Experience the heart of Tuscany on this guided small-group tour day trip to the charming towns of Pienza and Montepulciano. Travel through the beautiful clay hills south of Siena and take in the idyllic UNESCO-listed landscapes of Tuscany's charming Val dÂ’Orcia region. Explore the beautiful towns, enjoy lunch and taste Pecorino cheese on a local farm!

Numbers are limited to eight people on this small-group tour, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Meet your friendly guide in central Siena and head out of town in a comfortable minivan on one of Tuscany's panoramic roads, passing through the characteristic clay hills known as the Crete Senesi. Arrive first in the beautiful town of Pienza, which was entirely planned out by Pope Pius II, the humanist pope, to be the ideal Renaissance town.

Pienza is rightly considered the gem of the Val dÂ’Orcia region; the town and the entire Val dÂ’Orcia are World Heritage Sites. You'll have time to spend at leisure here, so make the most of it by shopping or exploring the pretty alleyways of this small town at your leisure. As you leave Pienza, enjoy the fantastic views of TuscanyÂ’s famous picture-perfect scenery.

Your next stop is a local dairy farm, where youÂ’ll feast on a wholesome and refreshing lunch (included) of fresh ingredients mostly produced on the farm. YouÂ’ll also enjoy a tasting of ItalyÂ’s salty Pecorino cheese, hear about the cheese-making process, visit the farmÂ’s animals and learn about the lifestyle of the area.

In the afternoon, travel to Montepulciano, one of TuscanyÂ’s biggest hill towns, located on a steep hill overlooking the amazing landscape of the Tuscany-Umbria border. With your guide, take a short walk around town to see the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. YouÂ’ll then have free time to visit the townÂ’s many stores, palaces or churches. On request, visit a winery to enjoy a tasting of MontepulcianoÂ’s renowned wine and tour the wine cellars before your relaxing ride back to Siena.

Siena - Tuscany and Florence, Italy