Things to do in Pienza, Tuscany: The 10 best experiences

Wine-tasting experience at Tenuta degli Dei, designed to help you discover the winery’s identity through a journey through history, production and great local labels.

The activity begins near the Church of San Leolino, and then continues with a visit to the vat cellar and barrique cellar, where you can learn firsthand about the stages of fermentation and aging of the wine in an evocative environment among oak barrels.

Followed by a guided tasting of 5 red wines:

•    Forcole Chianti Classico DOCG
•    Le Redini IGT
•    A vertical tasting of Cavalli IGT (vintages 2022, 2021 and 2020)

The tasting is accompanied by gourmet tastings, extra virgin olive oil and grappa.

On request it is also possible to visit the stables. The experience is available in multiple languages and is pet friendly.

The walk with alpacas in the Florentine Hills è a pleasant experience in the midst of woods and fields on the outskirts of Florence, accompanied by the sweetest alpacas. During the loop trail, which is about 3 km long, you will learn about all the alpacas you will be walking.

After the walk you can stop on the meadow and enjoy the spectacle of the alpacas in freedom.

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and sports or hiking shoes.

Wine-tasting experience in Florence, with three different routes, designed to offer a complete journey among Tuscan wine excellences, accompanied by typical local products.

All tastings begin with a welcome bubbly and are accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, including salami, prosciutto, sbriciolona, dried sausages and pecorino di Pienza in different seasonings, to best enhance the pairings.

The experience is available in three different tours, each with a specific wine selection and duration:

• Tasting of 3 wines

• Tasting of 4 wines

• Tasting of 4 premium wines

For children who consume there is a dedicated option with a small cutting board and a beverage of their choice, if they do not consume participation is free of charge.

Wine-tasting experience in Florence, with three different routes, designed to offer a complete journey among Tuscan wine excellences, accompanied by typical local products.

All tastings begin with a welcome bubbly and are accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, including salami, prosciutto, sbriciolona, dried sausages and pecorino di Pienza in different seasonings, to best enhance the pairings.

The experience is available in three different tours, each with a specific wine selection and duration:

• Tasting of 3 wines

• Tasting of 4 wines

• Tasting of 4 premium wines

For children who consume there is a dedicated option with a small cutting board and a beverage of their choice, if they do not consume participation is free of charge.

A sensory experience dedicated to extra virgin olive oil in the heart of Siena, designed for those who wish to discover the authentic flavors of Tuscan tradition through a guided tasting.

During the experience, you will be taken on a tasting journey of different extra virgin olive oils from the territory, learning to recognize their scents, intensity and organoleptic characteristics. The tasting will be enriched by samples of typical local products, served on bruschetta and crostini, accompanied by patés and artisanal sauces.

The Chianti e-bike tour departing from Castellina allows you to experience a full day of fun cycling in the Tuscan hills.

This experience allows you to rent an e-bike for the whole day (9 hours) and admire hills, vineyards and historic villages in the company of friends or family.

Be enchanted by the Tuscan landscapes and panoramas while discovering evocative views.

This experience is suitable for everyone and e-bike rental does not require special physical training. Remember, however, that Chianti is an area with no flat roads.

The Argentario e-bike tour from Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, begins at 10:00 am. There you will meet the guide, who will hand over the mountain bikes and help you get ready for departure (rental is included in the price!).

Once you leave the center of town, you will start climbing the promontory of Monte Argentario, facing hairpin bend after hairpin bend until you reach a paved alley road that will lead you to the Capo d'Uomo tower, located 350 m above sea level.

The last part of the climb will require considerable effort, but the spectacular views of the coast below will repay the effort.

The route will continue through hairpin bends and dirt roads in the direction of Porto Ercole, a town that has been part of Italy's most beautiful villages since 2014. During the lunch break you will stop near Forte Stella, a 16th-century defensive fortification characterized by its distinctive shape.

In the afternoon you will cross the Orbetello Lagoon, which is a WWF oasis and an important habitat for many species of waterfowl, including the wonderful pink flamingos. You will return to Porto Santo Stefano at 3 p.m., having completed a 41-km route that includes quite challenging uphill and downhill sections.

A vintage gozzo excursion along the coast of the Argentario promontory departing from Porto Santo Stefano.

During the navigation, you will skirt the coast and visit some of the Argentario's most beautiful coves, where you can stop for a swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

The boat is made entirely of wood, and is equipped with a large sundeck and awning. A small snack will be offered on board.

The activity can be booked for a morning or afternoon ride. It is also possible to book the boat in private mode.

Maximum capacity: 7 people.

The Argentario catamaran and snorkeling day will begin at 9 a.m. in Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, where you will meet the crew who will accompany you on the catamaran excursion.

The boat ride will take you along the coast of the Monte Argentario promontory, past sandy bays, inlets, cliffs and coves of great natural beauty.

