A private day tour along dusty Backroad Tuscany lanes and lesser-known routes, far from glossy brochures and selfie sticks. Depart from Montepulciano and head toward artisans’ workshops, forgotten Renaissance frescoes (yes, real ones), and postcard-perfect hamlets like Montefollonico and Castelmuzio — soaking up sweeping views, curious legends, and cinematic landscapes Hollywood keeps falling for.
Lunch is a rustic feast of crostoni and regional treats in a tucked-away spot. Afterward you’ll follow sun-drenched paths through backroad Tuscany and a stretch of the ancient Via Francigena, stop at a biodynamic winery for a behind-the-scenes visit — walking through the cellar, between barrels and steel tanks, hearing how the wines come to life, and tasting rosé and Sangiovese right where they’re made. The day wraps up in a charming thermal village dating back to Roman times, loved by kings and popes across the centuries.
A journey through beauty, stories, and quiet masterpieces — with one foot in history and a glass in hand, surrounded by the people who keep these places alive
BACKROADS-2025
A journey off the beaten path through hilltop hamlets, Renaissance echoes, and cinematic backdrops. From artisans and frescoes to wine and Roman baths — one foot in history, a glass in hand, and Tuscany exactly as it should be: sun-drenched, storied, and beautifully unfiltered.
Embark on a sunlit odyssey through off‑map Tuscany, where dusty lanes lead from hilltop hamlets to hidden frescoes, biodynamic wineries, artisans’ workshops and centuries‑old thermal springs—seven steps of pure, unfiltered Tuscan magic
Morning meet-up and departure aboard the agency vehicle. Direction: countryside, non-touristy edition.
Visit to a traditional artisan studio where clay becomes art (and, sometimes, tableware). Quick intro to local craft techniques and maybe a bit of dust.
Next, we stroll through a little-known village perched on a ridge, where time clearly took a break. Perfectly restored stone houses, a tiny square, and a terrace that feels like someone’s living room — with one of the most surprising views in the area.
Remember The English Patient? Few know it was filmed almost entirely here, inside this ancient monastery that still hosts the Renaissance frescoes visible in the film
Time for a proper bite. Rustic lunch with local crostoni, pecorino and cured meats — the kind of food that doesn’t need translating. Served in a quiet, incredible place deep in the countryside, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, reachable only via an unpaved road. Peaceful, authentic, and delightfully off the radar.
We drive along a scenic stretch of the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrimage route leading to Rome and, beyond that, to the Holy Land. The road winds through open countryside, with views over rolling hills and ancient castles, and passes beneath a tiny fortified village that once stood guard over this strategic path. A landscape shaped by centuries of footsteps, still alive with stories.
Visit a family-run biodynamic cellar where the winery’s own team leads guests through cool underground vaults to reveal organic winemaking secrets. A guided tasting flight of crisp rosé and robust Sangiovese on a sunlit terrace wraps up the experience
We make our way to a tiny village unlike any other: no central square, just a large steaming pool that’s been bubbling since Roman times. Once a resting spot for popes and pilgrims, today it’s a peaceful corner where history flows — quite literally — from underground. We’ll explore the ancient stone alleys and visit a local herbalist’s shop that feels like stepping into another era, full of natural remedies and age-old wisdom.
| Group size | Price per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller | €330 | €330 |
| 2 people | €198 | €396 |
| 3 to 6 people | €125 | From €375 |
Terms and conditions apply—please ensure you’ve read them carefully before proceeding with your booking.
SCIA – SUAP Unione Comuni Amiata Val d’Orcia – 28012025-1653 P. IVA – 01574000525 CCIAA Arezzo-Siena – REA 221926 Fondo di Garanzia – Nobis 203925169 RC – Nobis 203925172
Registered Office: C. S. Querciole Primo, 8 53023 Castiglione d’Orcia (SI)
Tuscan Experiences by Federica Zammarchi
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