Spend a full day tasting Vino Nobile and sampling pecorino across the rolling Val d’Orcia. This 7–8 hour tour from Siena combines cellar visits, a cheese-farm lunch, and strolls through Pienza’s Renaissance streets.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The road peels off from Siena into a ribbon of cypress-lined hills; sunlight slides across the Val d'Orcia and the van turns toward a cluster of hill towns that have made Tuscany a byword for slow, sensory travel. You arrive first at a family-run cheese farm where shepherd dogs and sheep punctuate the view; the lunch table faces pastures and distant stone towns. Later, a cool descent into an underground wine cellar in Montepulciano reveals barrels of Vino Nobile, the town’s DOCG red, while the guide explains the tannins and the clay-rich soils that shape the grapes.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks on cobbles and farm terrain so basic mobility is required
Wildlife
History
Pienza was rebuilt in the 15th century under Pope Pius II as an early example of Renaissance urban planning; Montepulciano has produced notable wines since medieval times and holds the Vino Nobile DOCG designation.
Conservation
Vineyards and pastures in Val d’Orcia are protected agricultural landscapes; practice leave-no-trace, respect private farmland, and buy local products to support small producers.
Reserve your spot on the Cities, Cheese and Wine Tour in Pienza & Montepulciano today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring government ID for tastings
Italian wineries require ID for alcohol tastings—bring a passport or EU ID to avoid issues.
Wear comfortable shoes
Cobblestones and farm paths are uneven; closed-toe, grippy shoes make cellar visits and village walks easier.
Tell them about dietary needs
Lunch at the cheese farm can be adapted—inform the operator ahead of time for vegetarian or allergy accommodations.
Pace your tastings and hydrate
Space water between samples to keep your palate clear and avoid overindulgence on a long day.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes handle cobbled streets, farm paths, and cellar steps comfortably.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open midday sections and vineyard views offer little shade during summer.
summer
Light jacket or fleece
Cellars and hilltop breezes can be cool even on otherwise warm days in spring.
spring
Small daypack or tote
Carries purchases, water, and layers without getting in the way on the van.