Rome to Montepulciano and Montalcino Day Trip: 12th-Century Winery Lunch, Brunello Museum

An air-conditioned bus leaves Rome early in the morning and crosses the Italian countryside to Montepulciano. A certified tour leader walks the historic center, its streets and piazzas, including places that appeared in the Twilight movie saga and other films. The walking path has a slight incline. The winery is a local one from the 12th century, and it is the only wine cellar with a kitchen in Montepulciano. A guided tasting covers the region's wines and the winemaking process, and a Tuscan gourmet lunch follows, with wines explained by a sommelier. The afternoon is in Montalcino, a well-preserved medieval town with a massive fortress. The visit starts at the former convent of Sant'Agostino, which now houses the Temple of Brunello, an interactive museum on local culture and on the production of Brunello di Montalcino wine. Entry to the museum is not included in the price. The bus returns to Rome at the end of the day.