Things to do in Pienza and Val d'Orcia: The 7 best experiences

Horseback riding in Volterra, near Florence, amidst the rolling Tuscan hills and Berignone forest, è a very pleasant and relaxing outing.

Horseback rides can last one hour, one hour and thirty minutes or three hours depending on your preference. All walks are also suitable for beginners.

The trails are very scenic, amidst hills and nature in total relaxation. The 3h walks also include a snack.

The walk is conducted in groups with a’instructor. The minimum age required for the walk è 14 years. The maximum weight of the participant è is 95Kg.

The horseback riding tour among the vineyards and tasting in San Gimignano will take place among the unforgettable panoramic views among rustic farmhouses and vineyards in the area.

It is a horseback tour of the estate, nearby vineyards and the forest around San Gimignano (1 hour).

Afterwards there will be a short lecture on wine and vineyards, after which there will be a full wine tasting and then, if selected, lunch outdoors in the garden.

The San Gimignano horseback ride and lunch is a pleasant experience among the beautiful views of San Gimignano with lunch at Il Vecchio Maneggio farmhouse, in the hills just outside the town.

The walk starts in the morning or afternoon. During the trek you will have the opportunity to love learning about horses thanks to the guides who will accompany you on the tour.

Before or after the walk, depending on the time you choose, you will stop at an agritourism to enjoy a lunch or dinner with a special menu. It includes bruschetta with locally produced extra virgin olive oil, penne with Tuscan meat sauce or tomato, dessert of your choice, wine, water and coffee.

Lunch is at 1 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. (lunch present in the experience only in the period between April and September)

You will be provided with all riding equipment, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed shoes.

Lunch among the vineyards and wine tasting in San Gimignano is a very romantic experience in Tuscany. It is also available for dinner and includes a walk through the vineyards, during which you will be shown the technique of harvesting grapes. Afterwards you will be given a lesson on wine, from winemaking techniques to how to preserve a vineyard.

This will be followed by a tasting of wines and typical Tuscan products among the rows of the estate vineyard, with lunch or dinner served. The experience consists of a vertical tasting of 15 Tuscan products.

Lunch or dinner will be accompanied by the tasting and the following courses:

• Aperitivo with typical Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses and bruschetta.
• Tuscan Ribollita or Lasagna with truffles
• Roasted meat with side dish
• Cantuccini with Dessert Wine or Vanilla Ice Cream with Balsamic.

Available upon request are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu.

The horseback ride in the Tuscan countryside from Rignano sull'Arno, includes a group tour on horseback at the slowest gait (pace), saddle fitting and field practice before departure are included.

Upon arrival you will be asked to sign insurance forms, followed by a full explanation on the ground, on "riding the horse," and on safety, and then you will set off for the ride that will develop according to the package you choose.

Once you feel comfortable, you will begin the actual walk through the Tuscan hills. During the tour, you will take in the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with its rolling hills and green fields. Your riding instructor will guide you through scenic trails, giving you the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of stunning scenery.

If you have chosen to do only the one-and-a-half hour ride, the ride will end at the stables where you can get off the horse and rest.

If, on the other hand, you have chosen to add the tasting (total time about 3 hours), the walk will take place through the countryside among vineyards, olive groves, cultivated fields and farmhouses that characterize the Tuscan landscape. It will then end in the park of the historic villa Torre a Cona. This is followed by a short walk (3 minutes) to reach the entrance of the villa where clients will be met by the villa staff. Here the guided tour to the small museum and cellars of Torre a Cona will begin, where the production processes from vine to bottle will be explained. This will conclude inside the old barn, with a tasting of four of the Villa's production wines accompanied by a plate of local cheeses. At the conclusion you will be taken back to the stables by van. The experience lasts about 3 hours (including about an hour and a half in the saddle).

Either way, horseback riding in the Tuscan hills is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to the beauty and culture of Tuscany.

For the Wine Tasting in Colle Val d'Elsa you will have a choice of different packages, which include a visit to the winery:

VISIT TO THE FARM tasting the products of the estate: a walk through the village during which we will tell you about the history of the estate and the agricultural productions. You will visit the winery and the oil mill and then taste the estate's products.

LIGHT LUNCH in the FARM tasting the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions, and then have lunch on the veranda with the Sommelier who will guide you in the food/wine pairing.

