CiaoFlorence Val d'Orcia Day Tour from Florence: Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano

Florence

Meet at the TOURS & NEWS KIOSK at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, a 5 to 10 minute walk from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Staff wear a FUCHSIA CIAOFLORENCE JACKET and hold a CIAOFLORENCE CLIPBOARD.

Val D'Orcia

The tour starts at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, a 5 to 10 minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station. The local guide meets the group there, and the coach sets off for the green, rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia. On the drive, which takes about two hours, the guide talks about the valley's towns and land.

Montalcino

Montalcino is the first stop, home of Brunello wine. The guide leads the group uphill through cobblestone medieval streets to a well-known Brunello winery. A local producer walks through the cellar and explains how Brunello is made, then pours samples.

Fortezza di Montalcino

After the tasting there is free time to explore Montalcino and have lunch independently. The suggested walk climbs through town to the fortress, where stone walls and towers look out over rolling hills, oak trees, country roads and vineyards. The fortress is a medieval stronghold that mattered in old battles. Bring a camera.

Pienza

Pienza sits on a hill above the Orcia Valley. The guide explains what sets it apart from other Tuscan towns: Pope Pius II ordered it rebuilt as an ideal Renaissance town. Free time follows, to walk at your own pace.

Duomo

Pienza Cathedral stands in the historic center at the end of narrow streets. It is a Renaissance building with an elegant facade decorated with carved detail. The town itself is relaxed, a good place to slow down.

Costo extra

Cappella Madonna di Vitaleta

The Val d'Orcia supplies many of the Tuscan postcard views. The coach drives past several of them, and the guide points out the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta, one of the most photographed spots in Tuscany. The small chapel stands against green hills, framed by a line of cypress trees. Local legend places the Virgin Mary's appearance to shepherds on this spot. The coach also passes the place used as the gladiator's home in Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning Gladiator. The film is mostly set in Rome, but the character played by Russell Crowe returns to a quiet farm among green hills and cypress trees. The guide explains that these scenes were filmed in the Val d'Orcia.

Montepulciano

The last stop in the valley is Montepulciano, home of the Vino Nobile vineyards and a filming location for the vampire film New Moon. One hour is enough to see palaces, Renaissance buildings and large churches in a village described as the most elegant in the Val d'Orcia. The day closes with a wine tasting. The group meets again and follows the guide to a winery in the historic center of Montalcino. A local producer leads the way into the cellar and explains how Nobile wine is made, followed by the tasting and light snacks made from fresh, local ingredients. A last chance for souvenirs comes before the drive back to Florence.

Florence

The coach returns to Florence, arriving in the early evening.