Things to do in Pienza, Tuscany: The 7 best experiences

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.

A wine tasting with a visit to the Tenuta degli Dei in Chianti is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan vineyards.

The meeting begins in front of the Church of San Leolino, a three-nave basilica that preserves valuable works of art from the Tuscan artistic tradition.

The tour continues with a visit to the vat cellar, where the vats in which the fermentation of the wines takes place, and the barrique cellar, which houses the fine French oak barrels in which the wine rests until it reaches perfect maturity.

Next, you will reach the Estate, where the tasting will take place. In the dedicated room, you will have the opportunity to taste five wines: a white wine, a rosé, a Chianti Classico and two IGTs, accompanied by a small sampling of local cured meats and cheeses.

You can choose between the tour in Italian and English.

Minors and those not participating in the tasting do not pay and will receive a tasting of local products.

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the property after booking.

Finally, the estate is pet friendly, welcoming your four-legged friends as well.

The Picnic takes place near Montepulciano, Val di Chiana in Sinalunga and it is possible to choose between two different tours:

Picnic Gourmand (3 hours)

The Picnic Gourmand experience offers a selection of slow food delicacies prepared fresh from the best local ingredients and strictly home made. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as pennette rigate with vegetarian ragout, red potato and cheese pie, organic garden vegetable quiche, and charcuterie sandwich.

In addition, the picnic basket also includes a summer fruit salad and salted butter almonds, Illy espresso or Moka coffee, and natural or sparkling mineral water. To complete the experience, the farm will provide everything needed for the picnic, including picnic basket, crate, blanket, plaid, pillows, tablecloth, food box, ceramic plates, glassware, candles, and stainless steel cutlery.

This picnic experience promises to be a true gourmet experience, with high-quality products and special attention to the presentation of dishes.

The charm of the Tuscan hills and landscapes in the dinotorni of Montepulciano will make the picnic experience even more enjoyable.

Romantic Picnic (3 hours)

The Podere offers a romantic picnic experience that promises to be a unique and memorable experience. The menu you choose includes a selection of fresh, seasonally-related products with a focus on the slow food philosophy.

The picnic basket includes a variety of delicacies, such as mini red potato tortilla, savory zucchini quiche, and tartlet with goat cheese, walnuts, and honey. In addition, there will also be a wide selection of beverages, including rosé or red wine to match the dishes and still or sparkling mineral water.

To complete the romantic experience, the farm will provide everything needed for the picnic, such as blankets, pillows, basket and tableware. In addition, the charm of the place and the wonderful surrounding beauty will create the perfect atmosphere for a sweet romantic break.

Horseback riding in the hills of the Sienese Chianti is a unique experience that allows you to admire the striking views of Tuscany.

On arrival at the stables you will be greeted by experienced equestrian guides who will hand you the’equipment and safety devices to be able to ride a horse.

Before leaving for the ride you will go to the sand rectangle where the guides will explain the basics of horseback riding.

At this point you will be ready to set off and reach the hills of the Sienese Chianti region, where you can admire unique landscapes and discover more about local products: wine and oil.

There will be no lack of little pearls of history and anecdotes that will make the walk even more enjoyable.

Comfortable clothing with long pants and closed shoes is recommended.

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 walk and aperitif on the way back
•    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 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.

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.

Wine tasting in San Gimignano at a family-run estate surrounded by Tuscan nature.

You can choose from 4 types of tastings:

As you want them

This tasting begins with a short walk through one of the vineyards where the guide will give you information about the estate along with several trivia about the vine. Once back you can then choose 4 wines to taste from the 7 types produced.

4 wines for a few

This tasting will allow you to taste 4 "special" wines since less than 1,000 bottles of each are produced per year. The wines are: "Ximon” Toscana Bianco IGT, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Centodue” Toscana Rosso IGT, Chianti Riserva DOCG.

4 DOCG wines

In this tasting you will taste the most classic wines of the Tuscan tradition, including Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Chianti Riserva DOCG.

The Fantastic 7

During this tasting you will taste all 7 wines that are produced by the estate, specifically: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Donna Lucia” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, “Ximon” Toscana Bianco IGT, “Il Rosato della via vecchia”, Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Chianti Riserva DOCG, “Centodue” Toscana Rosso IGT.

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 countryside between Volterra and San Gimignano è a unique experience that combines adventure, nature and Tuscan culture.

This tour traverses hills, woods and country roads with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery. You will begin the l'excursion with a brief introduction to ATV riding and safety measures.

Following that, the adventure can begin! This type of experience è the ideal for nature lovers looking for an adventure off the beaten path, to discover an authentic and adventurous side of Tuscany that goes beyond the classic tourist routes.

The tours can be one hour or one and a half hours and are suitable for all levels of experience and families even with children, as long as they are over 5 years old.

A wine tasting with a visit to the Tenuta degli Dei in Chianti is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan vineyards.

The meeting begins in front of the Church of San Leolino, a three-nave basilica that preserves valuable works of art from the Tuscan artistic tradition.

The tour continues with a visit to the vat cellar, where the vats in which the fermentation of the wines takes place, and the barrique cellar, which houses the fine French oak barrels in which the wine rests until it reaches perfect maturity.

Next, you will reach the Estate, where the tasting will take place. In the dedicated room, you will have the opportunity to taste five wines: a white wine, a rosé, a Chianti Classico and two IGTs, accompanied by a small sampling of local cured meats and cheeses.

You can choose between the tour in Italian and English.

Minors and those not participating in the tasting do not pay and will receive a tasting of local products.

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the property after booking.

Finally, the estate is pet friendly, welcoming your four-legged friends as well.

The horseback riding tour among the vineyards and tasting in San Gimignano will take place among the unforgettable panoramic views among rustic farmhouses and vineyards in the area.

It is a horseback tour of the estate, nearby vineyards and the forest around San Gimignano (1 hour).

Afterwards there will be a short lecture on wine and vineyards, after which there will be a full wine tasting and then, if selected, lunch outdoors in the garden.

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.

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. 

During this horseback ride from Suvereto you can explore the territory of the Tuscan Maremma in two types of excursions.

Adults only (ages 14 and up)

The horseback ride through vineyards and olive groves will take you through the famous "wine and oil road".

This 2-hour hike is available only for adults and teens (ages 14 and up).

With children (ages 9 to 13)

The horseback ride in the nature of the Tuscan countryside will take place within a private estate of about 80 hectares. Part of the ride will pass through olive groves and vineyards and skirt a lake with a pine forest.

This 1-hour hike is available only if at least one child between the ages of 9 and 13 is present.

Both trails are easy to ride, but very scenic. The horses are very docile and well-trained, so they allow even beginners to enjoy the ride.

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.

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.