San Gimignano, Chianti and Montalcino Tour through Tuscan wine

Exploring Tuscany’s most iconic sights and wines, the San Gimignano, Chianti, and Montalcino Tour offers a satisfying full-day experience priced at $161.95 per person. With a duration of approximately 11 hours, this guided excursion makes it easy to discover the region’s highlights without the need for a car. The tour departs from Siena at 8:30 am and is designed for small groups of up to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. It features two wine tastings at renowned wineries, visits to historical towns, and optional local meals, making it ideal for lovers of wine, history, and Tuscan scenery.

While the tour is well-suited for those who appreciate guided experiences and want to explore Tuscan towns with minimal planning, it’s worth noting that lunch is optional and not included in the price. The small group size and expert guides are praised for making the day enjoyable and informative, though some may wish for more time in certain locations. This tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to taste Tuscany’s best wines and see its celebrated towns.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Siena to San Gimignano, Chianti, and Montalcino
• Price of $161.95 per person with two included wine tastings
• Approximate duration of 11 hours with a relaxed but well-paced itinerary
• Small group size of 8 travelers for a more personal experience
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Val d’Orcia and medieval Montalcino
• Optional winery lunch available but not included in the price

Starting Point in Siena and Transport

The tour begins at Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 72 in Siena at 8:30 am. Travelers travel comfortably in a minivan with air conditioning, which ensures a relaxed ride through the Tuscan countryside. The small group limit of 8 people promotes intimacy and allows guides to provide personalized insights throughout the day. After an hour’s drive, the journey takes you into Tuscany’s scenic towns, setting the tone for a leisurely exploration.

Exploring San Gimignano: The City of Fine Towers

The first major stop is San Gimignano, a town famous for its medieval skyline of towers. You gain one hour of free time to stroll through the cobbled streets, admire the artisan shops, and soak in the views of the surrounding countryside. During this time, visitors can also visit the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, the town’s main cathedral, with optional tickets available nearby.

A visit to the Palazzo Pubblico offers the chance to see the Big Tower nearby, which provides panoramic views from the top. While entry is not included in the basic tour, the opportunity to climb the tower costs around 4 euros. The Piazza Della Cisterna, with its medieval well, is another popular spot to experience the town’s atmosphere.

San Gimignano’s White Wine: Vernaccia di San Gimignano

This town is notably the birthplace of Vernaccia, Italy’s first DOCG white wine. As part of the tour, guests enjoy a sample of Vernaccia during a wine tasting at a local winery. Guides provide insights into the wine’s significance and production. Visitors have the option to purchase bottles to take home.

The Chianti Wineries and Tasting Experience

Next, the tour continues along the Strada Statale 222 Chiantigiana, where a two-hour visit to a renowned Chianti winery awaits. Here, guests enjoy a tasting of Chianti wine and have the chance to purchase bottles of this iconic Italian wine. An optional lunch can be enjoyed at the winery, offering a chance to savor local flavors, although it is not included in the tour price.

Journey into UNESCO’s Val d’Orcia

After wine tasting in Chianti, the journey moves toward Montalcino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. From the hilltop, the town overlooks 1500 hectares of Brunello vineyards. The trip offers scenic views of the Tuscan countryside, with on-board commentary providing context.

Exploring Montalcino and its Fortress

In Montalcino, travelers have one hour of free time to explore the medieval Fortezza. The fortress is a highlight, with the option to walk along the walls for splendid views of Val d’Orcia at a cost of around 4 euros. The cobblestone streets of Montalcino invite leisurely strolling, shopping, and absorbing the town’s medieval charm.

Tasting Brunello di Montalcino

The tour’s final two hours focus on Brunello di Montalcino, a top-rated Italian DOCG wine. At a local winery, guests indulge in a guided tasting of Brunello paired with local products. This tasting showcases the wine’s quality and reputation, rounding out the experience with authentic regional flavors.

Return to Siena and Final Drop-Off

After the wine tasting, the group departs Montalcino and heads back to Siena, with an approximately one-hour drive. The tour concludes at the initial meeting point in Siena, providing a convenient and scenic end to a full day of exploration and tasting.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour starts early at 8:30 am and runs approximately 11 hours, so comfortable footwear and a camera are recommended. Since lunch is optional and not included, travelers might wish to bring snacks or plan to purchase food at the wineries. The small group size enhances the experience but requires booking at least 24 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of towns, UNESCO sites, and wineries makes this tour particularly appealing. The expert guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, contributing to a more engaging experience. The two wine tastings, combined with visits to San Gimignano and Montalcino, provide a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s wine culture and landscape.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This excursion best suits adults who enjoy wine, history, and scenic towns. The small group setting and guided commentary appeal to travelers seeking an intimate, educational experience without the hassle of driving. Those looking for a full-day immersion in Tuscan culture will find this tour satisfying, especially with its flexibility to include optional meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is optional and available for purchase at the wineries, but it is not included in the ticket price.

How many wine tastings are included?
The tour features two wine tastings at two different wineries—one in Chianti and the other in Montalcino.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and easier interaction with the guides.

What are the main highlights of San Gimignano?
San Gimignano is known for its medieval towers, artisan shops, and being the origin of Vernaccia white wine. Key sites include the Cathedral of San Gimignano and Piazza della Cisterna.

Can I climb the Torre Grossa?
Entry is not included in the basic tour, but tickets to climb the tower are available for around 4 euros.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The itinerary includes walking through cobbled streets and visiting historical sites, which may pose challenges for some mobility concerns.

How long do stops at each town last?
San Gimignano offers about one hour free time, Montalcino also allows one hour of free exploration, and the winery tastings are scheduled for two hours each.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its focus on small groups, two wine tastings in renowned wineries, and visits to UNESCO sites like Val d’Orcia and Montalcino provide a comprehensive taste of Tuscany’s wine and culture.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made through the provider, MyLuxuryDrive, with confirmation provided at the time of booking. The tour is popular and typically booked 24 days in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, receiving a full refund.

This San Gimignano, Chianti, and Montalcino Tour blends scenic towns, world-famous wines, and historic sites into a memorable Tuscan day trip. Its small group format, expert guides, and two wine tastings make it ideal for those seeking an authentic and relaxed way to experience Tuscany’s best.