Overall Description

Siena
A city of Tuscany in northern Italy that became an important rival of Florence during the Renaissance. Founded by the ancient Etruscans, Siena came under the control of the Lombards after the fall of the Roman Empire in the middle of the fifth century.

Siena, A Step back to Medieval Tuscany. Siena is likely Italy's loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena'sheart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer.

San Gimignano
Located in the Elsa Valley, San Gimignano is a splendid treasure hidden in the heart of the famous Tuscan countryside. The first buildings that will catch your eyes are the majestic medieval watchtowers where wealthy families lived and were well protected from enemy attacks. As you turn left and right, admire every building of this charming village where locals still live peacefully. It is a quiet village that has descended through time from the Etruscan period to the Romans, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and from the Medici and the Lorena nobility. San Gimignano has always been extremely important for an economy based on agriculture. Fifteen watchtowers are visible today (seventy-two existed in the Middle Ages) and tourists have heard it referred to as the "Medieval Manhattan".

ITINERARY

Siena-San Gimignano
Pick up port / hote / resident we will start to drive towards Siena, the furthest city we can visit from the port of Livorno but definitely one of the most charming! Siena (Saena Julia), was founded by the Romans as a military colony due to its position on a hilltop, incredibly strategic that also the Medici from Florence decides to conquer it. On the way to Siena we will also stop in Monteriggioni, a spectacular fortress, completely intact. Coffee or Cappuccino break is a must! We will then proceed to Siena. The architecture of Siena will take your breath away! You can purchase a special pass to visit of The Duomo (Santa Maria della Scala), The Baptistery, The Crypt and the “Facciatone” or simply stroll around the Cathedral Square to take fabulous pictures of these mighty monuments. Just a few minutes down the main street you will reach the famous Piazza del Campo "The Campo", a unique "shell shaped" square facing one of the tallest towers in Italy, the Torre del Mangia (Mangia's Tower). The Campo is also know for the Palio, a crazy horse race still going on every year in Siena (since ancient times). Around lunch time we will leave Siena to head to San Gimignano, probably the most beautiful medieval village in our region. You will recognize San Gimignano immediately as 13 watch towers stand in the middle of the village. Here you will have time to shop in the local stores (leather goods, hand painted pottery, wine, olive oil and more), visit the Church of Collegiata (completely covered with frescoes), walk of top the Torre Grossa (the tallest tower) or enter the medieval Torture Museum. Don't forget to try Dondoli's Gelato… the best in the World or sip a glass of the famous Chianti wine in one of the little wine shops! Upon request we can organize a wine tasting with full lunch in a family owned winery (see details below).  

Optional
WINE TASTING & FULL LUNCH: We will take you to a local winery where you will try some of the best Tuscan wines and local delicacies. A full meal will be served. Additional 50-60 Euros per person to be paid directly on spot. Note: This option is a fixed menu. If any member of your party requires a vegetarian or gluten-free meal, please email us in advance so we may arrange this for you.

End of the tour
Return to pick up location between the hours 4-5pm. Driving across the rolling hills of Tuscany.

• Pick up time: 8 am or as for your confirmation.
• Return time: 4-5pm or as for your confirmation.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE RESERVE ALL RIGHTS TO CHANGE THE ORDER OF ITINERARY. IF NECESSARY AT OUR DISCRETION DUE TO NATURAL CAUSES (ENVIRONMENTAL) OR POLITICAL REASONS (STRIKE / PROTEST)

Each additional hour is at the cost of E75.

Transportation
One of our professional, knowledgeable English speaking driver guides will be waiting at pick up location (where you will be tendered) or agreed location at 8 am, or according to the agreed time. Your driver will be holding a sign with your or your party's name on it.

• Ports (Pick up is normally 8am or otherwise agreed upon)
  

  Our escort driver will be waiting at the gangway of your cruise ship or outside the cruise ship terminal. The escort driver will be holding up a sign with the group's name on it. The email that accompanies the voucher you receive at the time of booking will indicate the meeting point for each specific port. We recommend that you meet onboard before exiting the ship. This way you are all together when meeting your escort driver and the tour can commence much more efficiently. Otherwise, the wait time for others will be 20minutes, after which time the tour will proceed.

• Airport
  The escort driver will be waiting at the arrival lobby holding a sign with the name in which the reservation was made under or otherwise stated.

• Hotel
  Escort driver will be waiting at the lobby of the hotel. Normally pick up is 8:30 am or otherwise stated.

• Resident / B & B
  The escort driver will be waiting outside the main doors of the building.