About this tour
A 12-hour excursion from Rome into Val d'Orcia's rolling hills, visiting two Renaissance towns steeped in wine and cheese culture. Start in Montepulciano, where you'll navigate steep medieval lanes and taste Nobile wines in a centuries-old cellar. Push on to Pienza, the architectural showpiece built by a 15th-century pope, sampling its renowned pecorino before the return journey to Rome. A small-group format keeps the pace manageable and conversation flowing.
Highlights
- Nobile di Montepulciano wine tasting in a historic underground winery
- Steep cobblestone streets and panoramic hilltop views
- Pienza Cathedral and Renaissance town square
- Pecorino di Pienza cheese sampling
- Val d'Orcia landscape—cypress-lined roads and vineyard vistas
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Rome
What to expect
Expect a full day of driving and walking. You'll depart Rome early and spend roughly three hours in transit there and back. In Montepulciano, allow 2–3 hours to wander the tight alleys and sit through a winery tasting; the town climbs steeply, so wear decent shoes. Pienza is more compact—you'll have time to visit the cathedral, browse the main piazza, and grab cheese or local goods. Both towns are genuinely quiet outside peak season. Lunch isn't included, so plan to eat in either town (modest trattorias serve well).
Good to know
Bring comfortable walking shoes; both towns are built on hillsides with uneven stone surfaces. The winery tasting includes wine but you'll be driving after, so pace yourself. Prams and infant seats are available. No tipping expected but always appreciated. Book ahead in cooler months—summer heat can be intense.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.