Palazzo Piccolomini

Discover the medieval villages of Tuscany on this full-day guided tour from Florence. Browse the historic center of Pienza and the fortress of Montalcino. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and three wine tastings at the Temple of Brunello. Explore the Sant'Antimo Abbey with an audio guide and the Palazzo Pubblico. Start the tour in Pienza with free time to explore the first ideal city of the Renaissance. Tour the historic center from Piazza Pio II, the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, and Palazzo Piccolomini. If you select the option for the Palazzo Pubblico, enter the former residence of the Priors. Head to Montalcino, a perfectly preserved medieval town with a massive fortress. Start in the former convent of Sant’Agostino, which now houses the Temple of Brunello interactive museum. Travel through local history and culture to discover the production of the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine. Top off the visit with a tasting of the famous Tuscan Brunello and lunch in the cloister of the Temple of Brunello. Let the chef’s creativity inspire you as the explosion of flavors perfectly combines with the richness of the best Tuscan wines. Close your adventure with a visit to Sant’Antimo Abbey, a Benedictine church founded, according to legend, by Charlemagne in the ninth century. See the scenic clearing surrounded by wheat fields, ancient olive trees, and vineyards. Raise a final glass to the day’s adventures before returning to Florence.

A visit with the audioguide allows you to discover the inner courtyard of this wonderful palace, built as an expression of the interrelations between man and nature. Wander through the hanging garden and the charming rooms of the Palazzo Piccolomini and the Palazzo Borgia, then enjoy a breathtaking view from the loggia over the Orcia Valley.  Palazzo Piccolomini was the summer residence of Pope Pius II, and is part of a complex that includes the cathedral and the square, commissioned by the Pope and built in 1459 by famed architect Bernardo Rossellino, student of Leon Battista Alberti. The rooms on the main floor are furnished with period furniture, paintings and other furnishings, testimony to a past that still remains intact. Part of the Bishop’s Palace together with the palace of Cardinal Francesco Jouffroy of Arras, Palazzo Borgia, once owned by Cardinal Rodrigo, future Pope Alexander VI, overlooks the square. Pienza is also known as having the first roof garden of the Renaissance, with views of the Val d'Orcia and Mount Amiata.

Explore the beautiful towns of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano! Enjoy two different wine tastings and savour the famous flavors of fresh Pecorino cheese! The tour starts with a wine tasting in Montalcino, the land of the world-renowned Brunello wine. Here, you will be enchanted by the outstanding charm of a special wine cellar. Next, make your way through the picturesque streets to the peak of the town, where a magnificent sight will take your breath away: sunny rolling hills, ancient oaks, picturesque olive groves, scenic country roads winding through perfect vineyards, and isolated cypress trees. Be sure to have your camera ready! The next stop will be Pienza, the "ideal city" built in the 15th century by the famous architect Bernardo Rossellino at the behest of Pope Pius II. You can admire architectural jewels such as the Duomo and Palazzo Piccolomini, where the famous film of Romeo and Juliet by Zeffirelli was shot, as well as one of the most beautiful and evocative panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia. The last stop will bring you to Montepulciano, home of the famous Vino Nobile vineyards and, more recently, famous for the filming of the vampire movie "New Moon." Enjoy a wine and pecorino cheese tasting while visiting a real dungeon, where the wine is historically stored under the ancient walls of the winery, before heading back to Florence.

Uncover the secrets of the hilltop village of Pienza on this guided walking tour. Visit the Assunta Cathedral and view Piccolomini palace and the Bishop's Palace. Immerse yourself in picturesque alleys lined with shops where you can purchase crafts, food, and wine. Meet your guide at the entrance to Pienza cathedral in the Piazza Pio II square where you can view the Duomo church, Piccolomini palace, the Bishop's Palace, and the ornately decorated Pozzo dei Cani well.  Enter the Cathedral of Assunta to view 14th-century paintings by Sienese painters. See the cathedral's Renaissance-style octagonal bell tower. Have the option to purchase entry to the Piccolomini palace which was the summer residence of Pope Pius II. Make your way to the historic Comunale and Borgia palaces. Pass by ancient convents. Finish your tour with a tasting of typical local products like pecorino and salami. Pair your food with selected wines from the region like Chianti, Montalcino or Montepulciano.

Take a guided tour through the renaissance village of Pienza and see why it's so often used as a set for films and series. Explore historic sites, see breathtaking views over the Orcia Valley, and visit picturesque shops selling local delicacies such as pecorino, Chianina meat, and pici pasta. Start the tour from the town center at the beautiful Piazza Pio II square and see the Pienza Cathedral, the Palazzo Piccolomini, and the elegant well, Pozzo dei Cani. If you wish to buy an entry ticket to explore any of the attractions on the tour, you'll have time to do so. Visit the renaissance masterpiece, the Cathedral of Assunta, home to famous paintings by renowned artists, and see its beautiful bell tower rising above the ancient crypt. Then discover the stunning renaissance jewel, the Palazzo Piccolomini, the summer residence of Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II), which was built in 1459. Experience its hanging garden and admire a truly idyllic view across the valley. End the tour with a walk along the streets of the village, taking in the views of the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Borgia, and ancient convents.

Let's gather in Florence with your expert multilingual guide and board our comfortable Coach. Sit back, relax, and prepare for an adventure as we leave the city center and head south. Watch the landscape shift from Florence's noble palaces to the pristine nature of the Orcia Valley, a World Heritage Site since 2004. Our first stop is Pienza, about an hour and a half from Florence. Take some free time to explore this "ideal city" of the Renaissance, perched above the valley with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Start your tour at Piazza Pio II, featuring honey-colored buildings, the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, and Palazzo Piccolomini. Continue past the Duomo's apse and down a pedestrian street to enjoy the breathtaking view. If you chose the option when booking, your visit includes a ticket to Palazzo Pubblico, the former residence of the Priors, now the town hall. Before we head back to the bus, don't miss the chance to explore local shops and sample regional delicacies or pick up a souvenir from Pienza. Next, we travel to Montalcino, a quintessential medieval town dominated by a massive fortress. In about thirty minutes, we arrive in the heart of Brunello country, where you'll have free time to explore the authentic Val d’Orcia village. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and wander through the steep alleys. Consider stopping for coffee in Piazza del Popolo before visiting the Temple of Brunello in the former Sant’Agostino convent. This interactive museum offers an immersive journey into the history and culture of Montalcino's renowned red wine, Brunello di Montalcino. Conclude your visit with a tasting of this famous wine, accompanied by a delicious lunch featuring dishes paired with three local wines. Let the chef's creations and the rich flavors of Tuscan wines delight you. Our final stop is the Sant’Antimo Abbey, a short drive from Montalcino. Travel along a scenic country road through vineyards to a picturesque clearing surrounded by wheat fields and ancient olive trees. Here lies the charming Benedictine Sant’Antimo Abbey, said to be founded by Charlemagne in the 9th century. After a quick visit, we'll head back to Florence, ending the day with a final toast to the unforgettable experiences and the beautiful rolling hills of Val d’Orcia.