Half-day Hills Experience to San Gimignano with Pic Nic Wine

Key Points

• Duration: The tour lasts 5 hours, making it perfect for a half-day experience.
• Includes: Guided visit of San Gimignano, climb of Torre Grossa, and a picnic among vineyards with local products.
• Wine Tasting: Tasting of Tuscan wines paired with regional foods, with the option to select from reds, whites, or rosés.
• Small Group: Limited to 25 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Meeting Point: Located at the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal in Florence with clear signage.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users; comfortable shoes recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover San Gimignano with Expert Guidance

This half-day tour takes you from Florence to the enchanting town of San Gimignano, famously called the Manhattan of the Middle Ages for its iconic skyline of medieval towers. Your journey begins at the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, where a friendly, multilingual guide greets you, ready to share insights into Tuscany’s charming landscapes and towns.

As you travel in a small group of up to 25 people, the tour emphasizes personal attention and relaxed pacing. The guide, proficient in English, explains the history and stories behind San Gimignano’s medieval architecture, helping you appreciate its significance as you walk through narrow cobblestone streets and lively piazzas.

Breathtaking Views over the Tuscan Hills

The drive from Florence to San Gimignano offers picture-perfect scenes of rolling hills, ancient olive groves, cypress-lined roads, and sprawling vineyards. These vistas are among the most admired features of this tour, providing ample opportunities to snap photos of the Tuscan landscape.

Once in San Gimignano, the tour guides you through the town’s medieval alleys, leading to Piazza della Cisterna. Here, the lively atmosphere and historic significance make it a must-see stop, as this square was once the bustling marketplace and festival stage in medieval times.

Climbing Torre Grossa for Panoramic Views

A highlight of the visit is the climb of Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano. With 218 steps to ascend, this climb rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The tower’s vantage point provides a unique perspective on the town’s towers and the vast Tuscan landscape, making it a memorable photo spot.

The Torre Grossa is accessible as part of the guided experience, adding a physical element to the sightseeing and giving a tangible sense of medieval life in San Gimignano.

Experience a Vineyard Picnic Among the Vines

After exploring the town, the tour concludes with a delicious picnic among the vineyards. This regional feast includes a selection of typical Tuscan products, carefully chosen to complement the wines you’ll enjoy.

The picnic setting among the vineyards offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can savor local flavors while surrounded by the rolling hills. The experience captures the essence of Tuscan gastronomy and scenery, making it a standout part of this half-day adventure.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wine Tasting with Local Products

The wine tasting is a key feature, with a variety of Tuscan wines available—reds, whites, and rosés. The winery offers a range of selections, served alongside cheeses, bread, and salami, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Guests appreciate that there is no hard sell, and dietary restrictions are well accommodated. The tasting experience allows you to enjoy some of Tuscany’s best wines in a beautiful setting, enhancing the overall quality of the tour.

Practical Details and Logistics

The meeting point is at the Tours&News kiosk at the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, just 5-10 minutes walk from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. The staff, easily identifiable in a fuchsia jacket, ensures a smooth start to your day.

The tour operates on a reserve now, pay later basis, offering flexibility to travelers. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind when planning your Tuscany itinerary.

Comfort and Accessibility Considerations

While the tour is designed for small groups, it not suitable for wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to uneven cobblestones and some uphill walking, especially when climbing Torre Grossa.

The tour is conducted in English, and babies from 0-2 years are welcome but must sit on a parent’s lap. This makes the experience accessible for families with small children, provided physical requirements are met.

Expert Guides and Authentic Experiences

The guide’s expertise and friendly manner shine through, making the history and local culture come alive. Their knowledge enhances the experience and helps visitors make the most of the short but immersive visit.

Guests frequently mention the guide’s storytelling and the well-curated itinerary as key strengths, along with the beautiful scenery and delicious regional products.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Compared to other Tuscany excursions, this tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and culinary delights—all packed into just 5 hours. The small-group format ensures a more personalized experience, and the inclusion of a climb of Torre Grossa provides a tangible sense of medieval life.

The picnic among vineyards is a distinctive feature, bringing visitors into the landscape’s heart while sampling authentic Tuscan delicacies. The wine tasting complements this perfectly, making it a well-rounded, enjoyable half-day trip.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience

This tour is ideal for those seeking a manageable half-day escape from Florence that combines cultural exploration, scenic views, and regional food and wine. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate history, architecture, and culinary experiences in a relaxed setting.

However, individuals with mobility issues should consider the physical demands of climbing Torre Grossa and walking on cobblestones, as this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What is included in the wine tasting?
The tasting features a selection of Tuscan reds, whites, and rosés, served with cheeses, bread, and salami. Dietary restrictions are well catered for.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal in Florence, specifically at the Tours&News kiosk.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, babies from 0-2 years are welcome but must sit on a parent’s lap. The experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour operates on a reserve now, pay later basis, so booking ahead is recommended.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, comfortable shoes are recommended, and climbing Torre Grossa involves 218 steps. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility limitations.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small-group size, combined with scenic views, a climb of Torre Grossa, and an authentic vineyard picnic, offers a rich yet manageable half-day experience.

Is there an age limit for participation?
There’s no specified age limit beyond infants, but due to physical activity like climbing, it’s best suited for those able to handle some walking and stairs.

How is the guide’s expertise?
The guides are multilingual and knowledgeable, making history and local culture engaging and accessible.

This Half-day Hills Experience to San Gimignano with Pic Nic Wine offers a genuine taste of Tuscany’s medieval charm, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights—all in a relaxed, small-group setting. It combines history, scenery, and regional flavors into a memorable 5-hour journey perfect for those wanting a concise yet rich experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby