A Taste of Val d'Orcia: Tuscan Beauty, Flavors & Timeless Towns

Explore the Renaissance charm of Pienza, indulge in organic farm-to-table dining at Podere Il Casale, and savor the architectural beauty and renowned wines of Montepulciano

Travel through the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning landscapes, historic towns, and world-class wines. This full-day excursion takes you from the Renaissance jewel of Pienza to the noble city of Montepulciano. Along the way, you'll indulge in a traditional Tuscan lunch and sample the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This tour blends architectural beauty, organic farm-to-table cuisine, and historic wine cellars into one unforgettable excursion through Tuscany’s most beloved countryside.

Morning visit of Pienza: The Ideal Renaissance City

Your adventure begins as your private driver collects you from your accommodation. As you travel through the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia, you'll catch glimpses of cypress-lined roads and golden fields, a prelude to the serene beauty of this area.

Your first stop is the picturesque town of Pienza, a gem of Renaissance urban planning. Designed by Pope Pius II as the ideal Renaissance city, Pienza is a harmonious blend of architecture, art, and sweeping valley views. You’ll have the chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace. 

Stroll through the harmonious central square, Piazza Pio II, surrounded by the town's most important buildings. Do not miss the Pienza Cathedral with its luminous interior and stunning views over the Val d'Orcia. Take time to enjoy the breathtaking views from the town's walls, where the countryside is dotted with cypress trees and ancient farmhouses.

Lunch in the Countryside: Traditional Tuscan Organic Farm Dining

Just a few minutes from the center of Pienza, your next stop is Podere Il Casale, a family-run organic farm with one of the most breathtaking views in the region. Set in a beautifully restored 300-year-old Tuscan farmhouse amidst the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia, the farm offers a true taste of the owner's passion, with artisan cheeses, olive oil, and other local delights crafted in perfect harmony with nature.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the farm’s panoramic terrace, where each dish is prepared with ingredients grown or made on-site. You’ll taste the authenticity of rural Tuscany in every bite, accompanied by natural wines and sweeping views over Pienza, Monticchiello, Mount Amiata, and the Orcia Valley.

Afternoon: Montepulciano's Fattoria della Talosa Historical Cellar Tour & Wine Tasting

After lunch, your journey continues to Montepulciano, a Renaissance hill town renowned for its architectural grandeur and the iconic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. You’ll start by steping back in time with a guided tour of the Fattoria della Talosa’s 16th-century underground cellar, part of the ancient Etruscan heritage. You’ll get to explore 1,000 square meters of vaulted tunnels, including an Etruscan tomb, followed by a guided wine tasting of Nobile di Montepulciano. 

After the tasting, you’ll have free time to stroll through Montepulciano’s historic center, where palazzi, churches, and charming wine shops line the sloping Corso. Don't miss Piazza Grande, the town’s stately main square, and make sure to enjoy the sweeping views of the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys.

After a day steeped in history and flavor, your driver will return you to your accomodation. Sit back, relax, and watch the landscape of golden hills, olive groves, and ancient farmhouses unfold through your window, each a quiet testament to the enduring beauty of Tuscany.