Pick nick at the temple & rural hilltop villages
Day Tours & ActivitiesDuration:4 hours
Rates
THE RURAL VILLAGES AND THEIR CHARACTERS
Why is Tuscany so beautifully spotted with charming farmhouses and picturesque hilltop villages? Our guided tour gives you the answers! Learn how centuries of agricultural planning created the most beautiful region of Italy! Meet the fantastic people who live in Palaia and Montefoscoli and experience a fantastic way of life.
The historical Palaia
Palaia is a small village on a hill that dominates the whole district of the former Pisan domains. From the “fortezza”, a bare hilltop where a fortress used to be, you can easily see the leaning tower in bright days as well as the charming Volterra and San Miniato. A walk through Palaia allows you to experience the atmosphere of small villages in Italy, one of the most important elements of the “Italian way of life”.
The views and the farming museum of Montefoscoli
The tour guide brings you to the charming village of Montefoscoli, a fantastic location where time seems to have stopped to centuries ago. Here you will visit a very interesting museum dedicated to the local farming culture in the historical palace of the local landlords. The museum shows all aspects of the farmers life and the development of the village from a rural community to our days. The visit to Montefoscoli ends at the hilltop in front of the church where the views over the valley and over Pisa are breathtaking!
The temple of Minerva & Montefoscoli
The last destination of this tour is the masonic temple of Minerva Medica, in the private property of the noble family of Montefoscoli. A very original construction with lots of symbolic meanings in an enchanting wood of ancient oak trees. This historical site shares tales of noble families, poets, scientists, and even a connection to the fascinating world of Frankenstein! Right next to the temple, our My Tuscan Kitchen cooking school finds its home. This hidden gem sits amidst the scenic countryside, enveloped by the lush embrace of ancient olive trees. Embark on a leisurely stroll through the olive grove, where you’ll be treated to a panoramic spectacle of the majestic Pisan hills. The enchanting setting sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Indulge in a delectable picnic curated by our skilled chef, featuring an array of fresh and seasonal delights. From fresh vegetables to pasta, paninis, and flavorful frittatas, each bite promises a taste of Tuscan perfection. Elevating the experience, savor the moment with exquisite red and white wines expertly crafted by Rita and her talented family.
What you taste
This is a list of specialties that you are likely to sample as part of the program of this tour. Please, note that the specialties of the tasting session and/or lunch may vary according to the season and the availability of the products in the day of the tour.
In our tour we like showing you places off the beaten track and introducing you to Tuscan people with their personal stories, careers and characters. You will have one of our guides with your party during the whole tour. Please, see below all the guides who can be with you. During this experience you can also meet some of the Tuscan friends involved in the events. Please, see below which friends you are likely to encounter.
The total rate for this activity varies according to the number of people in your party.
Check rates in the table below.
|
Hilltop hamlets of Tuscany & PICK NICK – RATES 2024 – |
|
|---|---|
| NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR PARTY | TOTAL RATE |
| 2 persons | € 380 |
| 3 persons | € 420 |
| 4 persons | € 460 |
| 5 persons | € 500 |
| 6 persons | € 540 |
| 7 persons | € 580 |
| 8 persons | € 620 |
| Extra Adult | € 40 |
| Extra Teenager (12-17 yrs) | € 25 |
| Extra Child (4-11 yrs) | € 15 |
Rates include
- A tour guide for the whole tour
- A guided visit to Palaia
- A guided visit to the farmers museum in Montefoscoli
- A stop at the masonry temple of Minerva Medica
- A pick nick with Tuscan specialties in the oakwood of the temple or at the farm according to weather conditions
- Wine from the farm
- Tax
Rates do NOT include
- Transportation
- Tips to the staff. Not included, not obligatory but very much appreciated
Transportation is not included in the rates above. For more info on transportation, please see the box “Transportation options”.
This tour takes place in the rural area of Palaia, between Pisa and Volterra.
MEET-UP LOCATION:
Unless differently specified, the tour guide meets you at a meeting point near Palaia.
DURATION:
This program takes 4 hours. Time for transportation not included.
AVAILABILITY:
Available all year through, from Mondays through Saturdays.
LANGUAGE:
This tour is available in English, French or Italian with no surcharge. For German, Spanish or Russian a surcharge applies.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Easy
CHILD FRIENDLY:
Ideal for children
CLOTHING:
No particular clothing required.
TRANSPORTATION:
This program and its rates do not include transportation and are set on a self-driving base. For further information see the box "transportation options".
The destinations reached during this activity are in the Tuscan countryside, in areas off the beaten track that cannot be reached by public transport. We highly recommend renting a car or a scooter in order to reach them. As an alternative, we can offer a valued service by chauffeured car, van or minibus. Any cost of transportation is to be added to the rates displayed on the rate table of this page.
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