Cortona is one of the most beautiful Italian towns located in the Tuscany region. It also serves as the main center of cultural heritage of the town and best known for Renaissance architectural work. Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake on the Italian peninsula south of the Po River with a surface area of 128 km2, slightly less than Lake Como. Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town located in southern Tuscany and is known world-wide for its fabulous wine production.
The adventure of this tour starts with drive to Cortona town, pictured in an Oscar Award Winning Film, "Life is Beautiful". Life of its inhabitants is also described in one of the novels of Frances Mayes, a famous American novelist. The prevailing character of Cortona's architecture is medieval with steep narrow streets situated on a hillside (altitude 600m), embracing a view of the entire town.
With a shortest drive to across the Tuscany border, you will suddenly see the big lake welcoming you in a new region, Umbria. About three million years ago, there was a shallow sea in this part of central Italy. A depression formed by geologic fractures that slowly evolved into the present-day Lake Trasimeno was formed. Trasimeno is shallow, muddy, rich in fish, including pike and carp. Half of Trasimeno is surrounded by hills, rich in olives that are an important agricultural resource. On the western shore, near Tuscany, there are vineyards, fruits and vegetables. There are also three islands in the lake.
Montepulciano, the biggest and highest of southern Tuscany's hill towns, with its medieval alleyways and plethora of Renaissance palaces and churches, is best known for the production of food, drink and fabulous wine. The fields around the town produce a violet-scented, orange-speckled ruby wine called Vino Nobile ("Noble Wine") of Montepulciano - this area has been known since at least the 8th century for its superior wines. During the day, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the oldest wine cellars, carved out of the rock, "Tufo" to discover some secrets of the wine-producers.
Drive back to Florence (or to another destination, please check the "Notes" box below) at the end of the day tour, enjoying a scenic journey through the Tuscan countryside.
Discover Cortona a picturesque town, Shores of Lake, Purchase local products, Chianti Region, Vino Nobile wine, Montepulciano
English-speaking Driver/guide and Private Vehicle at disposal as per Itinerary
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Wine tasting, to be paid on the spot (price starting from "free of charge" to 50 Euros and more depending on the type of winery and tasting)
Lunch / meals
Gratuities
9 hours
- The tour is bookable from any other town in Tuscany region and from Rome (check the price by clicking the "Options" button above or contact us for a bespoke quotation)
- The duration of this excursion may variate depending on your departure area. When booking this excursion our staff will work with you to choose the right combination that suits your tastes.