Welcome to Central Tuscany
When people imagine classic Tuscan countryside, they usually conjure up images of central Tuscany. But there's more to this popular tourist region than gently rolling hills, sun-kissed vineyards and artistically planted avenues of cypress tress. The real gems are the historic towns and cities, most of which are medieval and Renaissance time capsules magically transported to the modern day.
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Central Tuscany activities
Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tasting Tour from Siena
Leave Siena in the morning and set off in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan toward the famous wine hills of Montalcino in Italy’s Tuscany wine region. The first stop is at a small, traditional winery, where you'll walk among the vineyards, explore the cellars, and enjoy your first Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting of the day.Next, arrive in Montalcino, the hilltop town that gives its name to the region and its wines. Here, you'll have the opportunity to walk around the walls of the fortress where brave soldiers of the Republic of Siena made their last stand to Florence during battles in medieval times. Explore this captivating town independently and visit the town’s stores, taste the famous Brunello wines, or simply enjoy the incredible views overlooking the valley below. After your visit to Montalcino, continue your drive to a family-run winery, where you’ll be introduced to the owners and winemakers themselves. Visit the farm before sitting down to enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal (included) accompanied by delicious wines produced in this region.After lunch, consisting of antipasti, pasta or risotto, desert, coffee and wine tastings, visit the stunning, ancient Benedictine abbey of Sant'Antimo, a special place radiating tranquility, set in a fabulous landscape. With your expert guide, explore the inside of the abbey and learn about its fascinating history. You may get the chance to witness the monks singing Gregorian chants as you enjoy the serene natural surroundings.In the afternoon, head to a third winery, where you'll get a detailed explanation of the wine-making processes, learn about the tools used, discover how the vines are cared for, and learn about the long aging process in oak barrels that gives these wines their distinctive flavor. After visiting the cellars and getting to know the winemakers you can sit down for a last tasting of this 'Nectar of the Gods', before enjoying a relaxing ride back to Siena.
Skip the Line: Siena Duomo and City Walking Tour
To begin your walking tour of Siena, meet your friendly guide at the magnificent Basilica of San Domenico and admire its Gothic architecture constructed entirely in brick. Explore Siena’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town by foot and listen as your guide points out Palazzo Tolomei, which is said to be the oldest private palace in Siena. Next, walk to Siena's famous Piazza del Campo, a gorgeous square that represents day-to-day life of this medieval city and is widely considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. See the imposing stone tower of Palazzo Chigi Saracini, a palace erected in the mid-12th century by the powerful Marescotti family. Currently, this building is the seat of the prestigious Accademia Musicale, founded in 1923. Continue your tour to one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Italy, the Siena Duomo (Siena Cathedral), named locally as Il Duomo. After skipping the entrance line with your skip-the-line ticket, your guide will escort you into this breathtaking cathedral to see impressive masterpieces by Donatello, Bernini and Michelangelo. Admire the exquisite Gothic architecture; walk through nave arcades with Renaissance busts of popes and emperors; and marvel at the unique black-and-white-striped bell tower. After your tour, you’ll leave feeling truly enchanted.
Siena to San Gimignano and Chianti Wine Tasting Day Trip
Meet your guide in central Siena and travel north through the Tuscan countryside by air-conditioned coach. Your destination is San Gimignano, a lovely medieval town complete with old city walls and impressive towers. Perched on a hill overlooking the lush Val d’Elsa valley, the UNESCO-listed town is popular for its views, history and architecture.Learn all about the town from your guide as you travel, and then enjoy roughly 1.5 hours of free time in San Gimignano to explore at your own pace. Admire the stunning architecture around Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo, and have your camera ready for photos by the Collegiata – San Gimignano’s Romanesque cathedral. Perhaps take a stroll along the Via Francigena strip – an ancient pilgrimage road – or visit the shops to browse the locally made handicrafts and beautiful Santa Fina pottery.Meet your guide at the pre-arranged time and travel deep into the heart of Tuscany, to the famous Chianti region. Gaze out at the emerald green hills, laden with grape vines and olive groves, and stop in the postcard-perfect village in Chianti. Visit a renowned winery here for a tour, exploring the cellars, vineyards and bottling rooms of an impressive Tuscan wine estate.Hear about wine production in the Chianti area – the grapes used, the terrain and the climate – and learn about the different classifications of Tuscan wines, such as Super Tuscans and the prestigious Gallo Nero label. After your tour of the estate, sit down to sample a selection of the best!Sip on different reds and whites, noting the characteristics that set them apart from other Italian wines. While sampling and discussing the wines, tuck into a selection of typical Tuscan snacks. The dishes vary according to what’s available on the day of your tour, but you can expect delights like garlicky bruschetta, mild cheeses and Tuscan salami or ham; you won’t be disappointed!After relaxing at the winery, return to your coach for the journey back to Siena. Finish your tour in the early evening back at the start point.
