Valdichiana Living is the official tour operator of Valdichiana Senese, an area in the Southern Tuscany.
We create vacation ideas, tours and experiences in the area since 10 years. We collaborate with wineries, farmers, associations, accommodation, restaurants, tourist guides, museums, theaters, shops, spas and much more. Over time we have become LOCAL TRAVEL EXPERTS: we know our region and its secrets and thanks to our experience we have privileged access to the most admired and desire places.
Most popular tours and activities from Valdichiana Living
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Tasting tour at the historic cellars of Montepulciano
The historic cellars of Montepulciano, located underneath the buildings dating back to the Tuscan Renaissance, are the core of this tour in the heart of Montepulciano. The tour to the historic cellars of MontepulcianoStarting from Piazza Grande, you will discover the history of Montepulciano and the deep roots that for centuries have shaped the local people and the Vino Nobile. A guide will lead you inside of two underground cellars, between underground shafts with brick walls. Here you will find gigantic oak barrels, in which the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and the Rosso di Montepulciano DOC “rest”. At the conclusion of every visit, you will attend a tasting of the wines with an explanation of their basic characteristics. You will always remember the authenticity of Montepulciano with this tour.
2 hours and 30 minutes
easy
From$64
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Let's make ricotta on the farm
Qualified personnel will guide children and teenagersto the knowledge of the countryside, nature and the animals of the farm and the farmyard, involving them in the creation of a typical product such as ricotta.The scent of aromatic herbs and freshly milked milk, and here the ricotta takes shape, very good and genuine for a children's snack, to be enjoyed while still warm accompanied by sugar and homemade bread. There will be a glass of wine for the parents. Possibility to try the baptism of the saddle on horseback.
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Farm tour: the piglet of Cinta Senese
The Cinta Senese is an ancient breed native to the Sienese territory, characterized by a black cloak and a pink “girdle”. The farmers get to know their pigs one by one, raised in the semi-wild with feed that complies with the PDO regulations and cereals grown in the Tuscan countryside. The experience you can have on local farms is truly rural as it is memorable; after a walk through the vineyard and the olive grove you can interact with “domestic” pigs and meet their entire company of girdled pigs having fun in the mud. Knowing the history of the Cinta Senese pig and the organoleptic qualities of its fine meat will be very interesting, but above all important for recognizing excellent quality cold cuts. At the end of the tour, it's time to delight your palate with a platter of tasting Cinta Senese cold cuts or a lunch based on farm products.
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Meet the artisans in the villages
The history of the link between Tuscany and craftsmanship has ancient origins. Today, craftsmanship in Tuscany is still a value, as well as a very strong tradition. With this tour you can get to know one of the most authentic sides of the Tuscan territory, meeting the artisans at work in their small shops, such as the coppersmith, the wrought iron and mosaic artists, the earthenware makers and the artisans of local flavors from wine, to cheese, to cold cuts, to desserts. You will discover the processing techniques and the stories of the artisans of the Valdichiana Senese.
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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.
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Pici and fresh handmade pasta
Pici are the most famous pasta dish in the Province of Siena. This is a type of handmade pasta, thicker than normal spaghetti, which is made by rolling the dough and rubbing it with both hands; this gesture is precisely called “hanging”. It is a poor and easy to make recipe, which can be easily learned even by those who do not practice the art of cooking much.
The course for preparing picis and fresh handmade Tuscan pasta
You will learn, while having fun, how to make not only pici, but also tagliatelle and tasty sauces for the dressing, such as meat ragout, aglione sauce or cheese and pepper. Reproposing these Tuscan recipes at home will be easy and with the advice you receive from our housewives you can't go wrong; the star with the guests will be guaranteed. At the end of the cooking course on fresh pasta, you will savor the prepared first courses, duly accompanied by a glass of wine. As a gift for you, the apron of the real Tuscan Chef.
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Harvest olives with the producers
From October to early December it is the time to harvest the olives. The producers of the Valdichiana Senese are preparing to face this period of intense work, collecting boxes and boxes of olives that are then pressed at local mills. These months are as tiring as they are rewarding. Yes, because after a lot of work and endless attention, finally seeing that emerald-colored liquid gold flow is a unique emotion for an extra virgin olive oil producer. Would you like to be able to help them in this endeavor? Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to share the olive harvest experience with them. You will witness the olives being pressed at the mill and you will enjoy the bruschetta with the new oil obtained with the olives that you also picked.
