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Small-Group San Gimignano and Volterra Day Trip from Siena

5 (108)
Siena, IT
5 (108)
Siena, IT
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Embark on a small-group tour that will transport you back in time to the medieval villages of San Gimignano and Volterra. Let the attentive local guide lead you through the charming Fortress of Monteriggioni, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Explore the picturesque streets of San Gimignano, with its awe-inspiring medieval towers and artisanal boutiques. Marvel at the incredible minature museum, which provides a glimpse into what life was like in San Gimignano during the Middle Ages. Indulge in a traditional Tuscan lunch on a small farm, where you can savor the flavors of saffron and Vernaccia white wine. Continue your journey to Volterra, where Etruscan and Roman ruins blend seamlessly with Renaissance architecture. Visit an artisanal workshop and witness the exquisite craftsmanship of local alabaster sculptures. Spend your leisure time wandering the historical streets of Volterra, soaking in its ancient charm. With limited group sizes, this is the perfect opportunity to receive personalized attention from your guide and create lasting memories of your Tuscan adventure.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 8 hours
  • Suitable for 1-8 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore the medieval charms of Tuscany
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of San Gimignano
  • Experience the alabaster workshop in Volterra
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch on a small Tuscan farm
  • Receive personalized attention in a small-group tour
  • Lunch
  • Driver/guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Visit to alabaster workshop
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Escape to the picturesque towns of San Gimignano and Volterra on a full-day tour from Siena. Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval atmosphere of Tuscany as you explore these charming hill towns. With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, uncover the rich history and cultural heritage that defines these UNESCO World Heritage-listed gems. From the majestic fortress of Monteriggioni to the iconic medieval towers of San Gimignano, and the ancient streets of Volterra, each destination holds a unique charm that will transport you back in time. Indulge in a delicious Tuscan lunch on a family-run farm and discover the traditional art of alabaster craftsmanship. With limited group sizes, personalized attention is guaranteed, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

What to Expect

During this 8-hour tour, you can expect to embark on a journey through the captivating medieval towns of San Gimignano and Volterra. Marvel at the breathtaking views as you travel through the stunning Chianti hills and discover the perfectly preserved fortress of Monteriggioni. Explore San Gimignano's ancient streets and admire the austere medieval towers that have stood the test of time. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of this UNESCO site. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch on a family-run farm, savoring the flavors of the region. In Volterra, witness the art of alabaster craftsmanship and explore the town's fascinating blend of Etruscan, Roman, and Renaissance architecture. With a small group and a knowledgeable local guide, you can expect a personalized and immersive experience.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for those seeking a truly authentic experience of Tuscany's medieval towns. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply someone who enjoys the charm of old-world towns, this tour is for you. Photographers will be in awe of the stunning landscapes, capturing postcard-worthy shots at every turn. Food enthusiasts will delight in the traditional Tuscan lunch, savoring the rich flavors of the region. As this tour is limited to eight people, it ensures a personalized and intimate experience suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Regardless of your age or interests, if you have a desire to explore and uncover the hidden treasures of Tuscany, this tour is tailored to you.

Why Book This?

This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Tuscany's medieval heritage. With the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide, you'll gain insights and anecdotes that bring these historic towns to life. The limited group size ensures a personalized experience, allowing you to ask questions and interact with your guide. From the moment you meet under the large tree next to the red brick church, you will be transported to a different time and place. Explore the enchanting streets of San Gimignano, taste the flavors of Tuscany during a traditional lunch, and witness the ancient art of alabaster craftsmanship in Volterra. With this tour, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime and gain a deep appreciation for the rich history and cultural heritage of Tuscany.

Good to Know

During this tour, you can expect to walk on uneven terrain and navigate cobblestone streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The tour includes a delicious traditional Tuscan lunch, providing an opportunity to sample authentic flavors of the region. Should you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform your guide in advance, and they will do their best to accommodate your needs. Additionally, it's worth noting that the itinerary may vary slightly on occasion, but the overall experience and duration will remain consistent. With transportation, lunch, and entrance fees included, you can relax and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of these charming Tuscan towns.