During the trip you will make several stops to snorkel in the most beautiful places, including Cala del Gesso, Cala dell'Olio and Cala Mar Morto. The crew will provide you with all the necessary equipment. You can also relax in the sun and enjoy the open bar with water, soft drinks, red and white wine.

During the first stop you will be offered a selection of local mixed flatbreads prepared with Tuscan olive oil, Taggiasca olives, and the local super with anchovies.

At lunch, the delicious Captain's mixed bruschetta will be offered, which may vary from day to day following the freshness of the products. At the end of the meal, a basket of fresh fruit and coffee will be offered, and in the afternoon there will be a Nutella party for everyone to recharge their energy and keep diving and swimming.

The day will end with the return to Porto Santo Stefano scheduled for 6 p.m. The excursion is confirmed with a minimum of 15 participants.

Don't miss a unique opportunity to sail Argentario, Giannutri Island or Giglio Island aboard a boat, enjoying lunch on board and snorkeling in excellent company.

Departing from Porto Santo Stefano, the destination will be chosen according to weather and sea conditions, and during the trip, you will be accompanied by the crew who will guide you through corals, volcanic rocks and gorgonians, telling the story of these picturesque places.

You will enjoy the sunshine and an onboard lunch of pasta, fruit, wine, soft drinks and coffee.

The itinerary will be determined by marine weather conditions, with at least 4 stops for swimming and snorkeling activities. Return is scheduled in the afternoon between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., with a total excursion duration of about 8 hours.

Two boats are available. The Negis boat carries up to 18 people, while the Gigliola boat carries up to 28 people.

Wine-tasting experience at Tenuta degli Dei, designed to help you discover the winery’s identity through a journey through history, production and great local labels.

The activity begins near the Church of San Leolino, and then continues with a visit to the vat cellar and barrique cellar, where you can learn firsthand about the stages of fermentation and aging of the wine in an evocative environment among oak barrels.

Followed by a guided tasting of 5 red wines:

•    Forcole Chianti Classico DOCG
•    Le Redini IGT
•    A vertical tasting of Cavalli IGT (vintages 2022, 2021 and 2020)

The tasting is accompanied by gourmet tastings, extra virgin olive oil and grappa.

On request it is also possible to visit the stables. The experience is available in multiple languages and is pet friendly.

Tasting of artisanal chocolate and liqueurs with a guided tour of the workshop, outside Prato and less than an hour from Florence.

After a brief introduction to the Roberto Catinari chocolate factory and its artisanal tradition, you will be guided on a journey to discover the raw ingredients, the production techniques, and the various cocoa varieties.

During the experience, you will taste chocolates from different origins, exploring aromas, intensities and pairings with Tuscan wines and liqueurs such as Vin Santo or Rum.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to create your own personalized chocolate bar, with handmade decorations or lettering, to enjoy on the spot or take with you as a sweet souvenir.

The walk with alpacas in the Florentine Hills è a pleasant experience in the midst of woods and fields on the outskirts of Florence, accompanied by the sweetest alpacas. During the loop trail, which is about 3 km long, you will learn about all the alpacas you will be walking.

After the walk you can stop on the meadow and enjoy the spectacle of the alpacas in freedom.

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and sports or hiking shoes.

Wine-tasting experience in Florence, with three different routes, designed to offer a complete journey among Tuscan wine excellences, accompanied by typical local products.

All tastings begin with a welcome bubbly and are accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, including salami, prosciutto, sbriciolona, dried sausages and pecorino di Pienza in different seasonings, to best enhance the pairings.

The experience is available in three different tours, each with a specific wine selection and duration:

• Tasting of 3 wines

• Tasting of 4 wines

• Tasting of 4 premium wines

For children who consume there is a dedicated option with a small cutting board and a beverage of their choice, if they do not consume participation is free of charge.

The Chianti e-bike tour departing from Castellina allows you to experience a full day of fun cycling in the Tuscan hills.

This experience allows you to rent an e-bike for the whole day (9 hours) and admire hills, vineyards and historic villages in the company of friends or family.

Be enchanted by the Tuscan landscapes and panoramas while discovering evocative views.

This experience is suitable for everyone and e-bike rental does not require special physical training. Remember, however, that Chianti is an area with no flat roads.

During the vespa tour of Chianti from Castellina, you will have the opportunity to rent vespas for an entire day, as a couple or with friends to explore the Chianti hills.

The experience is unique, one of the most beautiful in the area, and you will spend a day immersed in green fields, or among vines ripe in autumn.

The wasps are easy to ride so even beginners can use them, only a B-type license required.

If you decide to participate in this Vespa ride, you will be immersed in the beauty of Tuscany and experience an adventure you will remember forever.

Gasoline is not included and will have to be paid on site.

The quad bike excursion in the Tuscan Maremma and aperitif will allow you to visit picturesque landscapes, admire breathtaking views, learn about local scents and guster Maremma snacks.

