4 Days / 3 Nights
From your base in the charming medieval town of Siena, experience hilltop villages, rows of vineyards, and culinary specialties of Tuscany.
Enjoy a privately guided walk of Siena and marvel at the many sites of the city including the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), the majestic gothic Basilica of San Domenico and the Piazza del Campo, where the horse race (Palio di Siena) is held twice a year.
Venture to the beautiful countryside of the Orcia Valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004; visit the quaint village of Montepulciano, the Renaissance center of Pienza and the hill town of Montalcino; savor the food and wine these towns are famous for: Pecorino cheese, Nobile and Brunello wines.
Finally, take a traditional Tuscan cooking class in Siena and learn the secrets of this delicious cuisine!
This is a great Add-On Package for anyone visiting Tuscany, Rome, or any part of Italy.
Itinerary
Today, arrive in Siena on your own and check in to the hotel.
This afternoon, enjoy a private, guided walking tour and visit Siena's major tourist attractions including Piazza del Campo, the true heart of the town, the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) and the majestic Basilica of San Domenico.
*The arrival transfer from Florence or Rome airport or from Siena train station is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
Venture to the beautiful countryside of the Orcia Valley to discover ancient, hilltop villages, rows of vineyards, and culinary specialties while surrounded by unique scents and amazing tastes. Crossed by the Orcia River, from which the Valley was named, this amazing region of Tuscany has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, and it is considered to be a rustic treasure with breathtaking views and picturesque landscapes.
You will first stop in Montepulciano, where you will have a wine tasting in one of the old cellars in the historical center. Then you will visit the Renaissance center of Pienza, defined the 'ideal city' for the harmonious combination of its architectural treasures. Pienza is also famous for the production of the Pecorino Cheese, which you will have a chance to taste in one of the local stores. A typical Tuscan lunch will be served in one of the restaurants in Pienza. In the afternoon, upon your arrival in Montalcino, feel free to walk among the artisan shops and small cafes while discovering monumental building dating back to the fourteenth-century. Before heading back to Siena, you will stop in a local winery for a guided tour and wine tasting of the Brunello wine.
Enjoy a morning or afternoon cooking class at Chef Lella's cooking school in the center of Siena. Join a small group and take a traditional Tuscan cooking lesson to learn the secrets of this delicious cuisine! You will later enjoy eating what you prepared during your cooking class.
This morning you may wake at your leisure and enjoy breakfast in your hotel before it's time to check out.
The day is yours. You can either stay and explore Siena, or continue on your own travel itinerary.
*The departure transfer to Siena train station or another destination is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Siena
- Breakfast daily at hotel
- Private half-day guided tour of Siena
- Private tour to Montepulciano and Pienza with lunch and wine tasting
- Group - Cooking class in Siena followed by lunch
- Transportation during the excursion
Hotel Info
Hotel Athena ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
For a stay in Siena with easy access to its historic sites, Hotel Athena is is your ideal location just a few minutes walk away from the Duomo and Piazza del Campo. Situated in a quiet and easily accessible area in the heart of the old town center inside the ancient city walls.
Siena
Optional Tour Add-Ons
Duration: 9 hours
City: Siena
Take a journey to the two most historical villages in Tuscany: San Gimignano and Volterra, along with the city of Colle di Val D’Elsa. While on the way to San Gimignano, take a stop in the town of Colle di Cal d’Elsa, named after the River Elsa that crosses the valley, which is considered the capital of Italian Crystal. For 800 years this is the location where beautiful crystal glass is produced and transformed into gorgeous and unique handmade works of art. Have the chance to witness the crystal glass making first hand in a traditional factory in this amazing town.
You will then have the pleasure of observing the medieval architecture, of noble families to symbolize power and wealth, which have been conserved in the town of San Gimignano. The village of San Gimignano is also famously known for Vernaccia- The only White Wine from Tuscany with the highest classification of quality from DOCG. You will be able to taste this treasured wine during a traditional lunch in a local farm. Continuing on your journey, you will arrive in Volterra- a hilltop village overlooking the entire breathtaking valley onto the sea. Known for its alabaster stone, you will arrive at a workshop to admire the precious handmade objects created from this precious stone.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Duration: 5 hours
City: Siena
Have the chance to create your own signature wine along with a professional winemaker!
During this unique tour in an ancient winery villa, you will attend an informative lesson to learn how to taste wine and discover its characteristics. Then, by mixing up to 5 different types of pure grapes together, you will try several different blends in order to create your own “perfect” wine. At the end of the tour, one bottle of your special wine will be given to you to take home while the rest of the bottles will be placed on a rack for around 25 days for maturation. During these 25 days, you may also send a file with a customized label to be attached on your personal wine bottles. Once the maturation is completed, the wine will be packaged with the label you created and shipped directly to your home. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience to become a winemaker!
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Duration: 6 hours
City: Siena
Embark on a fascinating hunting experience to the outskirts of Chianti to “dig out” some amazing natural treasures- Tuscan Truffles. The truffle hunt will take place at the site where the famous battle of Monteaperti took place in 1260. Here you will learn all the secrets to the Tuscan Truffles including: their characteristics, properties, differences, and how to store and use them. This hunting experience will take place with an Expert Truffle Hunter and his wonderful dogs. The “Lagotto” (the special dog breed), makes truffle hunting possible. They are working dogs with the natural gift of searching with their keen sense of smell. The Lagotto is a very loyal, affectionate dog who is very attached to their owner, while social with others too. They are the perfect companions for your Truffle Hunt!
During your excursion, you will stop at a farm restaurant and have a delicious lunch or dinner created with the use of these natural treasures.
The hunt usually lasts about 1 or 2 hours depending on the weather and the luck of the hunt!
Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes for a hike in the woods.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Duration: 7 hours
City: Siena
There is no better way to discover the true essence of Chianti than to hike through the rolling hills and vineyards, taste its famous wine, and eat traditional Tuscan dishes.
You will first arrive at a historical winery in the famous Chianti Classico region. Here you will be informed of the process of wine making while visiting the wine cellars. Then along with an environmental guide, you will embrace the beauty of the grape vines, rolling hills, woods, lakes, and rustic Tuscan farm houses that are located on over 350 acres of land. Once you have worked up your appetite hiking, you will return to the winery to enjoy a classic Tuscan lunch along with savory wines that complement the tasty delicious dishes of your lunch.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
