Set out on a captivating day trip from Florence to the enchanting towns of San Gimignano and Volterra. Uncover the Etruscan and medieval heritage of Volterra, then wander through the charming streets of San Gimignano. Savor exquisite Tuscan dishes and renowned wines at a local winery. This immersive experience allows you to soak in the picturesque Tuscan landscapes and indulge in the region’s renowned culinary delights. What more could one desire from a day in the countryside?

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About Your Stay

A 9.5-hour guided day trip from Florence to the historic towns of San Gimignano and Volterra, with a focus on exploring their Etruscan and medieval heritage.
Includes a 2-hour walking tour in Volterra, visits to the Etruscan Museum and an alabaster workshop, and free time for independent exploration in San Gimignano.
Offers a culinary experience with a lunch at a local winery, featuring Tuscan dishes paired with Vernaccia and Chianti Super Tuscan wines, as well as a stop for award-winning gelato.
Provides transportation via air-conditioned minivan and optional pickup from a central location in Florence, with the option to self-travel to the starting point.
Allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for the traveler.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Florence-based day trip offers a chance to explore the historic towns of San Gimignano and Volterra, known for their well-preserved medieval architecture and local culinary delights.

Priced from $336.21 per person, the 9.5-hour tour is available in English. Pickup is optional in Florence, with an extra charge for locations outside the city. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes guided tours, visits to museums and workshops, and tastings of Tuscan wine and gelato. Transportation is provided via air-conditioned minivan.

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Exploring Volterra

The tour begins with a visit to the historic town of Volterra, known for its well-preserved Etruscan and medieval heritage.

During the 2-hour guided walking tour, visitors explore Volterra’s local monuments, including the impressive Piazza dei Priori and the medieval Duomo.

The group then ventures to the renowned Etruscan Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts that provide a glimpse into the advanced civilization that once thrived in the region.

Visitors explore the Etruscan Museum’s impressive collection, offering a glimpse into the region’s advanced ancient civilization.

The tour also includes a stop at an alabaster workshop, where craftspeople demonstrate the intricate process of sculpting this unique local stone.

The day in Volterra culminates with a delightful lunch at a nearby winery.

Discovering San Gimignano

After exploring the historic charms of Volterra, the tour moves on to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano.

Known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages", San Gimignano boasts a picturesque skyline dotted with towering stone structures.

The guided tour takes visitors through the town’s winding streets, highlighting:

The iconic Piazza del Duomo and its impressive cathedral
A visit to a renowned gelateria, where guests can indulge in award-winning gelato
Free time for independent exploration and shopping along the charming cobblestone lanes

The day in San Gimignano promises a delightful taste of Tuscan history and culture.

Culinary Delights

While exploring the historic sites and charming streets of Volterra and San Gimignano, visitors can also indulge in the region’s renowned culinary delights.

At a local winery, they’ll savor typical Tuscan dishes, including charcuterie and homemade lasagna, paired with tastings of Vernaccia and Chianti Super Tuscan wines.

In San Gimignano, a stop at the world champion gelato shop provides a sweet respite.

Throughout the day, the tour includes ample opportunities to sample the area’s gastronomic specialties, ensuring a well-rounded experience of Tuscany’s food and wine heritage.

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Transportation and Logistics

Convenient transportation arrangements play a key role in ensuring a seamless day trip experience.

This tour offers air-conditioned minivan transport between the destinations of Volterra and San Gimignano. Guests can choose from the following options:

Pickup from a central meeting point in Florence
Optional pickup from select locations outside the city center for an additional charge
Self-travel to the starting point at the National Central Library of Florence

The minivans provide comfortable and efficient travel, allowing participants to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the stunning Tuscan landscapes along the way.

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Customer Testimonials

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants. Travellers have praised the guide, Luciana, for her exceptional knowledge and connections that enhanced the experience with unique local interactions and VIP access. One guest, Elizabeth, highlighted Luciana’s expertise, while another, Annie, appreciated the personalized attention to her father’s interests and the seamless experience despite holiday closures. Valerie commended Luciana’s personal touches and flexibility, ensuring comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. The table below showcases the top customer testimonials and their overall rating of the tour.

| Reviewer | Testimonial | Rating |

| — | — | — |

| Elizabeth | Praised guide Luciana for her knowledge and connections, enhancing the experience with local interactions and VIP access. | 5/5 |

| Annie | Highlighted personalized attention to her father’s interests and the seamless experience despite holiday closures, with memorable food and wine. | 4.5/5 |

| Valerie | Commended Luciana’s personal touches and flexibility, ensuring comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. | 5/5 |

What to Expect

Travelers can expect a comprehensive day trip that showcases the highlights of San Gimignano and Volterra, two picturesque Tuscan towns.

The tour includes:

Guided walking tours in both towns, providing insights into the local history, architecture, and culture.
Visits to must-see landmarks, such as the Etruscan museum and an alabaster workshop in Volterra, as well as the world-famous gelato shop in San Gimignano.
A delightful Tuscan lunch at a winery, accompanied by tastings of Vernaccia and Chianti Super Tuscan wines, offering a true taste of the region.

The air-conditioned minivan ensures comfortable transportation between the destinations, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic Tuscan countryside.

Important Considerations

Although the tour provides a seamless and comprehensive experience, there are a few important considerations travelers should keep in mind.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, as it involves walking and navigating uneven terrain. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a valid ID, as it may be required at certain sites.

Travelers should also be prepared for the tour to operate rain or shine, as the schedule remains unchanged regardless of weather conditions.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Other Sites?

Customers can customize the tour to visit other sites, but there may be additional fees and changes to the itinerary. It’s best to discuss any desired modifications with the tour provider in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children/Families?

The tour is not specifically designed for children or families. It covers adult-oriented activities like wine tasting and may not be suitable for younger travelers. Families should consider the itinerary carefully to ensure it meets their needs and interests.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour operator offers private tour options upon request for a customized experience. This allows for more personalized attention and flexibility during the day trip.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point if I’m Not Staying in Florence?

If you’re not staying in Florence, you can arrange for the tour company to pick you up at an additional cost. They offer optional pickup from locations outside the city, which you’ll need to coordinate when booking your tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Dressing in layers is advised as the weather can vary throughout the day across the different destinations.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This day trip from Florence to San Gimignano and Volterra offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Discover the Etruscan and medieval heritage of Volterra, wander through the charming streets of San Gimignano, and indulge in exquisite Tuscan cuisine and wines. With scenic landscapes and unforgettable experiences, this tour provides an immersive exploration of the heart of Tuscany.