Monteriggioni

Tours

There is no better way than by bicycle to discover the beauty and richness of this part of Italy, sharing in the passion for cycling, art, food and wine. The tour takes place in Tuscany, more specifically, in the magnificent landscapes surrounding Siena. There are, in fact, the most beautiful areas and also the most suitable for a cycling trip through Tuscany. From the seat of your electric bike, you will discover how Tuscany life flow slowly yet incessantly, creating a natural equilibrium among art, culture, and nature. Tuscany is paradise for a cycling tourist, who will be greeted by gently rolling hills embellished with winding dirt roads, curving pathways, vineyards, and shaded country roads. All of these splendors are framed by a surprisingly varied landscape where you will be able to discover abbeys, rural churches and castles. The landscape is characterized by the deep red earth, and alternates between fields of sunflowers and vineyards, and is punctuated by ancient castles and medieval hamlets. Many panoramic views allow you to see all the way to San Gimignano, overlooking forests of beautiful Italian oak and corbezzoli. The tour is crowned with a visit to the splendid medieval for tress of Monteriggioni. 

Start your day tour with a scenic drive from Siena to San Gimignano. Stop in Monteriggioni to see the well-preserved fortress built in the 13th century. Explore San Gimignano, admiring its many medieval towers. Recently listed by UNESCO, the town also boasts numerous artisanal boutiques. Head to a small family-run farm to enjoy lunch made with the farm’s seasonal products. Taste dishes prepared with saffron, and accompanied by Vernaccia wine. Continue to Volterra, stopping at a small alabaster workshop to see the ancient art of sculpting. In Volterra, admire the harmonious blend of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance styles as you walk along the streets of the historic center.

The first part of your full-day tour begins with a visit to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano, the City of Fine Towers. Armed with helpful information from your tour escort you’ll have free time to explore the town’s historical center and browse its artisan shops. San Gimignano is also the birthplace of Vernaccia, a white wine produced exclusively in the area. The wine is noted for its high quality and for being the first Italian DOCG wine. The tour continues on to Monteriggioni, the ancient crown-shaped fortress that appeared on Italy’s old 100-Lire currency. The 13th-century walls feature 14 towers that Dante likened to the giants in his Inferno. Afterwards, you’ll stop at a winery for a lunch of salami, cheese, and other local products, accompanied by a tasting of Chianti wines. Visit Val d’Orcia, another Tuscan jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to Montalcino, perched on a hill overlooking 1,500 hectares of Brunello vineyards that have contributed to the area’s international reputation. The final stop of the day will be a local wine cellar, where you’ll have a chance to taste the renowned Brunello of Montalcino, rated among the finest Italian DOCG wines. Sample other typical local products as well.

Explore the notable wine region of Chianti on a full-day sightseeing and wine tasting tour from Siena. Travel in a small group of no more than 8 people, and enjoy comfortable transfers by air-conditioned vehicle. Depart Siena in the early afternoon, and drive past the vineyards of the Chianti wine lands. See dense forests of oak wood and cypress trees, neat rows of vineyards, and landscapes shaped into works of art by the combined forces of nature and mankind. Go to a Chianti wine estate to tour the grounds and wine cellars. Learn the winemaking process before sitting down to a tasting of Chianti Classico wines and olive oil. Next, descend to the medieval fortress of Monteriggioni, and marvel at its intact ring of walls and turrets. Built in the 13th century, Monteriggioni was mentioned in Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” As the sun begins to set, travel to the legendary village of San Gimignano to enjoy the romantic town after the daytime crowds have departed. Admire the medieval towers at a leisurely pace, and enjoy some free time to visit the cathedral or Civic Museum. Shop for souvenirs in the many leather and hand painted pottery stores. Sample the local produce at food shops and wine bars. Depart San Gimignano for a Tuscan dinner at an organic farm in the countryside. Taste the wines of San Gimignano, such as the notable Chianti red, Vernaccia. Weather permitting, dinner will be served on a terrace overlooking the cultivated fields and skyline of San Gimignano. Watch the sunset as you dine, before your return transfer to Siena.

Give your mind a rest from the noise of the crowded towns, follow your expert guide on a pleasant walk along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrim route for the first time plotted down by the Arcbishop ‘Sigeric the serious’ of Cantebury on his return from Rome in the 9th century and considered the main artery to Rome throughout the middle ages. This route, that has for centuries been a highway of men and emotions, a spiritual pilgrimage and a wealthy trade route, has been forgotten and almost entirely relegated to history by the modern paved car roads. Only recently the route has been brought back from the grip of modernity and is today enjoyed by many pilgrims and hikers alike. Experience the beauty of the mixture between the Tuscan countryside and the glory of its medieval past, still present in it's wonderfully preserved castles, villages and ruins.  See the Tuscany you would never want to miss before returning home, pass through forests and fields, vineyards and olive groves from Siena to the imposing fortress of Monteriggioni. A medieval walled town located on a natural hillock, built by the Sienese in the thirteenth century as a bastion of defense in their wars against Florence.  Once in Monteriggioni, enjoy a guided tasting of local organic wines before saying goodbye to your guide for the end of the tour. Feel free to explore the village and the surrounding area at your own pace. You will be given a bus ticket to return to Siena.

Enjoy a full-day excursion by minivan to see the beautiful Chianti area and to visit the cities of Siena and San Gimignano.  Depart at 9:00 AM from Piazza Cavalleggeri, the meeting point located in the city center of Florence. Stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for few minutes to see the splendid panorama and then in one hour you will arrive in Siena. Take a guided tour of the city center, including Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral. There is free time to walk by yourself in the narrow and ancient streets.  Then leave Siena to arrive in Monteriggioni, an old Medieval little village. After a short stop, continue to San Gimignano where you will have free time to explore the city center on your own. San Gimignano is famous for its towers, vernaccia wine and its characteristic craft articles.

