Tuscany’s renowned wine and cheese regions of Montalcino and Pienza offer a tantalizing culinary adventure for shore excursion participants. This tour from Civitavecchia Port promises an immersive exploration of Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage. Guests can expect exquisite wine tastings of the renowned Brunello di Montalcino, traditional cheese samplings, and a delectable Tuscan lunch. Whether as a private or shared experience, this shore excursion provides a memorable opportunity to savor the flavors that have made Tuscany a global epicurean destination.
Key Points
- This shore excursion from Civitavecchia Port offers wine tastings in Montalcino and cheese tastings in Pienza, along with a traditional Tuscan lunch.
- The tour is priced at $765.55 per person and includes roundtrip transportation, a professional English-speaking driver, and an optional local guide.
- Pickup is at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 19, 00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy, with the driver waiting outside the ship with a sign.
- Travelers can choose between private and shared tour options, with the shared option accommodating up to 8 people.
- The wine tasting features Brunello di Montalcino, while the cheese tasting includes traditional Tuscan cheeses like pecorino.
Tour Overview and Details
This Montalcino and Pienza Tuscany Wine & Cheese Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia Port offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s renowned winemaking and cheesemaking traditions.
Priced from $765.55 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation from the cruise port, a professional English-speaking driver, and optional local guide.
Guests will enjoy wine tastings in Montalcino and cheese tastings in Pienza, as well as a included lunch.
The tour is available as a private or shared experience, with the shared option allowing up to 8 people per vehicle.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.
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Inclusions and Services
The Montalcino and Pienza Wine & Cheese Shore Excursion includes a comprehensive set of services to enhance the experience. The tour includes port pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver, and an optional local licensed expert tour guide. Guests will enjoy wine tasting in the Montalcino countryside and cheese tasting in the Pienza countryside, with lunch included. While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated. The tour offers a private or shared option, with the shared option providing a lower price point.
| Included Services | Private Tour | Shared Tour |
| — | — | — |
| Port Pick-up & Drop-off | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air-conditioned Vehicle | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professional English-speaking Driver | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local Licensed Tour Guide (optional) | ✓ | ✓ |
Pickup Information
The pickup point for the Montalcino and Pienza Wine & Cheese Shore Excursion is located at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 19, 00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy.
The driver will wait outside the ship with a sign for easy recognition.
No bus shuttle is needed, as the permits allow the vehicle to enter the Cruise Port directly.
Opt for the shared tour option if you don’t mind the driver making 2-3 stops for fellow passengers, which may cause a 15-30 minute delay in your arrival time.
Tour Options and Customization
Travelers can choose between a private tour or a shared tour option for the Montalcino and Pienza Wine & Cheese Shore Excursion.
The private tour allows your group to customize the experience, while the shared tour offers a lower price but less flexibility. The shared tour may include 2-3 stops for fellow passengers, potentially varying the arrival time by 15-30 minutes.
Regardless of the option, the minimum drinking age for wine tasting is 18 years old, and soft drinks are available.
The minimum drinking age for wine tasting is 18 years old, and soft drinks are available for those who prefer.
Both tour types include port pickup and drop-off, transportation, and tastings, with the option to add a local tour guide.
Wine Tasting in Montalcino
As part of the Montalcino and Pienza Wine & Cheese Shore Excursion, participants can look forward to an immersive wine tasting experience in the picturesque Montalcino countryside. The tasting showcases the renowned Brunello di Montalcino, a full-bodied red wine crafted from Sangiovese grapes. Guests will savor the complex flavors and aromas while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. The experience is enhanced by the serene countryside setting, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the Tuscan wine culture.
| Region | Grape Varietal | Wine Style |
| — | — | — |
| Montalcino | Sangiovese | Brunello di Montalcino |
| Montalcino | Sangiovese | Rosso di Montalcino |
| Montalcino | Sangiovese | Sant’Antimo |
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Cheese Tasting in Pienza
After savoring the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wines in the Montalcino countryside, the tour proceeds to the charming town of Pienza, where participants can indulge in a delightful cheese tasting experience.
Pienza is renowned for its artisanal cheese production, and the tour includes a visit to a local dairy farm or cheese shop. Visitors can sample a variety of traditional Tuscan cheeses, such as pecorino, while learning about the region’s cheese-making traditions.
This cheese tasting complements the wine tasting, offering a well-rounded culinary experience in the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
Lunch and Dining Experience
Following the wine tasting in Montalcino and the cheese tasting in Pienza, the tour includes a delightful lunch experience.
Guests enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the region’s renowned cuisine. The meal features seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing the flavors of the countryside.
Diners can expect a multi-course menu, including an appetizer, main course, and dessert, accompanied by regional wines. The relaxed atmosphere allows travelers to enjoy the local culture and indulge in the culinary delights that make Tuscany’s food and wine renowned worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The inclusions cover wine and cheese tastings, as well as a provided lunch. Bringing outside items may not be permitted.
Is There a Dress Code for the Wine and Cheese Tastings?
There’s no strict dress code for the wine and cheese tastings. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. Participants should avoid overly formal attire, as the focus is on relaxed appreciation of the local products.
Are There Any Safety Precautions During the Wine Tasting?
For the wine tasting, the tour provider follows safety protocols such as providing spittoons, limiting samples, and ensuring participants do not drive. Visitors are advised to drink responsibly and notify staff of any medical conditions or concerns.
Can I Purchase Additional Wine or Cheese During the Tour?
Yes, guests can purchase additional wine and cheese during the tour. The tour includes tastings, but travelers are welcome to purchase extra bottles or wheels of cheese to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
What Should I Do if I Have Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you should notify the tour provider in advance. They’ll accommodate your needs and make arrangements for alternate food options during the wine and cheese tastings.
The Sum Up
This Montalcino and Pienza wine and cheese shore excursion from Civitavecchia Port offers a delightful culinary journey through Tuscany. Travelers can indulge in renowned Brunello di Montalcino wines, savor traditional Pienza cheeses, and enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch, all while exploring the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. With round-trip transportation and the option for a local guide, this experience promises a memorable and hassle-free exploration of Italy’s renowned culinary delights.
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