Montepulciano Travel Guides
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Electric Winery Tour & Vineyard Picnic — Romantic Afternoon in Montepulciano
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Montepulciano, Italy
Montepulciano Popular tours and activities
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Valdichiana Active
The Valdichiana is an area to discover with outdoor walks. Valdichiana Active was created precisely to make accessible all those hidden trails that reveal the greener side of the Valdichiana Senese. Walking along the dirt roads that wind at the edge of villages, or hidden among wooded patches, meansreally get in touch with the essence of this territory and with its history. The many trails that outline the Valdichiana Senese are accessible both on foot and by bike.And there is something for everyone: for more experienced walkers or for those who are not very trained and want to enjoy nature and discover the territory in a different way. Choose the route that's right for you AMONG THE VINEYARDS OF CERVOGNANO, MONTEPULCIANOA path suitable for everyone,but very suggestive. You will walk along unpaved and unpaved roads, along vineyards of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, you will encounter designer cellars that enrich the profile of the surrounding landscape and you will breathe the atmosphere of peace that characterizes the Tuscan countryside.Ring pathLength:9.5 kmEstimated travel time:2 h 15 minElevation difference: 170 mDescription: short ring for novice hikers and families. The route is simple and involves short sections on paved roads. You start and return from the parking lot in front of the church of Cervognano. Also suitable for gravel and MTB. NOVELLA, SAN CASCIANO DEI BAGNIFor the more trained,we suggest a ring route in the southern part of the Valdichiana Senese. The path gets goingfrom the delightful village of Celle sul Rigoand precisely from Piazza Risorgimento, just outside the historic center. From here, you will start auphill and downhill route through wonderful landscapes,you will cross the Rigo river, you will come across the farms that offered refuge to travelers walking along the Via Francigena, to conclude the journey again in Piazza Risorgimento.Ring pathLength:11.7 kilometresEstimated travel time:3 h 10 min Elevation difference: 465 mtDescription:the route starts from Celle sul Rigo and descends towards the valley, with breathtaking views. Continue along a stretch of the Via Francigena, from which you can admire the wonderful colors of the badlands. The route also includes the ford of the Rigo river and it is not excluded to encounter herds of sheep and their shepherd on your way. LAURETANA RING, TORRITA DI SIENADeparture and arrival in the historic center of Torrita di Siena,for a path that tells the ancient history of the village. You will walk the streets crossed in the Middle Ages by pilgrims on their way to the Holy House of Loreto, at the end ofancient Via Lauretana.Ring pathLength: 13.8 kmEstimated travel time: 3 h 20 minElevation difference:76 mDescription: ring for medium-low experience hikers with little difference in altitude. The route is almost entirely on a dirt road without vegetation cover, so it is necessary to be careful in hot periods. Unahiker guidewill accompany you on your walk and we will provide you with acomplete kit for the packed snack:typical products and a bottle that will remain with you as a memory of the Valdichiana Senese.
Tour of the Chianina breed in Valdichiana Senese
The Valdichiana is the territory of origin of the Chianina breed, the largest calf in the world. Male calves can exceed 190 cm in height at the withers (the “Bellino” bull exhibited in the episode of the “Record Show” on Canale 5 in 2010, measured about 203 cm at the withers) and reach 1,700 kg in weight (the bull “Donetto” in 1955, at the age of eight, reached 1,750 kg). Don't you believe it? Seeing is believing. The Chianina breed tour We will take you on a visit to a farm in Chianine, where you will observe up close the beauty, meekness and greatness of this magnificent white-haired animal. You will discover the history of the Chianina breed and its deep bond with the territory. Resistant, strong, docile, these beautiful animals were the engine of agriculture in the Valdichiana before the arrival of agricultural machinery. Today their meat is considered one of the best in the world; the famous Florentine steak, for example, comes from the Chianina veal. After visiting the farm, a tasting lunch with products made from Chianina IGP meat awaits you.
Wine architecture: the two souls of Montepulciano
If in the historic center of Montepulciano the basements of the Renaissance palaces house the suggestive monumental cellars, beyond the ancient walls, in the surrounding countryside, design and innovation characterize some wineries. Wine architecture in Montepulciano This tour will lead you to discover the two architectural souls of Montepulciano: on the one hand the historic cellars, testimony of a millenary tradition, on the other the contemporary designer cellars, admirable examples of modern architecture linked to wine. We will first take you to a modern winery located in the open countryside, where you will observe the vineyards and learn about the production processes of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. After tasting the wines, you will return to the walls of the historic center to visit an underground cellar. Here you will taste the typical flavors of the territory, such as Tuscan cold cuts, Pecorino di Pienza, bruschetta, combined with the wines of the winery.
