9 hours tour

From Florence: Val d’Orcia UNESCO Day Tour

Monasteries, Medieval Villages & Brunello Wine

From

390 PP

Explore Tuscany Through Its Most Iconic Landscapes

An exclusive full-day journey through the UNESCO Val d’Orcia, tracing the symbolic legacy of Charlemagne across Romanesque abbeys, fortified hilltowns, sacred thermal waters and timeless Tuscan landscapes — concluded with a guided tasting of Brunello di Montalcino and local products.

Duration
9 hours Duration
Minimum pax
2 Pax Minimum
Price
390 Starting
Rating
5 Star Rating

Why You Should Choose This Tour?

  • A rare full-day experience that weaves together history, spirituality, gastronomy and landscape at the highest level.
  • Travel through the UNESCO Val d’Orcia — one of the most breathtaking and photographed landscapes in the world.
  • Follow the symbolic trail of Charlemagne: the political, cultural and spiritual foundations of Western Europe.
  • Visit the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, founded according to tradition by Charlemagne himself.
  • Discover Bagno Vignoni, a unique medieval village built around a thermal spring — the sacred water of pilgrims and emperors.
  • Explore Montalcino, the fortified Sienese stronghold and home of Brunello, one of Italy’s greatest wines.
  • Walk through Pienza, the Renaissance ‘ideal city’ — a UNESCO treasure and symbol of European humanist thought.
  • Private luxury minivan with a dedicated driver and expert guide for maximum comfort and immersion.
  • Perfect for culturally curious, sophisticated travelers who want depth, beauty and meaning beyond the standard itinerary.

Just few spots available

From €390
/ Adult

What Does This Tour Include?

Included

  • Private luxury minivan with dedicated driver
  • Expert local English-speaking guide for the entire day
  • Guided visit of the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo
  • Guided walk through Bagno Vignoni, Montalcino and Pienza
  • Guided wine tasting of Brunello di Montalcino (or Rosso di Montalcino) with local products: extra virgin olive oil DOP, artisan cured meats and Tuscan pecorino cheese
  • Pecorino di Pienza tasting at a historic local shop
  • Panoramic photo stops throughout the Val d’Orcia
  • Pick-up and drop-off from Florence or Siena city centre
  • Tour insurance

Not Included

  • Entrance tickets to monuments (where applicable — details confirmed upon booking)
  • Lunch beyond what is included in the wine tasting experience
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips (optional but appreciated)

Itinerary

Meeting Point

Piazza delle Belle Arti — next to the Galleria dell’Accademia. Exact details confirmed upon booking.

Stop 1: Galleria dell’Accademia

Enjoy a guided visit focused on Michelangelo’s David, exploring its artistic brilliance and symbolic meaning in Renaissance Florence.

Stop 2: Inside the Accademia Gallery

Discover Michelangelo’s unfinished works and other masterpieces, understanding the evolution of Renaissance sculpture.

Stop 3: San Lorenzo District

Walk through one of Florence’s most vibrant neighborhoods, connecting Medici history, local life, and artisan traditions.

Final Stop: Wine Boutique Experience

Conclude with a guided tasting of three Tuscan wines, paired with prosciutto, salami, and pecorino cheese, led by a professional sommelier.

Highlights

  • Full-day private tour through the UNESCO Val d’Orcia — one of the world’s most iconic cultural landscapes.
  • Abbazia di Sant’Antimo — a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture connected to the Carolingian legacy.
  • Bagno Vignoni — a unique medieval thermal village that has drawn pilgrims, emperors and artists for centuries.
  • Montalcino — a fortified Sienese stronghold and the home of Brunello, one of Italy’s most celebrated wines.
  • Guided Brunello wine tasting with local products in an intimate, authentic setting.
  • Pienza — the Renaissance ‘ideal city’ and UNESCO heritage site, a symbol of humanist European thought.
  • Breathtaking Val d’Orcia panoramas: cypress-lined roads, rolling hills and golden agricultural landscapes.
  • High-level historical storytelling connecting medieval Europe, Carolingian legacy and Tuscan identity.

UNESCO landscapes, medieval villages, and Brunello wine — discover the timeless beauty of Tuscany in one unforgettable journey.

Know Before You Go.

Know Before You Go

  • Total Duration: approximately 8–9 hours (full day)

  • Departure: 08:30 from Florence or Siena city centre

  • Return: approximately 19:30

  • Tour Type: Private full-day tour by luxury minivan with guided stops

  • Tour Level: Easy to moderate — short walks in each village, some uneven terrain

  • Private luxury minivan with dedicated driver included.

  • Minimum age for alcohol tasting: 18 years old

  • Languages available: English, Italian

  • Please be ready at the agreed pick-up point 5 minutes before departure.

  • Comfortable layered clothing and walking shoes are recommended — temperatures in the Val d’Orcia can vary significantly between morning and afternoon.

