Orcia valley: Day Trips and Tours from Florence

Just a short drive from Florence, the Orcia valley is a jaw-dropping example of unspoiled Tuscan beauty. Rolling hills, vineyards and ancient villages dot the landscape, and the glistening Orcia River winds through this remarkable region.

While winemaking is the valley's main claim to fame, everyone can find something to enjoy on an Orcia Valley day trip from Florence. From sampling fruity Brunello tipples to admiring the medieval architecture, the Orcia valley is bound to score a place in your heart.

Up next, you can check out our detailed guide about Val d'Orcia, one of the most charming and tasty destinations for day trips from Florence.

Where is Orcia Valley and how do I get there from Florence?

The Orcia valley is located between Monte Amiata and the hills to the south of Siena, in Tuscany. It spans over 60,000 hectares and is approximately 120 kilometers from Florence.

From Florence to the Orcia Valley by car

Most people start their journey through the Orcia Valley in Montalcino. In order to reach the hilltop town, you'll drive out of Florence in a southern direction. You'll follow signs for Siena until you reach the SR2 motorway, which leads you to Montalcino. This route takes around 2 hours.

From Florence to the Orcia Valley by public transport

In order to make the jaunt to the Orcia Valley by public transport, you would need to take a train to Siena, which takes roughly 1.5 hours. From there, you can catch a bus to different towns within the region.

Guided tour to the Orcia Valley from Florence

To avoid the hassle of organizing transportation, consider booking an Orcia Valley guided excursion. Tours begin around 8 AM and last between 9, and 12 hours, depending on the destinations you visit.

If you book a private trip, you can expect to be collected from your hotel. Alternatively, if you're part of a group, you'll meet in the center of Florence, usually at the Montelungo Bus Terminal.

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

The Orcia Valley includes numerous quaint towns and villages. However, the majority of day trips follow a similar itinerary, stopping by a handful of destinations to get a taste of the region.

You'll journey through the breathtaking landscape of northern Italy towards Montalcino after meeting your tour group in the city.

Once you reach the famous town, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of its Brunello wine. Ambling through the winding streets, you'll discover the town's medieval architecture alongside your knowledgeable guide.

Moving on, you'll hop back on your bus and travel to Montepulciano. The town may look familiar to you as you take a turn through the vineyards featured in the "Twilight" movie "New Moon." You'll enjoy another wine tasting session, where you can identify the difference in tipples from Montalcino.

You'll also take a trip to Pienza, in order to nibble on its tangy pecorino cheese. While in Pienza, you'll have free time to purchase local goods, enjoy a sweet treat or wander the historic landmarks dotted around the town.

Some Orcia Valley day tours also transport you to Siena and Cortona to broaden your view of the area.

What are the best tours are available to go to the Orcia Valley?

There are a variety of day tours to the Orcia Valley, which explore the region's towns and villages.

Cheese and wine tasting tours to the Orcia Valley from Florence

Soaring through the Italian countryside, you’ll stop at the remarkable town of Montalcino to try its flavorful Brunello variety of wine.

From there, you’ll continue through ancient olive groves and pristine vineyards to Pienza, and Montepulciano. After sampling locally-produced wines and a cheese tasting at the winery featured in the movie “New Moon,” you’ll return to Florence.

Private tour to the Orcia Valley from Florence

On a private tour, you’ll be chauffeured through the rolling hills of Tuscany to reach the Orcia Valley, where you’ll have ample free time to explore. You’ll visit the enchanting town of Montalcino, which is known for its rich wines, cobbled streets and medieval fortress.

From there, you’ll continue on to the cheese capital of Italy — Pienza — which produces masses of Pecorino cheese, and the Renaissance village of Montepulciano.

Semi-private day tour to the Orcia Valley plus Siena and Cortona from Florence

If you want to venture a little further afield and explore the vast verdant land of the Orcia Valley region, take a day trip that includes several stops. You’ll pass through picturesque countryside before arriving at the medieval town of Siena, which is full of artisanal goods and medieval structures.

After admiring the grand 14th-century duomo, you’ll travel to Montepulciano and see where scenes from the “Twilight” saga were shot. After sampling a variety of wines, you’ll discover the town of Cortona at your own pace.

How much does a tour to the Orcia Valley from Florence cost?

Cheese and wine tasting day tours to the Orcia Valley cost around €70 per person. These excursions last around 12 hours and include visits to two wineries with tasting sessions.

Alternatively, if you choose to add Cortona and Siena to your itinerary, you’ll pay €260 per participant for your Orcia Valley day trip. This includes lunch, as well as several wine tastings.

You can expect to pay around €900 per group of up to eight people for a private day trip that travels to several towns within the region. If you have the maximum number of participants in your group, you’ll each pay approximately €110.

What will you see and do on an Orcia Valley day trip from Florence?

Pienza

The village of Pienza was originally called Corsignano and dates back to the ninth century. However, it was Pope Pius II that rebuilt and renamed the town after himself in the early 1400s.

Pienza was reconstructed in a classic Renaissance style and its main landmarks include its duomo, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio. Today, the town is known for its pecorino cheese, which is made from sheep's milk and has a unique flavor.

Pienza was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and has retained its charm throughout the centuries.

Montalcino

Montalcino is a beautiful medieval town located in the Tuscany region of Italy that is often visited on Orcia Valley day trips. Although the town is best known for its fine wine, it has a long and rich history dating back to the Etruscan era.

Today, Montalcino is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past. The town is home to several important historical landmarks, including the medieval Basilica di Sant'Agostino and the Fortezza Medicea. This impressive fortress was built by the Medici family during their rule of Florence.

Stepping outside of the town center, the area around Montalcino is well-known for producing high-quality Sangiovese grapes. These are used to make the town's signature red wine, Brunello di Montalcino.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a hilltop town that was originally founded by the Etruscans in the third and fourth centuries BC.

The town is known for its production of world-renowned namesake wines, which are rich and fruity, with notes of dark berries, and tobacco. There are over 70 wineries and vineyards in Montepulciano, securing it as one of the best wine regions in Italy.

In recent years, this charming village has attracted a horde of movie buffs after its appearance in the "New Moon" Hollywood movie of the "Twilight" saga.

When is the best time to visit the Orcia Valley?

The Orcia Valley is strikingly beautiful at any time of year. However, if you visit during the spring months, you'll enjoy balmy conditions and see the region's abundance of poppies in full bloom.

If you choose to plan your Orcia Valley day trip during September and October, you'll be able to watch the grapes being harvested and see the fields turn from green to gold.

Travel tips

• Wineries and vineyards often have smart casual dress codes. In order to be welcomed wholeheartedly into these establishments, leave your sportswear and sneakers at your hotel.
• Avoid visiting the Orcia Valley during April, when the region experiences a significant number of rain days.