Tuscan Escapes by Papilio Tours — Local services in Siena

Title: A Day to Remember with Guillaume from Tuscan Escapes - Siena Tours

Our day-long wine tasting and sightseeing tour with Guillaume from Tuscan Escapes - Siena Tours was nothing short of spectacular! Guillaume transformed what could have been an ordinary day into an extraordinary journey through Tuscany, filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

From the moment Guillaume greeted us, we knew we were in for a treat. His warm and respectful demeanor immediately put everyone at ease, setting the tone for a day that was as enjoyable as it was informative. Guillaume's encyclopedic knowledge seemed boundless—not only was he a master of local Tuscan history, but he also wove in intriguing anecdotes from world history, making connections that enriched our understanding of the sights we visited.

Guillaume's witty sense of humor was truly the cherry on top. He had us laughing throughout the tour, expertly using humor to engage us and bring the stories of the region to life. Whether standing before a monumental piece of architecture or amidst the stunning vineyards, his tales were entertaining and insightful, keeping our group eager to hear more.

As for the wine tasting, Guillaume's expertise was evident. He introduced us to hidden gem wineries and shared nuggets of wisdom about wine production and the art of tasting. His passion for wine and the region was infectious, and it seemed there wasn't a question he couldn't answer. We all left with a deeper appreciation and understanding of Tuscan wines.

Most importantly, Guillaume’s approach was sincere and courteous. Every member of our group felt valued and heard, which truly enhanced the tour experience. His respect and genuine interest in sharing the beauty of Tuscany made us feel less like tourists and more like welcomed guests.

Overall, Guillaume is a wonderful guide who we would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore Tuscany in a way that’s both relaxing and enlightening. His exceptional ability to make a day-long tour feel like a breeze is a testament to his skill and passion as a guide. Thank you, Guillaume, for a day we will...

This review is for the full-day Pienza & Montepulciana small group tour with Guillermo (“William”). The tour is well-designed and provided the Tuscan experience I was hoping to have. There was just the right amount of time to pause on the road to take photos of the beautiful landscape and a stop in the tiny, peaceful, charming village of Chiusure. Then on to Pienza, where we had free time to roam the lovely hilltop town with wonderful views and shops (the smell of cheese luring people in to taste). The highlight of the day was lunch at an organic dairy farm - Podere I’ll Casale. We had a prime table at the edge of the terrace with an uninterrupted view of the valley and hills. Stunning. The cheese plate was amazing - every single cheese (all produced on the farm) was delicious. The rest of the meal (featuring ingredients grown or made on the farm) was tasty and the portions were just right so that I left feeling satisfied, not stuffed. The final stop was another hilltop town, Montepulciano. We visited a wine shop and while the historic wine cellar and cave were interesting, I could have done without the tasting and spent more time wandering the shops and stopping somewhere of my choosing for a treat. Overall, a magnificent day.

Guillermo/William is a natural-born tour guide and the group benefited from his knowledge and enthusiasm. There was a hiccup in the morning when a couple left with the wrong tour, but William handled it with professionalism and just the right amount of humor to keep the mood happy while he worked to fix the situation. He was accommodating, thoughtful, and clearly loves giving people a wonderful...

We just arrived home after a 10-day trip to Italy, and our day trip into the Tuscany countryside was hands-down our best day there. Having visiting charming Siena six years ago, my husband and I decided to try out a countryside trip to add a little to our visit of the Tuscan region with the whole family. Choosing Tuscan Escapes was very auspicious on our part, and having Marco as our guide was such a delight! He was professional and personable and talking with him was very easy, like talking to your brother.

Marco took us on the tour of Pienza, where we visited the town and ate a scrumptious lunch nearby, and then to Montepulciano to visit a winery (and time to explore the town). This all happened in the context of driving through the gorgeous countryside. The lunch, served outdoors under huge canopies and overlooking the countryside, was relaxing and delicious. We were served a couple of wines with local cheeses and had delicious homemade pesto pasta. And, we were even served a simple but delicious dessert. There is a pen not too far off where we visited the goats (that provide the cheese) and other animals. We took lots of pictures to remind us our time there.

I also want to add a note to express how responsive Tuscan Escapes was to my initial inquiry about this potential trip, more so than other tour agencies. Everything was very easy from initial contact, to pick-up in Siena, through to the end. I highly recommend you consider this fabulous tour. You won’t be...