Tuscany’s rolling hills and renowned vineyards have drawn travelers for centuries. Now, you can experience the best of this storied region on a full-day tour from Florence. Explore the rich flavors of Brunello wines at a prestigious winery in Montalcino, then explore the charming town of Pienza and indulge in its celebrated Pecorino cheese. With an English-speaking driver and comfortable transportation, you’ll discover the culinary heritage and picturesque landscapes that make Tuscany a must-visit destination. But the true highlight? Uncovering the stories behind each sip and bite, and how they connect to the land.
Key Points
- Provides a full-day tour from Florence exploring Montalcino and Pienza, with hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.
- Includes guided wine tasting in Montalcino and Pecorino cheese tasting in Pienza, enhancing the cultural and culinary experience.
- Offers private tour option for a more customized experience, with air-conditioned licensed vehicles and English-speaking drivers.
- Allows participants to visit a renowned winery in Montalcino, learn about the Brunello winemaking process, and purchase bottles.
- Includes a guided tour of Pienza’s Renaissance architecture and an opportunity to visit a local farm for traditional Pecorino cheese production.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Florence whisks visitors to the charming Tuscan towns of Montalcino and Pienza.
You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel, making it a hassle-free experience. The private tour option allows for customization to suit your interests.
You’ll travel in an air-conditioned, fully licensed vehicle with an English-speaking driver. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit a winery in Montalcino for a guided wine tasting.
Then, you’ll head to Pienza to explore the town on a guided tour and enjoy a Pecorino cheese tasting on a local farm.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Florence.
Transportation Details
The tour includes air-conditioned, fully insured and licensed vehicles to transport visitors.
A professional English-speaking driver will be at the helm, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
Shared tours may involve up to 2-3 stops for passenger pickup and drop-off, while private tours offer more flexibility in the itinerary.
The transportation provided is:
- Air-conditioned for a pleasant ride
- Fully insured and licensed for safety
- Driven by a professional English-speaking driver
- Accommodating of shared or private tour options
Winery Visit in Montalcino
After the comfortable journey, the tour whisks visitors to a renowned winery in Montalcino.
Here, they’ll embark on a guided tasting of the region’s celebrated Brunello wines. The expert sommelier provides insight into the winemaking process and the unique terroir that produces Brunello’s distinctive flavor profile.
Guests savor the full-bodied, complex notes, learning to appreciate the nuances that make these wines so exceptional. The tasting also includes an opportunity to purchase bottles, so travelers can bring a taste of Montalcino back home.
This immersive experience offers a chance to deepen one’s understanding of Tuscany’s winemaking heritage and the proud traditions that continue to this day.
Wine Tasting Experience
Upon arriving at the renowned winery in Montalcino, the tour participants eagerly gather around the tasting table. The knowledgeable wine expert guides them through a captivating tasting experience, highlighting the unique characteristics of the region’s renowned Brunello di Montalcino.
The group delights in:
- Swirling and sniffing the aromatic bouquet of the deep ruby-colored wine
- Savoring the complex flavors that unfold on the palate, from ripe berries to earthy undertones
- Learning about the intricate process of crafting this prestigious wine, with its strict aging requirements
- Appreciating the rich history and tradition behind the Montalcino terroir that gives the wine its distinctive personality.
Guided Tour in Pienza
Next, the group sets off for the charming town of Pienza, eager to explore its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and indulge in the local specialty – Pecorino cheese.
The guide leads the way through the quaint streets, pointing out the beautiful Duomo and the Palazzo Piccolomini, a stunning example of 15th-century design.
The highlight of the Pienza visit is a stop at a local farm, where the group learns about the traditional methods of Pecorino cheese production.
They’re invited to taste the rich, flavorful cheese, perfectly complemented by the region’s robust wines.
This guided tour in Pienza offers a deep dive into the town’s history and culinary traditions, leaving the visitors with a newfound appreciation for this Tuscan gem.
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Pecorino Cheese Tasting
The group eagerly steps into the quaint farmhouse, greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly aged Pecorino cheese. A friendly farmer welcomes them and begins the tasting, guiding them through the distinct flavors and textures of this iconic Tuscan delight.
The group samples:
- Mild and creamy young Pecorino
- Firm, sharp aged Pecorino
- Smoky Pecorino infused with local herbs
- Decadent Pecorino drizzled with local honey
As they savor each bite, the group gains newfound appreciation for the artisanal craftsmanship and rich history behind this beloved Pienza specialty.
The tasting leaves them eager to bring home a taste of Tuscany.
Participant Information
Participants can look forward to an engaging wine and cheese experience on this tour. The minimum drinking age for wine tasting is 18, but soft drinks are available for those who’d prefer. There’s an infant seat if needed, too.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Guests will enjoy a guided wine tasting at a winery in Montalcino and a Pecorino cheese tasting on a farm in Pienza.
This full-day adventure from Florence provides a chance to take in Tuscany’s rich culinary heritage. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, plus free cancellation and rescheduling options, it’s a hassle-free way to explore the region.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
Booking this wine and cheese tour is a straightforward process.
You’ll receive confirmation immediately after booking, and you can rest easy knowing you can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before the experience without any fees.
The tour starts at SEK 9,403.26 per person, but the price can vary based on your group size.
And if you’re not ready to pay just yet, you can reserve your spot now and pay later.
- Confirmation received at booking
- Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience
- Pricing starts from SEK 9,403.26 per person, varies by group size
- Reserve now, pay later option available
Since You Asked
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?
The tour typically spends more time at the winery in Montalcino for the guided wine tasting, while the visit to Pienza for the Pecorino cheese tasting on a farm is shorter. The overall duration at each location can vary based on the tour’s itinerary.
Are There Any Food or Dietary Restrictions Accommodations?
The tour offers accommodations for dietary restrictions. Vegetarians and those with other dietary needs can be catered to, just let the provider know in advance. Soft drinks are available as an alternative to wine during the tastings.
The shared tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size, but it mentions the vehicle may stop 2-3 times to pick up or drop off other passengers. So the group size is likely small, around 8-10 people.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The tour operator follows local COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand sanitizer availability. Specific details on current safety measures are provided upon booking to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all participants.
Can Participants Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, participants are generally welcome to take photographs throughout the tour, whether at the winery, during the cheese tasting, or while exploring the historic towns. The tour guide may provide guidance on appropriate times and places for photos.
The Sum Up
This full-day tour from Florence offers an immersive experience in Tuscany’s culinary and scenic delights. Visitors can savor renowned Brunello wines at a local winery, explore the charming medieval town of Pienza, and indulge in the region’s famous Pecorino cheese. With comfortable transportation and an English-speaking driver, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the rich flavors and stunning landscapes that make Tuscany a true gastronomic and cultural treasure.
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