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

Horseback riding and wine tasting in the surroundings of Florence.

You will leave from the stables in Pelago together with an equestrian guide and, after about an hour of riding through the hills, you will reach a historic winery nestled in the countryside.

Here you will visit the estate and learn about the winemaking processes, and then taste 4 glasses of local wine. You can also choose the "with chopping board" tour to taste local cured meats and cheeses.

When the tasting is over, you will get back on horseback to return to the stables accompanied by your guide.

The equipment for horseback riding will be provided to you by the facility, but appropriate sportswear (long pants and closed shoes) should be your own. We also recommend the'use of a sweatshirt for the winery visit.

Horseback riding in the Tuscan hills outside Florence.

This horseback ride will offer you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Pelago countryside on horseback, enjoying an experience in contact with nature.

The rides are led by experienced instructors to whom you can ask questions to learn about the area and discover curiosities about horses and their lives. The horses that will accompany you are docile and well-trained making the experience suitable even for beginners and children from 10 years old.

You will explore scenic trails, cross green hills and admire typical landscapes of the area, immersed in the beauty of Tuscan nature. 

You can choose from several tours:

•    1-hour walk
•    1-hour and 30-minute walk
•    2-hour walk
•    4-hour walk with lunch at a farmhouse

The equipment for horseback riding will be provided to you by the facility, but the appropriate sportswear (long pants and closed shoes) should be your own.

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.

Explore the Sienese countryside on horseback and experience the authentic beauty of Tuscany through this relaxing ride.

You will ride through hillsides embellished with vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees following scenic trails and immersing yourself in the vibrant colors and scents of unspoiled nature.

Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will learn about the local flora and fauna, discovering fascinating details about the plants and animals that inhabit this extraordinary land. Your guide will also share some stories about the region's history and traditions, transporting you back in time among medieval villages and historic rural estates.

These horseback rides are suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. The well-trained and docile horses ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Comfortable and sporty clothing with closed shoes and long pants is required to participate in this experience.

To make your adventure even more special, you can choose to stop for lunch or indulge in a wine tour with tasting at a local winery, savoring the exquisite flavors of the best Tuscan wines and traditional delicacies (not included in the price).

Discover the natural landscapes between Chianti and the Crete Senesi with an adrenaline-pumping and adventurous ATV excursion, departing from Asciano.

The experience begins with a test drive inside the private circuit to familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Then the excursion begins with the group headed by an open-top guide who will accompany you throughout the ride.

Three different tours are available to choose from:

2-hour Excursion

The two-hour tour traverses easy and scenic trails as well as more technical and fun sections. You will travel along trails and mule tracks in the Crete Senesi and Chianti Classico areas.

Sunset hike (2 hours)

The two-hour sunset tour is evocative and exciting. During the hike you will watch the sunlight color the Sienese hills with all the hues of sunset.

Four-hour excursion with tasting

Included in the four-hour tour is wine tasting at a local winery. This is an immersive experience in nature.

You will appreciate the Chianti Classico and Crete Senesi trails on a stretch of the famous "Eroica," all accompanied by a pleasant stop for a good tasting of the products this area has to offer.

Tasting wines and local products at the Brogioni Winery in Chianti provides you with a relaxing experience on a Tuscan estate.

This experience will begin with a short walk where you will be given a description of the winery and the process of extracting extra virgin olive oil will be explained.

Following that, you will visit the winery, where the winemaking process will be described.

Finally, you will taste 4 wines accompanied by typical products:

•    1 White IGT or Rosé IGT, paired with samples of bread and typical cold cuts
•    1 Chianti classico d’vintage, paired with bruschetta with local extra virgin olive oil
•    1 Chianti classico riserva, paired with a 36 month parmigiano reggiano
•    1 Supertuscan, paired with Tuscan pecorino cheese

In addition to the wines, it will be possible to taste Tuscan pecorino cheese with EVO oil with white truffle from San Miniato and with cooked must, dark cocoa cream containing 12% of EVO oil, and face, hand and body creams produced on site.

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

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 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.

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.

Horseback riding and wine tasting in the surroundings of Florence.

You will leave from the stables in Pelago together with an equestrian guide and, after about an hour of riding through the hills, you will reach a historic winery nestled in the countryside.

Here you will visit the estate and learn about the winemaking processes, and then taste 4 glasses of local wine. You can also choose the "with chopping board" tour to taste local cured meats and cheeses.

