Twilight Saga: the New Moon tour in Montepulciano

Discover the cinematic charm of Montepulciano with the Twilight Saga: the New Moon tour. Priced at $138.21 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, this guided experience takes you through the iconic filming sites of the “New Moon” movie set in the picturesque Tuscan town. The tour begins at Valdichiana Living near Piazza Grande and concludes back at the same meeting point, offering a compact yet immersive look into the film’s Italian backdrop.

While the tour is designed for fans of the Twilight Saga, it also provides access to Montepulciano’s charming streets, historic architecture, and renowned wine regions. Expect a small group experience, limited to 12 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere intimate and informative. The price includes a mobile ticket for easy access, and the activity is bookable 24 days in advance on average, making it accessible for those planning ahead.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $138.21 for about 2.5 hours, this tour offers a balanced mix of film locations, wine tasting, and scenic exploration.
• Film Set Highlights: You visit iconic spots like the palace with the clock tower and Piazza Grande, which served as key scenes in “New Moon.”
• Guided Experience: A knowledgeable guide leads the walk through Montepulciano’s historic center, sharing insights about both the town and its role in the film.
• Wine Tasting: The tour includes a visit to a historic wine cellar with a tasting, praised for its quality and engaging conversation.
• Mixed Reviews: While some praise the wine experience and local knowledge, others feel the film-related content could be more detailed.
• Weather and Cancellation: The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and is weather-dependent, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

The Starting Point and Group Size Limits

The tour kicks off at Valdichiana Living located at Piazza Grande, 7 in Montepulciano. It begins promptly at 10:00 am, making it suitable for daytime sightseeing. The group size is capped at 12 travelers, which allows for a more personalized experience and direct interaction with the guide.

Visiting Montepulciano’s Iconic Film Locations

This experience is centered around Montepulciano’s historic sites that feature in “New Moon.” The palace with the clock tower stands out as a notable scene location, along with Piazza Grande, which becomes a lively scene of Bella Swan searching for Edward Cullen in the film. The guide walks guests through these sites, providing context about their importance both historically and within the film.

Some reviews suggest that the tour could offer more detailed insights specifically about film filming locations, but it still provides a good overview of the town’s charm and how it served as the backdrop for key moments in the movie.

The Montepulciano Film Set and Its Scenery

Montepulciano’s narrow, uphill streets and scenic vistas mirror the moody atmosphere of the “Twilight” scenes. The historic center is filled with red cloaks during the tour, reminiscent of the film’s dramatic moments. As you walk through these streets, the guide highlights how the town’s architecture contributes to the film’s aesthetic.

Beyond the film set, the tour offers the chance to appreciate Montepulciano’s beautiful vistas and medieval buildings, making it a rewarding experience even for those less invested in the movie plot.

Wine Cellar Visits and Tastings

One of the tour’s highlights, according to reviews, is the visit to a historic wine cellar. The DeRicci wine cellar and Enoteca Vini Di Toscana are praised for their excellent wines and engaging staff. The tasting session is described as good, with some reviews emphasizing the insights into local wine-making traditions.

The wine experience is more than just tasting; it’s an opportunity to learn about Montepulciano’s renowned wine heritage, including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The host’s friendly conversation makes the session enjoyable and educational.

The Guide’s Style and Knowledge

The guide’s personality and knowledge level are mixed in reviews. Some find the guide very nice and knowledgeable about Montepulciano’s history, creating a pleasant atmosphere and engaging discussions. Others note that the guide’s English-speaking skills could be improved and that some parts of the tour feel less focused on the film set.

Despite these variations, the guide’s ability to explain the town’s cultural and historical context remains a key part of the experience.

The Food and Drink Experience

At the end of the tour, participants enjoy a special aperitif at a historic restaurant in Montepulciano. This provides a relaxed setting to discuss the sights, enjoy local wines, and savor regional flavors. The wine tasting at the cellar pairs well with the aperitif, making for a satisfying conclusion.

This part of the experience is highly praised, especially for its local wine selections and the friendly, conversational atmosphere.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

This tour departs at 10:00 am from Valdichiana Living and is suitable for most travelers, given the moderate physical demands. The activity is designed for small groups, enhancing the ability to ask questions and receive personalized attention. Booking typically occurs about three weeks in advance.

Cancellation policies are flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours beforehand. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a charming introduction to Montepulciano and some film locations, some reviews express disappointment about the depth of film-specific information. The visit to the wine cellar, although enjoyable, may not match expectations for those seeking a film-focused experience.

Plus, the tour’s 3.5-star rating reflects a mix of high praise for the wine aspect and some criticisms about guide communication and content clarity.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits visitors who appreciate small-group guided walks, wine tastings, and scenic towns. Fans of the “Twilight” series will find the film locations appealing, while lovers of Tuscan architecture and local wine will enjoy the cultural insights and tasting sessions. Those expecting a highly detailed film set exploration should be aware that the content may be more general, with some reviews noting a lack of in-depth filming details.

Final Thoughts on the Montepulciano “New Moon” Tour

This tour offers a blend of film history, wine, and Tuscan charm in a compact package. The small group size fosters a relaxed atmosphere, and the inclusion of a wine cellar visit adds value beyond just the film locations. While the film-related content could be more comprehensive, the scenic streets and local wine experience are genuine highlights.

Ideal for casual fans of Twilight and wine enthusiasts, this tour provides a pleasant way to explore Montepulciano’s picturesque streets and learn about its role in the film and viticulture. However, expectations should be tempered regarding the depth of film site storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the activity’s focus on walking and wine tasting might be less engaging for very young children.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, the tour is a guided walk starting and ending at Valdichiana Living in Montepulciano.

What is the tour duration?
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including stops and tastings.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start time.

What do I need to bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and an appetite for wine and scenic views.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through historic streets, so accessibility details are not specified, but expect some uphill paths.

How many people usually join this tour?
The group is limited to 12 travelers for a more personalized experience.

What are the highlights of the wine tasting?
Guests enjoy high-quality wines, with insights into Montepulciano’s wine-making traditions, especially Vino Nobile.

Will I learn a lot about the filming locations?
You will visit some key sites, but reviews suggest the film-specific details may be limited.

Is the tour worth the price?
For lovers of wine and scenic towns, the combination of film set visits and tastings provides decent value, though expectations about film details should be managed.

This Twilight Saga: New Moon tour in Montepulciano offers a charming way to combine movie locations, local wine, and Tuscan scenery. While it might not satisfy all film buffs with its depth, it remains a delightful experience for those seeking a relaxed, small-group exploration of Montepulciano’s cinematic and vinicultural heritage.