Majestic Tuscany Tour from Rome

highlights

• Uncover the soul of Tuscany on this private day trip from Rome to Tuscany
• Behold the majestic landscapes of Tuscany and its charming villages
• Revel in a scenic drive through Val d’Orcia a UNESCO World Cultural Landscape
• Admire the beguiling village of Bagno Vignoni whose main square is a pool of thermal water
• Explore the elegant San Quirico, the elegant quintessential Tuscan town
• Immerse yourself in the history-stepped streets of Pienza, the delightful Renaissance Utopia
• Visit the enchanting village of Monticchiello surrounded by stunning landscapes
• Stop at a fortified castle turned farmhouse that in the middle ages hosted pilgrims along Francigena
• Our Tuscany tours are private just for you and your party for your tour enjoyment, comfort, and privacy
• We make our private Tuscany tours effortless and convenient with pick-up & drop off at your Rome hotel
• This Tuscany tour does NOT include a Tour Guide, you will Self-Tour when away from the Vehicle

itinerary

• Bagno Vignoni
• San Quirico d’Orcia
• Pienza
• Monticchiello
• See the ancient fortified Castle Farmhouse

description

Our Majestic Tuscany Tour from Rome takes you on a journey to southern Tuscany, one of the most idyllic places in Italy renowned for its enchanting medieval villages, traditional flavors, and the soul-stirring landscapes of Val d’Orcia (Valley of Orcia).

Val d’Orcia is one of the most photographed and filmed regions in Tuscany and was chosen to represent “Elysian Fields” (the ancient pagan expression for Paradise) in the blockbuster film The Gladiator. Celebrated by artists and poets for centuries, Val d’Orcia is also designated a UNESCO World Cultural Landscape for its distinctive aesthetics, harmony, and beauty.

The charms of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia will enfold you as you journey along windy country roads lined with olive groves and cypress trees, pass by undulating soft hills dotted with stone farmhouses, and visit resplendent Medieval villages like Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia, Pienza, and Montichiello.

MAJESTIC TUSCANY TOUR PRICE LIST 

For up to 4 Persons from Rome Hotel: 590 EUROS
For up to 6 Persons from Rome Hotel: 630 EUROS
For up to 8 Persons from Rome Hotel: 680 EUROS

* DATES on the Booking Form Calendar that are NOT Selectable, are NOT AVAILABLE.

* This Tuscany Tour from Rome starts and ends at your hotel or accommodation in Rome.

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BAGNO VIGNONI -  an ancient charming thermal spa village

Your personal Stefano Rome Tours English-speaking driver will pick you up at your Rome hotel or accommodation for a relaxing drive through the rustic Roman countryside into Tuscany to your first destination on your Majestic Tuscany tour:  the tiny village of Bagno Vignoni, a hidden gem that will surprise you!

Bagno Vignoni translates to “Vignoni Bath”, and true to its name, its unusual square Piazza delle Sorgenti ( “Square of Water”) is comprised entirely of a pool of thermal water.

Surrounded by low stone walls, the ancient pool is filled with hot thermal waters that flow from an underground aquifer of volcanic origins.  The healing thermal baths of this area were well known by the ancient Etruscans, revered by the Romans, and frequented by many important historical figures like Saint Catherine, Pope Pius II, and Lorenzo de Medici.

Pristine medieval buildings with characteristic green shutters surround the square, their stone facade mirrored in the pool of water creating a sublime painting effect. On a cold winter morning, an enchanting mist of vapor lifts from the warm pool.

The tiny village extends for another block where you will find lovely cafes and enticing shops. Next to the village is the Park of the Mills (Parco di Mulino), a small archaeological site by the edge of the cliff, comprised of a medieval mill house and various ancient rooms.  Rivulets of hot springs carved narrow paths in the stone cascading over the edge below. 

Following your brief visit to Bagno Vignoni, you join your driver for a short drive to your next destination: San Quirico d’Orcia.

