Rome to Tuscany Day Trip: Montepulciano, Pienza & Wine Lunch

Summary

From Rome to Tuscany’s hill towns with wine, cheese and old stone streets

You’ll trade city rush for Tuscan calm as you explore Montepulciano’s winding lanes, taste Brunello wines over a vineyard lunch, and wander Pienza’s cheese-scented streets with time to just breathe it all in. Expect laughter with your guide and small surprises along the way—this day trip from Rome is more than just scenery.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the bus left Rome behind — one minute it was all horns and scooters, then suddenly green hills just rolled out in every direction. Our guide, Marco, kept pointing out olive groves and old farmhouses that looked like they’d been there forever. The air changed too; it smelled like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place at first. Maybe wildflowers? We reached Montepulciano before I’d finished my coffee (they give you Wi-Fi on the coach but honestly, I just watched the landscape). The town’s all steep lanes and weathered brick — we wandered past a clock tower that looked half-Florentine, half-fairytale. Marco told us about Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as we ducked into a cellar that felt colder than outside. I tried to say “grazie” to the guy pouring our first tasting — he grinned and corrected my accent. Still can’t get it right.

After that came the Temple of San Biagio, which sits alone in a field like someone dropped a Renaissance church in the middle of nowhere. It’s bigger than you expect when you’re up close, all pale stone and quiet inside except for our footsteps echoing around. Lunch was at a vineyard nearby — three courses (I lost count of how many glasses of Brunello they poured), with views over vineyards so perfect they almost looked fake. Someone at our table tried to ask about the olive oil in Italian and everyone laughed when she mixed up “olio” with “occhio.” The sun warmed everything; even the bread tasted better somehow.

Pienza was next — smaller streets, bright shutters, little shops selling pecorino cheese that you could smell before you saw them. We had about 45 minutes to wander. I bought some cheese wrapped in paper that still smelled like straw on the bus ride back. You know those moments where you feel like you could live somewhere if only for the light or how people wave at each other? That was Pienza for me. On the way home I kept thinking about how different everything felt from Rome that morning — slower, softer maybe. Not sure I’ll ever taste wine quite like that again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tuscany day trip from Rome

• Travel from Rome to Val d'Orcia
• Walking tour of Montepulciano
• Visit St. Biagio's Church
• Enjoy 3-course lunch with wine
• Free time to explore Pienza
• Return to Rome

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Rome to Tuscany?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time from Rome to Tuscany and back.

Is lunch included on this Tuscany day trip?

Yes, a traditional 3-course lunch with wine tasting is included at a local Tuscan farm and winery.

Which towns do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Montepulciano, Montalcino (on some options), and Pienza in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia region.

Are wine tastings part of this tour?

Yes, wine tastings are included—featuring local wines like Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Rome?

Hotel pickup is available if you select the private option during booking; otherwise meet at the central departure point.

Is there free time during the tour?

You have around 45 minutes of free time in Pienza to explore or shop for local products like pecorino cheese.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, round-trip transport from Rome is by air-conditioned coach with onboard Wi-Fi.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Rome by air-conditioned coach (with Wi-Fi), guided visits through Montepulciano and Pienza’s historic streets, entry to San Biagio church, generous wine tastings (including Brunello di Montalcino), plus a three-course Tuscan lunch surrounded by vineyards before heading back in comfort.