Siena And San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour With Lunch From Florence

Tuscan towns like Siena and San Gimignano are renowned for their medieval charm and rich cultural heritage. This small-group tour offers the chance to explore these historic gems, guiding travelers through the winding streets of Siena’s historic center and introducing them to a family-owned winery. With a delectable Tuscan lunch and the opportunity to wander the picturesque streets of San Gimignano, this experience promises to be a captivating blend of sightseeing, gastronomy, and immersion in the heart of Italy’s countryside. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Italophile, this tour has something to pique your interest and leave you eager to uncover more.

Just The Basics

This full-day tour offers a personalized sightseeing experience of Siena and San Gimignano, two iconic Tuscan destinations, with a guided walking tour and a visit to a family-owned winery.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Florence, a guided walking tour of Siena’s medieval historic center, and a visit to a family-owned Tuscan winery with a wine tasting and lunch.
Participants can explore the charming streets and landmarks of Siena, such as Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral, and learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The tour also includes a visit to the enchanting medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where travelers can wander the narrow streets lined with towering stone towers and indulge in world-famous gelato.
The small group size of up to 25 participants ensures a personalized service and the opportunity for travelers to interact with the guide and share their experiences throughout the day.

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Tour Overview

This full-day sightseeing and tasting tour takes visitors through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, with a small group capped at 25 participants for personalized service.

Roundtrip transportation is provided by an air-conditioned minibus or minivan equipped with free Wi-Fi.

The tour includes a guided walking tour of Siena’s medieval historic center, with an optional visit to the Siena Cathedral (except on Sundays).

Guests will also visit a family-owned Tuscan winery, where they’ll tour the cellars and enjoy a sit-down lunch of seasonal Tuscan dishes paired with local wines.

Guided Walking Tour of Siena

The guided walking tour of Siena’s medieval historic center takes visitors through the city’s winding streets and stunning architecture, providing an immersive look into Siena’s rich history.

Led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, the tour showcases the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Piazza del Campo, the stunning Siena Cathedral, and the Palazzo Pubblico.

Guests will learn about Siena’s historic rivalry with Florence, its vibrant Palio horse race, and the unique contrada (neighborhood) system that still defines the city today.

The tour offers an opportunity to truly experience the charm and character of this well-preserved medieval city, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Siena’s enduring legacy.

Siena Cathedral (Optional)

Visitors can choose to visit the Siena Cathedral, an iconic landmark of the city, though this option isn’t available on Sundays.

The cathedral’s grand Gothic architecture and impressive interiors offer a glimpse into Siena’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

The tour includes:

An entrance fee to the cathedral
A guided tour that provides insights into the cathedral’s history and artwork
The opportunity to admire the stunning Piccolomini Library, known for its frescoes and intricate design

While the cathedral visit is optional, it’s a recommended addition to the tour for those interested in exploring Siena’s most famous religious site up close.

Family-Owned Tuscan Winery

After exploring the historic city of Siena, the tour takes visitors to a family-owned Tuscan winery, where they’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process.

The group will tour the wine cellars and learn about the traditional methods used to produce the region’s renowned vintages.

Then, they’ll sit down for a delightful lunch featuring seasonal Tuscan dishes perfectly paired with the winery’s own wines. It’s a chance to savor the flavors of the countryside and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking.

With a small group size, guests can enjoy a more personalized experience and ask the winemakers questions throughout the visit.

Tuscan Dishes and Local Wines

Complementing the winery’s robust vintages, the Tuscan lunch showcases the region’s celebrated seasonal fare, from fresh-baked breads and locally-sourced cheeses to hearty pasta dishes and seasonal produce.

A true feast for the senses, the authentic Tuscan meal is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. Diners can expect to savor:

Handcrafted pastas tossed in rich, flavorful sauces
Seasonal vegetables and salads featuring the finest local ingredients
Decadent desserts highlighting the region’s renowned baking traditions

Paired with the winery’s award-winning wines, this Tuscan-style luncheon offers an immersive culinary experience that perfectly complements the day’s exploration of Siena and San Gimignano.

Exploring San Gimignano

With the winery visit and Tuscan lunch now complete, the tour moves on to the enchanting medieval town of San Gimignano, where travelers can enjoy the unique character and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Once arrived, visitors are free to explore the town at their own pace, wandering the narrow streets lined with towering stone towers, visiting the Duomo, and perhaps even indulging in a scoop of world-famous gelato. The following table offers a glimpse into the highlights of San Gimignano that travelers can enjoy during their free time:

Highlight	Description
Duomo	Stunning Romanesque cathedral with impressive frescoes
Piazza della Cisterna	Charming central square surrounded by medieval architecture
Torre Grossa	One of the town’s iconic 14 preserved towers offering panoramic views
Gelato	Sample the renowned gelato from Gelateria di Piazza or Dondoli

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a professional English-speaking guide and driver, as well as all entrance fees and guided visits outlined in the itinerary. Gratuities, however, aren’t covered and are left to the traveler’s discretion.

The tour offers the following inclusions:

Roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned minibus/minivan with free Wi-Fi
Guided walking tour of Siena’s medieval historic center
Visit to a family-owned Tuscan winery with a tour of the cellars and a sit-down lunch of seasonal Tuscan dishes paired with local wines

With these inclusions, travelers can enjoy a comprehensive Tuscan experience without worrying about additional expenses.

Transportation and Personalized Service

Roundtrip transportation via air-conditioned minibus or minivan, equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensures a comfortable and convenient journey for tour participants.

The small-group format, limited to 25 individuals, allows for a more personalized sightseeing experience with attentive service from the professional guide and driver.

This intimate group setting facilitates better interaction and communication between the guide and travelers, enabling the guide to cater to individual needs and preferences throughout the day.

The air-conditioned vehicles provide a relaxing respite from the Tuscan heat, while the complimentary Wi-Fi allows guests to share their experiences in real-time.

This combination of comfortable transportation and personalized service enhances the overall quality of the tour, making it an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specified dress code for the tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. It’s best to dress casually and in layers to easily adapt to the changing conditions during the day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a sit-down lunch at a Tuscan winery, so outside food and drinks are typically not permitted.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to book a private tour. Many tour companies offer private tours with a dedicated guide and vehicle for a more personalized experience. Prices vary, but private tours provide more flexibility and exclusivity than group tours.

Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Lunch?

Yes, you can make special dietary requests for the lunch. The tour provider is usually able to accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options if you let them know in advance.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer discounts for children or seniors. The price is the same for all participants regardless of age. The tour is priced as a flat rate for the full-day sightseeing and tasting experience.

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