Siena Vespa Tour and Chianti Winery Lunch and Wine Tasting
Meet your guide and tour escorts at your hotel, they'll drive you to Badesse where you'll put on your helmet and get acquainted with your quintessentially Italian mode of transport – a beautiful Vespa scooter! After a safety briefing and a few practice sessions to get used to the Vespa’s automatic gears, follow the lead of your guide and set off on your way. Alternatively, hop on behind one of your tour escorts if you prefer not to drive yourself. Following your guide, take a leisurely drive through the Chianti Area, passing by Lornano, Fonterutoli you'll reach Castellina in Chianti where you'll get the change to visit this Etruscan village. Half-way through the day, stop at a Chianti winery in the heart of the region to learn all about winemaking in Tuscany. Explore the vineyards and cellars with your guide, and then taste several local wines, including prestigious varieties such as Chianti Classico, Gallo Nero and Super Tuscan. After your wine-tasting session, sit down inside the winery and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch of cured meats, mild cheeses, freshly baked bread and olives, while chatting with your guide about life in the idyllic Chianti region. Then, head into the luscious Chianti hills of Tuscany, passing along quiet countryside lanes that meander through medieval villages and flower-filled fields. If you’ve chosen to share your scooter with a traveling companion, there will be plenty of breaks factored in to stop and switch drivers, or to simply stretch your legs while soaking up the views. Spend some free time here relaxing in the sunshine before driving back into Badesse where you'll leave your Vespa and your driver will drop you off back to your Hotel in Siena.
Small-Group Montepulciano and Pienza Day Trip from Siena
Meet your friendly guide in central Siena and head out of town in a comfortable minivan on one of Tuscany's panoramic roads, passing through the characteristic clay hills known as the Crete Senesi. Arrive first in the beautiful town of Pienza, which was entirely planned out by Pope Pius II, the humanist pope, to be the ideal Renaissance town. Pienza is rightly considered the gem of the Val d’Orcia region; the town and the entire Val d’Orcia are World Heritage Sites. You'll have time to spend at leisure here, so make the most of it by shopping or exploring the pretty alleyways of this small town at your leisure. As you leave Pienza, enjoy the fantastic views of Tuscany’s famous picture-perfect scenery.Your next stop is a local dairy farm, where you’ll feast on a wholesome and refreshing lunch (included) of fresh ingredients mostly produced on the farm. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of Italy’s salty Pecorino cheese, hear about the cheese-making process, visit the farm’s animals and learn about the lifestyle of the area. In the afternoon, travel to Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s biggest hill towns, located on a steep hill overlooking the amazing landscape of the Tuscany-Umbria border. With your guide, take a short walk around town to see the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. You’ll then have free time to visit the town’s many stores, palaces or churches. On request, visit a winery to enjoy a tasting of Montepulciano’s renowned wine and tour the wine cellars before your relaxing ride back to Siena.
Small-Group San Gimignano and Volterra Day Trip from Siena
Leave Siena in the morning and head northwest by comfortable minivan toward San Gimignano. On your way, stop at the medieval Fortress of Monteriggioni, a captivating Tuscan hill town that is one of the few whose medieval city walls remain completely intact. Walk around the stone walls encircling this charming town and learn about the area’s interesting history from your guide.From Monteriggioni, continue to the beautiful hill town of San Gimignano -- undoubtedly the highlight of your trip. Walk down the Via Francigena strip that runs through the town as your guide explains the history of this ancient pilgrimage road said to link Rome to Canterbury in England. Learn how in bygone times, Christian pilgrims would travel between cities in Italy, Switzerland, France and England on this road.After tracing the pilgrim's steps down Via Francigena, you'll have time for independent sightseeing in San Gimignano. This gorgeous, UNESCO World Heritage-listed town is as famous for its medieval architecture as it is for its scenic views. See beautiful monuments in Piazza del Duomo, or search the local shops for quality saffron spice that the town produces, known locally as ‘red gold.’ Perhaps check out Palazzo Communale and climb up Torre Grossa (own expense). The climb is steep but worthwhile -- simply for the panoramic views of Tuscany from the top!Break for lunch at a traditional, family-run farm just outside of San Gimignano, and indulge in a Tuscan feast! Your friendly Italian hosts will treat you to scrumptious platters of home-grown delicacies prepared with organic saffron, accompanied by chilled Vernaccia white wine.In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive farther south to Volterra. The fascinating Tuscan city is renowned for its alabaster -- the translucent stone used for centuries to create vases, lamps and other works of art. On the way, visit an authentic alabaster workshop and watch an artisan craftsman at work. In Volterra itself, you'll have approximately one hour to spend at leisure to explore the picturesque streets before returning to Siena.