Cortona

Tours

Discover the heart of Umbria and explore the medieval town of Orvieto and the city of Assisi on a guided day trip from Florence. Visit the major sights in each city with a guide before enjoying free time to explore and shop at your leisure. After a scenic bus ride from Florence, arrive at the city of Orvieto. See the Duomo and marvel at its Gothic architecture, complete with precious mosaics and sculptures. Step inside the cathedral to gaze at its colorful stained-glass windows and coveted artwork (ticket not included). Continue to Saint Patrick’s Well and access the depths of the well with the two helical ramps for a truly unique experience (ticket not included). Lose yourself in the narrow alleys, explore the local squares lined with artisan shops and cafes, and admire the medieval architecture all around you. After some free time, return to the fully-fitted GT Coach and head to Assisi, one of Umbria’s most fascinating borgos. Follow your guide through this holy city, navigating its steep, winding alleys. Explore the famous Basilica of Saint Francis, home to some of the best-preserved frescoes painted by Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini, and Cimabue. Next, make your way to the Basilica of Saint Clare, one of the first followers of Saint Francis and founder of the Order of Poor Ladies. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to go shopping in the local small stores or simply unwind in the main square, sipping on a good coffee and taking in the ambiance. Before returning to Florence, stop by the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, a majestic church built on top of the Porziuncola, where the Franciscan movement originally started. Finally, relax during your return transfer to Florence.

You'll get settled into the kitchen, get your aprons on and then get cooking! Your local cook Simonetta will teach you everything you need to know to make some delicious pizzas and fresh pasta and she will assist you the whole time. For the pasta, you can choose between ravioli or tagliatelle. From the beginning to the end, all steps in the process will be followed. After all the dishes are prepared and cooking, you will be able to enjoy a rest by walking in the garden. From the garden you will enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the Valdichiana valley. The garden is beautiful, and full of a wide variety of roses that you'll be able to enjoy as you stroll around the gardens. When the weather is nice, lunch or dinner can be served on the terrace so you can admire the sunset (in case of dinner) over the Tuscan hills, accompanied by the chirping of birds. Of course, you will also be able to enjoy a good glass of wine from the wine list of over 85 local Tuscan wines.

Our e-bike tour through the Val d'Orcia also includes visits to some of the region's most iconic landmarks, including the 500-year-old Giardino in San Quirico. This stunning garden is a true masterpiece of Italian design and is sure to take your breath away. Another highlight of the tour is the visit to the Chapel of Vitaleta, a beautiful stone chapel that stands in a picturesque countryside setting. This iconic landmark has been featured in many postcards and photographs, and its beauty is truly awe-inspiring. As you continue your journey through the Val d'Orcia, you'll also have the chance to explore the Campi Elisi the most breathtaking and iconic landscapes in the region. These stunning fields are filled with colorful wildflowers, and their beauty is unmatched by anything else in the world. With our expert guide leading the way, you'll have the chance to discover all of these amazing landmarks and more during your e-bike tour through the Val d'Orcia. If you're looking for other guided tours in the area, don't worry. In addition to Pienza, you can find similar experiences in Cortona, Arezzo, Castiglion Fiorentino, and Montepulciano. And if you desire a personalized experience, simply contact us, and we'll create a tailor-made tour just for you. Don't miss the opportunity to have a unique and unforgettable experience in beautiful Tuscany!

Meet your local tour leader by Porta Romana, central Florence & travel for an hour and a half by private 8 seat mini-van through the beautiful Tuscan countryside enjoyed by generations on the movie screen. Our first destination is the charming hilltop town of Cortona, famous for its olive groves and immortalized by Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun. Explore the narrow streets, artisan stores, and landmarks featured in Frances Mayes' beloved novel. Who knows, you might even start your own Italian love story! Next, we travel just 40 minutes from Cortona to a picturesque local farm nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Here, Cinta Senese pigs roam semi-wild, thriving on natural feed. Stroll among olive trees and vineyards before savoring the farm's exceptional products in a tasting board we have organised for you —cured meats and bruschetta made from garden-fresh ingredients, paired with their own wine. This unforgettable experience will leave lasting memories. We then head to the famous MONTEPULCIANO , where vampires converge in Twilight Saga: New Moon. This beautiful walled town is also home to the renowned Montepulciano DOCG wine. Enjoy a complimentary tasting of local wines and products in a 14th-century underground cellar. Your guide will provide local insights, information about specific film scenes, and other attractions, allowing you free time to explore the town at your leisure. After exploring Montepulciano, unwind in our comfortable van as we journey through the breathtaking Val d'Orcia. Marvel at the stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and iconic cypress trees. With ample time to relax, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting region. Our last stop is the medieval town of Siena, the backdrop for movies like Letters to Juliet and Stealing Beauty. Prepare to be amazed by Siena's charm, with its narrow streets, local artisans, and medieval squares glowing in the setting sun. We will have then 1 hour ride and we will finally head back to Florence for approximately 8:00pm.