Bike Tour on the Barlettaia Trail
The Barlettaia Trail runs along a 20 km panoramic road between Montepulciano and Pienza. A guide will guide you from the Temple of San Biagio to the unique panoramas of the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way you will touch places of surprising beauty: Monticchiello, the Pieve di Corsignano and the Castle of Spedaletto. After the ride, a refreshment based on typical products, such as the renowned Pecorino di Pienza cheese, awaits you in a characteristic place. Return to the starting point by taxi. Distance: about 20 km Difference in altitude: 250 m Starting point: Montepulciano Point of arrival: Castello di Spedaletto
Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil Educational Tour
An exciting and educational experience dedicated to local excellence: Tuscan extra virgin olive oil (Terre di Siena PDO and Toscano PGI). An expert will guide you step by step in understanding the basic principles of oil tasting. The tasting lesson and the visit to the olive oil company You will learn to understand and recognize the quality of extra virgin olive oil, starting from organoleptic qualities such as color, scent and flavor. At the end of the lesson, which will take place at an oil mill, you will be able to recognize quality oil and make winning combinations on your table. You will immediately test what you have just learned by visiting an oil farm. A delicious dinner or lunch awaits you with a menu designed especially for you: a selection of products and dishes to enhance the flavors of the oil.
The must-sees of Valdichiana Senese
Explore the food and wine pleasures of the Valdichiana Senese with our exclusive tour. Start the day by immersing yourself in the art of wine production with a guided tour and tasting at a winery included in the prestigious Wine Spectator list. Under the expert guidance of the winemakers, you'll have the opportunity to discover the secrets behind creating world-class wines. From native varieties to cutting-edge winemaking techniques, every step of the process will be unveiled, giving you a unique perspective on the fascinating world of wine production. And there is no better way to fully appreciate the meticulous work and art of master winemakers than through tastings of their excellence. Michelin Guide Lunch After a morning dedicated to discovering local wines, enjoy lunch at a restaurant selected by the Michelin guide. Delight your palate with refined dishes prepared with local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside and guided by a passion for good food and good wine, this tour will give you an authentic and unmissable experience in the heart of the Valdichiana Senese.
Wine tour of the small producers of Nobile di Montepulciano
Montepulciano, as we know, is a land of wine. Walking through the streets of the historic center or crossing the hilly landscapes that surround it, it is easy to see vineyards, cellars and wine shops just about everywhere. With this tour you will get to know those small producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, whose bottles contain the highest expression of the local territory. “In the small barrel, there is good wine” Moving through the Montepulciano countryside, you will visit two wineries with an annual production equal to or less than 50 thousand bottles. Here the producers will tell you the story of their winery, revealing the secrets behind the success of a small winery. You will know all the steps that lead to the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Vino Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, from the vineyard to the glass, and thus you can taste the company's wines aware of the attention and care that the small producer reserves for each bottle.
Vegan cooking course in Valdichiana Senese
Leave aside the conviction that Tuscan cuisine is only meat, game and cold cuts because there is an entire vegan universe made up of recipes and dishes to be discovered and, of course, enjoyed. Tuscan cuisine, traditionally simple, lends itself easily to the preparation of dishes that fully embrace this philosophy. Every season in Valdichiana Senese has its own vegetables that, if cleverly processed, give life to rich dishes capable of seducing even those who struggle to eat green: from ribollita with black cabbage in winter, to panzanella flavored with onions, cucumbers, tomatoes in summer to tomato gruel valid all year round. To the products of the earth are added flours from which different types of pasta are obtained which, when combined with vegetable sauces, offer real joys for the palate and bring everyone together at the table. A chef will accompany you in the preparation of a vegan menu accompanied by vegan-certified wine In this curious vegan cooking class, a professional chef will accompany you in the preparation of vegan dishes with an eye that is always attentive, however, to the culinary tradition of the Valdichiana Senese. Under his guidance, you will learn how to cook Tuscan recipes in full respect of seasonality. You will start with pici, the traditional fresh pasta prepared strictly without eggs as the original recipe requires, which with the aglione sauce - a giant garlic with a delicate taste that is grown only in Valdichiana - or with crumbs - literally bread crumbs sautéed in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil - express their best character. Depending on the season in which you choose to take this cooking course, you will then learn how to cook ribollita, tomato soup or panzanella and delicious bruschetta, from classic with tomatoes to more studied with kale, beans or cream with herbs. You will close the menu with bread, wine and sugar, the classic Valdichiana snack, a dessert that is simple in shape but complex in taste. At the end of the experience, the time comes to enjoy all the dishes prepared with a nice lunch or dinner accompanied by a bottle of vegan certified Tuscan wine, a brand that guarantees full respect for the philosophy in the internal production process of the bottle.
