From Siena: Pienza and Montepulciano Small-Group Tour

Tuscany’s picturesque towns of Pienza and Montepulciano offer a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history and renowned winemaking tradition. This small-group tour from Siena promises a personalized experience, taking travelers on a scenic journey through the stunning Crete Senesi landscape. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the medieval charm of Pienza, indulge in a traditional Tuscan lunch, and discover the ancient cellars and award-winning wines of Montepulciano. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking to learn about the beauty of Italy, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• This small-group tour from Siena explores the medieval hamlet of Pienza and the historic hilltop town of Montepulciano, known for its renowned Vino Nobile wine.
• The tour includes a scenic drive through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, a traditional 3-course lunch at an organic farm, and a wine tasting experience in Montepulciano.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes hotel pickup, museum tickets, and flexible cancellation, providing a personalized and hassle-free experience.
• With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers a more intimate and immersive experience, allowing for personalized attention from the guide.
• Based on 145 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, transportation, and excellent organization.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This small-group tour from Siena takes visitors on an 8-hour journey to explore the medieval hamlets of Pienza and Montepulciano.

Limited to just 8 participants, the tour offers a personalized experience led by a live English-speaking guide. Travelers will witness the picturesque Tuscan landscapes, including the unique Crete Senesi region.

In Pienza, they’ll discover the charming town commissioned by Pope Pius II. Later, they’ll enjoy a traditional 3-course lunch with pecorino cheese tasting at a local organic farm.

The tour culminates in Montepulciano, known for its historic architecture and acclaimed Vino Nobile wine. Here, guests will explore ancient cellars and sample the renowned vintage.

With hotel pickup, museum tickets, and flexible cancellation, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient Tuscan experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The scenic drive through the Tuscan landscapes, including the unique Crete Senesi region, sets the stage for this small-group tour.

Visitors will explore the medieval hamlet of Pienza, a town commissioned by Pope Pius II.

Next, they’ll enjoy a traditional 3-course lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients at an organic farm.

The tour then moves on to the historic town of Montepulciano, renowned for its Vino Nobile wine.

Here, guests will tour ancient cellars and indulge in a wine tasting.

Inclusions

The small-group tour from Siena includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations.

Participants will also enjoy a 3-course meal and pecorino cheese tasting at an organic farm, providing an authentic taste of Tuscan cuisine.

The tour includes a cellar tour and wine tasting in Montepulciano, allowing visitors to sample the renowned Vino Nobile.

Hotel pick-up is provided, along with museum tickets and tips/gratuities, so travelers can focus on the experience without worrying about additional costs.

Meeting Point

To begin the tour, you will meet their guide at the large tree in front of the Basilica in Piazza San Domenico, Siena.

This central location is easy to find and provides a convenient starting point for the small-group excursion.

Once everyone has arrived, the guide will greet the group and ensure everyone is ready to depart.

With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers a more personalized experience as the group sets off to explore the stunning Tuscan landscapes and historic towns of Pienza and Montepulciano.

The meeting point is accessible and serves as a straightforward rendezvous for the start of this immersive day trip.

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Participant Feedback

Participants have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this small-group tour from Siena. Based on 145 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, rating them 5 out of 5. The transportation and service also receive high marks, scoring 4.8 and 4.9 out of 5, respectively.

Participants highlight the excellent organization of the tour, which earns a 4.9 rating. While the overall experience is exceptional, some customers express concerns regarding communication with the wineries after the tour.

Nevertheless, the feedback clearly demonstrates the tour’s quality and the delight of its participants.

Scenic Drive Through Tuscan Landscapes

As the tour departs from Siena, participants are treated to a scenic drive through the picturesque Tuscan countryside.

The route winds through the rolling hills and valleys of the Crete Senesi region, known for its distinctive clay-colored soil and sparse vegetation. Along the way, travelers take in the iconic cypress trees, vineyards, and olive groves that dot the landscape.

The guide provides commentary on the geological and agricultural features of the area, enhancing the experience.

This scenic journey sets the stage for the exploration of the historic towns of Pienza and Montepulciano, allowing participants to fully enjoy the beauty and charm of the Tuscan region.

Exploring Medieval Pienza

Arriving in the charming medieval town of Pienza, the tour group is immersed in the architectural splendor commissioned by Pope Pius II in the 15th century. The group explores the quaint streets, admiring the harmonious Renaissance buildings lining the central Piazza Pio II. They visit the impressive Duomo, whose elegant façade showcases the town’s devotion to the arts. After, the group enjoys a traditional Tuscan lunch at a local organic farm, savoring fresh ingredients and local pecorino cheese.

Building	Architectural Style	Year Constructed
Duomo	Renaissance	1459
Palazzo Piccolomini	Renaissance	1459
Palazzo Comunale	Renaissance	1459

Discovering Montepulciano and Its Wineries

Continuing the journey, the tour group winds through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, arriving in the historic hilltop town of Montepulciano. Known for its acclaimed Vino Nobile wine, the group explores the town’s ancient cellars and enjoys a tasting.

Wandering Montepulciano’s charming streets, they admire the striking Renaissance architecture, including the 14th-century Piazza Grande and the Basilica of San Biagio.

With free time to explore, your have the opportunity to visit palaces, churches, and shops at their own pace, seeing the town’s timeless ambiance.

The tour culminates with a delightful dining experience, showcasing the region’s fresh, local ingredients at a traditional farm-to-table hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requests. Customers should notify the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure the appropriate meal is provided during the included lunch.

Is There Any Walking Involved During the Tour?

Yes, there is walking involved during the tour. The itinerary includes exploring the medieval hamlet of Pienza and the historic streets and architecture of Montepulciano, so participants should expect to do some moderate walking at the various sites visited.

Can I Purchase Additional Wine After the Tasting?

Yes, participants can purchase additional wine after the tasting in Montepulciano. The tour includes a cellar tour and wine tasting, but travelers are free to buy more wine if they’d like to take it home.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual, comfortable dress code. Participants can wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for walking and exploring the medieval towns. No formal attire is required.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

Participants can explore on their own during free time in Montepulciano. However, they should stay with the group for guided activities and transportation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour experience.

Recap

This small-group tour offers a delightful exploration of Tuscany’s picturesque landscapes and historic towns. Guests will enjoy a scenic drive, discover the medieval charm of Pienza, and indulge in a traditional local lunch. The highlight is the guided tour of Montepulciano’s ancient cellars and a wine tasting experience, providing an authentic taste of the region’s renowned Vino Nobile. It’s an immersive way to experience the beauty and culture of Tuscany.

You can check if your dates are available here: