Siena Trip Overview
This private shore excursion has been designed for those who have already visited the famous cities of Florence and Pisa, and are interested in exploring other beautiful areas of Tuscany rich in charm, history, and culture.
Siena’s history extends as far back as Ancient Rome as a Roman colony. For centuries since, Siena grew into a prosperous significant medieval town, a rightful rival to the neighboring Florence.
One of the historic traditions that date back to ancient tribal systems retained in Siena, is the town’s 17 districts (contrade)- each with its own coat of arm and strong identity. Every July 2 and August 16 the Palio is held in Piazza del Campo.
San Gimignano has a distinctive skyline which has earned it its nickname “Medieval Manhattan” of Tuscany. During the Middle Ages towers were a symbol of power, therefore prestigious families competed in building the tallest and greatest towers to establish their relevance in the community.
Additional Info
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes
Starts: Siena, Italy
Trip Category: Shore Excursions >> Ports of Call Tours
Explore Siena Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Siena, Tuscany, Italy
This private shore excursion has been designed for those who have already visited the famous cities of Florence and Pisa, and are interested in exploring other beautiful areas of Tuscany rich in charm, history, and culture.
Siena’s history extends as far back as Ancient Rome as a Roman colony. For centuries since, Siena grew into a prosperous significant medieval town, a rightful rival to the neighboring Florence.
One of the historic traditions that date back to ancient tribal systems retained in Siena, is the town’s 17 districts (contrade)- each with its own coat of arm and strong identity. Every July 2 and August 16 the Palio is held in Piazza del Campo.
San Gimignano has a distinctive skyline which has earned it its nickname “Medieval Manhattan” of Tuscany. During the Middle Ages towers were a symbol of power, therefore prestigious families competed in building the tallest and greatest towers to establish their relevance in the community.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Piazza del Campo, 53100, Siena Italy
A universal symbol of the city, the distinct form of the Piazza del Campo is just one of the reasons why UNESCO recognizes Siena as the ideal embodiment of a medieval city. It was built on the intersection of the three main roads that lead to and from Siena. Twice a year the world-famous Palio is held here.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Duomo di Siena, Piazza del Duomo 8, 53100, Siena Italy
A great Gothic building filled with treasures by Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio. The exterior of the cathedral is pretty impressive, but it’s inside that you’ll be amazed! The columns continue the white/black marble striped motif and, looking up you’ll see, the busts of past religious men of Siena looking down upon you. And yet, the most impressive and beautiful of the treasures the cathedral holds are the floors, decorated with the art of mosaics (using various techniques) to create storytelling masterpieces.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Torre del Mangia, Piazza del Campo 1, 53100, Siena Italy
The climb can be a bit challenging: there are over 400 steps, a bit steep and narrow, to climb but the view that awaits you on the top of the tower is really worth the “effort”.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza Della Cisterna, San Gimignano Italy
Piazza della Cisterna has a triangular shape with a slight natural slope and is connected to the nearby Piazza del Duomo by an open passage. The piazza is surrounded by houses and medieval towers and features a cistern in the center which provided the town’s water in ancient times.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Palazzo Pubblico e Torre Grossa, Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano Italy
The Palazzo Comunale, also known as the Palazzo del Popolo of San Gimignano has been the seat of the civic authority since the 13th century.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano Italy
The piazza takes its name from the Duomo (Cathedral) located there. The treasures inside include a fully-frescoed Duomo, which has NEVER actually needed “restoration” throughout the centuries.
The colors you see are the original ones painted in the 1300s and their vividness and brightness are awe-inspiring.
Duration: 30 minutes
