Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Exploring the Twilight Saga: the New Moon Tour in Montepulciano
If you’re a Twilight fan or just love Italian scenery, the Twilight Saga: the New Moon tour in Montepulciano offers a unique way to see this charming Tuscan town through the lens of film magic. This 2.5-hour experience takes you on a guided walk through key filming locations from New Moon, paired with a taste of Montepulciano’s renowned wine scene. With a small group setting, you’ll get a more intimate look at both the movie’s Italian backdrop and the town’s authentic allure.
One of the highlights we appreciate is how the tour intertwines the film locations with the local flavor—visiting historic sites and enjoying a traditional aperitif at a centuries-old restaurant. However, some travelers note that the tour might not go deeply into the filming details, which could be a downside for true Twilight enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes stories. This experience could suit fans eager to connect film magic with real Italian scenery, as well as those curious about Montepulciano’s culinary and historical charm.
Key Points
- Authentic Filming Locations: Visit iconic sites from New Moon, like Piazza Grande and the clock tower, blending movie history with real-world beauty.
- Knowledgeable Guides: The guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise about Montepulciano, adding local context and stories.
- Wine Tasting: The tour includes visits to renowned wine cellars, with tastings that are appreciated by guests for their quality and insights.
- Short and Manageable: At about 2.5 hours, it’s a compact experience ideal for those with limited time but wanting a taste of both film scenery and Tuscan culture.
- Mixed Reviews on Film Detail: Some guests expected more in-depth Twilight filming stories; if you’re after detailed behind-the-scenes info, this might fall short.
- Value for Money: At $138, the experience offers a good combination of sightseeing, wine, and local cuisine, but some feel the film focus could be deeper.
Looking for more options in Montepulciano? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
Starting Point and Group Size
The tour kicks off at Valdichiana Living in Piazza Grande at 10:00am, a central spot that’s easy to find and ideal for jumping straight into the adventure. Group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 12 travelers, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy a more personalized experience. Many reviewers have highlighted the guides’ warm attitude and local knowledge, which add a genuine touch to the tour.
Visiting Montepulciano’s Film Locations
The core of this experience is walking through Montepulciano’s streets while spotting the sites used in New Moon. The guide points out the palace with the clock tower and the vibrant Piazza Grande, famous as the place where Bella Swan, portrayed as desperate and in love, rushes through in her frantic search for Edward. Guests appreciate the visual storytelling, as the scenery really is as picturesque as in the films, with sweeping views over the Tuscan hills.
However, some reviewers, like Tania, felt the focus on the film aspect was somewhat lacking. She mentions, “We were expecting more information about the filming of New Moon and more about the filming locations,” which suggests that if your primary interest is behind-the-scenes film lore, this tour may not fully satisfy. Nevertheless, the visual connection between the film scenes and the real locations adds a layer of appreciation for fans.
The Wine Cellar Visits and Tastings
After walking through the streets, the tour takes you to Elena’s wine cellar at DeRicci and the Enoteca Vini Di Toscana. Guests describe these stops as highlighting the best of Montepulciano’s wine scene. Cristina praised Elena’s insightful storytelling, noting that she “gave us great insights about the history of the town and even asked us about ourselves,” which made the experience warm and conversational.
The wine tastings are generally well-received, with many mentioning the high quality of the wines and the pleasure of learning about Montepulciano’s wine-making traditions. Given the prices of local wines here, this part of the tour offers good value, especially for those interested in expanding their wine knowledge while enjoying Tuscan classics.
You might also want to explore these Montepulciano activities
Food and Aperitif
The tour concludes at a historic restaurant, where guests enjoy a traditional aperitif, adding a delicious local touch to the experience. While the reviews didn’t specify the menu, the focus on local flavors complements the overall theme of discovering Montepulciano beyond just the film locations.
Practicalities and Considerations
The price of $138.21 per person reflects a mix of sightseeing, wine tasting, and culture. For many, it’s a fair investment if you’re interested in both the Twilight locations and authentic Tuscan experiences. The tour’s duration of approximately 2.5 hours makes it manageable even for those with tight schedules.
However, it’s worth noting that “most travelers book about 24 days in advance,” indicating a decent demand and the importance of planning ahead. The small group size enhances the experience but also means availability can be limited.
Review Highlights and Caveats
While most reviews are mixed, the positive feedback highlights guides’ friendliness, the quality of wines, and the stunning views. Cristina’s experience with engaging conversations and excellent wine quality stands out as a high point. Conversely, some, like Isabelle, found the tour “insufficient for the price,” citing language barriers and the lack of film-specific content.
If your priority is a deep dive into Twilight filming secrets, you might find this tour a bit light on that front. But if you’re looking for a charming stroll through Montepulciano with added wine tasting, it’s quite enjoyable.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience suits fans of the Twilight Saga who want to see the filming locations in the flesh, especially if they also enjoy wine and local cuisine. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a small-group, intimate feel with knowledgeable guides. The combination of film scenery and wine makes it a good choice for those wanting to experience Montepulciano’s authentic charm alongside some movie magic.
However, if you’re after a comprehensive behind-the-scenes* film tour or the *most detailed filming stories, you might find this experience a bit light on film-specific content. It’s better suited for those who enjoy a relaxed walk with cultural touches rather than hardcore movie trivia.
Final Thoughts
The Twilight Saga: the New Moon tour offers a balanced taste of Montepulciano’s beauty, wine, and a splash of Twilight magic. It’s a charming way to see the town’s highlights, taste excellent local wines, and connect with the scenery that made the Twilight series so atmospheric. While it might not satisfy the most film-obsessed fans craving in-depth filming stories, it does deliver a pleasant, authentic Tuscan experience with a bit of Hollywood flair.
This tour is a worthwhile choice for those who enjoy small-group tours, local wine tasting, and the visual appeal of Montepulciano’s streets. It’s perfect if your main goal is to enjoy good wine, beautiful views, and a light connection to the Twilight films, all wrapped in the charm of a Tuscan town.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as it’s a gentle walking tour with wine tastings at the end. However, children might not find the wine tasting as engaging.
How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity for a morning or early afternoon.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Valdichiana Living in Piazza Grande and returns there at the end of the tour.
What is included in the price?
You get a guided walk through Montepulciano, visits to film locations, wine cellar visits, tastings, and an aperitif at a historic restaurant.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made around 24 days in advance, and spots are limited with a maximum of 12 participants.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
This guided walk blends the allure of Twilight’s cinematic universe with the authentic sights, tastes, and stories of Montepulciano, making it a delightful, if somewhat niche, addition to your Tuscan itinerary.
