Wine, culture, and stunning scenery await on this exclusive tour of Pienza and Montepulciano in Tuscany’s enchanting Val d’Orcia.
Highlights
Tour Includes
- Private Transport
- Expert Driver-Guide
- Wine tasting at a Montepulciano estate
- Farm-to-table lunch with wine pairings
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Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.
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ITINERARY
What To Expect On Your Tour
Explore Postcard-Perfect Montepulciano
Our expert driver-guide will pick you up at your accommodation, and you’ll soon be travelling through the unforgettable landscapes of the Tuscan countryside on the way to Montepulciano, a medieval hilltop town celebrated for its Nobile di Montepulciano – one of Italy’s oldest and most esteemed wines.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets, where history comes alive in landmarks like Piazza Grande, framed by Renaissance palaces and the Cathedral of the Assumption. Just outside the town, the Temple of San Biagio rises in serene splendor, an architectural marvel nestled amid lush fields that’s a perfect example of Tuscan Renaissance architecture.
Taste Nobile di Montepulciano at a Renowned Winery
Built at the beginning of the 12th century, the Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, and we’ll get to examine its beautiful exterior from Piazza del Duomo. The Baptistery is best known for its exquisite bronze doors, the “Gates of Paradise”, which are widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful artworks in Florence.
The doors, which depict various scenes from the Bible, were the work of Lorenzo Ghiberti, and they took him 21 years to complete. Michelangelo was so impressed that he was moved to comment that the doors would be worthy as the entrance to heaven itself, earning them the moniker the Gates of Paradise.
Admiring the incredible attention to detail displayed by Ghiberti in their creation, you’ll understand why!
Enjoy a Tuscan Lunch at an Organic Cheese Farm
After our wine tasting you’ll be sure to have worked up an appetite, so next stop is lunch at an organic cheese farm! In the heart of Val d’Orcia, you’ll visit a working organic dairy where local sheep graze on herb‑scented hillsides. A guided tour will introduce you to each stage of pecorino production – from milking and curd formation to careful pressing and maturation in stone‑lined cellars.
On the tour you’ll learn how seasonal pastures and traditional methods combine to create Val d’Orcia’s distinctive pecorino, marrying simplicity with regional character.
Afterwards, you’ll settle in for a relaxed meal that will include the farm’s own cheeses – fresh, aged, and everything in between – paired with wines carefully selected to complement their texture and flavor.
Discover a Hidden Renaissance Gem in Pienza
In the afternoon, the tour continues to Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ideal Renaissance city created according to the vision of Pope Pius II. Its harmonious design unfolds most clearly in Piazza Pio II, home to the majestic Duomo and Palazzo Piccolomini. Framed by honey-colored travertine buildings, this elegant square is a true masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning, and embodies the refined vision of Pope Pius II.
Adjacent to Piazza Pio II stands the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, a symbol of Pienza’s Renaissance glory and a near replica of Florence’s Palazzo della Signoria. Its travertine facade, divided into two sections by a simple cornice, reflects an understated elegance. Inside, the cathedral is divided into three equally tall naves, creating a sense of harmony. Highlights include Vecchietta’s Assumption of the Virgin and Matteo di Giovanni’s Madonna and Child with Saints, masterpieces that bring the space to life. The blend of spiritual and artistic elements makes this a must-visit destination.
Before heading back home in the company of your private driver-guide, you’ll have some time to wander through Pienza’s quaint alleys and browse at artisan shops offering the town’s famous pecorino cheese – “il Cacio” – alongside other local specialties like wines from the Crete Senesi, honey, pici pasta, and more.
Create Your Custom Journey
Our dedicated team is here to help you design the perfect trip. We’re happy to assist every step of the way.