Wine Tasting & Tuscany Countryside, San Gimignano & Volterra

Tuscany’s picturesque countryside offers a wealth of cultural and culinary delights for discerning travelers. This small-group tour promises an immersive exploration of the region’s ancient Etruscan and Roman heritage, from the well-preserved ruins of Volterra to the iconic medieval towers of San Gimignano. Beyond the historic sites, guests will savor the flavors of the local terroir, with a guided wine tasting and artisanal snacks at a renowned winery. With comfortable transportation and live commentary, this comprehensive itinerary provides a seamless gateway into the heart of Tuscany’s timeless allure. What secrets might this enchanting journey uncover?

Key Points

• This small-group tour offers an immersive exploration of Tuscany’s countryside, including visits to the ancient town of Volterra and the UNESCO-listed city of San Gimignano.
• The tour includes a wine tasting and snacks at a local winery, providing an opportunity to sample the region’s renowned wines.
• Round-trip transportation via air-conditioned coach and live commentary are included, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and operates daily from March 2, 2020, to July 28, 2025, with pickups and drop-offs at the port of Livorno.
• The tour is subject to minimum participation requirements, and admission fees and lunch are not included.

Tour Overview

This comprehensive, small-group tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of Tuscany’s captivating countryside, showcasing the region’s rich history, charming towns, and renowned viniculture.

Over the course of a full day, the tour takes travelers to the ancient town of Volterra, where they’ll discover Etruscan ruins and Roman relics.

Next, guests will visit a local winery for a tasting and snacks, providing a taste of Tuscany’s renowned wine culture.

The tour then proceeds to the UNESCO-listed city of San Gimignano, famous for its iconic medieval towers.

Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy round-trip transportation via air-conditioned coach and live commentary from a professional guide or driver, ensuring an enriching and seamless experience.

Additional Details

The tour operates daily from March 2, 2020 to July 28, 2025, with pickups and drop-offs at the port of Livorno.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, unless the reservation is made within 7 days of travel. However, the tour is subject to minimum participation requirements, and the possibility of cancellation exists if these aren’t met.

Guests should note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Additional important logistics include starting the tour from the coach parking area within the port, not the city center.

What’s Included

The tour includes a wine tasting and snacks at a local farmhouse, as well as live commentary onboard the air-conditioned vehicle.

With a professional escort/guide for groups larger than 8 passengers, or an English-speaking driver for smaller groups, this small-group tour ensures a personalized experience for no more than 30 participants, with an average of 15 passengers.

The package includes:

1. Wine tasting and snacks at a local farmhouse.
2. Live commentary on board the air-conditioned vehicle.
3. Small-group tour with a maximum of 30 participants and an average of 15 passengers.

The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Tuscany’s countryside, allowing guests to enjoy the region’s rich history, culture, and renowned winemaking traditions.

What’s Not Included

Gratuities, admission fees, and lunch aren’t included in the tour package.

While the wine tasting and snacks at a local farmhouse are covered, travelers will need to pay for any additional expenses they incur during the tour. This includes entry fees to visit the ancient town of Volterra and the UNESCO-listed city of San Gimignano.

On top of that, participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own lunch, as it isn’t provided as part of the tour.

These out-of-pocket costs allow the tour operator to keep the overall price more affordable for travelers. Guests should budget accordingly and be prepared to cover these additional expenses separately during the excursion.

Meeting Point and Logistics

On the day of the tour, travelers will meet at the Porto di Livorno, Calata Sgarallino, 1, 57100 Livorno LI, Italy, which serves as the designated meeting point.

At the end of the tour, you will return to this same location.

Guests should arrive at the scambiatore, the coach parking area inside the port, rather than the city center, as this is where the tour transportation will depart from.

The exact tour start time should be confirmed in advance with the local provider.

The meeting point logistics include:

1. Arrive at the scambiatore, the coach parking area inside the port.
2. Don’t go to the city center, as the transportation will depart from the port.
3. Confirm the exact tour start time with the local provider prior to the tour date.

Pickup and Drop-off

For this tour, pickup and drop-off takes place at the port of Livorno. Travelers will be picked up and returned to the port’s Coach Parking area, known as the scambiatore, not the city center.

Participants should plan to meet the tour group at the scambiatore location inside the port. This convenient pickup and drop-off arrangement ensures a seamless start and end to the tour.

Guests won’t have to worry about navigating to a different meeting point outside the port. The tour provider will handle the transportation, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying the highlights of Tuscany’s countryside, Volterra, and San Gimignano during the full-day excursion.

Confirmation and Cancellation

Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking, unless the reservation is made within 7 days of the travel date. In such cases, confirmation is provided immediately.

This tour has minimum numbers required, so there’s a possibility of cancellation if the requirements aren’t met.

Minimum numbers apply, so the tour may be canceled if the requirements aren’t satisfied.

The tour operates daily from March 2, 2020 to July 28, 2025.

If the tour is canceled, you’ll receive a full refund.

The tour’s confirmation and cancellation policies ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Tour Accessibility

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. The itinerary involves walking through historic towns and vineyards, which may prove challenging for those with mobility issues.

While the tour bus is equipped with air conditioning, the small-group nature and stops at various sites don’t allow for easy wheelchair navigation. Visitors should be prepared for uneven surfaces, stairs, and inclines throughout the day.

The tour provider emphasizes the importance of sturdy, comfortable footwear to fully enjoy the Tuscan countryside experience. Those with special needs are encouraged to inquire about accessibility accommodations prior to booking to ensure the tour aligns with their physical capabilities and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a wine tasting and snacks at a local farmhouse, but lunch is not provided. Guests should plan to purchase food during the tour stops.

Are There Any Stops for Bathroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes stops for bathroom breaks along the way. Travelers can use the facilities at the local winery, as well as during the visits to the towns of Volterra and San Gimignano. Comfort and convenience are priorities on this small-group Tuscany tour.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Tour Bus?

The tour bus does not provide Wi-Fi. Passengers can stay connected using their own mobile devices, but there’s no guaranteed internet access during the tour. Travelers should plan accordingly to meet their connectivity needs.

Can I Take Photos at the Winery During the Tasting?

Yes, guests can take photos at the winery during the tasting session. The tour allows ample time for guests to capture the scenic views and wine-making process at the local farmhouse. However, it’s polite to ask before taking photos of other guests.

Is the Tour Guide Able to Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

Yes, the tour guide on this Tuscany countryside tour can provide recommendations for local restaurants. They are knowledgeable about the area and can suggest good dining options based on the group’s preferences and the locations visited during the tour.

Recap

This Tuscan countryside tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore ancient Etruscan ruins, taste local wines, and discover the UNESCO-listed town of San Gimignano.

With transportation, live commentary, and a mix of historical and culinary highlights, it’s a comprehensive way to experience the beauty and cultural richness of Tuscany.