Lands of Brunello wine Pienza and Montalcino with Gourmet Lunch

Experience the best of Tuscany’s picturesque countryside with this full-day guided tour from Florence, visiting iconic towns like Pienza and Montalcino. For just around $110 per person, you’ll spend roughly 12 hours soaking in breathtaking views, tasting world-famous Brunello wine, and enjoying a delicious gourmet lunch.

What we love about this tour? First, the seamless transportation makes it easy to relax and truly enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving. Second, the interactive Brunello museum and gourmet lunch with local wines offer authentic tastes and insights into Tuscany’s celebrated wine culture.

A possible consideration? The tour’s itinerary is packed, so if you prefer more time in each location or a leisurely pace, you might find it a bit rushed—especially at Montalcino or the Abbey.

This experience is perfect for travelers eager to explore Tuscany’s iconic hilltop towns, learn about Brunello wine, and indulge in a quality meal while enjoying some of Italy’s most celebrated landscapes. It suits those who appreciate good storytelling, beautiful scenery, and a well-organized day out.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience: Transportation, activities, admission tickets, and lunch included.
• Authentic Tuscan towns: Visit Pienza, Montalcino, and the Abbey of Sant’Antimo.
• Wine immersion: Explore the Temple of Brunello, learn about winemaking, and taste Brunello di Montalcino.
• Beautiful scenery: Drive through the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia with stunning panoramic views.
• Balanced itinerary: Enjoy free time, guided insights, and a gourmet meal.
• Small group feel: Max 25 travelers for a more intimate experience.

A Complete Look at the Lands of Brunello Wine Tour

Starting Off in Florence and Heading to Val d’Orcia

Your day begins early, with a meet-up at Piazzale Montelungo, just a short walk from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station. The bus is comfortable, often with a small group—generally around 25 people—making the experience more personal than a big bus tour.

The two-hour drive through Tuscany’s iconic rolling hills and vineyards is as much a part of the experience as the stops. Our guides are knowledgeable, weaving stories about the landscape, towns, and wines to keep the scenic drive engaging. Many reviews praise the guides for their content and friendly manner; one reviewer remarked that Amy and Raphaele “provided a wonderful tour” and made sure dietary restrictions were managed.

Pienza: A Renaissance Gem

Your first stop is the charming hilltop town of Pienza, about an hour and a half from Florence, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding Val d’Orcia. We loved the way Pienza’s honey-colored buildings, centered around Piazza Pio II, create a postcard-perfect scene. The Duomo Santa Maria Assunta and Palazzo Piccolomini stand out as highlights.

Travelers rave about the free time here, which allows you to wander and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. One reviewer called Pienza “breathtaking,” appreciating the opportunity to admire its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and take photos of the sweeping landscape.

Exploring Montalcino and the Brunello Museum

After Pienza, the tour takes you to the Temple of Brunello inside the former convent of Sant’Agostino. This is more than just a museum; it’s an interactive experience that takes you through the history and culture of Brunello di Montalcino. Here, you’ll learn about the wine’s production and its significance in Italian wine culture, culminating in a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino right in the cloister.

The reviews emphasize that the wine tasting is one of the best in Tuscany, with one visitor describing it as “spectacular.” The gourmet lunch served here pairs carefully selected dishes with three glasses of local wine, which many guests find a highlight of the day.

The Medieval Charm of Montalcino

Next, you’ll visit Montalcino, a medieval hilltop town dominated by a fortress. The town’s narrow alleys and historic atmosphere are perfect for strolling and absorbing the past. Many reviews mention how peaceful and authentic Montalcino feels, with a relaxed pace that lets you breathe in the scenery and history.

The approximately two-hour stop provides ample time to explore, take photos, and enjoy some local shops or cafes. Travelers often describe Montalcino as “beautiful” and “authentic,” perfect for those wanting a genuine taste of Tuscany’s medieval roots.

Visiting Sant’Antimo Abbey

A short drive from Montalcino leads you to the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo, a Benedictine monastery founded, according to legend, by Charlemagne. The setting is truly picturesque—wheat fields, olive trees, and vineyards surround the church.

Visitors appreciate the scenic country drive and the modest, yet historically significant, visit. The reviews highlight the abbey’s tranquility and charm, making it an ideal spot for a quick exploration before returning to Florence.

Return to Florence and Reflection

The bus ride back is about three hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences. Most travelers agree that the entire trip is well-organized, with many praising the driver’s professionalism and the overall pacing of the day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic Experience: The combination of scenic drives, charming towns, and immersive wine tastings makes this tour stand out. Many reviews point out the knowledgeable guides who bring the region’s history and culture to life.

Value for Money: For roughly $110, you get transportation, admission tickets, a gourmet meal, and multiple wine tastings. The reviews suggest that the quality of the lunch and wine experiences easily justify the price, especially compared to more expensive options that might only include fewer stops or less authentic experiences.

Small group intimacy: With a maximum of 25 travelers, you’re more likely to get personalized attention and meaningful interactions—something many travelers find enhances their overall experience.

Stunning scenery: The views of Val d’Orcia, with its rolling hills and iconic cypress trees, are often described as breathtaking—perfect for photography and just soaking in the beauty of Tuscany.

Educational value: The Temple of Brunello and the wine tasting provide a wonderful insight into Italy’s wine culture, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers note that the itinerary is quite full, leaving little time at some stops. For example, the brief visit at the Abbey might feel rushed if you’re interested in in-depth exploration. If you prefer unhurried visits or more time in each location, this might not be the ideal tour for you.

Also, the lunch portion, while gourmet, has been described as somewhat small in some reviews, so if you’re very hungry, you might want to plan for extra snacks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Tuscany who want an introduction to its most famous towns, wines, and landscapes. It’s also perfect for food and wine lovers eager to taste Brunello and learn about its production, as well as travelers who appreciate beautiful scenery and authentic towns. The guided information, combined with well-paced stops, makes it suitable for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and storytelling.

If you’re someone who enjoys traveling with a small group for a more personal experience and values quality over quantity, this tour will likely meet your expectations. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed, unstructured day, consider whether this packed itinerary aligns with your style.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes comfortable round-trip transportation from Florence.

How long does the tour last? It’s about 12 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the early evening.

Are meals included? Yes, a gourmet lunch paired with three glasses of local wine is part of the experience.

What towns will we visit? Pienza, Montalcino, and Sant’Antimo Abbey are the main stops.

Is wine tasting included? Yes, at the Temple of Brunello, you’ll enjoy a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino, plus lunch wine pairings.

Can I visit the inside of the towns? While there’s free time to explore, the itinerary is structured, so expect some guided insights with optional independent wandering.

How many people are usually on the tour? The group size is limited to 25, making it more intimate than larger bus tours.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers say it’s suitable, especially if your kids enjoy scenery, history, and wine-tasting (adults only, of course).

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes for walking and layers for changing weather are recommended.

What if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

To sum it up, this Lands of Brunello tour offers a compact but immersive peek into Tuscany’s most beloved towns, wines, and landscapes. It’s a great choice for those wanting expert-guided storytelling, authentic experiences, and a day full of scenic beauty—all without the hassle of planning. Perfect for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Tuscany’s postcard vistas in comfort and style.