Taste Tuscany: Italy Wine Journey
4 Days Starting and ending in Montepulciano
Visiting: Montepulciano, Montalcino, San Gimignano
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSITTUS
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 20
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
21-99
Special diets catered:
Meat, Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Producer visits · Sommelier-led stroll · Epic tastings - Tuscan cooking lesson Tuscany is a place rich with history and the flavors of tradition, inspiring a deep sense of connection with what came before. The region’s microclimates create stunning diversity in the local wines, from silky Brunellos to earthy Nobile – and then there’s the food. We savor delicious pecorino cheese, homemade pasta, and antioxidant-rich olive oils. Relish the best of handmade cuisine, from your first plate of pici to freshly churned gelato. Learn the art of aperitivo and the secrets of wine pairing, and enjoy a lighthearted Italian language lesson that creates the best of amici. Join us on a taste odyssey to experience the terra that enriches deep reds and produces some of the world’s favorite foods. DID YOU KNOW: We think of Chianti as one of our favorite reds but that wasn’t always the case. It’s most likely that Chianti started off as a white wine, only deepening to its rich scarlet shade in the 14th century.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Made To Share
Location: Montepulciano
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Sommelier-led stroll ⋅ Italian lesson ⋅ Cooking lesson
We come together in the quintessential Tuscan town of Montepulciano for a stroll with a local sommelier through the atmospheric medieval streets and visits to a few independent producers.
As the sun gets low, we gather for an informal Italian lesson and cooking lesson with a local artist-turned-chef who’ll share with us the secrets of cucina povera – “the kitchen of the poor”, classic peasant cooking. It’s the art of vegetable-forward Tuscan cuisine: super fresh, super seasonal, led by simple flavors and rigorous seasonality to show off the sun-soaked splendor of the region. We’ll top up our glasses and relish the essential taste of Tuscany as we cap off a fabulous first day.
Day 2 : Sips & Secrets
Location: Montalcino
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Market visit ⋅ Brunello tasting ⋅ Val d'Orcia exploration
We wake to a perfect Tuscan sunrise, golden over the vineyards and rolling hills below. Morning is one of the most beautiful times of day here. Breathe in deeply and you can smell the freshly baked bread and wholesome dishes that will power a day of discovery.
We depart by private transfer for a day of tasting, from a morning market visit and chat with artisanal producers of jams, sauces and conserves, to a vigorous discussion of heritage wheat. After a tasting with wine-making friends who share their secrets of Sangiovese, we’ll travel from Pienza through the glorious scenery of the Val d'Orcia to Montalcino to try its rich red Brunello.
For dinner this evening choose your own adventure, from rustic trattorie to wine bars bursting with seasonal snacks to accompany that bold red, there is something for every taste.
Day 3 : Artful Grapes
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
San Gimignano visit⋅ Wine-paired lunch ⋅ Exclusive winery visit
The morning is yours to sleep in or stroll the rolling hills before we take a private transfer to San Gimignano. Here, we meet a local guide to learn about the fairytale history of this scenic city and climb the honey-colored towers.
Lunch is a wine-paired affair: small-producer Chianti alongside delicious plates of cheese and meat and seasonal salads bursting with freshness. Afterwards, it’s time for an exclusive visit to the innovative winery of Antinori nel Chianti Classico for a journey of taste in stunning contemporary surrounds. Lean in and learn as we travel through six centuries of winemaking history, culminating in a tasting of four wines in the suspended tasting room.
Dinner this evening is an upscale affair as we share a spread of the best of Tuscan cuisine and celebrate the rich wine heritage of this exceptional region with bold new reds that taste like the future.
Day 4 : Arrivederci
Location: Montepulciano
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxed morning it’s time to say ciao for now. Until next time!
What's Included
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Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Fully Guided
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Local Taxes
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Nightly Round of Drinks
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Meal: Daily Breakfast
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Meal: Tuscan cooking lesson including wine
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Meal: Tuscan group dinner
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Activity: Private transfer and tastings in the Val d’Orcia
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Travel Insurance
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Flights
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Any other meals, tours, or activities outside those noted on the itinerary
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. You must be 21+ to take part in this tour.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Services of a brilliant Tastemaker (Trip Leader) are included
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
20
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Who are Spirited Stories trips for?
Spirited Stories trips are for anyone who loves travel, sharing experiences with like-minded people, and the enjoyment of delicious food and drinks.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What is the group like?
Our trips invite like-minded people who are passionate about travel, experience, and tasting all that life has to offer. Our experienced trip leaders (who we call Tastemakers!) are always standing by to ensure a fantastic guest experience.
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What is a Spirited Stories trip and what makes it's different?
Spirited Stories are traveling celebrations. Over three to five days we bring people together in a casual way around food and drink. Think the dreamiest long weekend you can imagine, with great local friends doing all the curating. You just turn up and enjoy the fun.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tips for meals are included included.The tipping of Trip Leaders is recommended and should reflect the quality of service you have received throughout your trip. We find that tips in the range of 2-3% of your trip price are fairly common.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Accommodations are hand-selected for each and every trip from a portfolio of rigorously-vetted hotels. Our Trip Design team prioritizes location, comfort, and design to ensure your stay is a winning mix, every time.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Easy
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If I choose the twin room option, who will I be sharing with?
If you are joining as a solo traveler and choose the shared twin room you’ll be placed with a fellow traveler. We’ll always pair you with someone of the same gender. Twin beds are separate. If you are booking with a friend, you can select two spots in the shared twin room (or if you are booking separately you should each select one spot in a shared twin room and drop us a note that you traveling
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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If I choose the shared room option, who will I be sharing with?
If you are joining as a solo traveler and choose the shared twin room you’ll be placed with a fellow traveler. We’ll always pair you with someone of the same gender. Twin beds are separate. If you are booking with a friend, you can select two spots in the shared twin room (or if you are booking separately you should each select one spot in a shared twin room and drop us a note that you traveling
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our trips invite like-minded people from around the world who are passionate about travel, experience, and tasting all that life has to offer. Our experienced trip leaders (who we call Tastemakers!) are always standing by to ensure a fantastic guest experience.
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Are there any age restrictions?
As our trips are focused on spirits and wine, you must be 21 or over to book a Spirited Stories trip.
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Who will my Trip Leader be?
We have assembled local experts and avid spirit fans as our Tastemaker Trip Leaders in all of our destinations to enhance and deliver your experience, making your trip one to remember.
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Spirited Stories allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Spirited Stories allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spirited stories, 58 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Spirited Stories requires a minimum deposit of 300 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spirited stories charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Flexibility
If you receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis that prohibits you from traveling, it is possible to postpone your trip to a later day without change fees when you let us know within 14 days of your departure date. Please see our full booking conditions for details.
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