Montepulciano: Day Trips and Tours from Florence

Known around the world for the deep red wine that bears its name, the hill town of Montepulciano offers a fantastic mix of history, gastronomy and picturesque scenery.

Book a Montepulciano day trip from Florence and discover a city packed with attractive piazzas, Medieval and Renaissance architecture and, even, Hollywood movie locations.

Where is Montepulciano? How do I get there from Florence?

Montepulciano is in the region of Tuscany in west central Italy. It is easily reachable by car and public transport and it is around 100 kilometers to the southeast of Florence.

From Florence to Montepulciano by car

If you want to get between Florence and Montepulciano as fast as possible, by car is definitely the way to go. The journey takes just over one hour and 15 minutes and is really straightforward.

Follow the SS67 out of Florence then take Via Marco Polo until the A1/E35 where you take the Roma exit and head south. Stay on this road for almost 90 kilometers until you reach the SP327 and take the exit marked Valdichiana. Follow the road until it merges with the SP135 which will take you right to Montepulciano.

From Florence to Montepulciano by public transport

Though you can travel to Montepulciano from Florence by public transport, it takes many hours and is rather complicated. The easiest and fastest way to make the jaunt is by train.

There is an express train between Florence and Montepulciano which takes less than two hours but it runs very early. Most journeys take around 2.5 - three hours and require at least one change. On the plus side the trains are fairly frequent and run from Santa Maria Novella and Firenze Rifredi stations.

Guided tour to Montepulciano from Florence

If you don’t plan to hire a car, the easiest and most trouble-free way to travel is on a Montepulciano day trip from Florence. These trips include all transport and usually a local guide so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery without having to worry about catching the connecting bus or train.

What is included in the typical schedule of a Montepulciano day tour to from Florence?

As Montepulciano is not so large, a typical day tour will usually stop off at least one, two or even three other places. Some of the most common destinations included in a Montepulciano day tour are the villages of Pienza and Montalcino in the beautiful Val d'Orcia, the ancient town of Cortona and the famous Chianti wine region.

Most tours begin with pickup at a hotel or a convenient meeting place before heading off to Montepulciano by Minivan or private car. Upon arrival at the town you will have time to explore the historic center, visit its popular landmarks such as Piazza Grande and Palazzo Comunale, the Duomo (cathedral) and the stunning San Biagio Church.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional trattoria and sample the local wine grown from the famous Nobile grapes before heading onto another location.

What are the most popular tours to Montepulciano from Florence?

There are a variety of Montepulciano day trips, so you're sure to find one that fits your tastes and budget. Most of the tours offered are either for small groups of up to eight participants or private tours. The main differences are in which destinations the tours visit.

Here are some of the most popular.

Guided tours to Montepulciano plus Pienza from Florence

Visit the quintessential Tuscan towns of Montepulciano and Pienza on a full-day trip from Florence. Walk the town’s picturesque streets and experience the Renaissance architecture, sunny piazzas and grand palazzos that make these tours a real feast for the senses.

Taste the prized wines of the region, grab some lunch and learn a little about the history and local culture.

Guided tours to Montepulciano plus Pienza and Montalcino from Florence

Visit the picture-perfect towns of Montepulciano and Pienza as well as the village of Montalcino on a Montepulciano day trip. See the delightful landscape of the Val d’Orcia and sample the region's famous Brunello wine at the many wineries.

Visit the fortress to see stunning views from its ramparts and tour the historic center including the Piazza della Principessa Margherita and the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo abbey.

Guided tours to Montepulciano plus Pienza, Montalcino and Chianti from Florence

Take a Montepulciano day trip calling at Pienza, Montalcino and the famed Chianti wine region. Beginning in the hills just south of Florence the Chianti region is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine producers. Tour the towns of Greve and Castellina and sample its famous products, including wine and olive oil.

Private Tour to Montepulciano

Take a private guided excursion to Montepulciano and really scratch beneath the surface of the region. Tour some of the most attractive Tuscan towns and villages and have the most flexibility as to what you would like to visit. These include a driver and guide to show you around.

What are the prices of Montepulciano day trips from Florence?

The price of Montepulciano day tours can vary depending on which other locations the tour visits, the amount of people on the tour and the activities included.

Small-group tours offer the best value for single travelers or couples on a budget and begin at around €70 per person. Private tours are generally the most expensive but offer the most flexibility and start at around €90 per person and €320 per group.

What will I see and do in Montepulciano?

Montepulciano is a great place to visit for lovers of culture, food and drink and history.

The town itself is mostly free from traffic and has a bustling center packed full of small shops, cafes and restaurants. Explore the Piazza Grande and see the Palazzo Comunale (town hall) which was designed by Michelozzo and is modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

Explore the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral which contains the “Assumption of the Virgin” artwork by Taddeo di Bartolo which dates from the 15th century.

The Madonna di San Biagio church can be found just outside the city and is one of its most popular landmarks. The church is considered to be one of the great masterpieces of Renaissance architecture.

Sample the excellent wines that the region is renowned for, including the Brunello and Vino Nobile red varieties and Moscadello white from nearby Montalcino. Sample the regional “pici” pasta dishes and the famous Pecorino cheese from Pienza.

Movie lovers can visit locations in the town which appeared in the movie “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” One of the movie's climactic scenes was filmed right in front of the Palazzo Comunale!

When is the best time to visit Montepulciano?

The best time to take a Montepulciano day tour is from late spring through to autumn when the weather is most pleasant.

Montepulciano is quite a popular tourist destination so if you prefer to explore without the crowds try earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. The months of April, May and September are the quietest.

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

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

• Montepulciano day tour from Siena
• Day trip to Montepulciano from Rome

Travel tips

• Ensure you book your Montepulciano day trips in advance to get the best deals and enjoy the most hassle-free travel.
• If you plan to visit churches and religious buildings be sure to dress appropriately with covered shoulders and knees.
• It is always useful to carry a little cash in Italy as some smaller establishments do not accept credit or debit cards.