Begin this small-group guided day trip from Rome to Tuscany by getting picked up in your hotel in the center of Rome. Relax in the air-conditioned minivan as you make your way north to Tuscany, passing through the rolling hills, some clad in vineyards, of northern Lazio and southern Tuscany. During the drive learn from your guide about the history of the area and about the types of wine you may be sampling that day.
The first stop is the hilltop medieval town of Montepulciano, known for its acclaimed wine Vino di Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano. Walk the narrow cobbled lanes of the town, as your guide points out intriguing aspects along the way. Then descend into a wine cellar to sample some of the goods. Formerly used as a tomb by the pre-Roman Etruscans, the wine cellar is an ambient venue in which to sample some locally made vino.
Next head to the charming medieval village of Bagno Vignoni, located on a hill surrounded by the Valley Orcia river and famous also for its thermal waters used since Roman times - the village is built around its central 'piazza of water', a huge pool of thermal water. Spend some time walking around this beautiful and unique village and capture the vibrant atmosphere of the place.
After, continue on to Montalcino wine area, 25 miles (40 kilometers) away. Enjoy the extreme Tuscan views of the villa-topped hills and vineyards during the drive. Take a tour of a well-known winery and learn about its winemaking techniques.
The last stop on the tour is the UNESCO World Heritage-lised town of Pienza. Stroll the streets as the guide explains how 14th-century Pope Pius II designed the unique layout of the town. Pop into a local cheese factory and sample some of Pienza's famous pecorino cheese.
When the time comes, hop back in the minivan for the ride back to your hotel in Rome.