Participant Requirements: This is a shared tour. We limit the group to a maximum of 2/3 bookings to ensure comfort for everyone. If you do not feel confident on a bicycle, contact us before booking to avoid inconvenience during the tour. eBike Tour: Explore Cortona on an eBike, traversing cobbled streets and historic routes, discovering hidden gems and breathtaking views inspired by the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun." Riding Comfort: Our eBikes offer powerful assistance, allowing you to enjoy the Tuscan countryside without the physical effort of a traditional bicycle. The tour is 3 hours long, about 12/14 km (9 miles) with a 300 m (900 feet) elevation change, which we always adapt based on our guests. This is a short touristic tour.

As we embark on our e-bike tour through the charming Val di Chiana, we'll witness the sublime beauty of the Tuscan countryside that stretches between Cortona and Montepulciano. During the tour, we'll have the opportunity to distinguish between the unique characteristics of Val di Chiana Aretina and Val di Chiana Senese, as we venture along peaceful white gravel roads, far from the commotion of traffic and tourists. Our tour will take us on a loop, affording us the chance to admire the flourishing wheat crops and immaculate vineyards that dot the landscape. As we meander through the countryside, we'll be greeted by vibrant wildflowers and breathtaking vistas that will leave us feeling as though we've stepped into a dream. On our way back, we'll visit a local farm and winery for a delightful wine tasting experience. Indulge in the region's finest wines paired with a light lunch, all for approximately €40 per person, payable directly at the winery. With our expert guide leading the way, you'll have the chance to discover all of these amazing landmarks and more during your e-bike tour through the Val di Chiana. So come and join us for an unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy. If you're looking for other guided tours in the area, don't worry. In addition to this, you can find similar experiences in Cortona (up in the hill town), Arezzo, Pienza, and Castiglion Fiorentino. And if you desire a personalized experience, simply contact us, and we'll create a tailor-made tour just for you. Don't miss the opportunity to have a unique and unforgettable experience in beautiful Tuscany!

Let yourself be carried away by the intense colors, enchanting melodies and aromas of cinnamon, cloves and chocolate that fill the air, spreading a pleasant euphoria. You can't miss a stop at the Duomo, the Church of San Domenico with Cimabue's famous Crucifix, and the Prato Gardens, where a large bright plane tree will welcome you to the Mercatino delle Meraviglie. This enchanted place, filled with music and lights, offers little wooden houses scented with sweet surprises and heart-warming light installations. Continuing on to Piazza Grande, you will be greeted by the typical scents of the Tyrolean Market and the evocative projections that transform the square into a light show. At the Pieve di Santa Maria, you can admire a nativity scene inside the crypt (available from December), while in the Badia delle SS. Flora e Lucilla you will find a fascinating mechanical nativity scene.

Cortona is a town which is certainly easy to love for everyone. This is mainly because of its atmosphere, its Etruscan past, its lovely medieval city center, and its fantastic views. Your experience begins as your professional local guide takes you on a private walking of the historical center of Cortona which will take you back in time. The tour features Piazza della Repubblica - the main square dating back to the Roman age, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo - the residence of Cardinal Passerini during the 16th century, and the Palazzo Comunale - which dates back to the 12th century. Traveling further, encounter Palazzo Casali and Teatro Signorelli, which is a typical theater in a Neoclassical style still in use for the local theater season. The town’s cathedral will be also be a part of your walking tour, complete with its charming views.

Meet your English-speaking driver at your hotel on a comfortable Mercedes-Benz to start the journey to the beautiful Cortona. Enclosed by stonewalls dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, Cortona sits on the top of a hill. This dominant position over the valley offers a spectacular view from all over the town of the surrounding valley and even Lake Trasimeno. The town has become very popular in the past decade thanks to the book by Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun (and the movie with Diane Lane) which is set in Cortona. You will have time to relax or explore the area, the driver will suggest the best things to do in the area.  Leave at 11:30AM for have a delicious light lunch at a family winery. Continue then to Montepulciano on a relaxing 30 minute drive on the hills surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Of course your driver can stop the car at anytime you want if you wish to take photos. Arrive at the charming Montepulciano around 2:00PM. This is a medieval hill town of rare beauty full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, charming squares and hidden corners. Montepulciano has received lots of attention following the filming of the vampire saga Twilight sequel New Moon here and has seen a notable increase in visitors. A walk through Montepulciano is the best way to view the town as well as enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside covered by vineyards producing the famous Nobile which is possible to taste in the many wine shops located within the city's walls.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the estate offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Italian countryside. Amongst the rolling hills, majestic landscape and its timeless architecture, the Buccelletti Casali e Cantina is committed to providing visitors with an experience that is truly authentic. The Buccelletti Casali e Cantina offers a wide range of services and activities which allow you to better understand the culture of Tuscany and to let you enjoy the most rewarding experience of your time in Italy. From wine and food tastings to grape harvesting, or hikes in the beautiful Tuscan hills to a unique medieval dinner, your stay with us will be different from any other and truly unforgettable. The easiest way to get to know and become a part of a family is to sit at the table with them. Our tasting philosophy starts with this idea: to taste our Tuscan wine and spirits while embarking on a story of our past, present and future. We have tour options that also include a tour of the estate, winery and the vineyards. Enjoy a private tour of the property including the family chapel which dates back to 1625, cellar, vineyards and historic olive mill. The experience continues sitting under our porch with a tasting of 3 wines of your choice with a plate of fresh bread and our Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The tasting room is open from Monday to Saturday. Sunday the winery is closed Summer time: 10:00am – 7:00 pm