TAGLIERE AND TASTING with the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions. Followed by the tasting of the products such as wine and oil together with the sommelier, accompanied by a nice board of cold cuts, cheeses and crostini, to finish cantucci and vinsanto.

The Argentario e-bike tour from Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, begins at 10:00 am. There you will meet the guide, who will hand over the mountain bikes and help you get ready for departure (rental is included in the price!).

Once you leave the center of town, you will start climbing the promontory of Monte Argentario, facing hairpin bend after hairpin bend until you reach a paved alley road that will lead you to the Capo d'Uomo tower, located 350 m above sea level.

The last part of the climb will require considerable effort, but the spectacular views of the coast below will repay the effort.

The route will continue through hairpin bends and dirt roads in the direction of Porto Ercole, a town that has been part of Italy's most beautiful villages since 2014. During the lunch break you will stop near Forte Stella, a 16th-century defensive fortification characterized by its distinctive shape.

In the afternoon you will cross the Orbetello Lagoon, which is a WWF oasis and an important habitat for many species of waterfowl, including the wonderful pink flamingos. You will return to Porto Santo Stefano at 3 p.m., having completed a 41-km route that includes quite challenging uphill and downhill sections.

The Argentario catamaran and snorkeling day will begin at 9 a.m. in Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, where you will meet the crew who will accompany you on the catamaran excursion.

The boat ride will take you along the coast of the Monte Argentario promontory, past sandy bays, inlets, cliffs and coves of great natural beauty.

During the trip you will make several stops to snorkel at the most beautiful spots, including Cala del Gesso, Cala dell'Olio and Cala Mar Morto. The crew will provide you with all the necessary equipment. You can also relax in the sun and enjoy the open bar with water, soft drinks, red and white wine.

During the first stop you will be offered a selection of mixed bruschetta by the captain, prepared with fresh tomatoes, tomato puree and Tuscan olive oil.

At lunch, delicious rice alla pescatora or pasta dishes with fish will be offered, with vegetarian options available. At the end of the meal, you will be offered coffee, and in the afternoon there will be a Nutella party for everyone to recharge their energy and keep diving and swimming.

The day will end with the return to Porto Santo Stefano scheduled for 6 pm. The excursion is confirmed with a minimum of 15 participants.

A vintage gozzo excursion along the coast of the Argentario promontory departing from Porto Santo Stefano.

During the navigation, you will skirt the coast and visit some of the Argentario's most beautiful coves, where you can stop for a swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

The boat is made entirely of wood, and is equipped with a large sundeck and awning. A small snack will be offered on board.

The activity can be booked for a morning or afternoon ride. It is also possible to book the boat in private mode.

Maximum capacity: 7 people.

Don't miss a unique opportunity to sail Argentario, Giannutri Island or Giglio Island aboard a boat, enjoying lunch on board and snorkeling in excellent company.

Departing from Porto Santo Stefano, the destination will be chosen according to weather and sea conditions, and during the trip, you will be accompanied by the crew who will guide you through corals, volcanic rocks and gorgonians, telling the story of these picturesque places.

You will enjoy the sunshine and an onboard lunch of pasta, fruit, wine, soft drinks and coffee.

The itinerary will be determined by marine weather conditions, with at least 4 stops for swimming and snorkeling activities. Return is scheduled in the afternoon between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., with a total excursion duration of about 8 hours.

Two boats are available. The Negis boat carries up to 18 people, while the Gigliola boat carries up to 28 people.

Horseback riding in Volterra, near Florence, amidst the rolling Tuscan hills and Berignone forest, è a very pleasant and relaxing outing.

Horseback rides can last one hour, one hour and thirty minutes or three hours depending on your preference. All walks are also suitable for beginners.

The trails are very scenic, amidst hills and nature in total relaxation. The 3h walks also include a snack.

The walk is conducted in groups with a’instructor. The minimum age required for the walk è 14 years. The maximum weight of the participant è is 95Kg.

The horseback riding tour among the vineyards and tasting in San Gimignano will take place among the unforgettable panoramic views among rustic farmhouses and vineyards in the area.

It is a horseback tour of the estate, nearby vineyards and the forest around San Gimignano (1 hour).