Tour of the film sets between Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia
Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia have been chosen by Hollywood as film sets for many immortal masterpieces: “The Gladiator”, “New Moon — Twilight Saga”, “The English Patient”, “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, “Heaven”, “Under the Tuscan Sun”, “The Medici”, “Pinocchio” by Matteo Garrone, are just some of the main films of international importance in which you can recognize the villages and hills of this part of Tuscany between Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia, between Sinalunga, Montepulcia, Ciano, Chianciano Terme and Pienza. On many occasions Hollywood directors, but also icons of Italian cinema such as Federico Fellini and Ettore Scola, have chosen this territory to set their films. The movie set tour On this tour, an escort will take you through some of the most interesting film locations, retracing the plots of the films and the moments shot on Tuscan sets. There will be a stop in an underground cellar in the historic center of Montepulciano for a tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
New Moon Tour: Twilight Saga a Montepulciano
“Here is Volterra!” Alice Cullen says aboard the yellow Porsche as soon as she sees the profile of the country home of the Volturi. In reality, that village with narrow alleys that develop uphill is Montepulciano. This tour will allow you to discover the Italian film set of “New Moon — Twilight Saga”, accompanying you on a visit to the more or less well-known places in the town, which were the setting for some overwhelming scenes in the film. The route of the New Moon Tour The palace with the clock tower, the Piazza Grande lined with red cloaks, witnessed the desperate race of the young mortal Bella Swan, in search of the charming good vampire Edward Cullen. You will walk with an escort through the historic center of Montepulciano, where you will recognize Vicolo della Concordia, Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza San Francesco and more. At the end of the tour, stop in a historic place in Montepulciano for a very special aperitif.
Wine lovers experience in Montepulciano: half day
This tour is dedicated to true wine enthusiasts who wish to explore Montepulciano through its wines, people, and traditions, enjoying a complete immersion into the world of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.With a professional driver, you will visit two carefully selected wineries in the Montepulciano area. At each estate, you will discover the history of the territory and the winemaking philosophy of the producers, learning about the key stages of wine production, from vineyard to bottle.The experience includes guided tastings of Rosso di Montepulciano DOC and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, allowing you to fully appreciate the elegance and character of these iconic Tuscan wines.At the second winery, the tour is enriched with a traditional Tuscan light lunch, served in the cellar and paired with local products, offering the perfect moment to relax and savor the authentic flavors of the region.
Private Tour - A Day in the Enchanting Val D'Orcia with Wine Tasting
During this private full-day tour in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, you will explore the enchanting Val D'Orcia, a renowned region in the south of Tuscany. The wonderful landscapes of this region will take your breath away, as well as its characteristic villages. We will visit the Medieval hill town of Montepulciano, located in the province of Siena and sitting high on a 605-metre limestone ridge. Montepulciano is known worldwide for its wine and typical products: we will enjoy a tasting of wine and local products right in this picturesque location. Our tour will continue to Pienza, another exquisite town located in Val D'Orcia, widely known as the "ideal city of the Renaissance". Pienza was realized by the request of Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini). He wanted to transform his native town, the humble Corsignano, into what he considered the perfect Renaissance city should be, following the principles and the philosophy of classical times. The rebuilding was done by Florentine architect Bernardo Rossellino, under the guidance of the great humanist and architect Leon Battista Alberti. Along the journey, there will be plenty of occasions for photo stops.
Bike tour on the Sentiero del Nobile
The Sentiero del Nobile takes its name from Vino Nobile, which has its exclusive production area in the territory of Montepulciano. This cycling route, suitable for everyone, runs mainly downhill along the sides of hills that are home to vineyards, olive groves and cultivated fields. A guide will guide you from the start (Piazza Sant'Agnese in Montepulciano) to the arrival (Lake Montepulciano). The route reaches the Temple of San Biagio as its first place of interest, passes in front of the small country church of the Madonna della Querce, crosses the woods and dirt roads along which the ruins of ancient farmhouses rise, and finally reaches Lake Montepulciano. Here at the Montepulciano Lake Nature Reserve, you can relax and recover your energy while enjoying a delicious Tuscan snack. Return to the historic center of Montepulciano by taxi. Distance: about 18.5 km Difference in altitude: 270 m Starting point: Church of Sant'Agnese, Montepulciano Point of arrival: Lake Montepulciano Places to see: Temple of San Biagio, Church of Sant'Agnese, Church of the Madonna della Querce, Bosco della Madonna del Cerro, Lake Montepulciano Nature Reserve.