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Gourmet Tour in the historic center of Montepulciano
You will embark on a delicious walk, a real gourmet tour, through the alleys of the historic center of Montepulciano, accompanied by an expert guide, who will tell you the history of the ancient medieval village. Between breathtaking views and Renaissance palaces, you will have the opportunity to taste the most characteristic specialties of the territory, stopping in a shop selling typical products, at a traditional restaurant and in an underground cellar.
The stages and flavors of the Montepulciano gourmet tour
The gourmet tour will accompany you to savor the best local excellences such as Pecorino di Pienza cheese at different levels of aging, tasty Tuscan cold cuts, bruschetta with Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, famous handmade pices and of course the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC. Excellence, quality and genuineness are the words that best describe this visit to Montepulciano in the name of taste.
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Lunch in the cellar with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
You can reach the maximum exaltation of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in a lunch based on typical dishes from the Valdichiana area. The experience begins at a winery, with a visit to the vineyard and cellar, to discover the art of vinification of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Lunch in the cellar with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
After the tour, it's time to sit down and taste the fine wines combined with classic Tuscan cuisine. A lunch with traditional flavors, in a pure Tuscan atmosphere, served directly at the farm. An ideal tour to combine the discovery of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with the local food and wine tradition.
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Walk with the Alpacas
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the Valdichiana Senese in the company of fascinating alpacas, adorable and affectionate creatures that will accompany you on a relaxing walk next to vineyards and fields, along a path accessible to everyone, even beginners. With the guidance of a local expert, you will immerse yourself in the history and nature of the place, discovering secrets and curiosities that will make this experience truly unique and memorable.
Adventure with alpacas and tasting typical products
Once the walk is over, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation and connection with the surrounding landscape, while savoring the true flavors of the Valdichiana Senese with a tasty tasting of fresh and local products. Relax and let yourself be enveloped by the atmosphere that surrounds you.
Experience suitable even for the youngest
This adventure is also perfect for children, who can participate and have fun in the company of alpacas. An unforgettable experience for the whole family!
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Pasta Fresca in Valdichiana Senese
A hands-on and fun experience to learn how to make fresh Tuscan pasta from scratch, following traditional techniques passed down through generations.During the class, you will work with simple ingredients such as flour and water to prepare pici, tagliatelle, or other traditional pasta shapes. Step by step, you will make two different types of pasta and pair them with classic Tuscan sauces, such as meat ragù, garlic tomato sauce (aglione), or cacio e pepe.At the end of the class, you will sit down to enjoy the meal you have prepared, accompanied by a glass of local wine, in a warm and convivial atmosphere.The experience is suitable for children, with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available upon request.
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Tour of the underground Valdichiana Senese
Under the historic centers of the Valdichiana Senese, there are very dense and complex tunnels that are located underground where precious treasures are kept. Paths that follow, in negative terms, the beauty of the villages on the surface and that surprise visitors with their beauty. In fact, in Valdichiana Senese, there is an entire underground world waiting to be discovered in a culturally oriented itinerary that allows us to understand more about the millenary history of this territory, retracing the phases that marked its development.
The stages of the tour: Sinalunga, Montepulciano and Chiusi
Your tour will start from the Water Trail in Sinalunga. Equipped with a helmet with light and boots, like real Indiana Jones, you will venture through the underground alleys that cross the historic center of Sinalunga together with a geologist who will introduce you to the story of this “loot”, an underground aqueduct built in medieval times when water was a real precious asset. In fact, the tunnel connects an existing well in the center of the village to the Fonte del Castagno, outside the entrance of the path. Later you will get married in Montepulciano, moving from water to wine, another element that has marked the economic development of this territory. In the historic center, you will visit one of the eight cellars dug into the tuff, where today, as centuries ago, it is kept (once it would have been called “protected”, this was precisely the need to have cellars within the walls of the ancient castle) and the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is produced, which you will appreciate in a tasting guided by the cellar staff. At the end of the winery visit, a lunch of pici and Tuscan wine awaits you before moving to the Etruscan city of Chiusi, the last stop of the tour. Here you will be amazed by the wonder of the Underground City where agricultural tools and equipment are exhibited, an underground lake and a section dedicated to Etruscan epigraphy, unique in Italy, with 500 inscriptions on cinerary urns and tomb tiles.
