Description
Meet your local tour leader and travel for an hour by private 8-seater mini-van through the beautiful Tuscan countryside that has been seen on the cinema screen for generations.
Learn about the Italian way of life, customs, cuisines and local quirks from your guide before reaching the first stop of the day. SIENA is the medieval city that was the backdrop for the famous films Letters to Julliet and Steal the beauty. Prepare to be amazed by Siena, a city full of charm, of narrow alleys with local artisans and medieval squares made in red bricks. A stop at the gothic Siena Cathedral will be a must before continuing your journey to your next destination.
From here we head towards the famous MONTEPULCIANO, where the vampires converge in the film New Moon of the Twilight Saga. The beautiful walled city is also home to Montepulciano DOCG WINE, making it the perfect opportunity for a tasting of wine and other local produce in an ancient 14th-century underground cellar. You will have the opportunity to purchase products for a perfect gift or to be sent home. Your guide will provide you with a local overview, information about specific scenes and other films set in each location, as well as free time to explore the other attractions the cities have to offer at your leisure.
Just 10 minutes by car from Montepulciano we will find our local restaurant, set in a splendid position overlooking the Tuscan hills and producer of the famous Montepulciano DOCG wine. Here we will enjoy our LIGHT LUNCH with local Tuscan products and wine tasting.
After lunch you will head to CORTONA, the lush hill town known for its olive groves and made famous by Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun. In Cortona you will have free time to explore the narrow streets, craft shops and other landmarks seen in the film adaptation of the Frances Mayes novel. Who knows, maybe your Italian romance will develop!
We will return to San Gimignano at approximately 19:00.
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Time: from 8:45 am to 7:00 pm.
INFORMATION:
- Guaranteed tour with a minimum of 4 participants – Maximum 8 participants.
EXPERIENCE ORGANIZED BY
WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEETING POINT
Strada di Sant’Appiano 9/i – Barberino Tavarnelle
BOOKING METHOD AND CANCELLATION TERMS
- Advance payment at the time of booking
Krista –
I am so glad we listened to our friends who had done this tour the year prior. Our tour operator did a fantastic job of showing us around Siena, Montepulciano and Cortona. We especially enjoyed the wine and olive oil tasting in Montepulciano. We had them ship us bottles of both to the states. Our tour operator was friendly and knowledgeable and the ride was comfortable for all. We can’t wait to return!!
Doubletee_45 –
This small group tour is a satisfying way to enjoy the Tuscan countryside and sample its wines without having to rent a car.
Manolo is an attentive, courteous, and informative driver-guide, as well as a safe motorist with excellent taste in music (to pass the time between destinations).
Siena was the first stop and, after a brief introduction to the history and layout of the city, we were granted free time to explore. I spent mine enjoying Sienese art at the quiet Pinacoteca Nazionale and photographing the exteriors of the cathedral and the formidable town hall before rejoining the group and continuing to the next destination, Montepulciano.
You’ll want sturdy walking shoes for hilly Montepulciano. We received another general introduction to the town before stopping in at Cantina Crociani for a wine tasting and light lunch. I was particularly fond of the 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and I purchased a bottle after the conclusion of our tasting. The group were then granted another hour or so of free time to explore the town.
The thirty minute drive to Cortona is quite lovely, and we arrived at a serendipitous moment — a local civic parade of some sort was setting off from the car park, and several of us followed the participants up the winding main street to a city square where a crossbow competition ensued. Our hour in Cortona passed by quickly (I enjoyed it best of the places visited).
Andrew –
This review is long over due, but the day trip I took with my parents was incredible, all thanks to Monola!! It turns out that it was just the 3 of us and Manola for the tour which made it a lot more personal. Manola knew a lot about the history of each city, as well as making sure we visited key places when we had time to explore. When we had the wine tasting, we enjoyed learning about the different types we drank. With Monola’s company, we were able to learn what life in Italy is like for a local resident as it was our first visit ever to the country. He shared great informaton with us about the culture of Tuscany, and truly made us feel welcomed. He even helped us make dinner reservations at a local restaurant when we returned, which seemed to be off the path where most tourist would go to, and only locals would visit. It truly made the experience as authentic as it could get. I hope that when we return he can be our guide again!
Ross –
My wife and I got some advice to see the smaller towns around San Gimignano and there were not many tours that hit all 3 of these destinations. We initially couldn’t get the minimum people for our tour but they were extremely responsive and we instead did a very reasonable private tour. Eduardo was fantastic providing facts and explaining sights, as well as his driving. We enjoyed every stop but especially the wine tasting in montepulciano with the light lunch. The wine was so good we bought some to ship home. It was a long day but Eduardo did amazing and we truly enjoyed ourselves. If I’m ever back I’ll be sure to book again.
Maria –
Manolo was the best tourguide ever. He was informative and gave us lots of information and it was very interesting that we followed up what he thought us via youtube after the tour. The tour itself is not so touristy and gave us enough time to enjoy it without being hassled. It rained the whole day but we still enjoyed our day. Thanks Manolo!!!