PRIVATE TOUR: Volterra & San Gimignano with Lunch & Wine Tasting Experience

Planning a trip to Florence and eager to explore Tuscany’s enchanting villages? This private tour promises a full day immersed in history, stunning scenery, and local flavors. While it’s an experience geared toward those who enjoy personalized attention and a relaxed pace, it does come with a few considerations to keep in mind. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler craving authentic Tuscan charm, this tour might just hit the right spot.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines cultural discovery with culinary delights. The opportunity to visit Volterra’s ancient ruins and San Gimignano’s iconic towers in a single day, all while enjoying a delicious traditional lunch and wine tasting, is a big plus. Plus, having private transportation and pick-up service makes everything smoother — no need to worry about navigating or figuring out logistics.

One possible drawback? The trip lasts around 7 hours, which might be a bit long if you prefer more leisurely mornings or have mobility considerations. Also, since this is a self-guided visit in both towns, some travelers might find it less structured than guided tours, especially if you’re unsure where to start or what to focus on.

This tour suits travelers who want a personalized, hassle-free experience that offers a taste of Tuscany’s best — from ancient ruins and medieval towers to local wine and food. It’s especially good if you’re looking for a balance of sightseeing, food, and wine without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Personalized attention and flexible schedule tailored to your group.
• Authentic Tuscan Cuisine: Lunch includes local dishes and five different wine tastings.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit historic sites like Volterra’s Roman theater and San Gimignano’s towers.
• Beautiful Scenery: Drive through rolling Chianti hills, olive groves, and vineyards.
• Convenience: Hotel pick-up and private transport make the day seamless.
• Value for Money: Access to multiple towns, quality wine tastings, and a traditional lunch at this price point.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point: Effortless Pickup and the Drive into Tuscany

From your Florence accommodation, a driver from Pek Tuscany in Limo will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle, offering bottled water to keep you refreshed. This starting point is a real advantage—no need to worry about finding your way or joining a group at a designated spot. The drive itself is part of the charm, as you roll through the lush hills dotted with olive trees, vineyards, and bright sunflowers. This scenic journey sets the tone for the day ahead.

First Stop: Volterra — A Tranquil Etruscan Jewel

Arriving in Volterra, you’ll have about an hour and a half to explore on your own. This small walled town perches atop a hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The guide notes that Volterra is built over one of the Twelve Cities of the ancient Etruscan civilization, and some of its gates still bear those old relics. The town exudes a quiet, ancient atmosphere that’s less crowded than other Tuscan spots, making it perfect for wandering at your own pace.

Key attractions include the Roman Theater, which hints at the city’s past grandeur, and the octagonal Baptistery and Duomo, showcasing medieval architecture. While a self-guided visit means you’ll need to navigate on your own, it also lets you linger where you find most interesting. According to reviews, visitors appreciated the chance to spend more time in Volterra compared to San Gimignano, which often gets more tourist traffic.

Mid-Morning: From Historic Ruins to Organic Farm for Lunch

Next, the journey takes you to Podere La Marronaia- Le Colonne, a family-run biodynamic farm and winery. Here, the focus is on authentic Tuscan cuisine and organic wines. The setting is rustic and inviting, a perfect backdrop for enjoying a genuine lunch made with local ingredients—think bruschetta, homemade lasagna or pasta, cured meats, and pecorino cheese. The meal is complemented by five wine tastings—from Chianti to Sangiovese and Vernaccia—plus tastings of extra olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and truffle oils.

The reviews praise the food and wine pairing, emphasizing how well the farm’s offerings represent traditional Tuscan flavors. One reviewer described the experience as “a beautiful Italian experience to learn the best combinations of wine and food,” which captures the essence of this stop.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive to San Gimignano

Post-lunch, the route takes you through the famous “Chianti wine road”, a stretch of rolling hills painted with vineyards, cypress trees, and olive groves. The scenery alone makes this part worthwhile, and it’s a chance to relax and enjoy the landscape that so many travelers dream about when they think of Tuscany.

