About this experience
Siena is a hilly, pretty city with one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy (Piazza del Campo), the 2nd highest tower in Italy (Torre del Mangia), and the most impressive Duomo (cathedral). The interior of the Duomo is absolutely jaw dropping. It is a city full of churches, museums, and great views over the surrounding countryside.The Piazza del Campo is famous for the Palio, which is a no-holds-barred horse race run here twice a year. These races pit the 17 different neighborhoods of Siena against each other. The Duomo interior is like a museum with its black and white marble pillars, intricate marble floor panels, beautiful Renaissance frescoes, a huge bronze dome, a sculpture of St. Peter by Michelangelo. Among the Italian medieval cities to see at least once in a lifetime, San Gimignano rightfully occupies a place : a Tuscan jewel with an interesting history that begins in prehistory and knows its heyday in the Middle Ages.
At a glance
- Duration: 10 hr–11 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 10 hr–11 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Walking tour in San Gimignano with professional private guide (1 hour)
- Entrance tickets to the Cathedral (Duomo)
- Walking tour in Siena for 3 hours
- Private tour Leader at your disposal (choose the language on the checkout)
- Private professional guide in Siena
- Pick-up and drop off with luxury transportation and private chauffeur
- Entrance tickets to the Basilica Cateriniana S.Domenico
- Torre del Mangia, The Field
Not included
- Food and Beverages
- Gratuities. If you are satisfied with the service, a gratuity is customary.
Itinerary and highlights
Rome represents the starting point but also the end of the tour, because there will be 2 hours of driving time to get in Siena, and then 2 hours and half to come back from San Giminiano to your accommodation
Siena Cathedral, rising majestically in the eponymous city square, is one of Italy’s most illustrious Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals. According to tradition, the present Cathedral replaces an earlier church dedicated to the Virgin Mary erected in the 9th century or thereabouts on the site of a temple serving the cult of Minerva
Located in Piazza del Campo, also known as the symbol of Siena, the tower was built between 1338 and 1348, constructed in brick with a stone cornice and belfry, boasting a light and elegant structure that takes its name from its first bell ringer. Giovanni di Balduccio was famous because he wasted his money, especially on good food, and was nicknamed Mangiaquisti, literally Earnings Eater, abbreviated to 'Mangia': his role didn't last long because in 1360, the first mechanic clock was installed, but the nickname was forever associated with the tower.
The imposing bulk of the Basilica of San Domenico offers a visual image of the influence of the Dominican friars in Saint Catherine’s Siena. Saint Francis and Saint Dominic had created an original way of living the religious life, well-suited to the new commercial cities.
Siena, like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the time of the Etruscans (c.900-400 BC) and in the Middle Ages, and competed with Florence for regional supremacy. Today it remains one of Italy's most enchanting medieval towns, with an exceptional Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval landscape and the Palio, a famous horse race held twice a year.
The medieval town of San Gimignano developed from being located in a strategic geographical point that made it a popular route for pilgrims, especially from France, travelling to Rome.
Meeting and pickup information
- Pick up at 7:00 am at your accommodation (hotel, B&B, apartment). Please confirm us the pick up address. NO.B.: If your accommodation is not in the area indicated on the above map, send us a message to arrange your pick up.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rome Italy Explora
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair avaible on request. Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required. Additional price € 50,00.
- Dress code required for churches : knees and shoulders must be covered
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
NO.B.: If your accommodation is not in the area indicated on the above map, send us a message to arrange your pick up.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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