Be seduced by the eternal charm of Tuscany’s jewels on this 12-hour tour. What are Tuscany’s jewels? The beautiful cities and villages, as well as art and the historical monuments that call this unique region of Italy home. Falling in step with the more ‘human’ way of life in Tuscany, this relaxed tour begins when you want it to. You determine the pick-up time from your centrally-located Florence hotel. You will also enjoy the transportation, which is provided by a private vehicle operated by an English-speaking driver. After pick-up, you will drive through the Tuscan countryside until your first stop, Siena, is reached. Siena is a medieval city known for its artistic treasures, which have been recognized by UNESCO. In Siena you will visit the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Here you will find the Palazzo Comunale flanked by the Torre del Mangia. Every year the famous Palio takes place here. You will also have free time to visit the cathedral, built in the Middle Ages and admire the splendid buildings and narrow streets. From Siena, you will enjoy a drive through Chianti territory on your way to Monteriggioni. The drive boasts a panoramic view of the vineyards and olive groves. Monteriggioni is a small 13th-century town which is still surrounded with its original town walls. Here you will take a walk within the restricted perimeter of the walls, which have eleven towers with spectacular views. This is a Tuscan gem that will transport you back in time. Only a short distance away, in a pleasant country estate you will be served a typical Chianti-region lunch. You will also enjoy a guided tasting of Chianti and Vernaccia wines. After lunch you will leave the estates and go to San Gimignano, another beautiful town and UNESCO world heritage site. Famous for its signature medieval town planning, it is called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. On a stroll through the town center you will discover the Piazza della Cisterna, the Dome, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Church of Saint Agostino. Your final stop will be at the famous town of Pisa, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. In the Piassa dei Miracoli the masterpieces in marble rise from the green lawn, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the magnificent Baptistery, the stunning Cathedral and the Monumental Graveyard Tuscany is a one-of-a-kind region of boundless natural and cultural beauty. This small, personalized tour is an authentically Tuscan experience.

This tour has been designed to showcase the very best of Tuscany in just one-day and is perfect for travelers who only have a short amount of time. The day begins with departure from Rome at 6:45am on a fast speed train to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, head to the meeting point sent to your email to meet your guide and set out on your sightseeing adventure. The first stop of the day is the historic city of Siena, which is bursting with rich architectural styles, best showcased at the cathedral and the old palace. After a brief guided walking tour of Siena, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Wander around the quaint streets of this magical town, have a traditional Italian lunch at one of the many cafés, or shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Continue the tour to the walled town of Monteriggioni next, which was the filming location of the blockbuster movie, Gladiator. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Listed San Gimignano next, which is the most famous walled medieval town in Tuscany, and nicknamed the ‘Manhattan of Tuscany’ due to its many towers. Armed with tips and recommendations from your guide, head out on your own adventure in the town and visit the sights and attractions that interest you most. Don’t forget to stop by the store of the world-champion gelato maker, and treat yourself to a seriously sweet treat. During the day, ride through the rolling countryside of Chianti and soak up the charming scenic views on the way to an authentic Tuscan winery. Against the backdrop of luscious vineyards and olive groves, enjoy a spectacular lunch with a wine and olive oil tasting session. At the end of a truly unforgettable day, head back to Rome, arriving at approximately 8 PM.

Experience the region of Chianti and immerse yourself in picturesque Tuscan scenery on this guided, multi-stop trip from San Gimignano. Visit ancient churches, medieval castles, and small villages where the rhythms of traditional life remain unaltered. Stop at 2 wineries for tours and tastings. Explore the home of one of the most famous wines in the world, with its beautiful ruby-red color and characteristic violet-scented bouquet: Chianti. This wine results from a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Get picked up directly from your accommodation in San Gimignano, then set out to discover the breathtaking landscapes that have cradled the Chianti vineyards for centuries, presenting you with a harmony of colors that can only be found in this region. After some sightseeing, the tour continues with a visit to a charming wine estate. Here, you'll have the chance to see the area close to the famous Castle of Brolio and you'll take part in a guided tour of the castle gardens. When the tour of the garden ends, enjoy a tasting of two different wines. During this tour, you'll see the characteristic Castle of Brolio from the outside as well as the inner garden of the castle. Later, move on to another winery in the middle of the Chianti Classico area, where you'll savor a second wine tasting paired with extra virgin olive oil. The tour ends with drop-off back in San Gimignano.

There is no better way than biking to discover the beauty and richness of this part of Italy, enjoying a wonderful blend of cycling, art, food, and wine. The tour takes place in Tuscany, more specifically, the magnificent landscapes surrounding Siena. They are, in fact, the most beautiful areas and also the most suitable for a cycling trip through Tuscany. Discover more about Tuscan life with its natural balance of art, culture, and nature from the seat of your electric bike. Tuscany is paradise for a cycling tourist with its gently rolling hills embellished with winding dirt roads, curving pathways, vineyards, and shaded country roads. All of these splendors are framed by a surprisingly varied landscape where you will be able to discover abbeys, rural churches and castles. The landscape is characterized by the deep red earth, and alternates between sunflower fields and vineyards, and punctuated by ancient castles and medieval hamlets. Many panoramic views allow you to see all the way to San Gamignano, overlooking forests of beautiful Italian oak and corbezzoli. The tour is crowned with a visit to splendid medieval Monteriggioni.