San Gimignano and Vernaccia Wine Tour with Lunch at Farm

Experience the Charm of Tuscany with a San Gimignano and Vernaccia Wine Tour, Including a Farm Lunch

Traveling through Italy often means indulging in stunning art, historic sites, and incredible cuisine. But if you’re after a more active, authentic experience that combines sightseeing with local flavor, this San Gimignano and Vernaccia wine tour offers a compelling mix. For $288, you get a full day exploring Florence’s outskirts, visiting the enchanting medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, sampling Vernaccia wine at two different estates, and enjoying a Tuscan farm lunch. The tour runs about 7 hours, with transportation included, and it’s capped at just 8 travelers, making it intimate and flexible.

What we really love about this experience is how it starts with a guided morning jog through Florence’s less crowded streets—an unusual but fantastic way to wake up and get some gentle exercise while soaking in the city’s passing sights. Plus, the visit to San Gimignano, famously nicknamed the “Manhattan of Tuscany,” offers a chance to wander through its medieval towers and narrow alleys, away from the crowds. The wine tastings at two distinct estates highlight the region’s renowned Vernaccia wine, and the farm lunch provides a genuine taste of local life.

One potential consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of activity and moving parts—so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a moderate pace and some walking. Also, because it’s a small-group experience, it offers personalized attention, but this means spots may fill up quickly.

This tour is perfect for those who want a mix of active exploration, culture, and authentic tasting experiences. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers who appreciate good wine, history, and a touch of adventure early in the day.

Key Points

• Active start: A guided 1.5-hour morning jog in Florence helps you beat the crowds and energize your day.
• Authentic visits: Explore the medieval streets of San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed hilltop town with stunning towers.
• Wine experience: Two tastings at local estates showcase the famed Vernaccia wine, with expert guides sharing insights.
• Genuine fare: The farm lunch offers a hearty, traditional Tuscan meal, often with vegetarian options if requested.
• Small group: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
• All-weather operation: Dressed properly, the tour runs in any weather, enhancing the flexibility of your plans.

In-Depth Review of the Tour

Starting Point and Morning Jog

The tour begins in Florence’s Oltrarno district, a lively area known for artisan workshops and authentic local life. We loved the way the first part of the tour involves a guided morning run—not a strenuous workout, but a moderate-paced jaunt that lets you see the city’s streets before the crowds arrive. It’s a unique way to experience Florence on foot, with your guide sharing tidbits about passing buildings and local legends along the route.

The guide’s knowledge makes all the difference, turning what could be just a run into an educational experience. As one reviewer mentioned, their guide, Lapo, was “very knowledgeable and gave us informative and interesting facts of the city,” making this activity both fun and enriching.

The Journey to San Gimignano

After the run, transportation takes you to San Gimignano, a medieval jewel perched on a hilltop in Tuscany. Known as the “Manhattan of Tuscany” for its skyline of towers, it’s a place where history feels alive in cobbled streets and stone walls. The visit lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to stroll, take photos, and soak in the views.

What makes San Gimignano special is its well-preserved medieval architecture. The towers, built by wealthy families as symbols of power, create a distinctive skyline. Walking through its narrow streets, you get a real sense of stepping back in time. Travelers have praised this stop as “one of the best things they did in Florence,” highlighting its charm and historical significance.

Wine Tastings and Estate Visits

The highlight for wine lovers is the Vernaccia wine tastings at two local estates. Vernaccia is a crisp white wine native to the region, often overshadowed by Tuscany’s famous reds but just as deserving of attention. The guides’ expertise adds value—explaining the wine’s characteristics, production process, and what makes each estate unique.

Guests can expect to sample different vintages, often with a backdrop of scenic vineyards. The reviews emphasize the excellent wine selection and the knowledgeable guides who enhance the tasting experience. Since alcohol laws prohibit serving to children under 16, non-alcoholic beverages are available for younger guests, making the tour family-friendly.

The Farm Lunch

After the wine, the tour includes a traditional Tuscan lunch at a local farm. This meal is a wonderful way to experience regional flavors, often featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu offers vegetarian options, but all dishes are hearty and flavorful—think rustic pasta, fresh vegetables, and regional cheeses.

Guests have reported the lunch as a highlight, describing it as “authentic” and “very generous,” giving a real taste of countryside life. The farm setting is peaceful, and the experience feels both genuine and relaxing, a perfect end to a busy morning of sightseeing and tasting.

Logistics and Practicalities

The entire experience is well-organized, with transportation included from Florence and back, and confirmation received at booking. The small group size—maximum 8 people—ensures a relaxed, personalized atmosphere, allowing you to ask questions and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the day’s forecast. Given the moderate pace and diverse activities, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a balance of activity, learning, and leisure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals particularly to active travelers who don’t mind starting their day early and want to experience Florence and Tuscany in a more dynamic way. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Vernaccia and enjoy tastings at local estates. Food lovers will appreciate the genuine farm lunch, and history buffs will enjoy San Gimignano’s medieval ambiance.

It’s also perfect for small groups seeking a more personalized and intimate experience, especially those who value guides with local knowledge. Families with older children or teens might find it engaging, especially if they’re interested in combining mild exercise with cultural and culinary discoveries.

The Sum Up

This San Gimignano and Vernaccia wine tour with a farm lunch offers a rare blend of active exploration, culture, and genuine regional flavor. Starting with a morning jog in Florence allows you to see the city’s quieter side, while the visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano immerses you in Tuscany’s history. The wine tastings and farm lunch deepen your understanding of local traditions and produce.

The experience is well-suited for travelers who want an authentic, hands-on day outside of the usual tourist trail. With knowledgeable guides and a thoughtful itinerary, it strikes a balance between activity and leisure. The small-group format ensures a relaxed pace and personal attention, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a memorable, active day in Tuscany.

If you’re after a deeper connection to Tuscany beyond art and architecture—something that combines scenery, history, and flavors—this tour could be your perfect pick.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from Florence to San Gimignano and back, making logistics hassle-free.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, including the activities, transportation, and meal.

What is the starting point?
It begins at Via del Campuccio, 90 in Florence, in the Oltrarno district.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can join, but alcohol is not served to those under 16. Non-alcoholic beverages are provided for younger guests.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for weather conditions, as the tour operates rain or shine. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

How small are the groups?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available; please advise when booking.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather, so come prepared for rain or sun.

What makes San Gimignano special?
Its medieval towers and well-preserved architecture give it a distinctive skyline and a real sense of stepping back in time.

Can I customize the experience?
Since the route and stops are pre-planned, customization isn’t typically available, but the small group size allows for some flexibility with questions and interests.

This tour offers a delightful mix of active exploration, wine education, and authentic Tuscan flavor—a perfect way to deepen your Italy experience beyond Florence’s famous art and architecture.