This tour begins with a visit to the Monte
Oliveto Maggiore Abbey (1313) with frescoes by Luca Signorelli. We then go
to Pienza, the city of Pope Pius II, also famous for its pecorino cheese.
Our walk around this medieval town, with its perfect Renaissance square designed
by Rossellino, will include the Cathedral and its Gothic and early Renaissance
altarpieces. (Zeffirelli used Pienza as his stage set for the film "Romeo
and Juliette".) Our next stop will be at a castle where local wines, cheese
and bruschetta will be offered to our guests. We will then drive to Montepulciano
for a walk around this Renaissance hilltop village that is also famous for
its Nobile wine appellation.
