Montepulciano and its “Nobile”
The tour starts from Arezzo and lasts about 8 hours.
The historical city Montepulciano is known for its celebrated Nobile wine. We visit two wineries in order to explain you every aspect of the production of Nobile Wine: the first “cantina” is in the countryside, while the other is in the other in the old city centre, built undergound over an ancient Etruscan Tomb (still visible!). After a guided visit of the cellar, you are offered a tasting of this fantastic wine so to allow you to appreciate the characteristics of the local Sangiovese grape. Walking in the medieval centre will astonish you because it’s one of the greatest examples of Tuscan hamlet, dotted with terrific handicraft shops.
After lunch you may choose to spend the afternoon either in Valdorcia or Valdichiana:
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the first option is visiting Pienza, whose position offers an amazing view of Valdorcia: a landscapes that has been used as a backdrop of important movies (English Patient, The Gladiator,…). The town is a real gem of our Renaissance, projected on the 15° cent. According to the will of Pope Pius II. You have time to visit the Pope palace, discover nice handicraft productions and walk along rocky alleys amongst a symphony of colours and scents, especially that of the local “pecorino” cheese.
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another option visiting the delightful little town of Cortona, on the top of a hill with a breathtaking view of the widest valley of the Appenine Mountains, Valdichiana. This lovely village, now world-famous as the setting of the best-seller “Under the Tuscan sun”, is the perfect place for a leisure stop: there are lovely handicraft shops and art galleries. Here you may choose to join a professional Tour Guide who takes you around and reveal the secrets of the ancient Etruscan civilization (7° cent. B.C.), the local traditions and the great works of art of Friar Angelico and Luca Signorelli.
Other options to combine with Montepulciano: Trasimeno Lake (Cf. Tour Cortona) – Siennese Crete – Montalcino (Cf. Brunello Wine Tour)
