From Siena: Tuscany Hills Small Group Wine Tour

The From Siena: Tuscany Hills Small Group Wine Tour offers an engaging full-day experience through some of Tuscany’s most charming towns and vineyards. Priced around €120 per person, this 10-hour tour departs from Siena’s train station and takes you across rolling hills filled with vineyards. You’ll visit two wineries to sample local wines like Chianti and Nobile di Montepulciano, paired with snacks, and explore Pienza and Montepulciano, two towns renowned for their beauty and history.

This tour is ideal for those who want a balanced mix of wine tasting, scenic drives, and town exploration without renting a car. While the tour features small group sizes that promote a relaxed atmosphere, it involves moderate walking and stairs, so it may not suit travelers with mobility challenges. Overall, it provides a thoughtful way to experience Tuscany’s countryside and its celebrated wines, though some reviews note that the experience can feel rushed and that certain expectations, like olive oil tasting, may not always be met.

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting approximately 10 hours from Siena, led by a live guide available in English, Spanish, and Italian.
• Visits to two wineries where you sample multiple wines including Chianti and Nobile di Montepulciano, with snacks and sometimes olive oil.
• Exploration of Pienza and Montepulciano, two towns famous for their historic architecture, panoramic views, and artistic inspiration.
• Cross scenic Tuscan hills and vineyards during the drive, enjoying stunning landscapes and photo stops.
• The tour departs from Siena’s train station and involves moderate walking with stairs; not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Flexible booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours before and the ability to reserve without immediate payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Meeting Point at Siena Train Station and Transportation Details

The adventure begins at Stazione FS di Siena, located at coordinates 43.33152, 11.32283. Travelers meet the tour team here before boarding a coach for the first leg of the journey, which lasts about one hour.

This organized transport ensures a hassle-free start, avoiding the need to navigate Tuscan roads independently. After the first winery visit and tasting, the group continues with transfers between stops, including a 70-minute drive into Val d’Orcia to reach Pienza. The final drive back to Siena takes about one hour in a comfortable coach.

Visiting the Wineries for Authentic Tuscan Wine Tasting

The core of this tour centers on wine tasting experiences at two different wineries. The first winery offers a tasting of three wines, coupled with home-produced extra virgin olive oil and Tuscan bread. Guides provide insights into wine production and olive oil crafting, emphasizing Tuscan traditions.

The second winery specializes in Nobile di Montepulciano, where you sample more locally produced wines and enjoy traditional snacks. Although some reviews mention that snacks like crackers are the only items provided at certain stops, the wines themselves are praised as top quality, and the staff are described as knowledgeable and professional.

In addition, the wine tastings are often praised for their generosity and the opportunity to learn about regional wine varieties. Keep in mind, some guests regret that olive oil tasting is not always included despite descriptions suggesting it might be.

Exploring Pienza’s Artistic and Scenic Charm

Pienza is a highlight for its beautiful architecture and breathtaking views. Upon arrival, visitors enjoy free time to wander through narrow lanes and take in panoramic vistas that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.

The town offers a self-guided walk option, giving plenty of opportunity to explore at your own pace. Many appreciate the leisurely lunch available here, with options to shop for local pecorino cheese and souvenirs. The scenic views along the way make the drive to Pienza particularly memorable.

Pienza’s charm lies in its blend of historical beauty and countryside scenery, making it an ideal spot for photo stops and a peaceful break from the winery visits.

Discovering Montepulciano’s Renaissance Grandeur

Montepulciano impresses with its Renaissance architecture, historic churches, and stunning vistas over the Tuscan landscape. The group explores the town’s main streets, with time for shopping, sightseeing, and photo opportunities.

A visit to a second winery here offers further wine tastings paired with traditional snacks like crackers or biscotti. Many reviews mention that Montepulciano’s old town provides ample time for walks and exploring at leisure, though some suggest the visit could be longer to fully enjoy its historic sites.

The town’s elegance and views make it a favorite among visitors seeking a taste of Renaissance Italy.

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Scenic Drive Across the Tuscan Hills and Vineyards

The tour’s route takes travelers across rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves. The drive itself is a major part of the experience, with scenic views passing through Chianti and Val d’Orcia.

Photo stops along the way highlight vista points with sweeping vistas of Tuscan landscapes, often praised for their beauty and tranquility. The scenic drive is complemented by informative commentary from guides, who share stories about local history, art, and winemaking traditions.

Many reviews emphasize the breathtaking scenery, which makes the long day feel worthwhile.

Practicalities: Group Size, Accessibility, and Timing

This small group tour typically involves around 4 to 8 participants, fostering a relaxed atmosphere and allowing guides to give more personalized attention. The group size is often praised as intimate and friendly.

Travelers should be prepared for moderate walking and stairs in towns like Montepulciano and Pienza. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for travelers with mobility impairments. The start time varies depending on availability, and the tour includes breaks for sightseeing, shopping, and meals.

The entire day flows smoothly, with timed stops that balance touring and leisure. Some guests note that the schedule can feel rushed, especially in towns where free time is limited, but overall, the pacing caters well to those eager to see multiple highlights in one day.

Final Thoughts on the Tuscany Hills Wine Tour

The From Siena: Tuscany Hills Small Group Wine Tour provides a well-organized way to experience Tuscany’s scenic countryside, historic towns, and celebrated wines. The knowledgeable guides, praised for their local expertise, help make the experience both informative and enjoyable.

While wine tastings are a major focus, many guests appreciate the opportunity to visit Pienza and Montepulciano, which are beautiful and historically significant. The scenic drives and panoramic views are often highlighted as some of the most memorable parts of the tour.

However, the tour’s duration and schedule mean that it might feel fast-paced for some, and expectations regarding snacks and olive oil tasting may not always be fully met. It is best suited for those who want a combination of wine, scenery, and town exploration in a small-group setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, the tour does not include a full meal. Guests have time for a leisurely lunch in Pienza or Montepulciano, with options to shop for local products.

Are the wineries visited in this tour well-known?
Guests visit two wineries known for local wines such as Chianti and Nobile di Montepulciano. Some reviews highlight the quality and professionalism of the winery staff.

What is the group size?
The tour is designed for small groups, usually 4 to 8 participants, encouraging a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
No, the tour involves climbing stairs and walking on uneven surfaces, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides lead the tour in English, Spanish, and Italian. If the minimum number of 4 participants in other languages is not met, the tour is guaranteed in English.

How long is the drive between stops?
The transfer between key points includes a 70-minute drive to Pienza and a one-hour drive back to Siena, with scenic stops along the way.

Are snacks and olive oil tasting included?
Snacks like crackers and bread are often offered during wine tastings, but some reviews mention that olive oil tasting may not be included as expected.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the data doesn’t specify seasons, the reviews suggest that good weather enhances the experience. The tour runs in various months, with some travelers mentioning October visits.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility for changing plans.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Given the moderate walking and stairs, it may not be ideal for young children or those with mobility issues. It is best suited for travelers comfortable with walking.

How do I book this tour?
Guests can reserve via GetYourGuide with options to reserve now and pay later, providing convenience and flexibility.

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