The 8 best experiences to have in the Elsa Valley

Truffle hunting with lunch in Montepulciano is a unique experience that allows you to experience firsthand a special activity, considered by many to be a true ritual.

Truffle hunting and truffle caving is an art that encompasses respect for biodiversity, deep knowledge of the land, and the sacred relationship between the truffle hunter and his dog.

You will be guided through this authentic experience: you will follow a path, the truffle road, considered sacred by the truffle hunters and therefore jealously guarded.

Between confidences and anecdotes, you will discover the rituals of the quarrymen, the delicate reproductive cycle of the truffle, the types of soil that generate the various types, the symbiosis between man and dog, and many other secrets and curiosities.

This multisensory journey will find its fullest expression in the truffle lunch that chef Samuele will make with the tubers you will have harvested (...assuming you have found any!). The lunch will be accompanied by a selection of local wines.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

Visit the vineyards and winery of a family business in the heart of Tuscany, in the hills of Montepulicano.

You can choose from three types of tastings to learn more about local products:

Wine, Vineyard and Cellar

Through this fantastic experience you will learn to recognize the grape varieties we grow in our

demonstration vineyard: we will tell you about their characteristics and our training system.

You will then admire the production rooms, where fermentation takes place, the aging cellar and the

bottle-aging area. Afterwards, guided by an expert sommelier, you will taste 5 of our wines and some local specialties.

•    Donna Claudia Rosè IGT
•    Rosso di Montepulciano DOC,
•    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG,
•    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Vigna 'Scianello
•    IGT Santo Pellegrino
•    Rich platter of sliced meats, Tuscan appetizer of traditional bruschetta, tasty selection of local pecorino cheeses offered in different ages

Wines, oil and two "flawed" wines

Visit the production facilities, where fermentation takes place, the barrique cellar with large Slavonian oak barrels and French oak barriques and the glass storage warehouse. You will taste, guided by a sommelier, the highly prized Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 5 wines from the winery plus two "flawed" wines.

•    Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
•    Donna Claudia Rosè IGT
•    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
•    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Vigna 'Scianello
•    IGT Santo Pellegrino
•    Wine with corking defect
•    Wine with oxidation defect
•    Chopping board of sliced meats, Tuscan appetizer of traditional bruschetta and selection of local pecorino cheeses offered in different ages.

Tapping from Vasca, barrel and barrique.

You will visit the vineyards, the winery, explore the production areas and taste a glass of wine tapped directly from steel tanks, Slavonian wood barrels and French wood barriques. Guided by a sommelier you will compare these glasses with the wines being tasted to learn to recognize the differences-a highly educational opportunity to experience with the producer in person.

•    Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
•    Donna Claudia Rosè IGT
•    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
•    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG Vigna'Scianello
•    IGT Santo Pellegrino
•    Rich platter of sliced meats, Tuscan appetizer of traditional bruschetta and selection of local pecorino cheeses offered in different stagionat

The Val d'Orcia sunset and aperitif bike ride starts in Pienza and takes you to visit the heart of the region and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cycle along beautiful hills and vineyards, and visit some ancient medieval villages.

At the end of the ride you will stop for an aperitif with breathtaking views of the Val d'Orcia. The aperitif consists of a bottle of Orcia DOC wine or Spritz, with capocollo, cheese, Tuscan salami, and bread.

Tour details:

•    Difficulty of this tour| Easy-medium
•    Distance| 35.5 km
•    Elevation gain| 360 meters
•    Maximum ascent| 14%
•    Maximum descent| 14%
•    Dirt path | 90%
•    Paved secondary road| 10%
•    Time | 3.5 h

(The facility recommends bringing windproof jackets and cell phone charging cables)

The visit to the Historic Cellars of Montepulciano and tasting, is a unique experience. To accompany the wines, the tasting includes a small board of typical products.

The tour begins with a guided tour of the winery, where you will be told the full story of the owner family and the historic winery.

Finished the guided tour of the cellars begins the tasting accompanied by a small board of typical products. The tasting is done inside.

Tasting 6 wines:

•    1 DOC Rosso di Montepulciano
•    2 types of DOCG: nobile classico and nobile selezione
•    2 IGPs from red grapes, one of which is from the Bordeaux blend
•    1 IGT in rotation between Chianti; Rosato; Spumante Brut

(Depending on the availability of products and the season, there may be variations).

A clothing appropriate for the low temperatures from the winery is recommended.

The winery is located in a limited traffic zone, but there is a parking lot just a 5-minute walk away.

The Val d'Orcia tour by vintage Vespa from Pienza allows you to explore Tuscany in a unique way.

The Vespa rental does not include a guide and it is daily. The opening hours of the facility are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The duration of the experience is indicative and you can choose the time at which you pick up the vintage Vespa or scooter.

