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

Horseback riding in Siena is a unique opportunity for prinipianti to get closer to horseback riding while enjoying a wonderful view of Siena and the Sienese hills.

After cleaning the horse together with the equestrian guide, you will be taught how to mount the horse and how to walk in total peace. You will then have the opportunity to stop at the organic farm for a tasting of typical Tuscan products.

The walk takes about 1 1/2 hours and can be organized as a group or exclusively.

You can walk in the morning or at sunset and the minimum age required to participate is 14 years old.

Lunch with wine tasting at Cantina Brogioni is a perfect experience to spend a relaxing moment surrounded by the Chianti hills.

After a short walk during which you will be given a description of the winery and the process of extracting extra virgin olive oil, you will visit the winery, where you will learn more about the winemaking process.

Following this, you will be served a three-course lunch paired with 4 local wines:

•    1 first course of pasta al pesto (pine nuts, fresh basil, EVO oil and parmesan cheese), paired with an IGT white wine and a vintage Chianti classico
•    1 second course consisting of bruschetta with local EVO oil, selection of typical Tuscan salumi, 36 month Parmigiano Reggiano and Tuscan pecorino cheese, paired with a Chianti classico riserva and a Supertuscan
•    2 samples of Tuscan pecorino, one with local EVO oil with San Miniato white truffle and the other with cooked must
•    1 dessert consisting of a Greek yogurt mousse sprinkled with a dark cocoa cream with 12% EVO oil

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

Wine tasting in Gaiole allows you to enjoy a unique experience in the heart of Chianti Classico.

You will be welcomed by an ancient medieval fortress where you can discover historic wineries and taste wines produced on site.

You can choose from 2 options.

Tasting of 3 wines

If you choose this tasting route, you can take a guided tour of the wineries followed by the tasting of:

•    Extra Virgin d’olive oil DOP Chianti Classico
•    "Molino delle Balze" IGT Toscana Bianco (Chardonnay)
•    "Chianti Classico" DOCG (Sangiovese)
•    “Poggio a' Frati” - Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (Sangiovese)

Tasting of 4 wines

This option includes a guided tour of the wineries and tasting of the following products:

•    Extra Virgin d’olive oil DOP Chianti Classico
•    “Poggio ai Frati” - Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (Sangiovese)
•    “Stielle” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG (Sangiovese)
•    "Buriano” IGT Toscana (Cabernet Sauvignon)
•    “Pratola” IGT Toscana (Colorino)

Horseback rides in the Crete Senesi, Buonconvento, can be an hour or an hour and a half, and have the riding stables as their starting point.

The horseback rides follow routes through the countryside that will allow you to pass by some ancient villas and cypress avenues.

What are you waiting for? Book this experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Fly in a hot air balloon over the hills and villages of the Val d'Orcia.

To begin this experience, you will be greeted by the captain and crew who will provide a safety briefing before takeoff.

The flight will last about 1 hour and you will ascend to an altitude ranging from 500 and 3000 feet. Here you can admire and photograph the rolling hills of Tuscany and charming villages such as Pienza and Montalcino.

At the end of the flight, you will enjoy a gourmet breakfast and toast with a glass of champagne all together. You will then be shuttled back to the launch site.

You will not è be allowed to board a hot air balloon with heeled shoes, bare feet, duffel bags or suitcases.

The take-off field will be confirmed the day before the flight, as it may vary depending on wind direction or unfavorable weather conditions. Therefore è you need to contact the facility the day before your flight to get all the updated details. Otherwise, you may go to the wrong field and risk missing your flight.

Balloon ride over Siena, to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Tuscan countryside.

To begin this experience, you will be welcomed by the captain and crew who will provide a safety briefing before takeoff.

The flight will last about an hour, during which you will take in the unique landscapes of the Tuscan countryside, climbing to an altitude ranging from 500 feet to 3,000 feet.

From here you will admire Siena from above, with its enchanting historic center, Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia.

At the landing, you will toast the experience with a glass of sparkling wine. You will then be shuttled back to the launch site.

You will not è be allowed to ride in a hot air balloon in heels, barefoot, with duffel bags or suitcases.

The take-off field will be confirmed the day before the flight, as it may vary depending on wind direction or unfavorable weather conditions. Therefore è you need to contact the facility the day before your flight to get all the updated details. Otherwise, you may go to the wrong field and risk missing your flight.

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.

Lunch with wine tasting at Cantina Brogioni is a perfect experience to spend a relaxing moment surrounded by the Chianti hills.

After a short walk during which you will be given a description of the winery and the process of extracting extra virgin olive oil, you will visit the winery, where you will learn more about the winemaking process.

Following this, you will be served a three-course lunch paired with 4 local wines:

•    1 first course of pasta al pesto (pine nuts, fresh basil, EVO oil and parmesan cheese), paired with an IGT white wine and a vintage Chianti classico
•    1 second course consisting of bruschetta with local EVO oil, selection of typical Tuscan salumi, 36 month Parmigiano Reggiano and Tuscan pecorino cheese, paired with a Chianti classico riserva and a Supertuscan
•    2 samples of Tuscan pecorino, one with local EVO oil with San Miniato white truffle and the other with cooked must
•    1 dessert consisting of a Greek yogurt mousse sprinkled with a dark cocoa cream with 12% EVO oil

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

Wine tasting in Gaiole allows you to enjoy a unique experience in the heart of Chianti Classico.

