Through the region of Tuscany, this exclusive journey takes us through some of the most important wine regions in central Italy.
We combine the wine tastings with tasting the best regional delicacies and visit villages in the countryside where medieval buildings are interspersed with charming vineyards.
Accommodation will be in Florence and Pienza.
The best travel period is spring, summer or late autumn when the wine harvest is over.
Tuscany with its wonderfully beautiful nature in the form of rolling green fields and hills is certainly one of Italy’s most famous landscapes.
Everywhere there are well-tended vineyards and since time immemorial, wine farmers have proudly produced their wines, which today are sold all over the world.
There are several wine regions in Tuscany where quality wines are produced but we will concentrate on two of the most famous areas.
Day 1 – Florence
Arrival at Florence airport and transfer to nice central mid-range hotel in Florence.
In the afternoon, a guided city walk where we get to discover the fascinating history of this beautiful city where, among other things, the powerful Medici family, which ruled for many centuries, has left a big mark on the city. The Renaissance was born here and from here come some of the era’s foremost artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
The city walk takes us, among other things, to the baptistery from the 12th century with its masterfully sculpted gates.
We see the Ponte Vecchio, the well-known bridge over the river Arno, which was built by the Romans and is lined with small goldsmiths’ stalls.
Dinner at a nice trattoria.
Day 2 – Chianti
We visit vineyards and have lunch in one of the pleasant villages.
Between Siena and Florence, one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, Chianti, spreads out. This is an area with ancient traditions and during the Middle Ages with constant conflicts between Florence and Siena, villages and monasteries, castles and fortresses were born. Wines from the original area where the Chianti wines were born are called “Chianti Classico” and include e.g. the areas around Castellina, Gaiole, Radda and Greve.
Many of the farms also produce an excellent olive oil.
We visit two wineries and have lunch in one of the pleasant villages. Dinner on your own in Florence.
Wineyard Piemonte Chianti Tuscany
Day 3 – Siena and Pienza
Today we travel to Siena where we do a city walk in this interesting city that had its heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries.
It is one of Italy’s most interesting cities with medieval churches and palaces, decorated by the great artists of the time. The cathedral is one of the highlights of Italian Gothic and among its treasures is the Piccolomini Library.
After lunch in Siena, we continue to Pienza, which in the 1450s was transformed from a simple farming village into an ideal Renaissance city by Pope Pius II, who was born here.
On arrival in Pienza we check into our hotel, then it will be time to discover this charming little town.
Day 4 – Montepulciano and Montalcino
Not far from Pienza are the areas where two other very famous Tuscan wines are produced: Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. They are named after the small medieval towns around which the vineyards spread and we will visit a vineyard in each area.
We visit vineyards and have lunch in one of the pleasant villages Montepulciano is located on top of a hill. All the streets that go up towards the central square are flanked by houses from different eras. On the square there is the church and interesting buildings from the 15th-16th century. Around the picturesque town are the vineyards where the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced and more famous wine producers have houses with wine cellars inside the town just as it has been for generations.
Montalcino is famous throughout the world for its wine Brunello da Montalcino. The cozy little town, even on top of a hill, is still surrounded by its medieval city wall and dominated by the ancient castle. All around spreads the beautiful landscape of Val’Orcia with its hills, cypresses, olive trees and vineyards. Lunch during the excursion and dinner in Pienza.
Day 5 – Departure
Transfer to the airport.