For this quad bike tour you have the possibility to choose the route of 1 hour or 2 1/2 hours.

The 2-hour one also includes a barbecue in the woods with grilled sausages, cheese and local wine.

Alternatively è you can choose a visit to the "La Pierotta" winery, where participants can taste some of the fine wines produced by the winery, accompanied by an aperitif of local products.

Remember to bring with you:

.

•    Trekking shoes
•    Bandana or scarf in summer (can be purchased locally)
•    Gloves in winter
•    K-way in winter and mid-season (can be purchased locally)

The ATV rental è is suitable for people of all skill levels and guarantees a fun and adventurous experience. It takes place in the Bandite di Scarlino area, where participants will have the opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes and discover unusual places.

During the hike, there will be some technical parts, fords and fun climbs, but nothing too challenging. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the local scents.

This experience è an excellent opportunity to discover the culture and traditions of Maremma and to taste some of the best wines and products of the area.

For all Fridays in the fall and winter months, è a minimum of two quads is required for reservations.

Wine tasting in Maremma, outside Grosseto, allows you to taste local wines in a Tuscan winery.

You will be welcomed by an estate that produces natural wines from native Tuscan grape varieties and aged in terracotta jars and barriques used to enhance the flavors of biodynamic grapes.

The winery, which you will have the opportunity to visit, is mainly underground so as not to distort the gentle curves of the land and it is the result of geological architecture, which is based on the characteristics of the landscape.

You can choose between two options.

The Colors of Sequerciani

This experience begins with a visit to the winery. You'll descend into the depths of the hillside to discover where the wines are born, and then look out again over the panorama, where your gaze sweeps from the countryside to the sea.

The visit will continue with a tasting of three wines that embody the spirit of the estate, three fresh and versatile labels. All of this will be accompanied by a board of your choice of local specialties.

Anfora Experience

During a visit to the winery, you will descend into the depths of the hillside to discover where the wines are born, and then take in the view again, where your gaze sweeps from the countryside to the sea.

The visit will continue with a tasting of three wines aged in amphora, accompanied by a board of your choice.

The cutting board can be classic, vegetarian or vegan. You can communicate your preference (and any food allergies and intolerances) to the facility following the reservation.

The alpaca walk in the Tuscan Maremma, Val d'Orcia, is designed to give an unforgettable experience of contact with nature and animals.

The walk with alpacas is about 2.5 km long and takes place between a very short stretch of country road and then enters paths through fields, vineyards, grove until you reach the bank of the Ombrone River.

The route of the alpaca walk may vary depending on weather conditions (so as to avoid excessive mud), hunting season or excessive heat preferring shadier stretches.

The approximate duration of the walk is about 1.5 hours but obviously depends on how the animals are prepared on that day, the ability of the participants to "lead" them, and other variables such as the state of the trails.

During the alpaca walk there are stops for a total of about 10 minutes during which you can interact with the alpacas, feed them, take photos and videos.

Horseback riding by the sea in Maremma departing from Marina di Grosseto, perfect for an alternative day out as a couple or with friends.

The experience begins at the stables where you will be assigned horses and provided with the equipment to ride a horse.

Once you leave, the hike lasts about 2 hours through the Tombolo Pine Forest, San Leopoldo Canal, backdune area, dunes and beach. 

Horseback riding in the countryside of the Maremma Grossetana will allow you to discover the nature of the Tuscan hills.

The activity begins at the riding stables in Castiglione della Pescantia where the instructor will teach you the basics of riding and then you will go out for the horseback ride.

Two-hour rides are available in which you will discover the picturesque views of the Maremma.

At the end of the hikes, you can also enjoy an aperitif while enjoying the surrounding picturesque landscapes.

To participate in the excursions è required sportswear with long pants and closed shoes.

2 walks per day, from 09:00 to 11:00 or 17:00 to 19:00 between June 15 and September 15. Outside these dates, subject to availability.

The Argentario e-bike tour from Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, begins at 10:00 am. There you will meet the guide, who will hand over the mountain bikes and help you get ready for departure (rental is included in the price!).

Once you leave the center of town, you will start climbing the promontory of Monte Argentario, facing hairpin bend after hairpin bend until you reach a paved alley road that will lead you to the Capo d'Uomo tower, located 350 m above sea level.

The last part of the climb will require considerable effort, but the spectacular views of the coast below will repay the effort.

The route will continue through hairpin bends and dirt roads in the direction of Porto Ercole, a town that has been part of Italy's most beautiful villages since 2014. During the lunch break you will stop near Forte Stella, a 16th-century defensive fortification characterized by its distinctive shape.

In the afternoon you will cross the Orbetello Lagoon, which is a WWF oasis and an important habitat for many species of waterfowl, including the wonderful pink flamingos. You will return to Porto Santo Stefano at 3 p.m., having completed a 41-km route that includes quite challenging uphill and downhill sections.