From Rome: Tuscan Wine Tour & the Legend of the Sword in the Rock

Discover a varied side of Tuscany on a full-day journey from Rome, where medieval spirituality, Renaissance design and wine traditions meet. Leave your hotel in the early morning and travel towards a landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and cypress-lined roads.

Your first stop is San Galgano, a Gothic abbey whose open roof frames the sky above its stone walls. Walk through the remains of this Cistercian church and experience a setting quite unlike a conventional cathedral. Then climb to the nearby Hermitage of Montesiepi, the circular chapel associated with Galgano Guidotti. See the sword embedded in the rock and hear the tradition of a knight who renounced violence to pursue a spiritual life. The story belongs to this Tuscan landscape and is distinct from the legend of King Arthur.

Continue to Pienza, the birthplace of Pope Pius II and a remarkable expression of Renaissance urban planning. Explore the historic centre around Piazza Pio II, where the cathedral and surrounding palaces create a harmonious architectural ensemble. Views over the Val d’Orcia connect the town’s carefully designed streets with the countryside beyond. Pienza is also known for its pecorino cheese, part of the area’s enduring farming tradition.

In Montepulciano, visit Cantina Ercolani to discover how wine culture extends beneath the town’s palaces into historic underground cellars. A tasting of regional wines with local food specialities introduces the flavours of the surrounding countryside and the traditions behind them. Learn about Montepulciano’s association with Vino Nobile and Sangiovese, known locally as Prugnolo Gentile.

Finish with a short walk through the town’s historic streets and Piazza Grande before returning to Rome in the evening. This is a full day with several stops, suited to travellers who want to combine distinctive monuments, Tuscan scenery and a cellar experience in one itinerary.

Please Note : This full-day itinerary includes an uphill walk to Montesiepi and walking in historic town centres. Timings and tasting arrangements may vary with traffic, visit durations and cellar organisation.