Exploring the picturesque Chianti Hills, this Tuscany and San Gimignano tour from Florence promises an enchanting adventure. Visitors will enjoy the region’s rich wine culture, indulging in two tasting experiences featuring renowned Chianti Classico, Brunello, and Vernaccia. The tour also showcases the medieval charm of San Gimignano, where a gelato tasting adds a delightful touch. With breathtaking views and expert insights, this adult-only excursion offers a glimpse into the heart of Tuscany – a tantalizing introduction to the delights that await the discerning traveler.
Key Points
- This tour offers an exploration of the Chianti Hills and the medieval town of San Gimignano, with two wine tastings at renowned vineyards.
- The tour departs from Florence, has a maximum group size of 60 during summer months, and lasts for 7 hours.
- Highlights include a 1.5-hour wine tasting featuring Chianti Classico and Brunello, and a second 1.5-hour tasting featuring Vernaccia.
- The tour includes transportation, a local guide, wine tastings, balsamic and olive oil tasting, and a gelato tasting.
- The tour is designed for adults aged 18 and above, with a small group format for a personalized experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary and Highlights
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Participant Information
- Customer Reviews and Recommendations
- Transportation and Departure
- Wine Tasting Experiences
- Duration and Timing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
- Can I Customize or Personalize the Tour Itinerary?
- How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel in Florence?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Florence
- More Tours in Florence
- More Tour Reviews in Florence
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Florence we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Tuscany & San Gimignano Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the picturesque Chianti Hills and the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Departing from Florence, this 7-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the region’s renowned vineyards, where they’ll enjoy two wine tastings.
The tour also includes a visit to San Gimignano, known for its well-preserved towers and historic charm.
With a maximum group size of 60 in summer, the tour provides a small-group experience and features a knowledgeable live guide.
Valued at $122.01 per person, the tour includes transportation, tastings, and a visit to a world-champion gelateria, making it an excellent value for those seeking an immersive Tuscan experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Florence.
Itinerary and Highlights
Beginning the Chianti Hills tour, visitors depart from Florence’s Church of San Giovanni Battista della Calza, embarking on a 1-hour journey by bus or coach into the picturesque Chianti countryside.
The first stop is a winery for a 1.5-hour wine tasting, where guests sample Chianti Classico, Brunello, Super Tuscan, and other local varietals.
Next, the tour explores the well-preserved medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its iconic skyline of towers. After 1.5 hours of free time, the group visits a second winery for another 1.5-hour tasting featuring Vernaccia white wine and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG.
The tour concludes with a gelato tasting from a world champion gelateria before returning to Florence around 5 PM.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the Tuscany & San Gimignano Tour are the transportation via minibus or coach, a local guide to lead the experience, two wine tastings at wineries, a balsamic and extra virgin olive oil tasting, a 1.5-hour visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano, as well as maps and information provided onboard.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included. However, any additional food and drinks, as well as tips, are excluded.
This tour is suitable for adults only and isn’t recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 18. The maximum number of participants in summer is 60.
Participant Information
This Tuscany & San Gimignano Tour is suitable for adults only, aged 18 and above.
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or children under 18.
The maximum number of participants in the summer is 60.
Travelers should meet at Piazza della Calza at 9:45 AM, where they’ll be identifiable by the guide wearing a purple T-shirt.
The tour is designed for small groups, offering a more personalized experience.
Guests can expect a knowledgeable and friendly guide to lead them through the picturesque Chianti Hills and the charming town of San Gimignano, while indulging in a variety of wine, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil tastings.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Recommendations
The Tuscany & San Gimignano Tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 441 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who provide a great value for money with the numerous tastings.
Customers rave about the beautiful views from the wineries and share positive experiences, whether traveling as couples, friends, or solo.
While the overall experience is highly rated, some suggest adjusting the tour order, such as visiting the second winery before lunch in San Gimignano, to enhance the experience further.
Transportation and Departure
Departing from the Church of San Giovanni Battista della Calza in Florence, the tour takes guests on a scenic 1-hour bus or coach journey to the picturesque Chianti Hills.
This comfortable mode of transportation allows travelers to sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking Tuscan countryside.
The tour includes:
- Pickup and drop-off at a convenient location in Florence
- Friendly and knowledgeable local guides to enhance the experience
- Maps and informative materials provided onboard the vehicle
- A hassle-free transportation solution to explore the highlights of Tuscany and San Gimignano.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Travelers kick off their Tuscan adventure with two immersive wine tasting experiences at local wineries nestled in the rolling Chianti Hills. At each winery, they’ll sample a tantalizing array of renowned regional wines, including Chianti Classico, Brunello of Montalcino, and Super Tuscan varieties. Complementing the wine tastings, participants also indulge in tastings of balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil, savoring the rich flavors that embody the essence of Tuscany. The tour guides provide expert insights into the winemaking process and the unique terroir that gives these wines their distinctive character. These tastings offer an authentic, flavourful exploration of Tuscany’s renowned wine culture.
| Wine Tasting | Winery 1 | Winery 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chianti Classico | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brunello of Montalcino | ✓ | ✓ |
| Super Tuscan Wines | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vernaccia White Wine | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chianti Colli Senesi D.O.C.G. | ✓ | ✓ |
Duration and Timing
After savoring the flavors of Tuscany’s renowned wines and artisanal products, the tour shifts its focus to the duration and timing of the overall experience.
The journey spans an impressive 7 hours, providing ample time to fully immerse in the region’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can expect:
- A 1-hour bus ride to the Chianti Hills
- 1.5 hours for each of the 2 wine tastings
- 1.5 hours to explore the medieval town of San Gimignano
- Return to Florence around 5 PM
This well-paced itinerary ensures travelers have the opportunity to discover the best of Tuscany without feeling rushed, creating a truly memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?
The tour is conducted in English, but the company may offer it in other languages upon request. Clients should check with the tour operator to see if translations are available for their preferred language.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, outside food and drinks are not included. Participants can enjoy the included tastings of wine, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, but bringing their own provisions is not mentioned as an option.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
While no specific discounts are mentioned, the tour offers good value with included transportation, wine tastings, balsamic and olive oil tastings, and a visit to San Gimignano. Travelers can check for any deals or promotions when booking.
Can I Customize or Personalize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour’s itinerary can’t be customized, but travelers can request special accommodations by contacting the tour provider. Personalized options may be available for larger groups or private tours, though standard tour details can’t be modified.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel in Florence?
The meeting point at Piazza della Calza is about 15 minutes’ walk from most central Florence hotels. Travelers can easily reach the location via the city’s walkable streets or take a short taxi or bus ride.
From Florence: Tuscany & San Gimignano Tour With 2 Tastings
“We loved this trip! Domenico was an excellent guide – friendly, easy to understand and helped us stay on track to get the most out of our day. The …”
Recap
This immersive Tuscany tour offers a delightful blend of history, wine, and culinary delights. Guests will savor the region’s renowned Chianti Classico, Brunello, and Vernaccia wines, as well as balsamic vinegar and olive oil samples. The highlight of the tour is the enchanting medieval town of San Gimignano, where visitors can indulge in a refreshing gelato tasting before returning to Florence. A perfect day for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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