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Wild herb collection tour in the Tuscan countryside
In the green areas of the Valdichiana Senese, many edible herbaceous species grow, which are an ingredient in healthy and environmentally friendly recipes. “Foraging”, the practice of collecting wild herbs, allows you to experience nature in a different way and to recover knowledge that is mostly lost.
The experience
With the help of an expert, you will learn to recognize and collect wild herbs, exploring the Valdichiana Senese countryside. At the end of the walk, you will taste herbal food and drinks.
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Canoe tour of Lake Chiusi
Lake Chiusi is a place spared from the fast pace of contemporary tourism, where even those who stop for a few hours can appreciate (and regain) calm by reconciling with nature. It is a real natural oasis 5 km from the historic center of Chiusi, the ancient capital of the Etruscan civilization, which over time has become a place of interest for birdwatching, fishing and sports enthusiasts. The body of water as well as the surrounding park in fact offer ample space for various activities, to be carried out individually or in groups. The canoe tour is certainly one of the great experiences you can have here, admiring the flora and fauna of Lake Chiusi as well as the beautiful surrounding landscape from a privileged position.
The best way to appreciate Lake Chiusi in its entirety
The tour will start right from Lake Chiusi where you will meet the volunteers of the historic local rowing association who will prepare your canoe and give you all the information about the lake and the itinerary you can take as well as providing you with assistance in case of need. Once in the water, as you move away from the banks you will understand the true beauty of this place. In fact, canoeing allows you to explore the lake thoroughly, passing through the most beautiful points of interest: the reeds where birds nest, including rare species of herons, the lake vegetation that grows spontaneously, all in the wonderful setting of the Tuscan hills that embrace the lake. In fact, you can't help but carry a camera or smartphone with you to take unique photos. Once the canoe has been returned, a delicious snack awaits you in the lake's picnic area based on typical local products, cold cuts, cheeses and Tuscan wine, an area where you can rest in peace for as long as you want.
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Pizza making course for adults and children
Perfect the preparation of homemade pizza, the good and genuine one, with this pizza making course for adults and children. You will be welcomed in a country farm, in a typical Tuscan atmosphere, where you can feel at home.
The pizza making course for the whole family
The pizza making course is an experience dedicated to the whole family and to the fun of the little ones, who will learn to manipulate the dough and to give shape and flavor to their original pizzas. It doesn't matter if flour flies everywhere. Special attention is paid to the ingredients used, such as Tuscan extra virgin olive oil and seasonal vegetables. At the end of the course everyone at the table to eat freshly baked hot pizza. And after the pizza, a sweet and irresistible surprise, to conclude this experience in the most delicious way.
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Horseback riding with Tuscan picnic in Valdichiana
A horseback ride to slowly explore, in the open air, the most beautiful and panoramic places in the Valdichiana. An experienced guide will guide you through country trails, along vineyards and cultivated fields along a circular route that can be used by everyone, even beginners.
The horseback ride and the picnic
During the walk you will be able to listen to the legends and curiosities related to the territory of Valdichiana and to the characters that have inhabited it. At the end of the horseback ride, a healthy picnic with excellent local products and fresh seasonal snacks awaits you at the farm from which you started.
Horseback riding for children
This tour can also be organized for children at their first experience with the world of horseback riding.
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Montepulciano Nobile Wine Tour
A real tour of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of the most prestigious wines in the world; just think that since the early Middle Ages the vineyards of Mons Politianus were renowned for the excellent quality of its wines.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano tour
You will be guided through the Tuscan hills, directly into two Vino Nobile production companies. The producers will tell you their story, the production methods and the philosophy behind each bottle. You will observe the Prugnolo Gentile vineyards up close and you will taste the Rosso di Montepulciano DOC and the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, learning to recognize their peculiarities. An experience not to be missed in Montepulciano, even if you are only here for a few hours.
