Montalcino, Tuscany hiking tour, Pienza, Brunello wine

Price
US$ 1,700 per person
($250 Single Supplement)

Tour prices are based on double room occupancy. A single supplement is required for single rooms. Single guests can request a roommate and not pay the supplement.
More Information

2012 Dates
April 10-15
May 13-18
June 20-25
August 2-7
September 6-11
October 28 - November 2

6 Days, 5 Nights

Route Rating
Moderate: 3-5 miles per day of hiking with some steep ascents/descents.

Meet / Finish
Florence / Pienza

Highlights

Guided Brunello winery tour
Brunello wine tasting
Swim in the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni
Wine and cheese tasting in Montepulciano
The charming Tuscan hill towns of Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano
Scenic country walking trails

What's Included

All lodging (3-star hotels)
Winery visit and wine tasting
All breakfasts
Two lunches
Private van transfer on day one
Van support on hikes
Admission to thermal baths
5 beautiful hikes
Friendly bilingual tour guide

Cancellations: Terms and Conditions

» Tour Summary
» Map and Distances
» Hotels
» Photos

Wineries and Castles

Dates don't work?
Consider one of our self-guided bike trips. We can schedule a self-guided bike tour whenever you want March 1 to October 31 (minimum two people).

Have a group of four or more?
With a group of four or more we can schedule a guided tour whenever you want.

Guided Montalcino Hiking

Montalcino Hiking takes you on a five-day walk from Montalcino to Montepulciano. We hike on peaceful dirt roads and quiet country footpaths as we explore the best of southern Tuscany. Our tour begins in the hill town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wine. We walk through vineyards and visit a small family-run winery. On day three we swim in the soothing thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni, a Renaissance spa built by the Medici family. In the evening we sample red wines and try the local pecorino cheese. Day four takes us to the town of Pienza, built by a Pope to represent the perfect Renaissance city. We explore the center of Pienza and try a local homemade pasta called pici. A walk through rolling fields of corn and wheat takes us to Montepulciano, home of the Vino Nobile. Our visit to the cavernous Medieval cellars of the Ercolani cantina is topped off by a wine and cheese tasting. Strolling down an ancient dirt path on your way to a Renaissance village you will experience Tuscany as it should be, peaceful and astonishingly beautiful.

Day 1-3 Montalcino We meet in Florence and shuttle to Montalcino, home of the Brunello wine, one of the world’s finest reds. We hike to a Renaissance spa called Bagno Vignoni where we rejuvenate ourselves in a hot spring pool. Meandering through vineyards and rolling countryside we pass a castle, ancient quarries, and Tuscany’s most beautiful Romanesque church. The Bartolommei family takes us on a guided tour of their winery where they explain the secrets of the rich, ruby-red, Brunello wine. They also produce their own extra virgin olive oil. Montalcino was part of Siena’s empire and retains its 14th century castle. Today the castle offers great views from its ramparts and a well-furnished wine bar.

Day 3-6 Pienza Our walk to Pienza takes us through rolling fields of corn and wheat. In places the path is still lined with squared-off stones laid by Romans 2,000 years ago. Cypress trees and rustic stone farmhouses dot the undulating terrain. Pienza was built in three years beginning in 1459 at the behest of Pope Pius II who decided to transform his birthplace into a utopian city. The Renaissance town planners succeeded in creating a unique, harmonious space that survives today. We hike to the walled hamlet of Monticchiello and later visit Montepulciano, home of another incredible red wine, the Vino Nobile. We visit the cavernous wine cellars of the Ercolani winery and sample their wine and cheese. They feature pecorino cheese aged in walnuts, laurel leaves, or ash. Tour ends in Pienza. There are frequent busses for your departure on day six.