Tuscany’s enchanting towns of San Gimignano and Siena beckon visitors to explore their medieval charms. This day trip from Florence promises a delightful blend of history, art, and leisure. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy the region’s captivating culture, savor local Vernaccia wine, and discover the Gothic architectural wonders that make these destinations truly…

Contents show

Key Points

A 9-hour tour from Florence to the medieval towns of San Gimignano and Siena, allowing 2.5 hours of free time in each town.
Includes transportation, a professional guide, and audio guides in multiple languages, with departure from Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal.
Explore the UNESCO-listed San Gimignano, known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages", and climb to the Rocca di Montestaffoli for panoramic views.
Discover the Gothic art and architecture of Siena, including the iconic Piazza del Campo and Duomo di Siena, immersing in the city’s rich history and culture.
The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to significant walking involved, and free cancellations are available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Florence: Day Trip with Free Time in San Gimignano and Siena" is a 9-hour tour that takes visitors from Florence to explore the historic towns of San Gimignano and Siena.

Priced from $54.61 per person, the tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and audio guides. Participants can expect to spend 2.5 hours in each town.

The tour departs from the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, a short walk from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or low fitness levels.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Florence

Itinerary and Transportation

Starting from the Piazzale Montelungo, the tour takes visitors on an air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi.

It’s an 80-minute bus ride to San Gimignano, where guests explore the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for 2.5 hours.

Next, it’s a 40-minute drive to Siena, a city renowned for its Gothic art and historic districts.

After exploring the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" in San Gimignano, the tour continues with a 40-minute drive to Siena, renowned for its Gothic art and historic districts.

After 2.5 hours in Siena, the bus returns to Florence, taking 1.5 hours.

In total, the tour includes approximately 5 hours of bus travel and 5 hours of exploration at the two destinations.

Exploring San Gimignano

After the scenic drive from Florence, visitors arrive in the enchanting medieval town of San Gimignano. Known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts numerous towering stone structures that create a unique skyline.

Visitors can:

Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and squares, admiring the well-preserved historic architecture.
Climb to the top of the Rocca di Montestaffoli for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Visit the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, a Romanesque cathedral with stunning frescoes.
Indulge in the town’s famous Vernaccia white wine and local delicacies.

Discovering Siena

Next, the tour takes visitors to the historic city of Siena. Renowned for its Gothic art and architecture, Siena is home to the famous Piazza del Campo, the stunning Duomo di Siena, and the distinct Contrade districts.

Visitors can wander through the city’s charming streets, admiring the medieval buildings and soaking in the vibrant local culture. The tour provides time to explore Siena at one’s own pace, allowing travelers to visit landmarks, sample local cuisine, and enjoy the city’s rich heritage.

Siena’s captivating blend of history, art, and tradition makes it a highlight of the day trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Included Services

The tour includes several services to enhance the day trip experience.

These include:

A professional, multilingual guide who accompanies the group throughout the day, providing expert commentary and insights.
A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey between the destinations.
Audio guides available in multiple languages, allowing participants to explore the cities at their own pace with informative audio commentary.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, although attraction tickets, food, and drinks aren’t included, allowing for flexibility in personal spending.

There's plenty more to explore in Florence

Participant Suitability

This tour may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, those with respiratory issues, or low fitness levels may find the tour challenging.

The itinerary involves a significant amount of walking, and the transportation doesn’t accommodate electric wheelchairs. Participants should be prepared to navigate historic city centers with cobblestone streets and stairs.

Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended. Those with mobility concerns should consider requesting assistance or opting for a more accessible tour option.

The tour’s physical demands may limit participation for some visitors.

What to Bring and Prohibited Items

To make the most of the day trip, participants should bring along a few essential items.

This includes:

Comfortable walking shoes to navigate the historic streets and hilly terrain.
Sunglasses and a hat to protect against the sun.
An umbrella or light jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

It’s important to note that electric wheelchairs and outside food and drinks are prohibited on the vehicle.

This ensures a smooth and comfortable journey for all participants.

Customer Feedback

How do previous customers rate this day trip experience? Based on over 500 reviews, this tour earns an impressive 4.7/5 overall rating.

Customers rave about the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, who provide an enjoyable and insightful experience. The transportation also receives high marks, with the air-conditioned vehicles and free Wi-Fi making the travel time more comfortable.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s excellent value for money, noting the included services like audio guides. While the trip may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, the destinations of San Gimignano and Siena receive universal praise for their beauty and historical significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour in My Own Language?

Yes, the tour offers audio guides in multiple languages, including French, English, German, Spanish, and Italian, allowing you to enjoy the experience in your preferred language.

Is Lunch Included in the Tour Price?

No, lunch is not included in the tour price. The tour only covers transportation, a tour leader, and audio guide services. Participants will need to purchase their own food and drinks during the free time in San Gimignano and Siena.

How Much Free Time Do We Have in Each City?

The tour provides 2.5 hours of free time in each city, San Gimignano and Siena, allowing visitors to explore the destinations at their own pace and discover the highlights.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. Visitors have 2.5 hours of free time in each city, San Gimignano and Siena, as part of the standard 9-hour itinerary. There’s no flexibility to add more time.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Bus?

No, bringing your own food and drinks onto the bus is prohibited. The tour provider asks that participants refrain from consuming outside snacks and beverages during the transportation portions of the day trip.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Florence to San Gimignano and Siena offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the charm and history of Tuscany. With comfortable transportation, a professional guide, and ample free time in each town, travellers can enjoy the medieval architecture, local cuisine, and vibrant culture. Whether seeking to discover San Gimignano’s iconic towers or explore Siena’s Gothic splendor, this tour provides a seamless and enjoyable way to explore the best of Tuscany.