Discover The Medieval Charm Of Siena On A Private Walking Tour

Siena, a captivating medieval city in the heart of Tuscany, beckons travelers to uncover its timeless charm. A private walking tour provides an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the historic old town and unveiling the traditions surrounding the renowned Palio horse race. Led by a licensed local guide, the tour offers an in-depth exploration of Siena’s iconic sites, including the option to visit the stunning Siena Cathedral. Discover the city’s rich heritage and cultural treasures, as the tour unveils the enchanting medieval atmosphere that has captivated visitors for centuries. Prepare to be captivated by the timeless allure of Siena.

Key Points

Immerse in Siena’s medieval heritage with a private guided walking tour exploring the city’s most iconic sites and learning about the legendary Palio horse race.
Discover the charming old town, including an optional visit to the breathtaking Siena Cathedral, renowned for its Gothic architecture and stunning artworks.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the rich cultural traditions of Siena’s historic neighborhoods, known as contrade, with the option to visit the Contrada Museum.
Experience the tour in a small group setting, allowing for a personalized and intimate exploration of Siena’s medieval charm.
Enjoy the convenience of a centrally located meeting point and the accessibility of the tour for wheelchair users and those with strollers.

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Overview and Tour Details

The Siena Walking Tour offers visitors the opportunity to discover the medieval charm of the historic city, with a private guided experience that takes them through the old town’s most important attractions in under two hours.

This small-group tour allows travelers to learn about the famed Palio horse race and the traditions surrounding it, as well as explore the city’s most iconic sites.

Visitors can customize their tour with their guide and choose to add a visit to the Siena Cathedral, where they’ll marvel at works by renowned artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.

With a duration of 2-3 hours and a licensed local guide, this tour provides an in-depth look at Siena’s rich medieval heritage.

Inclusions and Pricing

This walking tour includes a guided exploration of Siena’s historic center, with an optional visit to the city’s cathedral. Visitors can also choose to add an admission ticket to the Contrada Museum, which requires a donation starting from 5 euros per person, payable in cash on-site.

Inclusions	Pricing
Guided walking tour	2h Tour – Price per person
Cathedral visit (optional)	3h Tour – Price per person
Contrada Museum (donation)	Cathedral visit (optional)
Small group	Contrada Museum (donation)

The tour starts at the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico and ends at the Siena Cathedral, providing a comprehensive experience of Siena’s medieval charm.

Meeting and Pickup

Visitors meet at the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico to begin the walking tour, which concludes at the Siena Cathedral.

The tour is a private activity, so only your group will participate. The meeting point is conveniently located, and the tour ends right in front of the iconic cathedral.

If you choose the option with the cathedral visit, you’ll get to marvel at the impressive works by renowned artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini inside.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, and public transportation is available nearby.

Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for any weather conditions during your medieval journey through Siena’s historic center.

Highlights of the Tour

Discover Siena’s medieval charm as you explore the historic city center, learning about the famed Palio horse race and its surrounding traditions.

Admire the stunning architecture of Siena Cathedral, home to renowned artworks by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.

The highlights of this tour include:

Discovering the medieval charm of Siena’s historic old town on a private walking tour
Learning about the traditions and history of the Palio horse race, a beloved local event
Exploring the most important attractions in the city in under two hours, including the option to visit the Cathedral

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, allowing you to uncover the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting medieval city.

Traditions and History

Siena’s Palio horse race is a beloved local event that dates back centuries, deeply rooted in the city’s rich cultural heritage. The race is held twice a year, with jockeys representing the city’s 17 historic neighborhoods, known as contrade. These contrade have their own flags, symbols, and traditions that are fiercely protected and celebrated.

Palio Facts
Origins	1656
Frequency	Twice a year
Neighborhoods	17
Tradition	Fierce rivalry, pageantry

Visitors can learn more about these traditions by exploring the Contrada Museum, which showcases the unique identities and histories of each neighborhood. Immersing oneself in Siena’s living history is a truly authentic and memorable experience.

Cathedral Visit Option

For those interested in art and architecture, the cathedral visit option allows travelers to marvel at works by renowned artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini inside Siena’s iconic cathedral.

The optional cathedral visit provides the opportunity to:

Admire the cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture
Explore the intricate marble floors and stained glass windows
Discover the impressive artworks that adorn the cathedral’s interior

The cathedral is closed on Sunday mornings but opens at 1 pm, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the grandeur of this historic landmark.

With the cathedral visit option, travelers can enhance their Siena walking tour experience and deepen their appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Accessibility and Conditions

The Siena Walking Tour is accessible for travelers using wheelchairs, with strollers, or accompanied by service animals. Tour participants can expect comfortable walking conditions in the historic city center, and the tour finishes near public transportation that’s wheelchair accessible.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for any weather conditions, as the tour takes place outdoors. The meeting point is at the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, and the tour concludes at the Siena Cathedral.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour is a private activity, with only your group participating. The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the start time.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can opt for a full refund if they cancel the Siena Walking Tour at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.

This flexible cancellation policy provides guests with peace of mind and the flexibility to adjust their plans as needed.

Some key things to know about the cancellation policy:

Full refund available if cancelled at least 24 hours before the tour start time
No refunds for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour
Refunds processed quickly and conveniently after cancellation

With this straightforward cancellation policy, travelers can book the Siena Walking Tour with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to receive a full refund if their plans change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour allows photo opportunities to capture the medieval charm of Siena’s historic center. However, be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the guide.

How Many People Are Typically in a Small Group?

The small-group walking tour typically has 6-8 participants. This allows for an intimate experience where guests can interact with the guide and explore Siena’s historic center comfortably. The group size is designed to provide a personalized tour.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized with the guide. The overview states the tour allows visitors to "Customize your tour with your guide, visit the historic center of Siena."

What Languages Does the Guide Speak?

The licensed local guide speaks multiple languages, typically including English, Italian, and other options upon request. Guests can communicate with the guide in their preferred language throughout the customized private walking tour of Siena’s historic center.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. The tour can be booked for either 2 or 3 hours, allowing travelers to customize the experience to their preferences and explore Siena’s historic center in more depth.

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