San Gimignano, Saffron and Vernaccia Wine from Florence

At around 9:30 am we will leave Florence direction Siena to reach San Gimignano. But before that we'll bring you to discover a hidden gem in Tuscany: Monteriggioni. The fortress of Monteriggioni was built between 1214 and 1219 by the Republic of Siena to control and protect the Via Francigena (the famous pilgrims’ road connecting Canterbury in UK to Rome). Walking inside the fortress and along the narrow street of the medieval historic center you'll breathe an incredible atmosphere and will enjoy the panoramic view of the valley climbing on the ancient walls that surround the village or visiting the small local museum. After this visit we'll move to our first small wine producer to visit the cellars and taste the local wines including the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, the first Italian wine that received the “designation of origin guaranteed and controlled”, accompanied by a rich typical Tuscan lunch. On request you can visit the vineyards and enjoy the anecdotes and “stories” on organic and biodynamic viticulture and wine making narrated by the wine maker himself. Once in San Gimignano, also known as the “ Manhattan of the Middle Ages” and Unesco World Heritage since 1990 you can admire the medieval village perfectly preserved and look from the terraces to admire the surrounding hills where one of the highest quality of saffron is produced. In the afternoon will be provided a second visit to a winery where you can also taste the Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil. With us you will not live an ordinary tour: as said before we are going to share with you a real life experience to “explore” the lifestyle of our region and country listening to those who live it. You can establish a personal relationship with the farmers and not only taste their products. Visits to farms will not be just a quick stop for a glass of wine, but a real “intercultural experience“.