Tuscan Legends Tour: The Sword in the Rock & the Black Rooster

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Embark on your journey in style as our expert local driver greets you at your doorstep. Sit back and relax as you're driven through the breathtaking Tuscan landscape, where rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves, and towering cypress trees paint the perfect backdrop. Every twist in the road reveals more of this enchanting scenery, setting the stage for an unforgettable day in this timeless region.

   Passes by

2. Continue your journey to the Abbey of Saint Galgano, nestled in the serene valley of the Merse River. Here, the legendary tale of Galgano Guidotti comes alive—a 12th-century knight who transformed into a saint. Once a fierce warrior caught in the chaos of battle, Galgano experienced a profound spiritual awakening. Disillusioned by violence, he ascended the hill of Montesiepi to dedicate himself to God. In a powerful symbol of his devotion, Galgano plunged his sword into a rock, creating a cross for his prayers. This act, blending myth with reality, is immortalized by the sword in the stone, a lasting emblem of his journey. Verified in 2001, the sword dates back to the period, adding a tangible link to this mystical legend. Explore the Abbey and Eremo of Montesiepi, where Saint Galgano’s captivating story unfolds, blending history and myth in perfect harmony.

   1.5 hAdmission included

3. Monteriggioni is a medieval walled town in Tuscany, renowned for its well-preserved fortress and picturesque setting. Perched on a hilltop, it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is famous for its towering walls and crenellated towers, which have remained largely intact since the 13th century. Within the imposing walls of Monteriggioni Castle, a chilling legend unfolds, echoing the treacherous betrayal of Captain Zeti. Once a trusted defender of the castle, Zeti's dark decision altered the course of history. The tale whispers of a fateful moment when, driven by unseen motives, he unlocked the heavy gates, letting the Florentines in and betraying the Senesi’s trust. Today, Captain Zeti is no mere figure of the past—he is a ghost, haunting the castle's corridors. His spectral presence lingers, a reminder of his betrayal, as he roams the very halls where his treachery once echoed.

   30 min

4. We will then proceed to a typical Tuscan family-run organic farm for a visit and an authentic lunch, complemented by a tasting of 5 wines. This promises to be a beautiful Italian experience, providing insights into the best combinations of wine and food, the secrets of Italian cuisine, Tuscan winemaking techniques, and more. Summary: Tuscan Lunch: Indulge in a delightful Tuscan lunch featuring bruschetta, lasagna or homemade pasta, cured meats, hams, pecorino cheese, dessert, and more. During Lunch: Wine Tasting: Explore a variety of wines including Chianti, Chianti Riserva, Sangiovese, and Vernaccia. Olive Oil Tastings: Savor different types of olive oils, including extra virgin olive oil, pepper olive oil, and truffle oil. Balsamic Vinegar Tasting: Delight in the flavors of balsamic vinegar.

   1.5 hAdmission included

5. Our journey culminates in San Gimignano, a medieval gem known for its breathtaking towers. Once hailed as the "Town of Fine Towers," this enchanting place boasts over 70 ancient spires that define its skyline. An open-air museum, it invites you to stroll its cobblestone streets, where you can savor saffron, the famous Golden Ham, and the renowned Vernaccia white wine. Indulge in world-famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli and immerse yourself in the legend of the Devil’s mysterious influence, whispered through the ages in this timeless town. At the end of the visit we will return to your location.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Florence

• Its from-price is 21% above the median of the 724 food tours we list in Florence.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Florence

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, gathers masterpieces of art and architecture into a compact city of stone streets beside the Arno.

The Duomo, with Brunelleschi's great red-brick dome, Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery's gilded doors, marks the centre of town. A few streets away, Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio face a loggia full of sculpture, and the Uffizi Gallery holds Botticelli, Leonardo and Raphael. Michelangelo's David stands in the Galleria dell'Accademia.

Top-ranked sights in Florence: Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi), Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore).

See all 3255 experiences in Florence