Reviews

Previous travelers have praised this tour for its immersive and enchanting experience. They commend the knowledgeable guides who share their passion for the history and culture of Tuscany. Many have expressed appreciation for the small group size, allowing for a more personal and interactive experience. The breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views have also left a lasting impression on visitors. The traditional Tuscan lunch is often highlighted as a highlight, with visitors raving about the delicious flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Overall, guests have described this tour as an unforgettable journey through time, filled with unique insights and wonderful memories.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Basilica Cateriniana Di S. Domenico

(Pass by)

Meet your guide in front of the church of San Domenico in Siena at 9:30am, easy to find even if you are arriving from out of town with your own car, as there is parking in the vicinity.

Cantinetta di Monteriggioni - Montechiaro Organic Wine Experience

Travel north into the first Chianti hills and take a walk around Monteriggioni, a medieval and perfectly preserved fortress with a complete ring of city walls and turrets built in the 13th century and mentioned by Dante in his Divine Comedy: this was once Siena’s main bastion of defense against the armies of Florence. Enjoy its quiet and charming atmosphere browsing the alleys and shops of local crafts and products, or lighting a candle in the local church as the pilgrim's once did.

San Gimignano

Continue to the fascinating town of San Gimignano, one of the most characteristic hilltop towns of Tuscany, with its many austere medieval towers that defiantly survived the centuries and are still proudly standing today. Recognized as a UNESCO site of world heritage, this city is a great testimony of medieval architecture. Walk along the ancient route of the Via Francigena, the main route that took all travelers and pilgrims of Europe to Rome and the Holy See. The bustling San Gimignano flourishes with artisanal boutiques of the local trades and stores, selling the towns famous ‘red gold’ or saffron spice as well as the Vernaccia white wine, so traditional and old that Dante mentions it in the 13th century.

San Gimignano 1300

Brief visit to the minature museum and marvel at what San Gimignano looked like during the Middle Ages

Volterra

After working up an appetite browsing squares, streets, churches and stores of San Gimignano, visit a small family-run farm and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch prepared using the farm's own seasonal products. During lunch you will taste dishes prepared with saffron accompanied by the refreshing Vernaccia white wine. After lunch, continue on the panoramic roads towards Volterra, the ancient Velathri, a city that harmoniously combines Etruscan and Roman ruins with medieval and Renaissance architecture, with the unavoidable modern buildings and furnishings. Visit a small, artisanal workshop and meet the craftsmen that have been working the local alabaster for decades. Witness this ancient art of sculpting this stone into precious masterpieces.

Cathedral of Volterra

Enjoy leisure time walking along the streets of the historical centre of Volterra, visiting the town’s famous Etruscan museum or simply marveling at the millennia old Etruscan arch, the Roman theatre or the more modern monuments and shops in town. On some occasions the itinerary might vary a little. In this case, the tour could be slightly modified but will maintain a similar general imprint, of the same duration and with all the same inclusions.

Reviews

(108)

5 (108)

Pam_H

Our guide, Juliana, was outstanding!! Every part of the day was perfect. We had ample free time in the cities on our own. Lunch at the private home of the owners of Terre Di Sovernaja winery was a special time. We tasted their wines and olive oils and had some sent home. We saw the workshop of an alabaster artist with demonstrations. A true highlight of the day. He sells some of his work in his small gallery next to his workshop. Be sure to take home a piece of his artistry. Take extra cash because he only accepts cash. A true artisan! This tour covers a lot of different experiences and sights. We were glad we chose this particular tour.

robert_m

Our tour guide Julianna was very knowledgeable about the area we were visiting. Her understanding of the history of the region was impressive. She was also an excellent driver guiding us through the twisty countryside. San Gimignano and Volterra were big enough to have spent many hours in, but we got a good taste of what these places were like. Castle of Monteriggioni was much smaller and a great start to our tour. The visit to the spice and herb farm for lunch was definitely a highlight and the visit to the alabaster workshop was extremely interesting.

