Florence to Montepulciano makes for a perfect day trip to explore the picturesque Tuscan countryside and charming hill towns outside of Florence. Montepulciano is located just 85 km southeast of Florence, making it an easy and enjoyable day trip destination. This blog post will provide a complete guide to planning your own Florence to Montepulciano day trip, including transportation options, top attractions, places to eat, and tips to make the most out of your time. With its rolling vineyards, ancient architecture, world-famous wine, and stunning views, Montepulciano should be high on your list for day trips from Florence.
Contents
25 Best Florence to Montepulciano Day Trip
-
Take a Wine Tour through the Val d’Orcia The Val d’Orcia is known for its spectacular rolling hills and vineyards that produce world-famous Tuscan wines like Brunello and Vino Nobile. Numerous wine tours will take you through this idyllic landscape, stopping at top wineries for tastings and vineyard visits along the way.
-
Visit Pienza, the Ideal Renaissance Town This small hilltop town was redesigned in the 15th century by Pope Pius II to reflect Renaissance ideals of urban planning. Wander the picturesque streets and admire the commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the Pope’s Palace and the charming central square.
-
Immerse Yourself in Medieval Siena With its Gothic palaces, magnificent cathedral, and atmospheric winding streets, historic Siena is an easy side trip on the way from Florence to Montepulciano. Soak up the medieval charm and learn about the city’s rich cultural legacy.
-
Relax in the Cozy Hill Town of Montefollonico This tiny fortified village has an intimate, small-town feel that provides a nice counterpoint to bustling tourist centers. Grab an espresso in one of the central cafés or browse the shops selling local artisanal goods lining the streets.
-
Go Underground at the Montalcino Wine Caves The subterranean caves that store the bottles of Brunello destined for households around the world offer cool respite on hot summer days along with an ideal wine education opportunity. Many are open for public tours, tastings, and special events.
-
Admire the Romanesque Abbeys of Sant’Antimo This postcard-perfect 12th century abbey with its picturesque exterior and melodious Gregorian chants echoing from within is a popular stop for those venturing from Florence to Montepulciano and nearby Montalcino.
-
Check Out the Etruscan Tombs at Sovana Travel back in time 2,500 years with a visit to the remarkable Necropolis dell Siepone, Etruscan rock tombs carved into cliffsides surrounding Sovana. A singularly atmospheric sight, it provides insight into this ancient lost civilization of Italy.
-
Go Active with Hiking, Biking or Horse Rides Work up your appetite for pasta and wine by getting outdoors! The Val d’Orcia is criss-crossed by walking trails linking scenic towns and offering spectacular vistas around each turn. Or see sights by bike or on horseback for an especially memorable experience.
-
Relax at a Countryside Agriturismo Farm Stay
For a dose of genuine rural hospitality and close-up look at regional agricultural production from olive groves to vineyards, spend a night or two at a working farmhouse bed and breakfast. You’ll enjoy fresh air along with zero-mile dinners and wines.
-
Wander Through the Past at Etruscan Chiusi Most travelers zip through modern Chiusi to get to more famous neighboring locales, but this quiet town preserves its Etruscan roots at the fascinating National Etruscan Museum and labyrinthine tunnels below ground at the Etruscan Water Caves.
-
Feast on Bistecca Fiorentina in Cortona This atmospheric hill town rising above olive groves offers commanding valley views and one of the best spots in Tuscany to indulge in bistecca alla fiorentina. The mouthwatering, T-bone cut comes sizzling hot off an oak-fired grill. Buon appetito!
-
Cruise the Crete Senesi Landscapes Admire endless rippling hills blanketed in spring wildflowers or golden summer grasses as you cruise along scenic secondary roads between Montepulciano and Siena. Soak up cinematic views landscape that inspired Renaissance-era frescoes.
-
See Hot Springs at Bagni San Filippo As you traverse inland from Siena to Montepulciano, make a pit stop at this spectacular natural attraction where calcium-rich hot springs cascade down a hillside to form cascade pools perfect for wading. It’s nirvana for nature lovers!
-
Marvel at Elegant Gardens of La Foce South of Montepulciano lies this sumptuous estate created in the early 20th century by noted Anglo-Italian writer Iris Origo. The graceful gardens fuse influences of Renaissance,, baroque and English landscape styles against a sublime Val d’Orcia backdrop.
-
Study the Stars at Campiglia Observatory
Gazing upward at the heavens from this lofty rural perch reveals dazzling celestial bodies normally washed out by light pollution. Special astronomical evenings for visitors let you spot planets and star clusters through high-powered telescopes under expert guidance.
-
Shop for Pecorino Cheese in Pienza Pienza is renowned for its local pecorino sheep’s milk cheeses of various ageing created by small producers in villages surrounding town. Taste and shop for your favorites at stores lining the main Corso Rossellino or at farms in the countryside. Buona degustazione!
