Pienza and Montepulciano with cheese farm lunch – Tuscany, Italy

EXPERIENCE

For families with children or for groups of friends who are not so “wine oriented.” Take a trip into the countryside and discover the food, wine and culture that makes Italy so spectacular. Prepare yourself for incredible hilltop villages, classic Tuscan cuisine, and unparalleled access to authentic Italian culture. This tour has it all.

ITINERARY

? Morning visit Montepulciano ( Renaissance palaces, underground cellars, handicraft shops and artisan boutiques )
? Lunch with a view in a spectacular cheese farm
? Afternoon visit of Pienza

WHAT IS INCLUDED

? Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. Transportation is include for pickup within the Siena province.
? All tours and tastings
? Wine pairing lunch with 3 courses and dessert

Pienza, a small town in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, has a fascinating history that dates back to the Renaissance. Originally known as Corsignano, Pienza underwent a transformation in the 15th century under the vision of Pope Pius II.

Here’s a brief history of Pienza:

Origins (14th Century): Pienza’s history begins in the 14th century when Enea Silvio Piccolomini, a noble from Siena who would later become Pope Pius II, was born in Corsignano. The village, although charming, was modest in size and significance.

Pius II’s Vision (15th Century): Upon ascending to the papacy in 1458, Enea Silvio Piccolomini decided to transform his hometown into an ideal Renaissance town. He enlisted the architect Bernardo Rossellino to redesign Corsignano, creating a model Renaissance city that reflected the humanist ideals of the time.

Urban Planning: The redesign of Pienza involved restructuring the town to include a central square, now known as Piazza Pio II, and aligning the buildings with classical proportions. The Cathedral, the Papal Palace (Palazzo Piccolomini), and the town hall were all part of this ambitious project.

Completion and Renaming: The urban planning and construction took only a few years, and by 1462, Pienza had transformed into a beautiful Renaissance town. In honor of Pope Pius II, Corsignano was renamed Pienza.

Papal Residence: Pius II intended for Pienza to serve as a summer residence for the papal court. The Palazzo Piccolomini, with its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens, became a testament to the Pope’s commitment to creating a refined and culturally rich environment.

Legacy: Although Pius II’s dream of making Pienza a papal residence was short-lived due to his death in 1464, his legacy lived on. The town continued to thrive as an example of Renaissance urban planning and architecture.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1996, Pienza, along with the Val d’Orcia region, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recognition acknowledged the historical and cultural significance of Pienza’s Renaissance architecture and its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

Private, dedicated experience
Visit hidden gems of Tuscany
Full transportation is included. Pickup from and drop off to your place of stay.

Browse all Tours, Events, Hotels, Restaurants and Things to do in Tuscany