Tuscany’s hidden gems: San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey

Fall for the charm of 3 hidden treasures of Tuscany: discover San Gimignano, Volterra and San Galgano Abbey.

Relax on our fully-fitted GT Coach and enjoy the drive to the most authentic area of Tuscany, with its medieval towns and postcard landscapes. The journey begins in San Gimignano, the so-called “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” due to the high ancient towers that stand out along the city center.
Wander through its cobblestone streets and let the stunning views of the surrounding hills amaze you. The second stop is the scenic Volterra in all its medieval charm. Perched on top of a hill, from Volterra you will enjoy a breathtaking view that will leave you in awe.

Your final stop is the mysterious San Galgano Abbey, just about one hour drive from Volterra.

Of the 13th Century Cistercian abbey only the walls remain: it is empty and roofless, above it only the sky. Prepare to travel with your imagination as you step inside and let the grandeur of the gothic architecture inspire you.

This tour is indeed a tour which will suit everyone, from those who adore Tuscany’s diverse landscapes and its remarkable works of art, to its illustrious history and legendary tales. It is certainly a tour which the entire family will love.
There is no time to waste when exploring the stunning Tuscany hills! Meet your tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal early in the morning. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from the Santa Maria Novella train station. Hop on the comfortable coach bus, choose your seat, and relax before departing on your journey! The drive to San Gimignano will take about one hour. During the journey, your guide will entertain you with plenty of interesting information about San Gimignano!

Your journey to discover Tuscany’s hidden gems will start with San Gimignano, known as the “town of towers,” because of its fascinating medieval towers still perfectly intact. The drive will take about an hour, and you will see the stunning “medieval skyscrapers” from a distance as your bus pulls into the historic town. Your guide will lead you past an incredible panoramic viewpoint of the Tuscan hills, then through the ancient city doors. You will have an hour to independently explore the town – walk the picturesque alleyways, visit the Duomo, or climb the tallest tower!

During your free time, do not miss to explore Piazza della Cisterna with its triangular shape with a slight natural slope and the nearby Piazza del Duomo. The pavement is brick and the piazza is surrounded by houses and medieval towers. There are presently 5 towers onto the square or very near it and the bases of other five are visible on the facade of the various palaces.

During your free time in San Gimignano, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by one of the most famous Gelato Shops in Italy, the award winner “Gelateria Dondoli”! Let yourself be enchanted by the flavours and colours of their delicious home made ice creams and recharge the batteries for the rest of the day!

Sit back and relax, the journey by bus from San Gimignano to San Galgano Abbey will last approximately 1 hour. You will literally cross the heart of Tuscany, and you will admire the most pristine landscape made of cypresses, vineyards and rolling hills

The last stop of your Tuscan tale will be Volterra, a walled mountaintop town characterized by a Medieval and Etruscan charm. Its history dates from before the 8th century BC and it has substantial structures from the Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval periods.

Your tour leader will take you to the heart of Volterra, that is to say the suggestive Piazza dei Priori, the main square of the city and a fine example of medieval Tuscan town squares.

Your Tuscany’s hidden gems quest will continue in the direction of the sublime St Galgano Abbey, a majestic roofless Gothic style building, built in the 13th-century. church still stand.
This stunning former Cistercian Monastery is immersed in the most pristine Tuscan landscapes, amongs cypresses and olive groves.

It’s time to leave this fascinating corner of paradise in the heart of Tuscany to reach the last stop of this search for hidden treasures. The trip by bus to Volterra will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes!

The return journey to Florence will take about 2 hours, just sit back and relax, while your tour leader takes care of you.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please, note that the given order of the visits may change
• Comfortable shoes are recommended

• Tuscany’s hidden gems: San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey
  Add

• Small group tour
• Roundtrip journey by fully fitted GT Coach
• Free time in San Gimignano, Volterra and San Galgano
• Expert English speaking tour leader
• Entrance fee to San Galgano Abbey

• Food and drink

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• This Tour is Provided by Ciao Florence Tours Srl.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 3 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.