Afterwards there will be a short lecture on wine and vineyards, after which there will be a full wine tasting and then, if selected, lunch outdoors in the garden.

The San Gimignano horseback ride and lunch is a pleasant experience among the beautiful views of San Gimignano with lunch at Il Vecchio Maneggio farmhouse, in the hills just outside the town.

The walk starts in the morning or afternoon. During the trek you will have the opportunity to love learning about horses thanks to the guides who will accompany you on the tour.

Before or after the walk, depending on the time you choose, you will stop at an agritourism to enjoy a lunch or dinner with a special menu. It includes bruschetta with locally produced extra virgin olive oil, penne with Tuscan meat sauce or tomato, dessert of your choice, wine, water and coffee.

Lunch is at 1 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. (lunch present in the experience only in the period between April and September)

You will be provided with all riding equipment, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed shoes.

Lunch among the vineyards and wine tasting in San Gimignano is a very romantic experience in Tuscany. It is also available for dinner and includes a walk through the vineyards, during which you will be shown the technique of harvesting grapes. Afterwards you will be given a lesson on wine, from winemaking techniques to how to preserve a vineyard.

This will be followed by a tasting of wines and typical Tuscan products among the rows of the estate vineyard, with lunch or dinner served. The experience consists of a vertical tasting of 15 Tuscan products.

Lunch or dinner will be accompanied by the tasting and the following courses:

• Aperitivo with typical Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses and bruschetta.
• Tuscan Ribollita or Lasagna with truffles
• Roasted meat with side dish
• Cantuccini with Dessert Wine or Vanilla Ice Cream with Balsamic.

Available upon request are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu.

The horseback ride in the Tuscan countryside from Rignano sull'Arno, includes a group tour on horseback at the slowest gait (pace), saddle fitting and field practice before departure are included.

Upon arrival you will be asked to sign insurance forms, followed by a full explanation on the ground, on "riding the horse," and on safety, and then you will set off for the ride that will develop according to the package you choose.

Once you feel comfortable, you will begin the actual walk through the Tuscan hills. During the tour, you will take in the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with its rolling hills and green fields. Your riding instructor will guide you through scenic trails, giving you the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of stunning scenery.

If you have chosen to do only the one-and-a-half hour ride, the ride will end at the stables where you can get off the horse and rest.

If, on the other hand, you have chosen to add the tasting (total time about 3 hours), the walk will take place through the countryside among vineyards, olive groves, cultivated fields and farmhouses that characterize the Tuscan landscape. It will then end in the park of the historic villa Torre a Cona. This is followed by a short walk (3 minutes) to reach the entrance of the villa where clients will be met by the villa staff. Here the guided tour to the small museum and cellars of Torre a Cona will begin, where the production processes from vine to bottle will be explained. This will conclude inside the old barn, with a tasting of four of the Villa's production wines accompanied by a plate of local cheeses. At the conclusion you will be taken back to the stables by van. The experience lasts about 3 hours (including about an hour and a half in the saddle).

Either way, horseback riding in the Tuscan hills is an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to the beauty and culture of Tuscany.

For the Wine Tasting in Colle Val d'Elsa you will have a choice of different packages, which include a visit to the winery:

VISIT TO THE FARM tasting the products of the estate: a walk through the village during which we will tell you about the history of the estate and the agricultural productions. You will visit the winery and the oil mill and then taste the estate's products.

LIGHT LUNCH in the FARM tasting the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions, and then have lunch on the veranda with the Sommelier who will guide you in the food/wine pairing.

TAGLIERE AND TASTING with the wines of the Estate: walk in the village during which we will tell you about the agricultural productions. Followed by the tasting of the products such as wine and oil together with the sommelier, accompanied by a nice board of cold cuts, cheeses and crostini, to finish cantucci and vinsanto.

During this horseback ride from Suvereto you can explore the territory of the Tuscan Maremma in two types of excursions.

In the countryside

The horseback ride in the nature of the Tuscan countryside will take place within a private estate of about 80 hectares. Part of the ride will pass through olive groves and vineyards and skirt a lake with a pine forest.

1-hour excursion also suitable for children ages 9 and under.

Between vineyards and olive groves

The horseback ride through vineyards and olive groves will take you through the famous "wine and oil road".

2-hour excursion suitable for adults ages 14 and older.

