Montalcino: Day Trips and Tours from Florence

Set upon a charming hilltop and surrounded by spectacular vineyards, Montalcino is a sight to behold. Most famed for its exquisite red wines from a plethora of estates, the town also has a remarkable history, dating back over 2,000 years.

Taking a day trip to Montalcino from Florence is a must for anyone keen to try local tipples and experience the Tuscan countryside.

You will find below everything you need to know before embarking on a Montalcino tour, one of the most charming towns for day trips from Florence.

How do I get to Montalcino from Florence?

Montalcino is located within the Siena province of Tuscany, Italy. It is approximately 120 kilometers from the bustling city of Florence.

From Florence to Montalcino by car

It takes just under 2 hours to make the journey to Montalcino by car. You'll leave the city in a southern direction and follow the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze towards Siena. Take the exit marked Siena Sud and follow the SR2 towards Montalcino.

From Florence to Montalcino by public transport

It's also possible to make the jaunt to Montalcino by public transport. You'll take a train to Buonconvento from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. From there, you can take the Line 114 bus towards Montalcino. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.

Guided tour to Montalcino from Florence

Alternatively, you can book a guided excursion to Montalcino. You may benefit from a hotel pickup service, or you might meet at a central location in Florence instead. Day tours begin around 8:30 AM and last between 9 and 11 hours.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Montalcino from Florence?

Participating in a Montalcino day tour is a fun way to experience the wine haven. If your excursion doesn't include a hotel pickup, you'll meet at an easy-to-reach location across the city, such as Piazza della Repubblica.

From there, you'll drive through the charming Italian countryside towards Montalcino. Along the way, you'll pass by the Val d'Orcia valley, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural beauty.

On arrival in Montalcino, you'll usually participate in a walking tour of the town, learning about its eventful history.

You'll visit one or two local wine estates, where you'll have the opportunity to saunter through the uniform vineyards and visit the wine cellars. You’ll indulge in a wine tasting session, as well as lunch, at one of these establishments.

From here, many day trips to Montalcino continue on to other destinations, such as Montepulciano, which is also known for its iconic wines. On your return to Florence, you may pass by Pienza — home of the delicious pecorino cheese that is made from sheep's milk.

What types of excursions to Montalcino can I book?

There are multiple Montalcino day trips for wine lovers and history buffs to enjoy.

Day trip to Montalcino plus Montepulciano from Florence

Many Montalcino day tours also visit the medieval Tuscan town of Montepulciano. As you travel to the former, you'll pass by the iconic Val d'Orcia, which is famed for its appearance in the Hollywood film "Gladiator."

Upon arrival, you'll discover the wine that the region is known for — Brunello — as well as Montalcino's history, which dates back to the Etruscan period. Continuing on your excursion, you'll journey to Montepulciano, which produces some of the most flavorful wines in Italy.

Food tour to Montalcino from Florence

Roll your sleeves up and get messy learning how traditional Italians cook in this Montalcino food tour. You'll amble through the striking vineyards that sit on the outskirts of town and take part in a wine tasting before preparing authentic recipes.

You'll make three pasta dishes from scratch, including a classic ragù and a mouthwatering ricotta-filled ravioli. Devour your hard work while it's still hot, paired with local wines.

Wine tasting tour to Montalcino from Florence

If you wish to learn about Montalcino's history through your taste buds, take a wine tour. You'll drive through the picturesque Brunello region toward Montalcino, stopping at a family-run winery.

Here, you'll participate in a tasting session of local tipples before indulging in a freshly-prepared Tuscan lunch. After eating, you'll make your way to a second winery to sample more mouthwatering wines, and have the opportunity to purchase a bottle.

How much does a tour to Montalcino from Florence cost?

Montalcino day trips that revolve around wine tasting cost approximately €250 per person and include lunch, as well as two tasting sessions.

You can expect to pay around €330 per person for a food tour. This is a private affair and includes a cooking class, a sommelier guide, and a wine tasting.

Day tours to Montalcino and Montepulciano cost €640 for a group of up to three people. If you have the maximum number of participants, you'll pay just over €210 each.

What will you see and do on a Montalcino day trip from Florence?

Montalcino's history dates back to the Etruscan era, and its name refers to the mount it sits upon, sprinkled with holm oak trees. The town flourished during the Middle Ages and became a powerful center of trade.

In the 13th century, Montalcino was besieged by the Sienese, but the town's defenders held out against all odds and managed to preserve their independence. Montalcino continued to prosper throughout the Renaissance, and its fortified walls were extended to protect against attack. However, later, the town was conquered by Florence.

Today, Montalcino is best known for its fine wines, which are produced in the surrounding hills. There are over 200 wine estates enveloping the small town, which specialize in creating Brunello di Montalcino wine.

The province’s most famous wine is a fruity concoction produced from the Sangiovese grape. It is full-bodied and features hints of wild berries, licorice, leather, and star anise.

Over 11 million bottles of Brunello di Montalcino wine are now produced every year and shipped across the globe. You can choose to tour these wine estates and sample the town's namesake wine, along with other local varieties.

You'll see the production process, including how the humble grape becomes an alcoholic drink and the bottling process. You'll also learn about the history of winemaking in the hilltop Tuscan town, which dates back to the 14th century.

Historically, residents of the town took winemaking seriously and persevered in producing the best-quality tipples during the siege that led Florence to conquer Montepulciano in the 16th century.

When is the best time for a visit to Montalcino?

The best time to plan a day trip to Montalcino is during the month of September when you can see the start of the fall harvest. There are fewer tourists crowding the vineyards at this time, and temperatures sit at a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius.

Are there any tours to Montalcino from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Montalcino day trips from San Gimigniano
• Day trips to Montalcino from Siena

Travel tips

• Ensure you purchase a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino wine to take home and share with your loved ones.
• The minimum drinking age on Montalcino day tours is 18.
• The dress code for most wine estates is smart casual. Bear this in mind and leave your sportswear at the hotel.