Siena & San Gimignano
Medieval Gems

Duration: 8-9 hours.

Starts: Your hotel, 9am

Walking level: Medium (hilly).

Included: Private 7 seater van, driver-guide for the whole day.

The excursion will start from Siena, a beautiful medieval art city which will bewitch you with its display of palaces, churches, squares and brick houses. Your driver-guide will show you around, focusing your attention on the majestic Cathedral, true jewel of the Gothic Romanesque; the city main square Piazza Il Campo, where the famous horse race Il Palio is run twice a year; the seat of the oldest European bank; the gothic palaces of the local aristocracy; the gothic church of San Domenico where the relics of Saint Catherine are hosted; the house where the Patron Saint of Italy, Catherine, was born in 1348; one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, now seat of a very important city museum; some workshops where the last artisans make their precious crafts; and numerous other corners and hidden passages which will reveal you the "secret face" of a true lady of the middle ages among the Italian cities.

For lunch make a stop in a fortified village in the countryside, in tune with the atmosphere of this unique city. In the afternoon, proceed with a nice drive to the nearby San Gimignano, an impressive medieval hilly town characterized by its numerous watch-towers. Like ancient skyscrapers they are well preserved from the XII century. After an orientation walk with your driver-guide, make a pleasant stop in one of the local wineshops for a free wine tasting. In this area a particular D.O.C.G. white wine is produced which deserves a go!

San Gimignano also offers a varied choice to the fans of shopping: from the colorful ceramics, to the alabaster products, the olive wood objects, linen, knitted and leather goods, extra virgin olive oil, honey, local cookies and....the best gelato in the world! (award winning). By late afternoon your driver-guide will take you back to your hotel.