Siena & San Gimignano Port Tour (Driver Only/Self Touring)

9 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Siena & San Gimignano Port Tour (Driver Only/Self Touring), photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This private shore excursion has been designed for those who have already visited the famous cities of Florence and Pisa, and are interested in exploring other beautiful areas of Tuscany rich in charm, history, and culture.

Siena’s history extends as far back as Ancient Rome as a Roman colony. For centuries since, Siena grew into a prosperous significant medieval town, a rightful rival to the neighboring Florence.

One of the historic traditions that date back to ancient tribal systems retained in Siena, is the town’s 17 districts (contrade)- each with its own coat of arm and strong identity. Every July 2 and August 16 the Palio is held in Piazza del Campo.

San Gimignano has a distinctive skyline which has earned it its nickname "Medieval Manhattan" of Tuscany. During the Middle Ages towers were a symbol of power, therefore prestigious families competed in building the tallest and greatest towers to establish their relevance in the community.

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At a glance

Duration: 9 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English, Italian
Operated by: Stefano Rome Day Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Deluxe Mercedes Benz Vehicle
Included: Bottled water
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: English Speaking Professional Driver

Not included

Not included: Admission fees and Entry Tickets
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Piazza del Campo

one hour

A universal symbol of the city, the distinct form of the Piazza del Campo is just one of the reasons why UNESCO recognizes Siena as the ideal embodiment of a medieval city. It was built on the intersection of the three main roads that lead to and from Siena. Twice a year the world-famous Palio is held here.
Duomo di Siena

30 min Admission not included

A great Gothic building filled with treasures by Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio. The exterior of the cathedral is pretty impressive, but it's inside that you'll be amazed! The columns continue the white/black marble striped motif and, looking up you'll see, the busts of past religious men of Siena looking down upon you. And yet, the most impressive and beautiful of the treasures the cathedral holds are the floors, decorated with the art of mosaics (using various techniques) to create storytelling masterpieces.
Torre del Mangia

45 min Admission not included

The climb can be a bit challenging: there are over 400 steps, a bit steep and narrow, to climb but the view that awaits you on the top of the tower is really worth the "effort".
Piazza Della Cisterna

45 min

Piazza della Cisterna has a triangular shape with a slight natural slope and is connected to the nearby Piazza del Duomo by an open passage. The piazza is surrounded by houses and medieval towers and features a cistern in the center which provided the town's water in ancient times.
Palazzo Pubblico e Torre Grossa

30 min Admission not included

The Palazzo Comunale, also known as the Palazzo del Popolo of San Gimignano has been the seat of the civic authority since the 13th century.
Piazza del Duomo

30 min Admission not included

The piazza takes its name from the Duomo (Cathedral) located there. The treasures inside include a fully-frescoed Duomo, which has NEVER actually needed "restoration" throughout the centuries.

The colors you see are the original ones painted in the 1300s and their vividness and brightness are awe-inspiring.