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

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.