Siena sidetrips

Day trip from Siena, Italy
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Side trips and day tours around Siena

Siena is perfectly sited in the middle of Southern Tuscany, making it an excellent base from which to visit some of the iconic places in Italy, from medieval towns crowned by towers (San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Pienza) to gorgeous postcard countryside peppered with vilages (Chianti, Crete Senesi) to some of the world's most famous vineyards (in the Chianti and around Montepulicano and Montalcino.

Here are some of the best side-trips from Siena (as well as some tours leaving from Florence that visit Siena and other Tuscan highlights—in case you want to leave the driving and guiding to someone else.)

San GimignanoSan Gimignano - The "Medieval Manhattan" is unique in Italy for being the only town to preserve more than a dozen of its medieval stone towers, holdovers from the bad old days of the Middle Ages bristling the skyline above vineyards producing one of Italy's finest white wines... » more
Cantina de Redi in MontepulcianoMontepulciano - A postcard Tuscan hilltown of Renaissance palazzi lining the steeply sloping main drag and warrens of Etruscan-era tunnels burrowed through the rock underneath the palaces that now house some of the finest wine cellars in the world—and, more importantly, where the wine tastings are free... » more
The ChiantiThe Chianti - Take the slow road—the SS 222, a.k.a. the Chiantigiana, through the Chianti hills between Florence and Siena. One of the world's most famous wine-producing regions, these steep slopes are cloaked in terraced rows of vines and peppered with medieval castles and cypress-shrouded abbeys. The narrow valleys are laced with tiny rivers along which are sprinkled small market towns... » more
PienzaPienza - In the middle of the postcard Tuscan landscape south of Siena—rolling grasslands, grazing sheep, marching lines of cypress—rises the tiny town of Pienza, famed for its sublime pecorino (sheep's milk cheese) and delightful Renaissance architecture. Thanks to the quirky ambition and deep pockets of a homegrown pope, Pienza's main square and buildings were designed by architect Bernardo Rossellino as an homage to all those paintings of "the perfect Renaissance city"... » more

Tours from Florence that visit Siena and other key Tuscan sights

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Duration: 8 hours
Cost: $140 per person 
Book: Reserve it

Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni by Minivan

Your day will start with the visit of Siena. Built on three steep hills and unchanged since medieval times, it's a must-see attraction of Tuscany. Your driver/guide will take you on a walking tour of the highlights of the city, including the famous Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year. You will be exploring quieter backstreets as well in order to appreciate Siena's complex and rich history. You will be given free time to wander around this beautiful town and to enjoy a wonderful lunch (not included in tour price). After lunch you will drive to San Gimignano, with its famous medieval skyscrapers, high walls and narrow streets, then the walled village of Monteriggioni...

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Duration: 8 hours
Private: From $135 per person
Book: Reserve it

Siena-San Gimignano Full Day

Departing from and returning to Florence, this full day excursion begins with a visit to the picturesque village of San Gimignano, famous for the 13th century towers that stand as a testament to its medieval prosperity and the wealth of its merchants. Afterwards, you will drive through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside to Siena. In this cradle of the Italian Gothic style, your expert, private guide will introduce you to the artistic marvels of the historic center. See the spectacular Duomo and baptistery, both of which beautifully symbolize the devout religious nature of the Sienese. The city's heart is the gracious, shell-shaped main piazza, or Campo, site of the celebrated Palio - this thrilling horserace is run twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th. Looming over it is the Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall), a crenellated, medieval building that represents the independence and economic might of the Sienese oligarchy. Time permitting, the driver will take a slight detour to Monteriggioni, a tiny village surrounded by high walls and 14 square towers. It is one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in existence. ...