Both trails are easy to ride, but very scenic. The horses are very docile and well trained, so they allow even beginners to enjoy the outing.

Horseback riding in the countryside of Maremma Grossetana will allow you to discover the nature of the Tuscan hills.

The activity begins at the stables in Castiglione della Pescantia where the instructor will teach you the basics of riding and then you will go out for the horseback ride.

Walks of 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 hours are available in which you will go and discover the picturesque views of the Maremma. A minimum of previous experience is required for the 2 1/2-hour rides.

At the end of the hikes you can also enjoy an aperitif while enjoying the surrounding picturesque landscapes.

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate in the hikes.

The alpaca walk in the Tuscan Maremma, Val d'Orcia, is designed to give an unforgettable experience of contact with nature and animals.

The walk with alpacas is about 2.5 km long and takes place between a very short stretch of country road and then enters paths through fields, vineyards, grove until you reach the bank of the Ombrone River.

The route of the alpaca walk may vary depending on weather conditions (so as to avoid excessive mud), hunting season or excessive heat preferring shadier stretches.

The approximate duration of the walk is about 1.5 hours but obviously depends on how the animals are prepared on that day, the ability of the participants to "lead" them, and other variables such as the state of the trails.

During the alpaca walk there are stops for a total of about 10 minutes during which you can interact with the alpacas, feed them, take photos and videos.

Horseback riding by the sea in Maremma is an adventurous and exciting experience in the pine forest and on the beach starting from Marina di Grosseto.

There are two modes for the walk:

• 1-HOUR WALK IN THE PINETA - Excursion where you explore the Tombolo Pine Forest, the San Leopoldo Channel, the backdunal area, and the dunes. The horseback riding excursion will be done at pace, and is therefore also suitable for beginners. Each walk will always have one guide for every 2 people.
• 2-Hour Private Walk IN THE SEA RIVER - Souvenir walk tailored for couples or friends. Hike in the Tombolo Pine Forest, San Leopoldo Canal, backdune area, dunes and beach.

The quad bike excursion in the Tuscan Maremma and aperitif will allow you to visit picturesque landscapes, admire breathtaking views, learn about local scents, and enjoy Maremma snacks.

For this quad bike tour the possibility of choosing the 1-hour or 2 1/2-hour route.

In both, an aperitif with grilled sausages, cheese and local wine is provided to finish.

The excursion is suitable for everyone.

Remember to bring with you:
- Hiking shoes
- Bandana or scarf in summer (can be purchased locally)
- Gloves in winter
- K-way in winter and mid-season (can be purchased on site)

For all Fridays in the fall and winter months, a minimum of two quads is required for reservations.

It is also possible to take the excursion with tasting

ATV rentals are suitable for people of all skill levels and provide a fun and adventurous experience. It takes place in the Bandite di Scarlino area, where participants will have the opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes and discover unusual places. During the hike, there will be some technical parts, fords and fun climbs, but nothing too challenging. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the local scents.

The quad bike tour will end with a visit to "La Pierotta" winery, where participants will be able to taste some of the fine wines produced by the winery, accompanied by an aperitif of local products. This experience is an excellent opportunity to discover the culture and traditions of the Maremma and to taste some of the area's best wines.

The Argentario e-bike tour from Porto Santo Stefano, in the province of Grosseto, begins at 10:00 am. There you will meet the guide, who will hand over the mountain bikes and help you get ready for departure (rental is included in the price!).

Once you leave the center of town, you will start climbing the promontory of Monte Argentario, facing hairpin bend after hairpin bend until you reach a paved alley road that will lead you to the Capo d'Uomo tower, located 350 m above sea level.

The last part of the climb will require considerable effort, but the spectacular views of the coast below will repay the effort.

The route will continue through hairpin bends and dirt roads in the direction of Porto Ercole, a town that has been part of Italy's most beautiful villages since 2014. During the lunch break you will stop near Forte Stella, a 16th-century defensive fortification characterized by its distinctive shape.

In the afternoon you will cross the Orbetello Lagoon, which is a WWF oasis and an important habitat for many species of waterfowl, including the wonderful pink flamingos. You will return to Porto Santo Stefano at 3 p.m., having completed a 41-km route that includes quite challenging uphill and downhill sections.