San Gimignano & Volterra

An Etruscan soul in a medieval body. This is what makes Volterra so unique and the trip worth the drive.
Join me in this adventure to the Tuscan boundaries and back.

HIGHLIGHTS

Taste local pecorino cheeses and visit alabaster shops
Discover the three faces of Volterra’s history: Etruscan, Roman and Medieval
Enjoy the views over a continuously changing landscape
Walk around San Gimignano at the shade of its high medieval towers

Full Description of the tour

The day starts with a nice drive from Florence to San Gimignano, the towered town also known as the “Medieval Manhattan” for its spectacular skyline.

As a matter of fact, San Gimignano has a very interesting history, especially for what concerns the medieval times when it was a commercial and financial hub right at the crossroads between the “Via Francigena”, the pilgrimage road from France to Rome, and the salt route.

Some local, typical products are saffron and a dry, white wine most commonly known as Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Once done with San Gimignano, after a 40-minute drive, we will arrive in Volterra, “the flying town”. Volterra has a very rich history which dates back to the Etruscan times (9th/8thC BCE) when it was one of twelve cities of the very first Tuscan civilization. The town offers a suggestive medieval town center, a Roman theatre, a Medici fortress and some of the most unique views over the Cecina valley.

Full Description of the tour

In the first part of this tour, we will head to the Noble City of Siena, historically known as the main arch enemy of Florence and one of the most important Tuscan regional powers for over a couple of centuries. Along the way, I will introduce you to its history and inform you about the things to do once in town. Obviously, I will also share with you my knowledge about the worldwide famous tradition of the Palio, a messy 90-second horse race for which Sienese people are completely crazy. Locals consider the Palio so much more than just a horse-race. In their eyes, the Palio is an embodiment of civic pride and a way of life. That’s why a visit to Siena cannot be considered complete without getting a full understanding of how life goes on in a “Contrada”, one of the neighborhoods of the old city center. In town, you will have time for relaxing over a coffee and visiting the main attractions: walking around the diamond-shaped square of Piazza del Campo or admiring the white shining marbles of the Cathedral are just some of the things you can do. After this unforgettable experience, it is time for lunch. Lunch is at your preference at a traditional restaurant or an organic, local farm. Of course, as a local, I can suggest you many different good places where to relax while sipping excellent wines and tasting delicious food. In the second part of the day, we will stop for a quick visit to San Gimignano, the town of saffron, medieval towers and the local dry white wine called Vernaccia. On the way back to Florence, we will take the scenic route that offers truly beautiful breathtaking vistas.

INCLUDES

Private transportation in a comfortable 9 -seater van
Departure from and return to your accommodation
Fluent English-speaking, Professional Driving Guide
Fuel charges, toll charges (where appropriate), parking, unlimited access to the historic centers and AC on board
Length of the tour: approximately 8 hours

San Gimignano & Volterra