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Duration: 8.5 hours
Private: From $344 per person 
Book: Reserve it

Winery Visit & Guided Visit of Siena and San Gimignano

Departing from and returning to Florence, this full day excursion begins with a visit to the picturesque village of San Gimignano, famous for the 13th century towers that stand as a testament to its medieval prosperity and the wealth of its merchants. After a tour of San Gimignano you'll head to the Setriolo estate in Castellina in Chianti, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Next stop will be lunch at the Osteria di Lornano, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine. Afterwards, you will drive through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside to Siena. In this cradle of the Italian Gothic style, your expert, private guide will introduce you to the artistic marvels of the historic center. See the spectacular Duomo and baptistery, both of which beautifully symbolize the devout religious nature of the Sienese...

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Duration: 12 hours
Cost: $167 per person 
Book: Reserve it

Tuscany Towns and Chianti Wine-Tasting Trip from Florence: Siena, Lucca and Pisa

Combine charming Tuscan towns with Chianti wine tasting on this full-day trip from Florence! Led by an expert guide, this comprehensive Tuscany tour includes the must-see towns of this stunning region. Explore Siena's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and have an authentic Tuscan lunch on a prestigious Chianti wine estate. After sampling Chianti Classico wine, head to Lucca and Pisa to spend time at leisure. For those keen to visit Pisa's famous attraction, upgrade your tour to include a skip-the-line ticket to the Leaning Tower of Pisa!...

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Duration: 8.5 hours
Cost: $135 per person 
Book: Reserve it

Private Tour: Siena and San Gimignano

Accompanied by your own private guide, you'll enjoy personalized attention on your luxury private tour of San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries. The city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures. Next stop is Siena, where on arrival you have free time for lunch (not included). Afterwards enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent medieval city. Admire the interior of the Cathedral, with the Piccolomini Library, the Opera Metropolitana Museum. Your private tour will then proceed to Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and the Town Hall (outside)...

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Duration: 12 hours
Cost: $120 per person 
Book: Reserve it

Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour (Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Chianti)

Famous for a wealth of art, history, striking landscapes and outstanding produce, Tuscany really does have the best of all worlds! With only a day to spare, see the best Tuscany has to offer on this full-day guided coach trip from Florence. Meet your local guide before heading for the hills on a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside. Your first stop for the day is gothic Siena, famous for its medieval streets. Choose to join a guided tour through the city(free entry inside the Cathedral is included). Or, alternatively, you're free to marvel the sights of Siena at your own pace, enjoy a drink in an open air cafe and meet the locals. The tour then moves on to lunch amid the Chianti vineyards, San Gimignano, and Pisa...

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Duration: 11 hours
Cost: $227 per person 
Book: Reserve it

The Tuscan Jewels (Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Chianti)

Be seduced by the eternal charm of the Tuscan art cities where the beauty of the monuments is linked with the rhythm of life that is still on a human scale and where every stone exudes centuries of history. Through the typical Tuscan countryside hilly territory we reach Siena, splendid medieval city, universally known for its artistic treasures that has been recognized by the UNESCO as a "heritage of the humanity". Once in Siena, we will visit the famous Piazza del Campo, with its particular "shell" shape. Here are the Palazzo Comunale (1298) flanked by the tall Torre del Mangia (1325) and where every year the famous "Palio" takes place...

Tips & useful links

Useful links & resources
Siena tourist information

Siena tourist information office
Piazza del Campo 56
tel. +39-0577-280-551
Terresiena.it

Also useful:
Museisenesi.org

Comune.siena.it
Sienaonline.it (private)
Sienafree.it (private)

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Recommended hotels in Siena

★★★ Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Fani Mignanelli [€€€]
★★ Hotel Cannon d'Oro [€€]
★★ Hotel Duomo [€€–€€€]
★★ B&B Il Corso [€€€]
★★ Piccolo Hotel Etruria [€€–€€€]
Hotel Antica Torre [€€€]
Hotel Chiusarelli [€-€€]

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Siena tourist information office
Piazza del Campo 56
tel. +39-0577-280-551
Terresiena.it

Also useful:
Museisenesi.org

Comune.siena.it
Sienaonline.it (private)
Sienafree.it (private)


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