-
Relax with Spa Treatments, Baths or Yoga Retreats The Tuscan countryside offers an alluring array of holistic wellness experiences, from boutique spa hotels to retreat centers focused on yoga, tai chi, qigong, healthy cuisine and more. Recharge your batteries along with stunning scenery!
-
Try Your Hand at Regional Cooking Classes Learn to cook authentic dishes proudly carried on for generations by local families, often with aromatic herbs harvested from surrounding hillsides. Hands-on cooking classes let you master Tuscan cuisine to recreate memorable meals at home.
-
Sleep in a Siena Palazzo Hotel For an especially atmospheric overnight, check into lodging set within a historic urban palazzo in Siena that encapsulates the city’s enduring medieval elegance. Expect frescoed salons, chandeliers and sublime views from windows or terraces.
-
Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Anghiari Most Val Tiberina travelers rush through Anghiari to Siena but this charming hill town merits a stop. Walk the remarkably intact 16th century walls and lose yourself in a warren of steep lanes dotted by stone houses flaunting flower boxes.
-
Get Active Biking or Horseback Riding Pedal along scenic panoramic roads threading through vineyards and sun-drenched fields or see the countryside on horseback for an especially immersive taste of la dolce vita toscana. Multi-day supported tours mean your luggage gets transported while you simply relax and soak up the views.
-
See Rare Artisan Crafts in Buonconvento This quiet town near Montalcino and Sant’Antimo Abbey stands out for its small museums dedicated to wrought iron, ceramics, stone carving, paper and other art forms kept vital by local workshops. Watch masters at work perfecting rare techniques unchanged for generations.
-
Explore Etruscan Ruins Galore Near Chiusi and Sarteano With ancient sites dotted across this swath of little-visited southeast Tuscany, history buffs can easily fill a day or two exploring Etruscan tombs, tunnels, museums and more with Chiusi or Sarteano as home base.
-
Get Festive During Sagre Food Festivals Time your visit to coincide with sagre village food fairs celebrating seasonal specialties – be it olive oil, wine, truffles, porcini mushrooms or what have you. Convivial, small town atmosphere makes these wonderful glimpses into regional food traditions.
-
See the Val d’Orcia by Vintage Train A lovingly restored historic steam train offers nostalgia-inducing rides across quintessential Tuscan scenery. The route connecting Montepulciano to Asciano passes through picture-postcard landscapes and atmospheric towns where it feels like time stands still. All aboard!
Getting from Florence to Montepulciano
The easiest and most efficient way to travel between Florence and Montepulciano is by private or group bus tour. Bus tours allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery while an experienced driver navigates the roads. Group tours provide a cost-effective way to visit Montepulciano with transportation and often wine tastings or lunch included. Private full day tours allow you to fully customize your experience.
If you prefer more flexibility to explore at your own pace, you can rent a car and self-drive from Florence to Montepulciano. The route offers beautiful vistas of Tuscany’s countryside. Just plan for up to 2 hours of driving time each way. Trains connect Florence and Chiusi station, just a 30 minute bus ride from Montepulciano town center.
Here is an overview of transportation options between Florence and Montepulciano:
| Option | Duration | Pros | Cons |
| Organized bus tour | Full day | – No stress planning | – Less flexibility |
| Private driver | Full day | – Customizable | – More expensive |
| Rent a car | Full day | – Freedom to explore | – Navigating rural roads |
| Public bus/train | 4+ hours | – Inexpensive | – Less convenient |
No matter how you choose to travel between the two destinations, advance planning for transportation allows you to focus on enjoying your time in Montepulciano.
Top Attractions and Things To Do in Montepulciano
Wandering the Ancient Stone Streets
Montepulciano’s ancient narrow lanes and tiny stone alleyways that twist and turn up the hilly landscape make for enjoyable wandering. Popping into quaint shops and little churches along the way, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. Piazzas open up to offer stunning vistas over the Val d’Orcia countryside. Don’t miss a stop at Piazza Grande, the town’s highest point hosting impressive Renaissance-era buildings.
Wine Tasting
No trip to Montepulciano is complete without sampling Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine. Made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes grown on the surrounding hills, this Tuscan red wine features flavors like black cherry, violet, and spices. Local wineries offer tastings to discover different Vino Nobile varieties and vintages. Some of the best include Poliziano, Contucci, and Dei. Most cellars are located within the historic center, making tasting even more atmospheric.
Architecture and Churches
Architectural gems are dotted throughout Montepulciano, showcasing styles from the 8th century to late Renaissance. The town boasts over a dozen historic churches, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta featuring artwork by Taddeo di Bartolo. You’ll also find grand palazzos like the 16th century Palazzo Comunale lining Montepulciano’s cobblestone corridors. Don’t miss the Temple of San Biagio, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. Perched on a hillside just outside town, its Greek cross shape design makes it an architectural masterpiece.