704rodt

This was a fantastic day trip! The meeting point was very clear & guide was punctual. Traveled by van through stunning views to San Gimignano for free time. Then traveled to Terre Di Sovernaja, the most delightful vineyard ever, where we had a homemade meal & sampled many wines. The food & wine were absolutely delicious!. This was such a unique experience as it all took place in the home of the vineyard owners. They were so amazingly kind & welcoming! They definitely made you feel like family! After, we traveled on to Volterra where we got to meet & watch the sweetest & most amazing alabaster sculptor. We went into his actual workshop where he gave us a demonstration, then were able to purchase some of his work, which were great gifts to take back home. We then enjoyed some free time to explore Volterra. It truly was a great day! Highly recommend!!!

Starburst10

Everything about this trip was fabulous, starting with our wonderful driver and guide, Guglielmo. He was so knowledgeable and courteous and diplomatic, not to mention enthusiastic, funny, and polite. The itinerary was amazing: 9:30 am to 6 pm return, with just the right amount of time allocated to every place. Starting with impressive yet charming Castelreggii, to San Gimignano via the “Via Vecchia”, with a stop off for distance pictures, to the town of towers, where he directed me to an off-the-beaten-track Chiesa St Agostino filled with priceless frescoes. He answered every question and provided us with detailed historic context! After San Gimignano, we were treated to a delicious home-cooked Tuscan lunch at a beautiful farm, where the lovely proprietress explained in Italian (all translated perfectly into English by Guglielmo) how she cultivates saffron - fascinating! The wine and all the courses were perfect, followed by homemade limoncello with saffron ice cream and espressos for dessert! Following this, we were treated to an alabaster workshop watching a master work and polish his creations. Several people bought the beautiful pieces. Finally, as if we hadn’t had enough beauty, we were delivered to a gem of a city called Volterra - just superb! An hour there whetted our appetite to return on another visit! Thank you Guglielmo for your knowledge, itinerary, and skillful driving- we recommend you either 5/5 stars!

Melissa_L

This was my third tour different with this company and I am never disappointed. Mattio ( I am sure I spelled his name wrong) was amazing, he was funny, knowledgeable, and made the day a great memory!

Judi_P

Wonderful guide Julia drove us safely through the Tuscan region visiting 3 key hilltop towns. She gave our small group a comprehensive dialogue about the sights, the history, the points of interest along the way. Delicious winery lunch provided by delightful hosts. The small group size allowed us to interact with fellow travellers and I felt that when the tour concluded, we had all become friends. A real highlight of our trip to Italy!

andreaegerc

My husband and I were grouped with six others for this day trip and had an amazing experience. We were first-time visitors to Italy and did not want to drive ourselves but very much wanted to see the remote, mountain-top town of Volterra. Our tour guide, Juliana, displayed excellent knowledge of the area and cuisine we were exploring and answered all of our questions and requests for recommendations with ease. Volterra was spectacular — but be sure to map out the hard-to-find but truly remarkable Roman Theater ruins for your stop there. The visit in Omer Cerone’s alabaster workshop was charming and impressive. Bring $30-$100 cash to purchase one of his treasures to take home with you. Lastly, Tuscan Escapes does not emphasize one of the most outstanding aspects of the trip — the sit-down lunch on a small saffron and olive oil farm. Our whole group raved about the location, food, wine and hospitality of the farm owner/operators. It was a lovely break from sight-seeing and opportunity to connect with our fellow travelers about what we were seeing and tasting. The cook even accommodated a special dietary need in our party. The day trip was the highlight of our vacation and a great value, given how much ground you cover and the amazing meal.

Pauline_D

The guide was excellent, lunch was amazing and the cities visited had that very special touch that want you to come back. Very very nice

maryllmoon

Wonderful experience! Our guide, Elio, was excellent. He was amiable and congenial as well as knowledgeable. He was also flexible, allowing us to pursue our particular interests, even though we had to break off from the group at one point.

Mlfpdx

We enjoyed the small tour to San Gimignano and Volterra with the lunch stop at the olive and spice farm immensely! We had an outstanding guide by the name of Guillermo. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and made history come alive! The lunch at the farm was excellent! The lady who prepared our lunch was very welcoming and served a beautiful and delicious lunch. We also heard a presentation on the production of saffron. I would recommend this tour most highly and would give Guillermo a 5 star rating!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-23 10:46