Day Trips From Rome: Tuscan Hilltowns, Fortresses & Vineyards

Tuscany is one of the true gems of Italy. From mouth-watering cuisine and world-class wine, to a deep and fascinating history; this region is one of the country's most popular among tourists and locals alike. On this tour you'll board a small, comfortable air-conditioned bus in Rome (no tourist buses for us, your vehicle seats a maximum of 18 guests).

Traveling with one of our fun, engaging tour leaders, you'll head into the Tuscan countryside for a cultural and culinary adventure. As you drive, they'll give you some background about the region; from the destruction wrought in WWII to the incredible produce that grows here (wine and cheese in particular).

Starting in Pienza, you'll have an hour of free time to wander the beautiful streets, shop and taste world-famous pecorino cheese, honey and jams. Be sure to check out the Etruscan well and the phenomenal views that stretch across the region from 'Strada del Amore', the street of love.

Next you'll head to a local farm to enjoy a lunch of hyper local ingredients. When you show up you'll get a brief look around to see what is growing and being raised before sitting down to a proper Tuscan feast. The menu changes with the season so whenever you go, you can be sure you're eating only the freshest ingredients sourced from the surrounding hills and right there on the farm.

After lunch you'll visit Montalcino Fortress, where you'll climb the ancient walls for expansive views of the countryside. And let's not forget the wine! The most famous export of Tuscany, and this micro-region in particular. After the fortress, you'll visit a nearby vineyard for a guided tasting of Tuscan wines including Montepulciano and Barolo grapes.

Tuscany has a lot of culture to experience, but this is as close as you can get to distilling its essence into a single day. We'll take you to the best spots where you'll meet the people behind the region's most famous exports and learn what makes them so special. Traveling with a local tour leader throughout the day, you'll get all the inside knowledge with none of the hassle, so that all you'll have to worry about is which wine you're bringing home (don't worry, they ship internationally!)