Escape the hustle and bustle of Florence and discover the heart of Tuscany with a visit to the enchanting Val D'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Val d'Orcia, TuscanyDiscover the postcard views of the green, rolling hills in Val d'Orcia. Meet your friendly, local tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Grab a seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will shortly depart for the scenic beauty of Val d'Orcia! During the picturesque drive, your guide will dive into some interesting information about the towns and lush land of the Valley. The drive to Val d'Orcia will take about two hours.
Montalcino, Val d'OrciaAfter driving through the spellbinding, Tuscan hills, you will be itching to explore one of the fairytale towns! Your first stop will be Montalcino, the land of world-renowned Brunello wine. Follow your guide uphill into the town, as you stroll through labyrinths of cobblestone, medieval streets. Your guide will lead you to a famous Brunello winery. A local producer will lead you through the winery, as he or she explains the secrets of Brunello production. Then, indulge in some samples of some of the finest wines in Italy! Cheers!
Pienza, Val d'OrciaAfter your journey through the rolling hills, you will arrive in Pienza, standing upon a hill and dominating the Orcia Valley with extraordinary views! Your guide will explain that Pienza is different from other towns in Tuscany, as it was rebuilt to be an idealist-Renaissance town by order of Pope Pius II. Enjoy exploring Pienza at your leisure - admire the atmosphere of harmony and peace that surrounds you.
Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, Val d'OrciaVal d'Orcia stands out in Tuscany as being home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. If you have ever seen a postcard from Tuscany, it most likely was a photo from Val d'Orcia! Your bus driver will bring you by some of the famous landscapes, so be sure to have your camera ready! Your guide will point out the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta, one of the most photographed spots in Tuscany. This small chapel contrasts magically with the bright, green rolling hills, and it is perfectly framed with a line of cyprus trees. Legend has it that this was the exact spot where Virgin Mary appeared to the shepherds.
The bus will also drive by the gladiator's home in Ridley Scott's Academy Award-winning “Gladiator.” Although the film primarily focuses on Rome, the gladiator character (played by Russel Crowe) heads home in a serene paradise surrounded by rolling, green hills and cyprus trees. Your guide will explain that this tiny slice of heaven was filmed in Val d'Orcia!A picturesque Medieval town where the delicious Noble wine is produced
Montepulciano, Val d'OrciaThe last stop of your tour in Val d'Orcia will bring you to Montepulciano, home to the exquisite Vino Nobile vineyards. More recently, the town also became a popular destination, as it is where the vampire movie, "New Moon,'' was filmed. Spend an hour discovering the most elegant village in Val D'Orcia - full of magnificent palaces, Renaissance buildings, and imposing churches.
There is no better way to finish a tour of Tuscany than with a wine tasting! Meet back with your group, and follow your guide to a wonderful winery in the historical heart of Montalcino. Follow a local producer into the fragrant wine cellar, and learn all about the Nobile wine making process. Then, savor the flavors of the famous Nobile wine! This tasting will be accompanied by some light snacks, made from fresh, local ingredients. Then, purchase any last-minute souvenirs before heading back to Florence.
Piazzale Montelungo, FlorenceThe bus will take you back to Florence, and you will arrive back in the early evening. Don't miss out on this magical opportunity to explore the postcard scenery and picturesque, hilltop towns of Val d'Orcia!