Full-Day Tour from Siena: Montepulciano Lunch, Pienza and Brunello Tasting in Montalcino

This full-day tour leaves from Siena and crosses the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia, with three towns and two wine tastings on the route. The first stop is Montepulciano. Lunch is a Tuscan spread of local cured meats and cheeses, then handmade pici pasta with ragù (tomato sauce for vegetarians). A guided tasting of Rosso di Montepulciano and Nobile di Montepulciano runs alongside the meal, so the wines are poured with the food they are meant for. Pienza comes next, described as the "ideal Renaissance city". There is free time to walk its streets, look out over the countryside and browse the artisan food shops. The afternoon ends in Montalcino, home of Brunello di Montalcino. A local winery hosts a guided tasting and explains the traditions and the aging process behind one of Italy's best-known wines.