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Small-Group San Gimignano and Volterra Day Trip from Siena

5 (101)
Siena, IT
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Small-Group San Gimignano and Volterra Day Trip from Siena

5 (101)
Siena, IT
Share
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

(101)

5 (101)

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!

deenamh2017

This was a very small group tour, about 7 of us in total, and that makes it very personable and fun. Our tour guide, Guillermo (William, Bill..) was awesome, making sure we learned a lot along the way. We were blessed with seeing a couple of added bonuses: the small town and castle of Montereggioni, and lunch at an agriturismo in the countryside! Montereggioni is a hidden gem. Very small and quaint, but worth a quick visit. It's very walkable and so pretty! My sister and I really found it to be a great surprise! Heading on to San Gimignano was also great! This was the second time we would be visiting this town, having already visited it once on another tour, so we were more familiar with what we wanted to see. Guillermo gave us ample time to visit this place, so we climbed the tower to see the Tuscan countryside. What an extraordinary view! Tuscany is just so beautiful, and seeing it from the top of an old tower was the icing on the cake! Guillermo had been very kind in stopping outside of San Gimignano before we arrived, so we all could get a great picture of this place. He was very accommodating and patient. After San Gimignano, we were treated to an incredible lunch at an agriturismo place I believe, with our charming hostess whose place grows saffron! Her property is gorgeous, overlooking the countryside. All of the food is organic, and we were fed like family! We learned how to harvest saffron and how it grows. What a wonderful experience this was for us! We then continued on to Volterra after lunch, and we were given time to look around this lovely place. The Roman ruins were fascinating, and this town really surprised us. The roads were larger than other Tuscan towns we had been to, and it appeared to be a good size town with about 10,000 inhabitants. I would like to come back to Volterra in the future to see it again! Guillermo also treated us to a visit to an alabaster factory in Volterra with a gentleman who has been making alabaster for over 45 yrs! We saw the process, the effort, and the dedication that goes into creating some beautiful pieces! It What a talented man he is! I highly recommend this tour and I have to say that Tuscan Escapes did an amazing job! Please take this tour as you will be rewarded with amazing once in a lifetime experiences!

Deborah_M

This Viator exceeded our expectations. We mainly booked it to see San Gimignano but the luncheon at the winery was over the top--the setting, the food, the wine, and the vineyard owners. WOW. William, our guide, was also exceptional and engaging. It was a lovely day in the Tuscan Hills from Siena.

nbassler2018

I had a wonderful day with Guillermo as our guide. He is very knowledgeable and entertaining. The lunch at the winery has been amazing, such a beautiful place and great food and wine. I can highly recommend this tour.

Barry_W

Elio was the best guide. He was fun and knowledgeable. He went out of his way to make sure we all had a wonderful time. Highly recommend.

Daydream311663

We had a most enjoyable tour with our guide, Marella, who was very enthusiastic, personable, and knowledgeable. She spoke good English and communicated very well. There were eight English-speaking tourists in the group from various parts of the world. The venues we visited were of course already extraordinary in their beauty, culture and history. On our way to San Gimignano from Siena, we were treated to an additional brief stop at Montereggioni, a beautiful, old fortified community. Vistas of the surrounding landscape were repeatedly breathtaking in their beauty at various points enroute during the day. Within the constraints of a one day tour, there was ample time to walk around Monteriggioni, then San Gimignano and lastly Volterra. A stop for lunch at a local farmhouse just after the stop at San Gimignano was a highlight of the day. We were introduced to the charming hostess, who provided a most delicate and delicious meal featuring top quality saffron, that is produced locally. We also had a lovely local white wine, the grapes for which the region is famed. There followed a brief but fascinating explanation by the chef of what saffron is and how it is produced locally. With the visit to Volterra, also known for its alabaster, there was included a highly interesting visit to the workshop of a master alabaster craftsman, who demonstrated his impressive skills using traditional methods. Despite being in his early eighties, he was delightfully young and inspiring in every other way. The tour ended back in Siena a little late because of an unusual traffic congestion on the way, but apart from that, it was a wonderful day well spent in this most special part of Italy.

376kelleyp

We really enjoyed our guide Matteo (Mathias). Excellent knowledge and great sense of humor. So personable and highly recommended. Our lunch with Frederick and beautiful family was a wonderful highlight. Gracie Mille
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-04 18:16
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