Etruscan Wonders Tour
A journey through the history of the Etruscans, the people who inhabited Tuscany and central Italy starting from the 7th century BC. This journey will take you to the capitals of this culture, Chianciano, Chiusi and Sarteano, surprising you at every stop. A journey among the Etruscans You will see ancient finds linked to the daily life of Etruscan civilization in the Archaeological Museum of Chianciano, which houses the largest collection of Etruscan canopes in the world. You will visit the Civic Archaeological Museum of Sarteano, where the treasures found in the nearby necropolis and a perfect 1:1 scale reconstruction of the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga are exhibited.
Yoga lesson on the shores of the Etruscan lake with picnic
A natural location of great suggestion and beauty, with a willow and poplar forest that embraces the calm waters of Lake Chiusi, on whose shores the Etruscan civilization developed. On the banks of this important body of water on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, you will take part in a yoga class with a qualified teacher. The wind will accompany your breath, the sun will warm your muscles, and the horizon will help you find concentration, while the sequences of asanas inspired by nature will reconcile the spirit with the outside world. The holistic experience continues with a picnic on the grass based on excellent local products at zero km.
Winery Tour with Wine & Food Tasting in Montepulciano
Begin with a guided tour of the historic winery and its lush vineyard, offering insights into the winemaking process and the rich wine history of the region.Following the tour, indulge in a tasting of four great wines from a range of exceptional options you can choose from: including Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva, Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, Brutus (a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon) and L'Amante Rosato (a very special rosè wine).Each sip is complemented by a delicious platter featuring local specialties such as cured meat and Pecorino cheese from Pienza, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.To conclude this authentic experience, enjoy a bruschetta drizzled with their freshly produced premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, highlighting the culinary richness of the area.For underage guests, a refreshing apple juice is offered as an alternative to the wine, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
Truffle hunting in the heart of Tuscany Valdichiana Senese
You will experience first-hand an intense and exciting experience, on a Tuscan truffle hunt. An expert truffle hunter will guide you through the paths of the woods of the Valdichiana Senese, telling you stories and legends related to the territory and the practice of truffle hunting. The Tuscan truffle hunt The search will take time and patience, but with a little luck at some point you might see specially trained dogs begin to wag their tails and smell more and more vigorously near a bush or the root of a tree. If they then start to stick their noses deeper and deeper into the ground and dig with their front legs, then the treasure could really be close and the truffle hunter will be able to give the deserving little dogs the due reward. Who knows if they will be able to find others? At the end of the hunt, it's time to sit down at the table to taste the precious truffle in exquisite recipes, combined with local wines.
Underground Cellar Tour & Wine Tasting in Montepulciano
Begin your journey at a welcoming wine shop, just a short walk from the impressive Piazza Grande. Descend a scenic, 15-meter staircase into the centuries-old underground cellars, a timeless space where history, art, and tradition intertwine.Walk through tunnels and vaulted ceilings dating back to the 16th century, and feel the echoes of ancient Etruscan roots that trace back to the 5th century BC. Discover the secrets behind the uniqueness of the winery’s wines, experiencing a sensory voyage filled with evocative aromas, flavors, and stories.The tour includes a comprehensive overview of the winery’s history, a visit to the aging rooms, an exploration of a private family collection, and an intriguing walk through a tunnel leading to a genuine Etruscan tomb.Following the tour, relax in one of four distinctive tasting rooms, each with its own ambiance and story:- The Talosa Tasting Room, located at the end of the historic cellar, accommodating up to 54 guests.- The Tomb Room, accessed through a tuf tunnel, home to an authentic Etruscan tomb, with space for 48 guests.- The Pietrose Tasting Room, set in a WWII-era bomb shelter blending history, mystery, and intimacy for 36 guests.- The Second Floor Room, situated above the Wine Shop, offering a cozy setting for up to 20 guests.Please note that the choice of tasting room will be determined by the staff for logistical reasons.The experience culminated with a tasting of renowned wines such as the Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Riserva DOCG, “Filai Lunghi” DOCG, as well as the Super Tuscan IGT “Pietrose,” complemented by a traditional bruschetta dressed with extra virgin olive oil from the estate’s own groves.
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