ideal of Renaissance city in the 15th century.
The unforgettable views of the Valdorcia and Monte Amiata, which rises massively beyond the wheat fields that surround the city and that can be enjoyed from the walls and the main square, are breathtaking, while the Cathedral, an admirable and luminous example of Renaissance architecture, with its lightness, seems to slip away from the hill, supported only by the majesty of the Papal Palace that stands solidly next to it.

 

While walking along the narrow renaissance streets of Pienza you will be submerged by the scents coming from the little shops selling their local treasures. Cheese vendors will be glad to offer you a sampling of the massive variety of Pecorino: be it aged in ashes, underground, in bay leaves, with truffle, with spices, etc.
The city today has been marked by the UNESCO registrar as one of the world's great heritage monuments.

At the end of your intense day you will appreciate the comfortable return journey through the Tuscan hills that, we are sure, will remain imprinted forever in your life memories.

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

• Available: All year round. Rain or shine
• Duration: 9 hours
• Traveling time: 4 hours
•  Area: Montepulciano Val d'Orcia and Pienza – (see map)
• Allergy Caring: We can cater to all sorts, please let us know ahead of time.
• Wineries (as option): Well Rated
• Wine Tasting (as option):
• Reds: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Sangiovese grape mainly

 

 

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

• Luxury Air Conditioned vehicle
• Fluent English speaking Driver,
• Visit of the city of Montepulciano, Valdorcia countryside, Pienza

• Pick up and drop off in Florence or its immediate surroundings.
• All local Taxes, gasoline, driver's meal

 
Please note that you can pick up at your place outside of Florence.
We are also available to personalize your itinerary,
1) visiting a winery for wine tasting.
Contact us and we'll send you a personalized program and quotation.

 

NOT INCLUDED

• Lunch
• Admission fees where required unless otherwise specified

 

TYPICAL SCHEDULE

 

09:00 Start from accommodation and drive to Montepulciano

10:45 Visit Montepulciano (wine tasting optional)

12:45 Panoramic Drive through the hills of Valdorcia (time to stop for picturers)

13:30 Lunch in Pienza

15:00 Visit of Pienza

16:30 Drive Back

18:00 Arrive at accommodation