SAN QUIRICO D’ORCIA -  the graceful quintessential Tuscan town 

In the midst of the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia surrounded by vineyards and olive groves is the elegant village of San Quirico d’Orcia that exudes the charm of local Tuscan life.  Although an ancient village of Etruscan origins, San Quirico was named in honor of the 4th-century Saint Quiricus (Cyricus).

Delight in a stroll through this Tuscan town encircled by well-preserved medieval walls, grand architecture, and revered churches such as the  11th-century church of Santa Maria Assunta, the 13th-century church of San Francesco, and the impressive 13th-century Collegiate Church (also known as Collegiata di San Quirico d’Orcia or Pieve dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta).

Along the pedestrian-friendly main avenue of San Quirico lined with pastel-hued historical buildings, you will discover a variety of inviting shops and cafes. Nature lovers will delight in the elegant Renaissance Italian gardens of Horti Leonini whose entrance is located in Piazza della Liberta (the town’s main square), and the small seasonal rose garden located behind the church of Santa Maria Assunta.

After your visit to San Quirico d’Orcia, you will meet your driver for a scenic drive to your next destination: Pienza. 

PIENZA  - the Renaissance Utopia

Ever since its urbanism style transformation in the mid-1400s at the behest of Pope Pius II, Pienza has been referred to as a Renaissance Utopia inspiring cities throughout Europe. Before it was rebuilt into an ideal Renaissance town, Pienza was a simple medieval village known as Corsignano the birthplace of Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II.

The Pope was quite fond of his hometown which he favored as his summer retreat, and after its beautiful transformation, the village was renamed “Pienza” in honor of the Pope.  The town’s historical center was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

With its splendid Renaissance architecture, spellbinding views of Val d’Orcia from the top of walled terraces, and narrow lanes with delightful names such as Via del Amore and Via del Baccio (Love Street and Kiss Street),  Pienza is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting and romantic towns.

Pienza is also a favorite destination for foodies who flock to Pienza for its delectable Pecorino of Pienza, the locally crafted cheese made from the milk of ewes that graze freely in the surrounding meadows where an abundance of aromatic herbs grow lending unique flavors to the milk that are typical of the local terroir.

Exalted worldwide among the finest cheeses in Italy, Pecorino di Pienza range from Fresco (fresh), Semi-Stagionato (semi-aged), Stagionato (aged), Gran Riserva, and an endless variety made with truffles, herbs, pepperoncino, and more. You too have the opportunity to sample and purchase some of these delicious cheeses at local shops in Pienza.

Tuscan cuisine is a local pride well embedded into local traditions, and during your visit to Pienza, appreciate free time for a tasty lunch at any of the local restaurants or trattorias in town. 

MONTICCHIELLO - the charming medieval fortified hamlet

Your Majestic Tuscany tour continues with a scenic drive along windy roads through beguiling pastoral landscapes of Valley of Orcia, will take you to Monticchiello, a tiny hilltop hamlet that from a distance gives the impression of a small fortress crowning a hill, standing guard over the landscape below.

 

Monticchiello’s ancient origins are shrouded in mystery, but we do know that during the bygone era of the Ancient Romans, the village was known as Mons Cloelli.  It wasn’t until the 10th century that a document was discovered revealing its current name. 

Enjoy a brief visit to explore this peaceful Medieval hamlet with spacious pedestrian-friendly streets and open squares. Have a seat on one of the benches along the terrace at the edge of the village and enjoy the majestic views before you.

Not to be missed near Monticchiello is a picturesque windy road lined with cypress trees, an iconic representation of Tuscany on postcards and in films.

See an ancient fortified Castle Farmhouse

Not far from Monticchiello, you will glimpse a most interesting sight:  Rising in the midst of Val d’Orica Valley is a 14th-century fortified castle that beckons a quick visit for a wonderful way to conclude your journey through Tuscany.

