Montalcino
Distance: 17 km, 15 minutes by car
A Mecca for Italian wine lovers, Montalcino's territory astounds with the quality, beauty, and character of its two hundred vineyards, all arranged in sixteen square kilometers around a hill, its pinnacle the town of the same name. The town of Montalcino's pristine streets and astounding views make it a worthy stop on any tour of Tuscany, and no such trip would be complete without a stop at the Sant'Antimo monastery. Just ten kilometers downhill from Montalcino, approachable by foot, bicycle or car, the austere Romanesque abbey was a commission by Charlemagne on the pilgrimage route to Rome.
Read more about what a day trips in the Montalcino area could entail in our guide: Wine and Spirits in Montalcino
Highlights include:
- a trip to the neighboring community of Montalcino.
- a the morning touring well-respected Montalcino vineyards including Altesino, Caparzo, and Il Paradiso di Frassina, and tasting world famous Brunello.
- a leisurely lunch on site at one of the vineyards or travel uphill to the Montalcino town center for lunch at one of our recommended venues.
- tasting and shopping the incredible selection at Montalcino's Enoteca la Fortezza inside the walls of the city's storied Fortress. Climb the tower for an incredible view of the Val d'Orcia from the ramparts.
- a stroll among the town's boutiques and artisan workshops.
- a sidetrack to the Romanesque Sant'Antimo abbey, whether a short car trip or beautiful, hours-long journey on foot.