When the tasting is over, you will get back on horseback to return to the stables accompanied by your guide.

The equipment for horseback riding will be provided to you by the facility, but appropriate sportswear (long pants and closed shoes) should be your own. We also recommend the'use of a sweatshirt for the winery visit.

Horseback riding in the Tuscan hills outside Florence.

This horseback ride will offer you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Pelago countryside on horseback, enjoying an experience in contact with nature.

The rides are led by experienced instructors to whom you can ask questions to learn about the area and discover curiosities about horses and their lives. The horses that will accompany you are docile and well-trained making the experience suitable even for beginners and children from 10 years old.

You will explore scenic trails, cross green hills and admire typical landscapes of the area, immersed in the beauty of Tuscan nature. 

You can choose from several tours:

•    1-hour walk
•    1-hour and 30-minute walk
•    2-hour walk
•    4-hour walk with lunch at a farmhouse

The equipment for horseback riding will be provided to you by the facility, but the appropriate sportswear (long pants and closed shoes) should be your own.

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.

Tuscan winery lunch in San Gimignano, with guided tasting of 5 wines and local dishes.

During the experience you will meet in the winery for a brief introduction to the history of the family and the winery. Following this, you will participate in a tasting of five wines, paired with a lunch of Tuscan specialties including typical salumi, mixed bruschetta, selection of pecorino cheese, a traditional first course and, for dessert, chocolate and Sottobosco.

The experience will take place in San Gimignano and is designed for those who wish to discover local flavors in an authentic setting. The tasting will be guided and the menù is fixed.

Unforgettable stay in the heart of Tuscany with overnight stay in a standard room for two, with picnic or wine tasting included.

You will stay at a farmhouse surrounded by nature in San Gimigano, the package includes:

•    One night in a standard room for two people
•    Breakfast

Choice of:

•    Tasting of locally produced wines
•    Picnic

A perfect experience for those who wish to immerse themselves in the food and wine culture of one of Tuscany's most fascinating medieval towns.

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.

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. 

The Giglio Island Tour by boat from Giglio Porto offers a choice of 4 different tours. 

Tour Classic 

The Classic tour starts from the port of Giglio Island. Along the way, you will make 3 or 4 bathroom stops. During the tour, you will be offered a delicious aperitif on board.

Tour Luxury 

The Luxury tour starts from the port of Giglio Island. This mini-cruise takes place aboard one of the luxury boats that offer maximum comfort. During the tour, you will make 3 or 4 bathroom stops and enjoy the crystal clear sea.

The most exclusive part of this tour will be the arrival at the Caldane Beach, which è can only be reached by sea. Here you will find umbrellas and sunbeds reserved just for you, included in the price, and you can refresh yourself with delicious drinks. This tour also includes lunch.

At the end of the tour, you can return to Giglio Porto with our Shuttle Boat, choosing the time you prefer.

Half Day - Private

The half-day private tour starts from Giglio Island port at the agreed time. During the tour you can make 3 or 4 bathroom stops. Along the way, you will enjoy a delicious aperitif on board.

Finally, you will arrive at the Caldane Beach, the most exclusive beach on the island, reachable only by sea. Here, umbrellas, reserved sunbeds and refreshments await you. This tour does not include lunch on board.

At the end of the tour you can return to Giglio Porto with our Shuttle Boat, choosing your own return time.

Full Day - Private

The full-day private tour starts from Giglio Island port at the agreed time. During the tour you will have the opportunity to choose your stops, explore the island's most fascinating coves and swim. During the day, you will be delighted with an aperitif on board and have the opportunity to enjoy lunch, included in the price. Finally, you will return to Giglio Porto, with a maximum return time of 6:30 p.m.

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All boats are equipped with sundecks and awnings. Snorkeling equipment will be available on the boat, so you can explore the wonderful underwater world.

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:

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•    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.

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 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.

The sunset boat ride at Giglio Island is a romantic experience lasting about two hours.

The boat ride is scheduled to depart from Giglio Porto around 6:30/19:00 pm. You will sail until you reach the Campese Gulf or the surrounding coves, where you will stop to enjoy a sunset aperitif.

The aperitif consists of delicious fish crudités and crostini, accompanied by a prosecco, spritz or beer.

Return to the port of Giglio Island is scheduled at approximately 9:00 pm.