Day Trip from Florence to Montepulciano
Now that you know the top things to do in Montepulciano, let’s look at planning your ideal Florence to Montepulciano day trip timeline:
8 AM – Depart Florence
No matter if you choose public transportation, a tour bus, or self-driving, plan to leave Florence early in the morning to give yourself a full day for exploration. The journey from Florence to Montepulciano takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
10:30 AM – Arrive and wander Montepulciano
Once you arrive, start your visit by getting lost meandering through Montepulciano’s narrow Renaissance streets. Soak in views from Piazza Grande and admire historic landmarks.
12 PM – Lunch and wine tasting
Stop at a family-run osteria for lunch, pairing regional specialties like pici pasta and Chianina beef with a glass of velvety Vino Nobile. Afterward, continue sampling wine at the cellars and cantinas along Via Ricci and Via di Gracciano nel Corso.
3 PM – Visit churches and architectural gems
Spend your afternoon diving into Montepulciano’s culture and heritage by visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Tempio di San Biagio, and other churches and historic sites. Don’t forget to snap photos from every breathtaking viewpoint.
5:30 PM – Souvenir shopping
Before hopping back on transportation to return to Florence, set aside time for browsing Montepulciano’s local boutiques. Look for leather goods, ceramics decorated with vines and grapes, and bottles of Vino Nobile to take home.
7 PM – Return to Florence
Board your return transportation to head back to Florence, likely arriving around 8:30 to 9 PM. With this optimal Florence to Montepulciano day trip itinerary, you’re sure to fall in love with this charming Tuscan hill town!
Where to Eat in Montepulciano
No trip to Italy is complete without savoring the regional cuisine. Here are top restaurants and osterias to try in Montepulciano:
La Grotta – Family-run trattoria serving Tuscan classics like ribollita soup and pici cacio e pepe.
Osteria dell Acquacheta – Specializing in beef steaks and hearty pastas with a cozy, rustic vibe.
Parruca – Elegant atmosphere and seasonal, locally-sourced dishes overlooking the valley.
Osteria La Porta – Regional wines and small plates like crostini in an intimate wine bar setting.
Ristorante La Grotta – Refined dining and one of the best wine lists featuring local Vino Nobile labels.
Tips for Visiting Montepulciano
Taking a day trip from Florence to Montepulciano is easy and enjoyable, especially if you follow these tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes since Montepulciano is very hilly
- Book wine tastings or restaurant reservations in advance when possible
- Purchase round trip transportation tickets for better value
- Pack light with just a small backpack for each person
- Note that many shops and restaurants are closed early afternoon
By planning ahead and pacing yourself, you’ll be able to fully experience charming Montepulciano without feeling rushed. Time of year also matters – late spring and fall tend to be less crowded.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about taking a day trip from Florence to Montepulciano:
Where is the best place to start exploring Montepulciano?
Most visitors begin wandering the town from Via di Gracciano nel Corso or Via Ricci, where you’ll find shops, restaurants and cantinas. The streets lead to Piazza Grande, a spectacular Renaissance square perched at Montepulciano’s highest central point.
How much does it cost to do wine tastings in Montepulciano?
Wine tastings generally range from €10-25 per person depending on how many wines are sampled, food pairings, etc. At most cellars you can choose from a variety of tasting flight options. Reservations are recommended for some of the most popular vineyards.
What is the best way to see the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Montepulciano?
Opting for a private driver or self-drive car rental allows you the most flexibility to stop and take in views of Tuscany’s rolling hills blanketed in vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees along the way. Organized bus tours also guarantee scenic country vistas from the comfort of your seat.
Is lunch included on day trips to Montepulciano from Florence?
Some organized group bus tours include a set lunch in Montepulciano, while others allow free time for independent dining. Private tours offer the option to customize your itinerary with dining included or on your own. If booking transportation only, expect to pay for meals out of pocket.
Can I bring wine I purchased in Montepulciano back to Florence?
Absolutely! Just be aware of limits if traveling onward by plane. Many shops can arrange to ship your wine purchases internationally or domestically if needed. Still, nothing beats hand-selecting a few Vino Nobile bottles direct from the source to enjoy when you get home.
Conclusion
A day trip from Florence to Montepulciano offers the perfect blend of jaw-dropping scenery, history and culture, world-famous wine, and delights for foodies and architecture buffs alike. Journeying less than two hours outside Florence transports you to a charming quintessential Tuscan hill town rooted in ancient traditions. From soaking in panoramas popping with vineyards to meandering down cobblestone lanes, Montepulciano should top your Central Italy itinerary along with iconic Florence. Hopefully this detailed guide gives you the info and inspiration needed to start planning your own Florence to Montepulciano adventures!
External Links and Resources:
https://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/tuscany/montepulciano.html https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/food-and-wine/vin-nobile-di-montepulciano-wine https://www.lifeinitaly.com/tourism/tuscany/montepulciano