Wine Tasting: Land of Brunello
DISCOVER PIENZA, MONTALCINO, THE TEMPLE OF BRUNELLO WINE AND SANT'ANTIMO ABBEY WITH GOURMET LUNCH AND WINE TASTING
Do you keep seeing postcards of Tuscan landscapes with rolling hills and rows of cypress trees but you are not sure of where to find them? Do you have a passion for wine and dream about tasting the best ones while in Italy? Join this full-day trip to Val d’Orcia to get the chance to finally travel through the most iconic Tuscan countryside and taste wine in the incredible Temple of Brunello in Montalcino.
The first stop of the day is the town of Pienza, around one hour and a half drive from Florence. Enjoy some free time to explore this “ideal Renaissance city” that presides over the Val D’Orcia valley from its commanding hilltop position. In the heart of the historic center you will find Piazza Pio II with its honey-colored buildings, the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, and Palazzo Piccolomini. Not to be missed are the incredible views over the valley from the tiny pedestrian street the runs from the left side of the Duomo! Before getting back on the bus, be sure to leave time to pop into the local botteghe scattered around the main street: they are filled with crafts and local delicacies, perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
Then we will head to Montalcino, the Medieval town par excellence dominated by its massive fortress and home to the renowned Brunello red wine. Breathe in the peaceful atmosphere and step back in time while strolling down its steep alleys. There will be time to explore and stop for a coffee in the main square, Piazza del Popolo to recharge your batteries before visiting the Temple of Brunello.
Next up is a unique experience inside the monumental complex of the former convent of Sant’Agostino, which now houses the Temple of Brunello: an interactive museum that will take you on a multi-sensory journey through local history and culture to discover the pillars of the production of Brunello di Montalcino. But that’s not all!
Top off the visit with a tasting to finally understand why Brunello is referred to as the King of Sangiovese wines. Waiting for us in the cloister of the Temple will be a sumptuously laid table, so get ready to enjoy a delicious lunch of gourmet dishes carefully paired with local wine. Let the chef’s creativity inspire you as the explosion of flavors perfectly combines with the richness of the best Tuscan wines.
The final stop of our adventure will be Sant’Antimo Abbey. A short drive along a panoramic road through wheat fields, ancient olive groves and vineyards will lead us to the abbey. The abbey is a Benedictine church founded, according to legend, by the great Charlemagne in the IX Century.
After a quick visit, it’s unfortunately time to head back to Florence, but only after one last toast. Let’s raise a glass to an unforgettable day as we farewell the postcard perfect hills of Val d’Orcia.
TOUR DETAILS
INCLUDES:
- Roundtrip journey by fully-fitted GT Coach
- Expert multilingual escort
- Free time in Pienza and Montalcino
- Entrance to the Temple of Brunello museum in Montalcino
- Gourmet lunch in Temple’s cloister with wine tasting (three glasses of local wine)
OPTIONAL ENTRANCE FEE:
- Entrance to Sant’Antimo Abbey with audioguide (if selected)
- Entrance to Palazzo Pubblico in Pienza (if selected)
NOTES AND ADVICE
- Comfortable shoes are recommended
- Please let us know in advance any special need or impaired mobility of the clients and we will do our best to accomodate them.
- Please, note that the given order of the visits may vary
- Please, inform us of any food intolerance or allergy in advance
MEETING POINT
Clients are requested to arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before the tour departure. The time of your tour can be found in the booking calendar when you select your tour and also on your confirmation voucher.
Meeting Point: TOURS & NEWS KIOSK AT PIAZZALE MONTELUNGO BUS TERMINAL. Located at 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Look for our staff wearing a FUCHSIA CIAOFLORENCE JACKET and holding a CIAOFLORENCE CLIPBOARD!
NOTE
This tour is offered by Ciao Florence Tours and Travels srl. The confirmation of your booking will be immediate and will come from Ciao Florence. Please make sure you insert your email and contact details correctly to receive your tour confirmation and departure voucher.
For more information about the terms and conditions associated with this booking please read the Important Information section below.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
REGULAR TOURS – GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
TOURS
Tours can be performed in various languages.
Clients are requested to arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before the tour departure.
No refund will be given to those clients who do not show up at the meeting point at the set time or to clients who lose contact with the guide or who do not complete the tour.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Free cancellation within 48 hours prior the tour departure, unless noted otherwise.
Please note that all the tours by train are not refundable once booked.
CANCELLATION BY THE TOUR OPERATOR
When, for any reason, the Tour Operator cancels the excursion, the client has the right to claim reimbursement, only of the sum paid.
In case of unforeseen circumstances (strikes, road conditions, weather, etc) Ciaoflorence may modify the itinerary with alternative solutions maintaining the duration and quality of the service.
DISPUTES
Any complaint by the client must be communicated in writing to Ciaoflorence staff within and no later than 10 business days after the date of the tour.
Complaints or disputes that cannot be resolved amicably between the client and the Tour Operator, shall be referred to the Florence Court.