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The sacred waters of San Casciano dei Bagni
The Sanctuary Found in San Casciano dei Bagni is one of the most sensational archaeological discoveries in recent years. From the muddy waters, near the Bagno Grande (the well-known free thermal baths at the foot of the village), a sanctuary from the Augustinian era dedicated precisely to the waters has emerged, with a tub and a monument always dating back to the same era. Equally, the finds that have re-emerged from the warm waters are of great importance and interest: bases and pieces of columns, gold and silver coins, votive bronzes, inscriptions where Apollo, Fortuna, Isis, deities associated with health, are mentioned, who suggest the sacredness of those waters. In addition to the 24 bronze statues, intact, which will allow us to rewrite the dialectical relationship between Etruscans and Romans.
A tour to get up close and personal with an incredible archaeological discovery
With this exclusive tour you will visit the excavation in the company of those who brought it to light, starting from the exhibition hall of the Cassian Rooms and then walking to the excavation.
The sacred waters of San Casciano dei Bagni
Once the visit is over, the itinerary through the sacred waters of San Casciano dei Bagni continues to Fonteverde, once a private thermal facility wanted by the Medici, now a luxurious spa. Precisely in the antiquarian spirit of the 1600s, inside the villa are still on display pieces related to the finds found during the recent excavation. Once you have admired the gallery, it's time to discover the beneficial effects of water with a hot bath in one of the most beautiful spas in Italy.
Note: the 24 bronze statues found during the excavations are not visible. The findings are currently not in San Casciano dei Bagni.
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Visit to two of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Come and visit Cetona and San Casciano dei Bagni in the heart of the Valdichiana Senese, two villages that belong to the circuit of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”: as soon as you see them from afar it will be immediately clear why they were defined as such. The visit to Cetona and San Casciano dei Bagni will accompany you to discover these two characteristic places of Tuscany, leading you in a unique experience.
The visit to Cetona
The first stop of the tour is Cetona, recognizable by its ancient Fortress, built during the Middle Ages. After crossing Piazza Garibaldi to the circular tower, you will walk through the alleys that lead to Piazza della Collegiata, where there is a tank well and, further on, a spectacular panoramic view.
The visit to San Casciano dei Bagni
The second stop is San Casciano dei Bagni, the last Tuscan bastion before entering Lazio. The castle tower that dominates the historic center from above gives the village the profile of a fairytale country. Piazza Matteotti is the heart of San Casciano dei Bagni: from here you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view that embraces the entire surrounding valley. You will cross the narrow streets to the Collegiate Church of San Leonardo, and then return to the starting point passing through the square of the well. At the end of this tour, a tasting of typical products awaits you.
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Happy family: spa bath and farm tour
Thermal bath and farm tour: two family-friendly experiences in a single day, which will become memorable.
Spas for your family
The “Theia” thermal pools in Chianciano Terme are both indoor and outdoor, have a temperature between 33°C and 36°, cervical water jets and whirlpools. Special services are available for children, such as a pool with shallow water in a covered area, a play area, a pool with colored balls and two thermal experiences for children from six to twelve years old.
The farm tour and the tasting
After the spa, you can choose between two realities: visit a local farm, where children will be accompanied to discover the animals and the vegetable garden and can savor the typical local products with a nice snack or visit an alpaca farm with the opportunity to caress and interact with these affectionate animals.
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Wellness Panoramas: Terme di Fonteverde and tasting
Immerse yourself in the healing waters of the Fonteverde Natural Spa thermal pools in San Casciano dei Bagni. Let yourself be conquered by the view of the hilly landscape of the Val d'Orcia that is lost on the horizon, while you are pampered by whirlpools and waterfalls of hot thermal water. Tasting among the Tuscan landscapes The journey into well-being continues with a visit to a local company and a tasting of typical products tasting or aperitif at Fonteverde (on the basis of the availability).
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Pienza and Montepulciano: discovering the pearls of the Renaissance
Pienza and Montepulciano, the two pearls of the Renaissance between Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia to see during your trip to Tuscany. In the company of an escort you will discover everything there is to see in Montepulciano and Pienza.
Montepulciano's visit
The tour begins in Montepulciano, in Piazza Grande, continues along the main street of the historic center, among the historic palaces and artisan shops and ends, after a photo stop at the Temple of San Biagio, at an underground cellar, where you can taste the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
The visit to Pienza
Then it will be time to head to the hills of the Val d'Orcia to reach Pienza, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will stroll along the alleys of the ideal Renaissance city, whose urban layout has been defined as an admirable example of architecture. During the tour, there will be a tasting of Pecorino di Pienza cheese.
