PRIVATE TOUR: oil production, Leonardo’s house, tasting

Experience the Heart of Tuscany: Olive Oil, Leonardo’s House, and Local Wines

If you’re looking for an authentic Tuscan experience that combines natural beauty, culinary traditions, and a touch of Renaissance inspiration, this private tour from Montecatini Terme is a perfect choice. Priced at around $92.55 per person for roughly seven hours, it takes you through a landscape rich in centuries-old olive trees, where you’ll partake in olive harvesting, see real-time oil production, visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, and end with a wine tasting at a family-run winery.

We love how this tour offers a personalized experience—with a group limited to just 8 people, it feels more like a day with friends than a big bus tour. The chance to hand-harvest olives (weather permitting) and learn about the cold-pressed process from experts makes this experience both educational and delicious. Plus, visiting Leonardo’s birthplace provides a unique cultural backdrop that elevates the entire day.

One potential consideration is that the timing and weather could affect some activities like olive harvesting. If it’s rainy or too windy, the harvest might be skipped or shortened, so it’s worth planning accordingly. But overall, this tour is suited for travelers craving authenticity, scenic views, and good food—perfect for those who want to go beyond typical sightseeing and truly taste the essence of Tuscany.

Key Points

• Authentic Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Hands-On Olive Harvest: Participate in the seasonal tradition of olive picking—weather permitting—adding value to your visit.
• Real-Time Oil Production: Witness the extraction of high-quality olive oil at a local mill, and learn to taste it like a connoisseur.
• Cultural Connection: Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, surrounded by the same hills and olive groves that inspired the Renaissance genius.
• Wine Tasting: End the day at a family-operated winery, sampling award-winning wines paired with local delicacies.
• Beautiful Scenery: The rolling hills, centuries-old olive trees, and views of Vinci create a picture-perfect backdrop.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany’s agricultural and cultural heritage, starting in the early morning at Piazza Tasso in Florence before heading into the hills near Vinci. The drive itself is a scenic journey through lush landscapes dotted with olive groves. Once there, you’ll meet your guide and head to Domenico Fazio’s farm, a family-run operation that manages 20 hectares of olive trees.

Olive Harvest – Traditional and Engaging

The highlight for many is the olive harvest, which is a seasonal event that connects you directly to Tuscan traditions. According to reviews, the harvesting experience is well-organized, with guides explaining the process as you pick olives by hand. Be aware that weather plays a role—if conditions are favorable, you’ll get to gather olives yourself, which adds a satisfying tactile element many visitors appreciate. A reviewer described their experience as “really nice,” noting the whole process was “well-organized from start to finish.”

Watching the Oil Be Pressed

Following the harvest, you’ll visit the property’s oil mill, where the olives are pressed in real time. This step offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional and modern oil production. The high-quality oil produced here is notable, and you’ll gain insights into why cold-pressing preserves the flavor and nutritional value better. Learning to taste the oil like professionals is a bonus, with guidance on what makes extra virgin olive oil exceptional.

Tasting and Purchasing

The olive oil tasting is not only educational but also offers an opportunity to buy the oil directly from the producer at special prices. Many reviewers appreciated this part, emphasizing the flavors of the freshly pressed oil and the chance to take home a bottle—an authentic souvenir of your day. This tasting elevates the experience from simply observing to engaging your senses fully.

Visiting Leonardo’s Birthplace

Next, the tour takes you to Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace—a site that offers a cultural counterpoint to the agricultural activities. Surrounded by hills and olive groves, the house and its setting allow you to picture the young Leonardo finding inspiration amid natural beauty. One reviewer remarked that it was a “very pleasant” experience, particularly enjoyed by those interested in history and art.

Wine Tasting at a Family Winery

The final stop is at a small, award-winning winery, where a sommelier guides you through tastings of home-produced wines. The setting is described as magnificent, with views that complement the flavors of local wines and regional delicacies. Visiting the cellar completes the experience, giving you a fuller understanding of Tuscany’s rich wine culture.

Practicalities and Considerations

The tour is private, tailored for your group, which means more flexibility and personal attention. Pickup is offered, making logistics smooth. The 7-hour duration offers plenty of time to enjoy each part of the day without feeling rushed, although the pace may vary depending on the weather and group interest.

Pricing at just under $100 per person makes it a good value, considering the personalized nature, expert guides, and the variety of activities packed into the day. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, ideal for families, couples, or friends.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who value authentic, hands-on activities and are eager to learn about Tuscan traditions firsthand. It suits travelers interested in culinary arts, local culture, and scenic landscapes, especially if they enjoy learning through participation. Art and history buffs will appreciate the visit to Leonardo’s birthplace, while foodies will love the olive oil and wine tastings. Families with children—like the reviewer’s eight-year-old—will find it engaging and memorable.

Final Thoughts: The Value of a Genuine Tuscan Day

This private tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tuscany’s rural charm, combining hands-on experiences with cultural and gastronomic insights. It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s an invitation to touch, taste, and see how people have cultivated the land and celebrated their heritage for generations.

The small group format, combined with the personalized attention, makes this a rewarding choice for those craving an authentic escape from crowded tourist spots. The mix of olive harvesting, oil production, Leonardo’s birthplace, and wine tasting creates a day that balances nature, craftsmanship, history, and flavor—a true taste of Tuscan life.

If you’re a traveler who wants to connect with local traditions and enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills, this tour will likely delight you. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate quality experiences over quantity—a day to savor and remember long after you return home.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this experience is private, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 7 hours, from pickup in Florence to the final wine tasting.

What is included in the price?
You get olive harvesting (weather permitting), a visit to a real-time oil mill, olive oil tasting, a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace, and a wine tasting at a local winery.

Can I participate in the olive harvest?
Yes, if the weather is suitable, you’ll be able to harvest olives by hand—a hands-on, memorable part of the experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup is offered, making logistics simple. The transport is private, comfortable, and scenic.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, at least one reviewer’s family with an eight-year-old had a very positive experience. Kids often enjoy the hands-on activity and the scenic countryside.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor activity is recommended, especially if harvesting olives.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If it rains or conditions are unsuitable, activities like olive harvesting might be skipped. The tour can be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to weather.

Is there a chance to buy products?
Yes, you can purchase the freshly pressed oil and wines at special prices, directly from the producers.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the provider’s page, with full details on availability and pickup options.

This detailed review hopes to give you the insights needed to decide if this authentic, intimate look at Tuscany’s olive and wine traditions fits your travel plans. Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or simply seeking a day off the beaten path, this tour offers a genuine taste of what makes this part of Italy so special.