  • Photography is encouraged throughout the day — the Val d’Orcia light is extraordinary.

  • This tour operates with small groups for an intimate and personalised experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour depart from?

Pick-up is from Florence city centre. The exact pick-up point is confirmed upon booking.

Is the wine tasting included?

Yes. The tour includes a guided tasting of Brunello di Montalcino (or Rosso di Montalcino) with extra virgin olive oil DOP, artisan cured meats and Tuscan pecorino cheese. A tasting of Pecorino di Pienza is also included in Pienza.

Is lunch included?

A generous tasting experience in Montalcino (wine, cheese, cured meats and olive oil) replaces a formal lunch. It is designed to be satisfying and representative of the local food culture. A full restaurant lunch can be added upon request at an additional cost.

Is the tour suitable for those who are not wine experts?

Yes, absolutely. The guide contextualises the wine experience within the history and landscape of the area, making it interesting and accessible for everyone, from wine newcomers to enthusiasts.

What is the Val d’Orcia?

The Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape in southern Tuscany, celebrated for its extraordinary rolling hills, cypress trees, medieval villages and Renaissance towns. It has inspired artists, writers and filmmakers for centuries.

Is it possible to hear Gregorian chant at Sant’Antimo?

The Premonstratensian monks of Sant’Antimo sing Gregorian chant at fixed liturgical hours. Where the timing of the visit aligns, the guide will ensure guests have the opportunity to listen. This cannot be guaranteed on every visit.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is essential for this private full-day tour to coordinate pick-up, winery reservations and guide availability.

What is Brunello di Montalcino and why is it so special?

Brunello di Montalcino is a 100% Sangiovese wine produced exclusively in the territory around Montalcino, in the southern part of Siena province. It is one of Italy’s most prestigious and age-worthy wines, subject to a minimum ageing requirement of five years (six for the Riserva). The combination of altitude, clay-rich soils, warm days and cool nights in the Montalcino hills produces wines of extraordinary depth, complexity and longevity. The Rosso di Montalcino is the same grape from the same territory, released younger and with a more approachable style — an excellent introduction to the area.

Is the Val d’Orcia far from Florence? How long is the drive?

The Val d’Orcia is located approximately 120–130 km south of Florence, in the province of Siena. By private luxury minivan the drive takes approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on the specific destination. The journey itself is part of the experience: your guide uses the transfer time for an introductory narrative on the history of the region, Charlemagne and the cultural significance of the Tuscan landscape you are entering.

What is the best time of year to visit the Val d’Orcia?

The Val d’Orcia is beautiful in every season, but spring (late April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are considered the finest times to visit. In spring the hills are bright green with wildflowers and young wheat; in autumn the landscape turns gold and the vineyards are heavy with grapes during harvest. Summer offers the iconic golden hills seen in most photographs, though temperatures can be high. Winter brings a quiet, misty beauty that is extraordinary in its own way.

What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

Given the private nature of this full-day tour and the advance reservations required for the winery and the luxury minivan, we require cancellations to be made at least 7 days before the departure date for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of departure are subject to a full penalty. In the event of force majeure or exceptional circumstances, please contact us directly and we will do our best to find a suitable alternative.

What They Say About Us

From the twilight shadows to the final wine glass, our guests have walked the path of Renaissance secrets. See why they fell in love with Florence’s most provocative side.

Booked the Uffizi tour for our anniversary. We went in knowing nothing and came out understanding everything. Worth every euro and then some.

Sarah L

The Val d’Orcia full-day tour felt like a dream. Eight hours of pure Tuscany. Marco’s team is exceptional. This is how travel should feel slow, beautiful, meaningful.

David K.

The Artisans tour was the highlight of our entire trip. Seeing real craftsmen at work in those Oltrarno workshops nothing compares. Highly recommend.

Robert & Claire T

An absolutely extraordinary evening. Our guide knew stories about Florence I’ve never read in any book. The wine tasting at the end was perfect. We’ll be back.

Jennifer M

Booked the Uffizi tour for our anniversary. We went in knowing nothing and came out understanding everything. Worth every euro and then some.

Sarah L

The Val d’Orcia full-day tour felt like a dream. Eight hours of pure Tuscany. Marco’s team is exceptional. This is how travel should feel slow, beautiful, meaningful.

David K.

The Artisans tour was the highlight of our entire trip. Seeing real craftsmen at work in those Oltrarno workshops nothing compares. Highly recommend.

Robert & Claire T

An absolutely extraordinary evening. Our guide knew stories about Florence I’ve never read in any book. The wine tasting at the end was perfect. We’ll be back.

Jennifer M

Join Our Community of Florence Lovers

From the twilight shadows to the final wine glass, our guests have walked the path of Renaissance secrets. See why they fell in love with Florence’s most provocative side.

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Born and raised in Tuscany, we offer iconic experiences through high-quality guided led excursions.
Via del Ponte Rosso 49r, Florence 50129

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