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Water and Wine: Terme di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile
Treat yourself to a romantic moment of well-being with your partner at the Terme di Montepulciano, between Water and Wine. Let yourself be pampered and enjoy a rejuvenating couple's massage in the company of your partner. At the end of the spa treatments, a taxi will take you to the historic center of Montepulciano, to an underground cellar, where you can continue to activate all your senses with a tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG combined with a platter of typical products.
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Children's workshop at the Chiusi Civic Museum
LET'S DRAW MONSTERSThe world of the Etruscans will become even more fascinating once you discover the imaginary of fantastic creatures, deities and demons that were represented on cinerary urns and on the walls of tombs. With this creative and educational tour designed for families, you will try your hand at the art of drawing in the rooms of the Civic Museum of Chiusi, inspired by ancient Etruscan representations. In fact, learning about history has never been so much fun!
WRITING WORKSHOPA real writing workshop led by the staff of the Civic Museum, during which children try their hand at reproducing the alphabet and with the Etruscan language using wax and clay tablets, small vases or earthenware artifacts, rolls of fabric (just like the ancient Etruscans!) where they will learn to reproduce symbols, words and short phrases in the Etruscan alphabet.
At the end of the experience at the Civic Museum, a delicious snack based on typical products awaits you in the historic center of Chiusi, where you can relax after a wonderful morning or afternoon at the Museum with the whole family.
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Tuscan cooking course
The Tuscan lifestyle told through food. In the company of local housewives and grandmothers, you will undertake a typical local cooking course, cooking simple but tasty dishes typical of the sharecropping period. All the ingredients of the cooking course are selected according to seasonality and favor local and zero km productions.
The typical cuisine of Tuscan grandmothers
It starts with the preparation of various types of bruschetta and crostini: with tomato and basil, with Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, etc. We continue by kneading water and flour to make pici, the famous handmade pasta typical of the Province of Siena, then an excellent dressing sauce and finally a delicious homemade dessert.
Between one preparation and another, a glass of wine will never be missing to keep you company
At the end of the course, the table will be set and laden with freshly cooked dishes. All that remains is to taste them in combination with local wines. A rural experience to discover traditional Tuscan cuisine, to be enjoyed in a farmhouse, on a farm or in a trattoria.
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Descent into Hell in the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga
This tour, available only on Saturdays, will take you inside the Tomb of the Infernal Quadriga in Sarteano, a unique and suggestive experience.
Cold, humid, it literally leaves you speechless because of the explosion of bright red on the left side of the corridor where a quadriga running to the underworld is represented, guided by a demon with flaming hair. A little further on, a banquet scene with two men, perhaps father and son reconciled in the afterlife, perhaps two lovers.
At the bottom of the tomb, a sarcophagus and two spectacular representations. In one wall a hippocampus, in the other a three-headed snake that you will hardly forget. So extraordinary that even Alessandro Michele chose it for one of his incredible Gucci clothes.
Once you have re-emerged from the underworld, you will move to Chianciano Terme to the Theia Thermal Pools, the bath of the Etruscans, for moments of real relaxation.
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Brewery tour and craft beer tasting in Tuscany
Speaking of Tuscany and local traditions, we think first of all about wine. The attention is often focused on this single product: Tuscan wines are famous all over the world and the Valdichiana Senese, a territory of famous rolling Tuscan hills and medieval villages in perfect condition, is known internationally as a production area for excellent products related to enology, appreciated and recognized by experts in the field. But what if we told you that in Tuscany there is not only wine? And, again, if we told you that in Valdichiana Senese there are also craft breweries that produce excellent quality beer? Here, let's tell you right now: Valdichiana Senese can offer you exceptional pints of beer!