During the tour, you can have wine tastings and have lunch freely. You can also opt for a picnic, with basket provided and suggestions on where to stop.

Recommended stops include Pienza, San Quirico, Bagno Vignoni, Monticchiello and Montepulciano. The Val d'Orcia offers breathtaking views and medieval towns such as Pienza and Montalcino.

In the price helmet rental is included. Each Vespa can carry up to 2 people. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are recommended.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Picnic takes place near Montepulciano, Val di Chiana 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 dinotorns 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 chosen 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.

Wine tasting and winery tour in the Crete Senesi in Tuscany can be done with 4 different tours to choose from:

Classic tour

This tour includes a visit to the historic Fèlsina winery, where you will be taken on a journey to discover the wines produced by this winery. During the tasting, you will have the opportunity to taste four of their most representative wines, selected to offer you a true sensory experience:

•    Classic Method Brut Sparkling Wine: a sparkling wine produced with the classic method, characterized by a refined effervescence and a dry and harmonious flavor.
•    I Sistri Igt Toscana (100% Chardonnay): a dry white wine produced with the Chardonnay grape variety, with an elegant and complex character.
•    Chianti Classico Docg Berardenga (100% Sangiovese): a red wine produced with the Sangiovese grape variety, typical of the Tuscan region, with an intense and tannic flavor.
•    Chianti Classico Riserva Docg Berardenga (100% Sangiovese): a high quality red wine produced with selected Sangiovese grapes, aged in oak barrels for at least 24 months, which gives it an intense and complex character.

Jeep Tour

This private tour offers an experience that will lead you to discover the vineyards of Fèlsina through a jeep tour on the dirt road. Along the way, you will be accompanied by a specialized guide who will explain the methods of vine cultivation and wine production, while you admire the magnificent Tuscan hills.

The visit will continue at the Rancia estate and vineyard, where you will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about wine production processes and observe the vineyards and winery. Here, you will be offered a tasting of four of Fèlsina's representative wines.

Classic tour and lunch

The classic tour with lunch takes place exactly like the classic tour, but allows you to combine the tasting of 4 wines with a 3-course lunch consisting of farm and local products.

Jeep tour and lunch

The Jeep tour with lunch takes place exactly like the Jeep Tour, but allows you to combine a three-course lunch of farm and local products. In addition, you will also be offered a tasting of four mono-cultivar oils, produced by Fèlsina and selected to offer you a true sensory experience of the Tuscan territory.

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.

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.

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.

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

Program

The experience will begin with guests gathering 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 4 wines that will be accompanied by typical Tuscan pecorino cheese and bruschetta.

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.

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 and winery tour in the Crete Senesi in Tuscany can be done with 4 different tours to choose from:

Classic tour

This tour includes a visit to the historic Fèlsina winery, where you will be taken on a journey to discover the wines produced by this winery. During the tasting, you will have the opportunity to taste four of their most representative wines, selected to offer you a true sensory experience:

•    Classic Method Brut Sparkling Wine: a sparkling wine produced with the classic method, characterized by a refined effervescence and a dry and harmonious flavor.
•    I Sistri Igt Toscana (100% Chardonnay): a dry white wine produced with the Chardonnay grape variety, with an elegant and complex character.
•    Chianti Classico Docg Berardenga (100% Sangiovese): a red wine produced with the Sangiovese grape variety, typical of the Tuscan region, with an intense and tannic flavor.
•    Chianti Classico Riserva Docg Berardenga (100% Sangiovese): a high quality red wine produced with selected Sangiovese grapes, aged in oak barrels for at least 24 months, which gives it an intense and complex character.

Jeep Tour

This private tour offers an experience that will lead you to discover the vineyards of Fèlsina through a jeep tour on the dirt road. Along the way, you will be accompanied by a specialized guide who will explain the methods of vine cultivation and wine production, while you admire the magnificent Tuscan hills.

The visit will continue at the Rancia estate and vineyard, where you will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about wine production processes and observe the vineyards and winery. Here, you will be offered a tasting of four of Fèlsina's representative wines.

Classic tour and lunch

The classic tour with lunch takes place exactly like the classic tour, but allows you to combine the tasting of 4 wines with a 3-course lunch consisting of farm and local products.

Jeep tour and lunch

The Jeep tour with lunch takes place exactly like the Jeep Tour, but allows you to combine a three-course lunch of farm and local products. In addition, you will also be offered a tasting of four mono-cultivar oils, produced by Fèlsina and selected to offer you a true sensory experience of the Tuscan territory.

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.

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.

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.

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

Program

The experience will begin with guests gathering 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 4 wines that will be accompanied by typical Tuscan pecorino cheese and bruschetta.

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.

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.