From Rome: Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Expert‑Led Tasting

Board your comfortable AC coach along with your professional tour leader at the meeting point, and depart for the gorgeous region of Tuscany. Gaze in wonder at the rolling hills, sprawling fields and the picture-perfect towns that dot your route to the ancient hill town of Montepulciano. Meet up with an expert guide who is well acquainted with the area and embark on a walking tour of the town. The town is peppered with ruins that predate Rome itself, as well as town squares, and narrow roads, making it quite the picturesque setting, calling to mind all that is synonymous with Italy. You will even get to visit an ancient wine cellar here before you reboard the bus and continue on to the St. Biagio church. Take in the domineering dome and semi-circular apse.

after your visit, travel to a nearby farmhouse surrounded by vineyards for a 3-course traditional Italian lunch. Before sittig down, enjoy a brief pasta-making demonstration with small tastings. Your meal is complemented by a tasting of five regional pours, including the famed Brunelli di Montalcino. These drinks will be presented by a professional who will guide you through each sip.

Though you can buy some wine as a souvenir after lunch, it’s recommended to hold off until you reach the next stop, the town of Pienza, renowned for its local crafts and culinary delights. Your tour leader will be happy to give you some pointers about the best places to explore and shop before giving you a full hour to explore this Renaissance town. Feel free to pick up local specialties like balsamic vinegar, pecorino cheese, and wines, or head to one of the numerous artisan shops to pick up a keepsake. Having shopped to your heart's content, relax as you head back to Rome after your sun-drenched Tuscan adventure!

Itinerary

• Starting point: Flaminio Obelisk at Piazza del Popolo

• Montepulciano

• St. Biagio Church

• Pienza

• Flaminio Obelisk