An experience dedicated to beer, to learn more about this product and appreciate its quality and flavors
On this tour you will be accompanied on an exclusive visit to a craft brewery in Valdichiana Senese. The beers produced here highlight the flavors of the territory and perfectly accompany typical local dishes. With this experience you will be able to learn more about the world of craft beers and appreciate the different nuances and types of this delicious nectar. During the visit you can try the different qualities of beer made available by the brewery and you will be accompanied on the tasting journey directly by the producers. An experience designed to let you savor a flagship product of the Valdichiana Senese, in a territory that offers excellent ideas for the creation of craft beers. During the tasting of craft beers you will certainly be a bit hungry, and we have also thought about this: waiting for you will be a platter of typical local products with Tuscan cold cuts and Tuscan pecorino cheese, all local products. Every product you will taste is designed to be combined with craft beers. You will be immersed in a journey of typical tastes and flavors, your taste buds will taste the real Tuscany and its flavors, in an unforgettable taste experience perfect for friends, couples and of course lovers of good beer.
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Dolce Vita Tour: Thermal baths and tasting in a historic café
Experience with your partner the benefits of the 20 wonders of the Chianciano Terme Sensory Baths: indoor and outdoor hydromassage pools, sauna, Turkish bath, emotional showers, mud, chromotherapy, aromatherapy are just some of the wellness treatments with which you can regenerate.
Tasting in a historic café
Conclude this romantic experience at a renowned historic Italian venue, in whose rooms famous personalities such as Carducci, Pirandello, Fellini, Manara, just to name a few, have stayed. Choose between a selection of fine home-made pastries or an aperitif with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
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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.
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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.
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Donatello in Toscana
“Finding a Donatello in the countryside is almost a miracle”:These are the words of the art historianTomaso Montanari, referring to the rare possibility of finding in the countryside, a work by the Florentine sculptor Donatello.In Torrita di Siena, a village located in the heart of Valdichiana, this happened.
The lunette in the Holy Cross Church
NellaSanta Croce church a lunette made by the artist himself in 1400 is preserved. A priceless treasure jealously guarded by the community and that with our tour we invite you to admire.A qualified guide will accompany you to discover this town rich in history, which for centuries was a bastion of the Republic of Siena, and will reveal all the secrets that this work has been carrying with it for more than 600 years.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Adventure into prehistory in the Archaeological Park of Cetona
Monte Cetona hides a thousand-year history that shows us human settlements and much more in these lands, in remote and almost unknown times. The precious finds among huts and caves, prehistoric tools, accompanied paths in the park, skeletons of forest animals and even that of a whale, show us how important and “alive” this territory has always been “alive”. Archaeological remains and paths immersed in nature await you in the village of Cetona, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The beautiful medieval town will welcome you to the Belverde Archaeological Park and the Civic Museum for the Prehistory of Monte Cetona, showing you all its historical and natural riches. At the end of the experience you can savor the typical Tuscan flavors with a snack based on bruschetta, pecorino cheese and cold cuts. After this delicious stop you can relax and visit the beauty of the village.
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Vespa Tour in the heart of Tuscany, between Valdichiana Senese and Val d'Orcia
Tour to discover the Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia riding the legendary Vespa, an icon of Italian life. An expert guide will guide you through the most beautiful streets of Tuscany to admire the famous postcard landscapes.
The Vespa Tour from Montepulciano to Pienza
You will ride your Vespa from one village to another, from Montepulciano to Pienza, along panoramic roads framed by cypresses or surrounded by cultivated fields. You will travel quite a few kilometers, stopping at the most suggestive spots to take wonderful souvenir photos. During the tour you will stop to taste the excellent local products. Enjoy the unique perspective of the village of Montepulciano as you walk your way back.
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100% green tour: organic food and wine in Valdichiana Senese
Explore the Valdichiana Senese with a tour dedicated to conscious travelers, to the protection of local food and wine and the local landscape. Accompanied by a driver,you can enjoy the views of Tuscany aboard the electric vanValdichiana Living. Along the way, they await youtwo stops at organic farmsof the Valdichiana Senese, where you will tastetypical products of the territoryand local wines:Rosso di Montepulciano DOC and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.
