The tour will start with pick up from the port of Civitavecchia. An English speaking driver with a private minivan will be waiting for you right outside the ship, holding a sign with your name on to be easily recognized. He will be with you during the entire day, even if hes not allowed to walk with you around the small towns once you reach them. He will still be able to give you information on what youre going to visit, and since the tour is private youll be able to customize the itinerary.
The stops youll be able to do during your tour will be to visit:
- Montalcino
- The area called Val dOrcia, stopping in particular in Pienza or Montepulciano, maybe both if time allows.
Montalcino:
Montalcino is a hill town that nowadays is famous mostly because of its precious wine Brunello di Montalcino. Today the town this maintains its external looks as a medieval town, bearing proof that during the centuries the city has experienced both times of peace and prosperity and times of violent war.
Pienza:
The small town of Pienza was just a village in the beginning, but then it was rebuilt in the XV century as a Renaissance town. Walking through the streets, several important sites can be spotted, and each of them brings along a portion of the towns history. By the way today Pienza is not known just for its history, but also for the wine production in the area and for the food culture. In particular, Pienza is famous for its pecorino cheese, that is matured in several different ways in order to enhance its flavor.
Montepulciano:
Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town that is located not too far from Siena. It is a major producer of food and drink. Renowned for its pork, cheese, "pici" pasta, lentils, and honey, it is known world-wide for its wine. Connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile, which should not be confused with varietal wine merely made from the Montepulciano grape, among Italy's best. A visit of Montepulciano cant be complete without the possibility to taste some local wine.
At the end of the tour the driver will take you back to your ship.
The tour will be a total of 9 hours from pick up to drop off. Suggested pick up is at 7:30 am, no later than that.
