San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, Chianti Day Trip with Lunch
Description
Discover Tuscany in one day from Florence. Begin in the hilltop UNESCO town of San Gimignano with about 2 hours of free time to explore towers, lanes, and artisan shops. Continue to Monteriggioni (seasonal; see note), a perfectly preserved walled village, with time to wander inside the walls. Cross the rolling Chianti hills to a cozy winery for a tasting of three wines and a three-course farm-to-table lunch, ending with cantucci. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Siena: stroll Piazza del Campo and see the Palazzo Pubblico, then admire the Cathedral (interior visit if option selected). Finish with free time before returning to Florence. Please note that the order of the visits may change (*) November to March, the Tour does not include the stop at Monteriggioni and the return to Florence is approx 30 minutes earlier
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the UNESCO-listed “town of towers,” a perfectly preserved medieval hilltop gem with panoramic views, artisan boutiques, and photogenic alleys. Enjoy ample free time for your own exploring, from award-winning gelato to snapshots of the skyline—ideal on a day trip from Florence.
Piazza della Cisterna is a charming medieval square situated in the heart of San Gimignano. Surrounded by well-preserved medieval towers and historic buildings, the square takes its name from the ancient cistern located at its center. The triangular-shaped square is paved with medieval stones and exudes a timeless atmosphere. With its well-preserved medieval architecture and unique charm, Piazza della Cisterna stands as a captivating focal point within the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Gimignano.
These well-preserved walls, dating back to the 13th century, served both defensive and symbolic purposes. The "Mura" offer a scenic stroll along their length, providing panoramic views of the charming town, its iconic towers, and the picturesque Tuscan countryside.
Step inside a storybook fortress village encircled by intact walls and ramparts, beloved by filmmakers and history fans alike. Enjoy free time to browse tiny craft shops, stroll the piazza, and soak up authentic medieval Tuscany. (*) From November to March, the itinerary does not include the stop at Monteriggioni and the return to Florence is approx 30 minutes earlier
Join a guided walking tour (if option selected) through contrade banners, artisan storefronts, and grand palazzi that reveal Siena’s golden age. Afterward, enjoy free time to sip an espresso, browse boutiques, or continue exploring this Gothic masterpiece at your own pace.
Piazza del Campo is the main square of Siena, famous for its distinctive shell shape and elegant brick pavement. Surrounded by historic buildings, it is home to the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia. It is also the setting for the famous Palio di Siena, a historic horse race between the city’s districts.
Cathedral Entrance and inside guided visit only if option selected - officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is a stunning medieval cathedral in Siena. Renowned for its distinctive Gothic architecture, the cathedral showcases a magnificent facade adorned with intricate sculptures. Inside, visitors can marvel at remarkable works of art, including frescoes, mosaics, and statues by renowned artists like Donatello and Michelangelo. The cathedral's breathtaking interior also features a striking marble pavement and a magnificent Piccolomini Library.
Only if cathedral entrance option is selected - The Piccolomini Library, housed within the Duomo di Siena, is a Renaissance gem adorned with vibrant frescoes by Pinturicchio. Commissioned by Pope Pius III, these artworks depict scenes from his life, creating a cultural and artistic treasure within the Siena Cathedral.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A dress code is required to enter places of worships and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. This dress code is strictly enforced and you will risk refused entry if you fail to comply with requirements.
- For small groups, up to 8 pax, the Tour escort service could be replaced with an English speaking driver-guide service, while maintaining unchanged the entire program of the excursion.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- From November to March, the itinerary does not include the stop at Monteriggioni and the return to Florence is approx 30 minutes earlier
- It is mandatory to arrive at the meeting point at the mentioned check in time. In case of delay or no show it will not be possible to join the tour, nor to have a refund or reschedule the tour.
- Please be advised that it is required to bring your original ID with you during the tour.
- Once the audio guides are handed over before the guided tour, they become the full responsibility of the customer. In case of loss, a fee of €80 will be charged.
- Vegetarian and gluten-intolerant options are available at the wineries; however, cross-contamination cannot be fully excluded.
- Clients with motor disabilities or wheelchair users are encouraged to notify the tour organizer in advance and seek medical advice to ensure suitability of services. Our tours and transportation are not suitable for people with motor disabilities or wheelchair users, so to prioritize the safety and well-being of all involved, the driver and tour manager retain the right to decline participation if they believe it may compromise safety. This decision rests solely with them, and no compensation will be provided in such cases. By accepting these terms, clients agree to respect decisions made by staff regarding participation.
Reviews(4,844)
This was a great experience if you like great views from medieval like towns. We had a great time exploring these small towns and enjoyed the lunch and wine we were served. If you’re looking for a trip around Tuscany and don’t want to drive around yourself, this is a great option! Our tour guide Aaron was funny and well informed and our bus driver Elis provided a great ride!
Aaron our guide and Elis our driver truly deserve a glowing review for their exceptional service. They both performed their roles with remarkable skill and dedication. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights with a wonderful sense of humor. Elis, our driver, navigated with impressive expertise, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. Their combined efforts made for an absolutely amazing experience.
We had a fabulous trip!! The stops were beautiful, and we had more than enough time in each place. The winery was beautiful and delicious. Our tour guide Aaron was FANTASTICO, so fun and very knowledgeable. The bus ride was comfortable and smooth thanks to our bus driver Elis. GRAZIE MILLE!!!!!
Great service from start to finish. Our Guide,Aaron , was very polite and helpful. The bus driver was very professional and skilled.
Aaron was a great guild throughout the tour. Great story telling and knowledgeable about the tours. He is also personable and great to be around.
Amazing experience!!! Our guide Aaron and bus driver Elis were so nice and helpful. The tour was totally worth the price we paid.
Aaron, our tour guide, and Elis, our bus driver, were spectacular. So professional, but also entertaining. If you book this trip, hopefully you get them.
We had a great time. Our tour guide Aaron was wonderful, gave plenty of interesting information on our ride, ensured everything went smoothly and was an all around nice person to interact with. Our bus driver Elis was also amazing. Gave us a smooth and safe ride to each location. All around a great time, we enjoyed the views and towns we visited and made some friends along the way.
Aaron was a humorous guy and even showed consideration for those that spoke different languages and made sure that the time of departure and the itinerary for the day was clear and understandable to everyone. He went the extra mile by telling everyone on the bus fun facts and made sure he kept everything light hearted instead of making it feel like this was just a job to him.
Aaron and his driver were excellent all day. Our drop off, meet ups, and all the logistics were amazing. He was knowledgeable and friendly and went out of his way to make the day trip a really enjoyable one