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100% green tour with electric van and picnic in the vineyards
Experience the most evocative views of the Valdichiana Senese aboard an exclusive electric minivan. This experience will take you to discover the wines of Montepulciano directly among the vineyards, surrounded by the scents of the vine and the earth, immersed in the most beautiful views of the Valdichiana Senese and the Val d'Orcia. The tour starts at a winery in the Montepulciano countryside, in the heart of Tuscany, where you will be greeted by company staff who will guide you on a visit to the winery. Here you will learn about the history of the company, the methods and secrets of the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC, whose differences you will appreciate during the guided tasting. From the cellar to the vineyard, the exclusive location for your picnic At the end of the winery visit, the tour continues through the vineyards where a delicious Tuscan picnic based on typical local products will await you, accompanied by a bottle of Rosso di Montepulciano. You will walk to the vineyards with the classic basket and blanket, ready to experience an unusual déjeuner sur l'herbe with a rural taste. Tuscan cold cuts, Pecorino di Pienza cheese with jams and seasonal vegetables will be some of the products that will accompany your picnic and, in addition to surprising you with their goodness, they will enhance the taste of Rosso DOC: the perfect bottle for this situation. A convivial experience, ideal to live with friends, as a couple or with family (blueberry fruit juice will amaze children!). The possibility of experiencing it in the morning or in the afternoon makes it a valid and pleasant alternative to brunch or the classic reinforced snack, in an exclusive location just for you.
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The women of wine: from the Etruscans to today
From Etruscan women to contemporary women, Valdichiana Senese has always been a land of brilliant, autonomous and independent women. From the archaeological finds that tell us about a worldly Etruscan woman, a lover of the pleasures of life, to the women who today keep the Valdichiana and its winemaking tradition alive: you will discover how the feminine one is undoubtedly the most fascinating face of this area of Tuscany.
Women of the Past and Women of the Present
You will visit the Civic Archaeological Museum of Chianciano Terme, paying particular attention to the section dedicated to women in the Etruscan world. You will discover how the ancient inhabitants of Valdichiana Senese, joyous and libertine, loved not only jewels and perfumed oils but also wine, which flowed abundantly during banquets and parties in which they used to take part. And the women-wine combination continues to preserve its charm even today in this territory: visiting a winery in Montepulciano run by women, you will understand how femininity is the trait d'union that combines wine, art and architecture to create unique places.
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Montepulciano's Vino Nobile electric bike tour
A tour of Vino Nobile where even the journey itself becomes discovery and emotion. Riding an electric bike you will cross the historic center of Montepulciano starting from Piazza Grande, and then reach the surrounding country roads. You will ride without much effort along the ups and downs of the Tuscan hills and you will not miss the opportunity to take some photos in the most beautiful and panoramic spots.
The Vino Nobile tour by electric bike
You will be accompanied through dirt paths and gentle blackthorn vineyards, to a Vino Nobile Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG winery. Here you can visit the company and a wine tasting in combination with typical local flavors, including Tuscan cold cuts, bruschetta with Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, pecorino di Pienza. Once you have recovered your energy, continue the bike tour returning to the walls of the historic center of Montepulciano.
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Wine lovers experience a Montepulciano
An entire day dedicated to wine lovers and to the discovery and knowledge of Montepulciano Wines. A real journey into the world of Montepulciano wines, through stories and curiosities related to its area of origin.
The tour for wine lovers
Moving from one area to another in the territory of Montepulciano, wine lovers will discover 3 wineries, producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and Rosso di Montepulciano DOC. In each one, they will get to know the producers directly, discovering their business philosophies and tasting their wines in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. The discussion with the experts on the different types of wines will be exciting and stimulating.
The tour also includes lunch at one of the wineries; here you will have the opportunity to taste typical dishes cooked with local products, combined with favorite wines to enhance the flavors on the table.
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6 hours
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6 hours
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From$92
3 hours
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From$126
4 hours
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From$184
3 hours
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3 hours
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6 hours
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From$80
2 hours
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From$64
6 hours
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From$196
6 hours
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From$237
3 hours
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From$98
4 hours
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From$103
2 hours and 30 minutes
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From$138
3 hours
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From$126
3 hours
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From$230
3 hours
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From$126
6 hours
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From$173
3 hours
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From$149
4 hours
easy
From$323
2 hours
easy
From$122
2 hours and 30 minutes
easy
From$115
6 hours
easy
From$230
3 hours
easy
From$230
3 hours
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From$207
3 hours
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From$92
3 hours
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From$230
3 hours
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From$138
2 hours
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From$92
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From$92
4 hours
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From$196
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From$288
Itineraries by Valdichiana Living
Explore travel itineraries created by Valdichiana Living to inspire your next adventure.
