Private day trip from Florence to experience three wonderful cities in the heart of Tuscany: Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza, surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Orcia Valley.
Your day tour to Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza, begins in the morning with the meeting of your private driver in the lobby of your hotel in Florence.
Your driver takes you to the Tuscan area south of Siena, where in the suggestive landscape of the Val d'Orcia are the three beautiful medieval towns of Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza, where you will have time to explore at your leisure and guided visit prestigious wineries in Montalcino and Montepulciano with guided tastings of their fine wines, including Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano.
Montalcino is a pretty village, where Romanesque-Gothic architecture prevails, dominated by the fourteenth-century Rocca Medicea which houses an Enoteca that offers for sale almost all the most representative Brunello of the area.
The vineyards are mainly cultivated with Sangiovese, a clone of Sangiovese known as Sangiovese Grosso, so called due to the thickness of the skin.
Brunello di Montalcino was born from the inspiration of Ferruccio Biondi – Santi, who sensed the aging potential of Sangiovese grosso to obtain a full, structured and full-bodied wine: Brunello di Montalcino which has been one of the best Italian wines for over 150 years.
Today the golden hill of Montalcino, thanks to its terroir, good climatic conditions and huge capital investments, represents the most successful reality in the Italian wine sector.
Brunello - the crème de la crème of Italian enology - really shows its potential: wonderful elegance combined with excellent potency and concentration of taste and aroma, with hints of spice. Brunello never wants to be "a light drink".
In Montalcino guided tour of a winery followed by a tasting of Montalcino wines including the famous Brunello.
Between Montalcino and Montepulciano stands Pienza, a rare example of a Renaissance city in the heart of the Val d'Orcia. Director Franco Zeffirelli used the romantic city as a film set for Romeo and Juliet.
Strolling in the center of Pienza you will appreciate this town was completely redesigned by Pope Pius II, supported by the architect Bernardo Rossellino in 1459. This new vision of the urban space was realized in the superb square called Piazza Pio II and in the surrounding buildings: Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Borgia and the Cathedral where Renaissance and Gothic styles merge.
Montepulciano is an ancient Etruscan settlement, transformed into a fortified village in the Middle Ages and surrounded by walls and fortifications designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder in 1511 during the Medici domination.
The town has an unusually harmonious aspect, the main square with the Cathedral; absolutely worth seeing are the elegant Palazzo de 'Nobili-Tauragi, the austere Palazzo Comunale and the splendid Renaissance Church of San Biagio.
The town is known for the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, another son of the Sangiovese vine locally called Prugnolo Gentile, a full-bodied ruby red.
The Vino Nobile is a vibrant intense ruby red, with a nose rich in cherry and raspberry fruit. Your guided tour of a Montepulciano winery will be followed by a tasting of Montepulciano wines including the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
DETAILS
Duration
11 hours
Departure Time:
Morning
Pick up and drop off point:
At the lobby of your hotel in Florence.
Price include:
- Private Mercedes car (for your party from 1 to 2 persons)
- Private Minivan (for your party from 3 to 6 persons)
- Professional English speaking driver
- Montalcino winery guided visit with wine tastings
- Montepulciano winery guided visit with wine tastings
Price does not include:
- Gratuities (optional)
- Meals and beverage.
On Request:
Rates for more of 6 persons
F.A.Q.
- Why is Montepulciano so famous?
Montepulciano is famous for several reasons, primarily related to its wine, history, and picturesque surroundings:
1. Wine Production: Montepulciano is renowned for producing high-quality wine, particularly the red wine known as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This wine has a rich history dating back to the medieval times and is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. The region's favorable climate and soil conditions contribute to the quality of the wine.
2. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: This wine has gained international recognition and is considered one of Italy's finest red wines. It has a deep ruby-red color, a complex flavor profile with notes of dark fruits, herbs, and spices, and a smooth, velvety texture. Its aging potential also adds to its allure.
3. Historical Significance: Montepulciano is a town rich in history and culture. Its medieval and Renaissance architecture, including churches, palaces, and fortifications, attract visitors from around the world. The town's historical center is well-preserved and offers glimpses into its past, with notable landmarks such as the Palazzo Comunale, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of San Biagio. Montepulciano's strategic location in Tuscany also played a role in its historical importance, as it was situated along important trade routes and was a center of political and economic activity during various periods of history.
4. Cultural Heritage: The town hosts various cultural events, including festivals, concerts, and exhibitions, which celebrate its artistic and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore museums, art galleries, and theaters showcasing the region's rich cultural traditions.
5. Scenic Beauty: Montepulciano is situated amidst the stunning landscape of Tuscany, characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. Its picturesque setting attracts tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Italian countryside.
6. Culinary Delights: In addition to its wine, Montepulciano offers a diverse culinary scene, with traditional Tuscan cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can indulge in authentic dishes paired with local wines, enhancing their overall experience.
Overall, Montepulciano's combination of exceptional wine production and rich historical heritage has contributed to its enduring fame and popularity among travelers and wine enthusiasts alike.
- What is the difference between Montalcino and Montepulciano wines?
Montalcino and Montepulciano are both famous wine-producing regions in Italy, but they produce different types of wine from different grape varieties.
Montalcino is known for its Brunello di Montalcino wine, which is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. Brunello di Montalcino is a robust and full-bodied red wine with rich flavors of dark fruit, earth, and spice. It is aged for a minimum of four years, with at least two years spent in oak barrels.
On the other hand, Montepulciano is known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine, which is made primarily from the Sangiovese grape variety known locally as Prugnolo Gentile. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is also a red wine, but it tends to be softer and more approachable in its youth compared to Brunello di Montalcino. It typically exhibits flavors of cherry, plum, and herbs, with a smooth texture.
Montalcino: The wines of Montalcino, particularly Brunello di Montalcino, are made primarily from the Sangiovese grape variety, known locally as Sangiovese Grosso. This grape is prized for its thick skin and rich flavor profile, contributing to the intense and complex character of Brunello di Montalcino.
Montepulciano: Despite the name similarity, Montepulciano wines are not made from the Montepulciano grape variety, which is common in central and southern Italy. Instead, Montepulciano wines, particularly Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, are predominantly made from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile. Other permitted grape varieties in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano include Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo.
Montalcino: Brunello di Montalcino is known for its strict production regulations. The wine must be made entirely from Sangiovese grapes and aged for a minimum of four years, with at least two years spent in oak barrels. This extended aging process contributes to the wine's complexity, structure, and aging potential.
Montepulciano: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano follows similar aging regulations as Brunello di Montalcino, with a minimum aging period of two years. However, the wine can be a blend of Sangiovese grapes (minimum 70%) along with other permitted varieties. The aging process in oak barrels helps to soften the wine's tannins and enhance its aromatic profile.
Montalcino: The history of winemaking in Montalcino can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the region was known for its wine production. However, the modern reputation of Montalcino as a premier wine-producing area is largely attributed to the success of Brunello di Montalcino, which gained international acclaim in the 20th century.
Montepulciano: Winemaking in Montepulciano has ancient origins, dating back to the Etruscans and later the Romans. The region's winemaking traditions were further developed during the Renaissance. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of Italy's oldest wine appellations, receiving official recognition in 1966 as one of the country's first DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wines.
So, in summary, the main difference lies in the grape varieties used and the style of wine produced. Montalcino produces Brunello di Montalcino from Sangiovese grapes, while Montepulciano produces Vino Nobile di Montepulciano primarily from Sangiovese grapes as well, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile.
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