Originally established in the late 12th century to provide accommodation and assistance to travelers and pilgrims journeying along the nearby Francigena to Rome, it converted into a Medieval Cistercian monastic granary (agricultural farm).  By the end of the 14th century, it was transformed into a magnificent fortified castle with a military garrison protecting the resources housed within it. 

In modern times, the castle became an agriturismo farmhouse, and the old mill house was turned into a lovely shop that sells a variety of organic artisanal whole-grain baked goods and pasta prepared from stone-ground flour locally ground at the farm’s large mill near Monticchiello. The shop also boasts farm-made quality virgin olive oil, organic wine, artisan beer, and delectable baked goods, perfect as souvenirs or delightful gifts for your loved ones.

From here, relax in the comfort of your deluxe vehicle, and as your personal driver takes you on a leisurely journey back to your hotel in Rome, cherish the memories that linger and the magic that stays alive in your heart. Though the journey may conclude, the allure of Tuscany will forever ignite your wanderlust for the splendors that await your next adventure in this picturesque paradise.

Guests who booked this Majestic Tuscany Tour also enjoyed the following tours to Italy's top destinations:

• ROME CITY AND COUNTRYSIDE TOUR -  Day Tour of Rome's top squares and countryside medieval villages and castle
  
  
• ORVIETO WINE TASTING TOUR FROM ROME - Explore the flavors of Umbria on our wine-tasting tour to Orvieto and an organic winery in the Umbrian hills
  
  
• TIVOLI VILLAS TOUR FROM ROME  - Experience the famous historic Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este in Tivoli

Thank you for booking our Majestic Tuscany Tour from Rome, and for choosing Stefano Rome Tours for your private tours in Italy!

Important Information

Please READ the important information below as well as Read & Accept our  TERMS OF SERVICE  and Privacy Policy prior to placing your reservation request(s).

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Payment for this Majestic Tuscany Tour can be made in Euro funds at the end of your journey directly to your driver, or you may prepay in advance via PayPal or Credit Card upon request.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

We kindly ask that cancellations be made at least 7 days in advance in writing via E-Mail.  Cancellations by phone, text, or 3rd party who is not the person who booked the service are NOT accepted.

 ** PREPAID SERVICES can only be Refunded the Net Rate we receive from your prepayment.  Net Rate is the actual service price minus the fees retained by PayPal/Credit Card that are not reimbursed to us in case of refunds. We can only refund the portion we receive from the PayPal/CC company.

EMAIL INQUIRIES / BOOKING REQUESTS

Please allow up to 24 hours for email correspondence in response to email inquiries and tour reservation requests.

We reply to ALL emails and booking requests we receive. If you don't receive correspondence from us within 24-48 hours please CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER, or send us an email from a different E-mail account.

YOUR  STEFANO ROME TOURS DRIVER

This Majestic Tuscany Tour provides an English-speaking Driver who is NOT a Licensed Tour Guide. Your driver will be happy to provide general touristic information while at the vehicle, but will not be able to accompany you to sightsee away from the vehicle.

Italy has strict laws and regulations aimed to protect official licensed guides that make it unlawful for Drivers to act as tour guides or accompany guests to sightsee on foot away from the vehicle. In order for us to comply with Italy’s laws, Drivers are required to remain with the vehicle while guests sightsee on their own away from the vehicle.

During this tour you will SELF TOUR (unaccompanied by your driver) when away from the vehicle.

HOTEL MEETING POINT TO MEET YOUR DRIVER 

For hotel pick-ups, your driver will meet you inside your hotel lobby, or area permitted by your hotel.

For Apartments or B&Bs without a lobby, your driver will meet you at your address outside the main entrance.

* If your hotel/accommodation is situated on a street or in an area restricted to vehicle traffic, your driver will park the vehicle as close as lawfully possible and will meet you on foot at your Address. From there, your driver will accompany you to your parked vehicle. Door to Door service may not be possible on streets or areas with restricted vehicle access or stops.