Things to do in Val d'Orcia: the 10 best experiences

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.

Horseback riding in the Sienese Hills in Tuscany can last one or two hours, and has the riding stables as its starting point. Nearby there are many woods through which you will be led.

Favorite destinations to reach are several hermitages, such as churches and monasteries, including Eremo di Lecceto or San Leonardo al Lago (2h). The latter is located on the Via Francigena, a beautiful scenic road with views of the Sienese hills.

Little curiosity: the Via Francigena is a pilgrimage route that in the Middle Ages joined Canterbury to Rome, site of St. Peter's tomb, and this to the ports of Puglia, where it was possible to embark to the Holy Land.

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).

The picnic in the vineyard in San Gimignano offers you the opportunity to enjoy a unique and relaxing experience, surrounded by the rows of Vernaccia grapes.

You can taste typical Tuscan products, accompanied by a bottle of local wine, your choice of Vernaccia, Chianti and Rosato.

This experience is ideal for couples and will allow you to indulge in a relaxing break with a splendid view of the Towers of San Gimignano.

For the Wine Tasting in Colle Val d'Elsa you will have a choice of different packages, which include a visit to the winery:

VISIT TO THE FARM tasting the products of the estate: a walk through the village during which we will tell you about the history of the estate and the agricultural productions. You will visit the winery and the oil mill and then taste the estate's products.

LIGHT LUNCH in the FARM tasting the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions, and then have lunch on the veranda with the Sommelier who will guide you in the food/wine pairing.

TAGLIERE AND TASTING with the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions. Followed by the tasting of the products such as wine and oil together with the sommelier, accompanied by a nice board of cold cuts, cheeses and crostini, to finish cantucci and vinsanto.

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 in 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 estate after booking.

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

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.

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 picnic in the vineyard in San Gimignano offers you the opportunity to enjoy a unique and relaxing experience, surrounded by the rows of Vernaccia grapes.

You can taste typical Tuscan products, accompanied by a bottle of local wine, your choice of Vernaccia, Chianti and Rosato.

This experience is ideal for couples and will allow you to indulge in a relaxing break with a splendid view of the Towers of San Gimignano.

For the Wine Tasting in Colle Val d'Elsa you will have a choice of different packages, which include a visit to the winery:

VISIT TO THE FARM tasting the products of the estate: a walk through the village during which we will tell you about the history of the estate and the agricultural productions. You will visit the winery and the oil mill and then taste the estate's products.

LIGHT LUNCH in the FARM tasting the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions, and then have lunch on the veranda with the Sommelier who will guide you in the food/wine pairing.

TAGLIERE AND TASTING with the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions. Followed by the tasting of the products such as wine and oil together with the sommelier, accompanied by a nice board of cold cuts, cheeses and crostini, to finish cantucci and vinsanto.

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 in 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 estate after booking.

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

Florence seen from the Arno: a relaxing experience in the heart of the city.

Discover the historic center of Florence from an unusual perspective, directly from the river. You can choose between two modes: Rafting or Packrafting, departing from San Niccolò and arriving at Santa Rosa.

The excursion scenic and relaxing, suitable for all, and lasts about 2 hours including welcome, briefing and descent to the Arno.

During the route you will pass under the Pontevecchio, next to the Vasari Corridor, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Santa Trinità, with the opportunity to take unique photos. The guide will accompany you with stories and trivia about the history of the river and the city.

Rafting Pontevecchio

Aboard an inflatable boat led by a guide, for those seeking relaxation and sharing.

Packrafting Pontevecchio

With a small one-person inflatable boat to be driven independently, easy and fun. Children will only be allowed on it accompanied by an adult. 

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 picnic in the vineyard in San Gimignano offers you the opportunity to enjoy a unique and relaxing experience, surrounded by the rows of Vernaccia grapes.

You can taste typical Tuscan products, accompanied by a bottle of local wine, your choice of Vernaccia, Chianti and Rosato.

This experience is ideal for couples and will allow you to indulge in a relaxing break with a splendid view of the Towers of San Gimignano.

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.

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 panoramic group or exclusive hot air balloon flight over the Tuscan hills is a unique experience that will allow you to spend an unforgettable morning.

The duration of the activity is about 3 hours, including balloon inflation, flight of about 1 hour, recovery, balloon packing, breakfast and return to the meeting point. You can choose from 3 different destinations.

Chianti

It starts from Barberino Tavernelle at dawn and the flight route varies each time depending on the intensity and direction of the wind. During the experience you can admire the various castles, villages and vineyards that characterize the Tuscan countryside. On a clear day, if you fly high enough you can even see the Tyrrhenian Sea in the distance.

San Gimignano

You take off in the San Gimignano areas, and you will be able to admire right away the village that is among the most renowned in Tuscany. Once you get to altitude you will have a view of the entire Tuscan countryside characterized by vineyards and olive trees. In the distance you can also see the Apennines including the white peaks characterized by Carrara Marble.

Siena

Depart just outside the city; you will be able to see Piazza Campo right away. Depending on the direction of the wind you will either fly directly over the city or be transported to Chianti in the hills of Siena.

Florence

This exclusively private tour offers you the unique thrill of admiring the Tuscan capital from above — not only the entire city of Florence, but also the enchanting hills that surround it.

Once you land before returning to the meeting point you will be offered breakfast.

Required clothing to participate is seasonally appropriate sportswear with long pants and closed-toe shoes without heels.

Truffle hunting with wine tasting in San Gimignano offers you the opportunity to discover the secrets of searching techniques for this precious ingredient.

You will be accompanied by a professional guide and his faithful dog. Walking through the surrounding woods, you will search for truffles together.

At the end of the hunt, you can relax with a tasting of truffle products and typical local wines, inside an atmospheric barrique cellar.