Abbey of Sant'Antimo

Discover the medieval villages of Tuscany on this full-day guided tour from Florence. Browse the historic center of Pienza and the fortress of Montalcino. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and three wine tastings at the Temple of Brunello. Explore the Sant'Antimo Abbey with an audio guide and the Palazzo Pubblico. Start the tour in Pienza with free time to explore the first ideal city of the Renaissance. Tour the historic center from Piazza Pio II, the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, and Palazzo Piccolomini. If you select the option for the Palazzo Pubblico, enter the former residence of the Priors. Head to Montalcino, a perfectly preserved medieval town with a massive fortress. Start in the former convent of Sant’Agostino, which now houses the Temple of Brunello interactive museum. Travel through local history and culture to discover the production of the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine. Top off the visit with a tasting of the famous Tuscan Brunello and lunch in the cloister of the Temple of Brunello. Let the chef’s creativity inspire you as the explosion of flavors perfectly combines with the richness of the best Tuscan wines. Close your adventure with a visit to Sant’Antimo Abbey, a Benedictine church founded, according to legend, by Charlemagne in the ninth century. See the scenic clearing surrounded by wheat fields, ancient olive trees, and vineyards. Raise a final glass to the day’s adventures before returning to Florence.

Enjoy the beautiful Tuscan landscapes on the way to the famous wine hill of Montalcino with your guide. Learn about the process and passion involved in creating the famous Brunello Wine, and enjoy a local lunch. First, walk in the vineyards and explore the cellars where the wine is produced and aged before enjoying an introductory tasting of the world-famous Brunello wine. Then visit the hilltop town of Montalcino. See the town's medieval fortress, and spend time browsing the shops and streets. Take in the incredible views of the valleys and vineyards below. Next, enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch at a family-run winery, accompanied by the delicious wines produced at the facility. Next, continue to the stunning and ancient Benedictine Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a special place set in a breathtaking landscape. In the afternoon, visit a third winery where you’ll get a detailed description of the wine-making process. Learn how the vines are cared for and about the long aging process in oak barrels. After visiting the cellars and getting to know the winemakers, you’ll sit down for a final tasting before the return drive to Siena.

"Escape to Tuscany: Montepulciano, Pienza, and Tuscan Vineyards from Rome" Leave behind the bustling cityscape of Rome for the tranquil charm of Tuscany on this scenic excursion. Your adventure kicks off with a convenient pick-up in Rome via a comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan. By mid-morning, arrive at the ancient Etruscan town of Montepulciano. Dive into the underground wine cellars, home to the acclaimed Nobile wine, and savor a delightful wine tasting session. Take in breathtaking vistas of Tuscany’s lush vineyards before your private driver escorts you to Montepulciano where you can visit parts of the Old underground city and Etruscan thumb. Pause at Pienza, where you'll have free time for a leisurely lunch. Gain insight into notable attractions like the two Renaissance palaces and the exquisite Duomo to explore during your time in town. Pienza’s quaint size encourages self-guided exploration, allowing you to immerse yourself in its historic architecture and panoramic countryside views. Don't miss sampling Pienza's famed specialty, pecorino cheese, available at various artisanal food stores dotted around the town. With your bags brimming with wine and cheese, reconvene at the vehicle for a comfortable and picturesque return journey to Rome.

Let's gather in Florence with your expert multilingual guide and board our comfortable Coach. Sit back, relax, and prepare for an adventure as we leave the city center and head south. Watch the landscape shift from Florence's noble palaces to the pristine nature of the Orcia Valley, a World Heritage Site since 2004. Our first stop is Pienza, about an hour and a half from Florence. Take some free time to explore this "ideal city" of the Renaissance, perched above the valley with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Start your tour at Piazza Pio II, featuring honey-colored buildings, the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, and Palazzo Piccolomini. Continue past the Duomo's apse and down a pedestrian street to enjoy the breathtaking view. If you chose the option when booking, your visit includes a ticket to Palazzo Pubblico, the former residence of the Priors, now the town hall. Before we head back to the bus, don't miss the chance to explore local shops and sample regional delicacies or pick up a souvenir from Pienza. Next, we travel to Montalcino, a quintessential medieval town dominated by a massive fortress. In about thirty minutes, we arrive in the heart of Brunello country, where you'll have free time to explore the authentic Val d’Orcia village. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and wander through the steep alleys. Consider stopping for coffee in Piazza del Popolo before visiting the Temple of Brunello in the former Sant’Agostino convent. This interactive museum offers an immersive journey into the history and culture of Montalcino's renowned red wine, Brunello di Montalcino. Conclude your visit with a tasting of this famous wine, accompanied by a delicious lunch featuring dishes paired with three local wines. Let the chef's creations and the rich flavors of Tuscan wines delight you. Our final stop is the Sant’Antimo Abbey, a short drive from Montalcino. Travel along a scenic country road through vineyards to a picturesque clearing surrounded by wheat fields and ancient olive trees. Here lies the charming Benedictine Sant’Antimo Abbey, said to be founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century. After a quick visit, we'll head back to Florence, ending the day with a final toast to the unforgettable experiences and the beautiful rolling hills of Val d’Orcia.