Tour difficulty
- Easy
- Medium
- Hard
Duration
8 hoursFlorence Walking Tours: Day Excursions
Excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
Description
Discover the beauty and history of Tuscany on a day trip that will take you to two of its most enchanting cities: Siena and San Gimignano. A private driver will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you through the scenic countryside, where you will see rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves.
In Siena, you will meet a local guide who will take you on a walking tour of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will admire the stunning Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture that features a marble mosaic floor, a Gothic pulpit, and a library with frescoes by Pinturicchio. You will also learn about the 17 districts of Siena, called contrade, each with its own mascot and history. These districts compete in the famous Palio di Siena, a horse race that takes place twice a year in the Piazza del Campo, the main square of the city. You will see the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall that houses the Civic Museum and the Torre del Mangia, a tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
After exploring Siena, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a selected restaurant, where you will taste typical Tuscan dishes and wines. Then, your driver will take you to San Gimignano, the “city of beautiful towers.” This medieval town is famous for its skyline of 14 towers that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. You will walk through the main squares and buildings of San Gimignano, such as the Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza del Duomo Collegiata, and the Romanesque Cathedral. You will also have time to shop for local products, such as pottery, handicrafts, and saffron, which is grown in the area.
This day trip is a perfect way to experience the charm and culture of Tuscany. You will return to your accommodation with unforgettable memories and photos.
What's Included
- English-speaking driver and private vehicle
- Expert, licensed English-speaking guide
- Private tour of Siena
- Entrance tickets
- Visit to San Gimignano (no guide)
Other Info
- This is a private tour – your party only
- This tour lasts 8 hours from pick-up to drop-off time.
- Please note that the journey time between Florence and Siena is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.
- Modest attire is required in churches and basilicas; knees and shoulders must be covered.
- Please wear comfortable shoes, as this tour requires a fair amount of walking
- This tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities. However, please contact us directly and we will take you on alternative routes suitable for you.
Faq
- Is there a dress code I should know about?
- There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
- What if there is bad weather?
- Our tours operate rain or shine!
- Is tipping customary in Italy?
- Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
- What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
- Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
- Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
- Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
- Can tours be modified?
- Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
- How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
- Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
- What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
- Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
- How do I amend a reservation?
- Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
- What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
- Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.
Meeting Point
Duration Of Tour
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.