Florence: Valdorcia Wine, Brunello Montalcino, Montepulciano

The tour departs from Florence and heads into the luscious surrounds of Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site since 2004. As you travel to the first destination of the day, feel immersed in the region’s breathtaking landscapes, which were a source of inspiration for many Renaissance painters. Arrive at Montalcino, a locally owned family-run winery with an immensely welcoming atmosphere. Settle into the winery as if you were at home and learn everything there is to know about Brunello di Montalcino wine, vineyard techniques, the wine making process, wine aging, and how to appreciate wine properly. Enjoy a tasting session of the winery’s wines and try to pick up the flavors that are unique to this region. After the wine tasting, head to the nearby Papal village of Pienza, famous for its delicious Pecorino cheese. Here, enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch in the colorful gardens of a former convent that dates back to the 15th century (April to October only). In winter season, lunch will be served inside at the restaurant). Following lunch, spend some free time exploring the town, wander around its historic center, and visit the famous cheese shops to pick up a tasty souvenir. Continue onto Montepulciano next, the final stop of the tour. Famous worldwide for its Vino Nobile wine, Montepulciano is a quintessential medieval Tuscan village with vast green landscapes marked by rolling hills and castle walls. Follow your guide for a tour of the village’s historical cellar, known locally as the ‘underground city’ and then enjoy another wine tasting session along with a sampling of delicious olive oils and other food specialties. At the end of the tasting there’s enough time to visit the main square to take some photos of the breathtaking landscape before returning to Florence.