History and Wine in Val D'Orcia: Pienza & Montepulciano with Visit and Lunch at Cantina TalosaExplore the Renaissance charm of Pienza, indulge in organic farm-to-table dining at Podere Il Casale, and savor the architectural beauty and renowned wines of Montepulciano
From Cortona, a relaxed drive through the Val d'Orcia leads to a day combining two of its most distinctive hill towns with a wine and lunch experience in the extraordinary underground cellars of Montepulciano. Your first stop is Pienza, the UNESCO-listed Renaissance village designed by Pope Pius II. Stroll the elegant Piazza Pio II, browse local shops for the region's famous pecorino cheese and take in the sweeping views over the Val d'Orcia from the town walls.
From Pienza, a short drive brings you to Montepulciano. You'll descend into the Historical Cellar of Cantina Talosa through the wine shop in the heart of the old town — 15 metres underground into a world of 16th-century vaulted tunnels and ancient arches. The guided tour leads past the aging barrel rooms to an authentic Etruscan tomb dating from the 5th century BC. A tasting of four wines follows — including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva and the single-vineyard Filai Lunghi — paired with bruschetta with estate olive oil, Pienza pecorino and Tuscan cold cuts.
Afterwards, free time to explore Montepulciano's sloping streets, Renaissance palaces and panoramic viewpoints before returning to Cortona.
From Pienza, a short drive brings you to Montepulciano. You'll descend into the Historical Cellar of Cantina Talosa through the wine shop in the heart of the old town — 15 metres underground into a world of 16th-century vaulted tunnels and ancient arches. The guided tour leads past the aging barrel rooms to an authentic Etruscan tomb dating from the 5th century BC. A tasting of four wines follows — including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva and the single-vineyard Filai Lunghi — paired with bruschetta with estate olive oil, Pienza pecorino and Tuscan cold cuts.
Afterwards, free time to explore Montepulciano's sloping streets, Renaissance palaces and panoramic viewpoints before returning to Cortona.
Tour Information
- Tour Code : PRITCOCU07
- Type : Private Tour
- Category : Wine Tours
- Duration : 8 Hours
- Departure City : Cortona, Italy
- Departure : Guaranteed Departure
- Grade/Difficulity : Easy To Moderate
- Transport Mode : Car/Minivan
- Children Allowed : Yes
- Min Group Size : 1
- Max Group Size : 6
- Arrangement : Driver-Escort
- Entrance Fee : No inside visits
- Hotel Pickup : Yes
- Language Offered : English
- Hotel Dropoff : Yes
- Meeting Time: 09:00 AM
- Starting/Meeting Point : Your Hotel
Availability
From January 2026 To December 2026
English - Every Weekday
English - Every Weekday
Highlights
- Self-guided visit of Pienza, the UNESCO Renaissance jewel of the Val d'Orcia with its iconic views and celebrated pecorino
- Underground experience at Cantina Talosa: 16th-century tunnels, an authentic 5th-century BC Etruscan tomb and a tasting of 4 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines paired with a traditional Tuscan lunch
- Free afternoon to explore Montepulciano, one of Tuscany's most elegant Renaissance hilltop towns
Tour Includes
- Private transportation with pick-up and drop-off from Cortona
- Self-guided visit of Pienza (1 hour)
- Wine experience at Cantina Talosa, Montepulciano: guided tour of the Historical Cellar with 16th-century tunnels and an authentic Etruscan tomb
- Tasting of 4 wines including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva
- Traditional lunch with Pienza pecorino and Tuscan cold cuts
- Free time to explore Montepulciano (45 minutes)
Notes
- The wineries included in the tour may be substituted with others of a similar level, according to availability.
- The route may change according to traffic conditions and availability of wineries.
Pricing
| From | To | Pax 1 | Pax 2 | Pax 3 | Pax 4 | Pax 5 | Pax 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | € 1173 | € 587 | € 431 | € 353 | € 306 | € 275 | ||
| Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday | |||||||||