Your next stop is San Gimignano, often called the “Town of Fine Towers”. Here, you’ll have about an hour to explore independently. This medieval hill town is famous for its skyline of more than 70 towers, originally built as symbols of wealth and power. Today, the remaining towers and cobblestone streets give visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.

You’ll find plenty of charming shops, historic buildings, and local delicacies like saffron and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine produced in the area. Don’t miss tasting the “best ice cream in the world,” as many visitors say, in the main square. The open-air medieval atmosphere and the panoramic views make this a highlight of the day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Personalized and Hassle-Free

The private nature of the tour is a strong selling point. With your own driver and vehicle, you avoid the crowded group tours and rigid schedules. This flexibility lets you spend more or less time at each stop and ask your driver for recommendations or shortcuts.

Cultural and Culinary Balance

We loved how the experience balances history and culture with food and wine. Visiting Volterra’s ancient ruins and towers of San Gimignano satisfies the history buff, while the Tuscan lunch and wine tastings indulge your senses. The inclusion of local produce and organic wines makes the experience feel authentic and high-quality.

Scenic Drive Through the Heart of Tuscany

Driving through the Chianti hills and countryside offers breathtaking views, especially if you’re into photography or simply enjoy relaxing with beautiful landscapes. It’s a reminder of how Tuscany’s charm isn’t just in the towns—it’s in the scenery that surrounds them.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal if you want a comprehensive yet relaxed day that combines sightseeing, eating, and drinking without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s well-suited for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a personalized adventure.

While not explicitly tailored for families, older children or teenagers interested in history and wine might enjoy it, but keep in mind the itinerary involves self-guided walking and some standing. The long day might be tiring for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Price and Value Analysis

At $231.52 per person, this tour offers quite a good deal considering the inclusions. You get private transport, a delicious Tuscan lunch, five wine tastings, and visits to two historic towns. The convenience of hotel pickup and the ability to explore at your own pace add value that might be hard to match with larger group tours.

Compared to similar experiences, the cost reflects the personalized, intimate nature of the outing, along with the quality of food and wine provided. Travelers consistently mention the excellent wine choices and delicious lunch, which significantly enhance the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re keen on combining history, scenery, cuisine, and wine in a single day with minimal stress, this private tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate customized experiences and want to avoid crowded group settings. The itinerary’s well-paced, and the scenic drive through the Tuscan hills adds a memorable backdrop to your day.

The reviews confirm that guests loved the knowledgeable driver, the stunning views, and the delicious food and wine. The fact that you can spend more time in Volterra than San Gimignano might appeal to those interested in less touristy spots, while still enjoying San Gimignano’s iconic skyline.

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany—history, scenic beauty, and authentic local flavors—all wrapped into one memorable day.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, hotel pick-up, bottled water, a Tuscan lunch, five wine tastings, and visits to a typical Tuscan wine farm and historic towns.

Is a guide included?
The tour is self-guided in both towns, but you have a local driver who is knowledgeable and can offer suggestions. A professional guide can be arranged with a week’s notice for an additional fee.

How long do we spend in each town?
You get about 1 hour 30 minutes in Volterra and 1 hour in San Gimignano, plus time for lunch and the drive. This allows for a leisurely exploration without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss with your driver about spending more or less time at specific stops, within the overall schedule.

Is this suitable for children?
While the tour itself doesn’t explicitly cater to children, older kids interested in history, wine, and scenic views could enjoy the experience. Keep in mind the day is quite full and involves walking.

What wines are tasted?
The tastings include Chianti, Chianti Riserva, Sangiovese, Vernaccia, and other local varietals, along with balsamic vinegar and truffle oils.

Are meals vegetarian options available?
The description mentions traditional Tuscan dishes like pasta and cured meats. You might ask in advance about vegetarian options when booking.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs approximately $231.52 per person, which is reasonable given the inclusions and the personalized nature of the trip.

How do I book this tour?
You can book through Viator, with most trips booked 31 days in advance. Confirmations are instant, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the day, especially on warm days.

All in all, if you’re after a flexible, intimate way to experience some of Tuscany’s most iconic sights, paired with local food and wine, this private tour offers a delightful escape from Florence.