You will be welcomed by an ancient medieval fortress where you can discover historic wineries and taste wines produced on site.

You can choose from 2 options.

Tasting of 3 wines

If you choose this tasting route, you can take a guided tour of the wineries followed by the tasting of:

•    Extra Virgin d’olive oil DOP Chianti Classico
•    "Molino delle Balze" IGT Toscana Bianco (Chardonnay)
•    "Chianti Classico" DOCG (Sangiovese)
•    “Poggio a' Frati” - Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (Sangiovese)

Tasting of 4 wines

This option includes a guided tour of the wineries and tasting of the following products:

•    Extra Virgin d’olive oil DOP Chianti Classico
•    “Poggio ai Frati” - Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (Sangiovese)
•    “Stielle” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG (Sangiovese)
•    "Buriano” IGT Toscana (Cabernet Sauvignon)
•    “Pratola” IGT Toscana (Colorino)

Enjoy a horseback ride through the typical Tuscan countryside, along the scenic trails that connect Volterra and San Gimignano.

This experience is suitable for everyone, even those who are approaching the world of horseback riding for the first time. As far as horseback riding is concerned, children, from 14 years of age, can also participate.

You will be accompanied by experienced instructors and docile, trained horses. Suitable sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required.

When booking, you can choose from several options.

1-hour ride in the hills (from 14 years of age)

This horseback ride in the hills between Volterra and San Gimignano allows you to admire unique views. It is suitable for all levels of experience in the saddle, for experts and novices.

1½-hour ride in the hills (from 14 years of age)

The 1½-hour walk will take you discovering the hills between Volterra and San Gimignano. This activity is suitable for all levels of experience in the saddle, for the more experienced and for novices.

Sunset ride with aperitif (from 14 years of age)

From May to October, there è the possibility of a horseback ride at sunset: a unique way to admire the Tuscan countryside in one of the most fascinating moments of the day.

As the sun sets, the hills are tinged with a warm golden light, creating an evocative and unforgettable atmosphere.

At the end of the hike, you can enjoy a refreshing drink surrounded by nature.

For children

An activity tailored for little ones, offering a gentle and guided first approach to the world of horseback riding.

Accompanied by a qualified instructor, children will participate in a small, hand-led ride that will help them become familiar with the horse in a safe and welcoming environment.

The experience also includes a grooming session, during which young participants will learn the basics of horse care, developing trust, respect and an authentic bond with the animal.

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. 

Fly in a hot air balloon over the hills and vineyards of Chianti and the beautiful village of San Gimignano.

The adventure will begin as soon as you arrive at the launch field near San Casciano in Val di Pesa, where you can watch as the balloons are inflated and prepared. Once the pilots have completed their final checks, they will give you a safety briefing and you can then take off.

You will fly for about 1 hour flying over valleys, hills, vineyards, olive groves and all that Tuscany has to offer, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. Each flight will offer you a unique experience as the hot air balloons are guided by the breeze.

At landing, you can toast with a glass of sparkling champagne accompanied by a light breakfast. You will then be shuttled back to your starting point.

You will not è be allowed to board a hot air balloon in heels, bare feet, with duffel bags or suitcases.

The take-off field will be confirmed the day before the flight, as it may vary depending on wind direction or unfavorable weather conditions. Therefore è you need to contact the facility the day before your flight to get all the updated details. Otherwise, you may go to the wrong field and risk missing your flight.

Rafting from Colle Val d'Elsa in Tuscany, perfect for an adventure within nature suitable for adults and children.

Two tours can be distinguished within the experience:

Rafting

The duration of the route è of 1 hour where the river offers gentle and accessible navigation away from adrenaline rapids. This experience è designed for those approaching this type of activity for the first time. The minimum age for children is 6 years old. At the meeting point, the necessary equipment will be handed over and a briefing will be given to explain safety rules. The arrival è point is different from the departure point, about 15 minutes walk.

Packrafting

The duration of the trail è is 1 hour and 30 minutes and è perfect for those who wish to explore the river on their own, but in complete safety. The minimum age for children è is 12 years old. At the meeting point, the necessary equipment will be handed over and a briefing will be given to explain safety rules. The arrival è point is different from the departure point, about 15 minutes walk.

Tours are subject to weather conditions, so the activity may be subject to change.

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.

Tasting of four locally produced wines accompanied by a board with typical Tuscan products in San Gimignano.

Program

The experience will begin with a meeting at the winery, where dedicated staff will welcome you.

After a brief introduction about the family history and presentation of the winery, you will begin the tasting of 5 wines accompanied by a rich platter of typical Tuscan cold cuts, mixed bruschetta and selection of Tuscan pecorino cheeses.

Cooking course in the heart of Tuscany, with wine tasting and full lunch.

Under the guidance of the chef you will learn how to make bruschetta with seasonal ingredients, a type of fresh handmade pasta with typical Tuscan sauces and a traditional dessert.

At the end you will enjoy the lunch you cooked in a typical setting, accompanied by locally produced wines.

The course è hands-on and engaging, designed to let you participate firsthand in the preparation of the dishes.

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.