An unforgettable day to visit Siena and San Gimignano, private day tour from Florence to visit the two most enchanting medieval cities of Tuscany in a private tour: Siena one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy and San Gimignano also known as the City of Towers.
For their history and unique heritage, San Gimignano has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in past 1990 and Siena has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in past 1995.
Discover art, traditions and history of Siena and San Gimignano in the hills of Tuscany with a private tour departing from Florence.
Siena is at about 78 km south of Florence and San Gimignano is far about 60 km southwest of Florence.
In Siena with your private expert guide you will enjoy and experience in a private walking tour the beauties, art and traditions of this important medieval city. Among other things, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the famous Piazza del Campo where the Palio, an horse race, is held on July 2nd and August 16th each year.
The magnificent Cathedral of Siena, built in Tuscan Gothic style, walking through the medieval streets surrounded by noble palaces, the guide will tell you the history of Siena made by the most important families.
The most relevant point of interest in Siena are:
• The Church of San Domenico also known as Basilica Cateriniana and at Fonte Branda that was one of the city's principal sources of water in the Middle Ages.
• The Palazzo Salimbeni built in gothic style is now the headquarters of the bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena and Palazzo Tolomei one of the oldest in Siena.
• The famous Piazza del Campo built in the beginning of the 1300's, is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena and is where the Palio race is held on July 2 and August 16 each year.
• In Piazza del Campo: The Palazzo Pubblico with the frescoes of Lorenzetti, the Torre del Mangia, as well as various noble palaces surround the shell-shaped piazza. At the northwest edge of the square there is the Fonte Gaia the endpoint of the system of conduits bringing water to the city's centre.
• The Duomo that is the magnificent cathedral of Siena, built in Tuscan Gothic style is a "must do", inside the Duomo, the inlaid marble mosaic floor is one of the most ornate of its kind in Italy and the pulpit, made of Carrara marble, was sculpted between the end of 1265 and November 1268 by Nicola Pisano.
• In front the façade of Duomo stands the Ospedale of Santa Maria della Scala one of Europe’s oldest hospitals now museum.
With your personal guide you will discover the medieval city of San Gimignano.
Located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, this small medieval village is visible with its skyline for miles away.
San Gimignano was built by noble families and originally the towns had 72 towers representing in the medieval time the symbol of power, now only about a dozen are preserved. in the centre of San Gimignano, in Piazza della Cisterna it is worth stopping for an excellent and tasty ice cream.
Furthermore, your full day tour, before returning to Florence, will also include a stop at the walled city of Monteriggioni which was strategically very important during the medieval conflicts between Florence and Siena.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Florence
• Day tour with your expert local guide
• Explore the quaint town of San Gimignano and the medieval Siena
• Admire the walled town of Monteriggioni
• Tour with the comfort of private driver and private vehicle
DETAILS
Duration:
8 hours
Start Time Private Tour:
Morning: you can require whatever start time you like.
Meeting Point:
At the lobby of your Hotel in Florence
Price will include:
- Personal expert and licensed guide
- Private Mercedes vehicle
- Professional English speaking driver
Price will not include:
- Gratuities (optional),
- Admission fees to churches and museums
- Meals and Beverage
F.A.Q.
- What is the significance of Palio di Siena?
The Palio di Siena holds immense significance for the city of Siena and its residents. Here are some key aspects of its significance:
1. Cultural Heritage: The Palio is deeply ingrained in Sienese culture and tradition, dating back to the medieval period. It reflects the city's rich history, community spirit, and identity.
2. Community Cohesion: The Palio fosters a strong sense of community among the residents of Siena. The city is divided into 17 contrade, each with its own distinct traditions, symbols, and rivalries. The Palio serves as a focal point for these contrade, bringing people together to celebrate their shared heritage and compete in friendly rivalry.
3. Symbol of Identity: Each contrada takes immense pride in its participation in the Palio. Winning the race is a matter of great honor and prestige for the victorious contrada, symbolizing their strength, unity, and identity.
4. Historical Continuity: The Palio has been celebrated for centuries, making it one of the oldest continuously held events in the world. Its longevity and endurance through the ages contribute to its significance as a symbol of continuity and tradition.
5. Tourism and Economy: The Palio attracts thousands of tourists to Siena, contributing significantly to the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses benefit from the influx of visitors who come to witness the spectacle of the race and participate in the festivities.
6. Art and Pageantry: The Palio is not just a horse race; it's a grand spectacle of pageantry, featuring colorful costumes, processions, and traditional rituals. It showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of Siena and adds to the allure of the event.
7. Spirit of Competition: The Palio embodies the competitive spirit of the Sienese people. The intense rivalry between the contrade fuels excitement and anticipation, making the race a thrilling and emotionally charged event for both participants and spectators.
Overall, the Palio di Siena is a multifaceted event that encompasses cultural, social, historical, and economic significance, making it one of the most iconic and cherished traditions of the city.