Florence Private Day Trip to Siena and San Gimignano

Explore Tuscany’s Gems with a Private Day Trip from Florence

This private day trip from Florence offers an intimate way to experience Siena and San Gimignano, two of Tuscany’s most captivating towns. Priced at $1,014.11 per group (up to 7 people), the tour provides full customization and personal attention from a knowledgeable driver-guide. With a total duration of approximately 9 hours, it is ideal for visitors seeking a luxury, flexible exploration of Tuscany’s scenic countryside and historic centers. The tour starts at 9:00 am with hotel pickup and ends with a drop-off back in Florence, making logistics seamless.

A key advantage of this private experience is the ability to stop wherever and as often as preferred. The luxury minivan ensures comfort while traversing picturesque landscapes. The tour balances iconic landmarks with free time to explore and enjoy the towns at your own pace, including recommendations for dining and sightseeing. While museum and monument entrance fees are not included, the tour emphasizes outdoor highlights and stunning vistas, making it suitable for those who prefer a flexible, scenic day without the rush.

Key Points

• Private, fully customizable 9-hour tour from Florence for up to 7 people
• Visit Siena’s historic center, cathedral, and Piazza del Campo
• Stroll through San Gimignano’s medieval streets and enjoy local gelato
• Drive through scenic Tuscan countryside in a luxury minivan
• Stops include Torre del Mangia, Walls of Monteriggioni, and the Duomo di Siena
• Includes hotel pickup and bottled water; admission fees and meals are not included

Pickup and Transportation in Style

This tour starts at 9:00 am with hotel pickup in Florence, providing a door-to-door service in a private luxury minivan. The vehicle is designed for comfort over the approximately 9 hours of sightseeing, ensuring a relaxed pace for all stops. The driver also acts as a guide, sharing insights and offering recommendations on places to visit and dine, enriching the overall experience.

The private nature of this tour means only your group participates, allowing for a tailored schedule and the flexibility to modify stops or extend time at favorite locations. This setup benefits visitors who value personalized service and wish to avoid crowded group tours.

Climbing Torre del Mangia for City Views

The tour’s first stop is the Torre del Mangia, the tall bell tower of the Palazzo Pubblico. Climbing 505 steps, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views across Siena’s rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. Constructed between 1338-48, this 102-meter medieval tower offers a chance to appreciate Siena’s historical architecture from above. Note: admission tickets are not included, so plan accordingly if you wish to ascend.

The climb provides an active start to the day, and the views are a highlight for lovers of architecture and photography. The surrounding streets lead down to the Piazza del Campo, another major stop, where the famous Palio horse race takes place each summer.

Siena’s Piazza del Campo and Historic Center

Next, the tour guides you to Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most beautiful and well-preserved medieval squares. Known for its distinctive shell shape and cobbled surface, this square hosts Siena’s annual Palio race and is a hub of local activity. The free visit allows time to soak in the lively atmosphere and admire the historic buildings lining the square.

From here, the driver guides visitors through Siena’s narrow streets, leading to the Duomo di Siena. This Gothic cathedral, built between 1136-1382, features a stunning marble-inlaid floor, artworks by Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo, and impressive frescoes by Pinturicchio. While admission fees are not included, the exterior architecture and the interior treasures make this stop worthwhile.

Visiting Monteriggioni’s Medieval Walls

A short drive takes you to Monteriggioni, a 13th-century castle town still rich with its original fortifications. The town’s ancient walls are remarkably intact, allowing visitors to stroll along the ramparts for spectacular views of the Chianti countryside. This stop combines history and scenery and provides a tangible sense of Tuscany’s medieval past. Admission to the walls is not included, but the viewing platforms are easily accessible and promise memorable photo opportunities.

Exploring San Gimignano’s Tower-Studded Streets

In the afternoon, the tour arrives at San Gimignano, famed for its medieval towers—a skyline that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The cobbled streets and piazzas are perfect for wandering at your own pace, with plenty of shops, cafes, and historic sites to discover.

A highlight here is Gelateria di Piazza, where Sergio Dondoli creates award-winning gelato with unique flavors, including the famous Vernaccia wine sorbet. The town’s white Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine is also renowned and can be sampled at local wineries. The two hours allocated provides ample opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere, sample local products, and take photos of the skyline dotted with towers.

Scenic Drive and Panoramic Views of Chianti

Throughout the day, the private vehicle offers scenic drives through the rolling hills of Chianti, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Tuscany countryside. The driver shares insights about the landscape, agricultural traditions, and regional highlights, adding a personal touch to the experience. The scenic routes serve as a relaxing backdrop between stops, making this tour ideal for those who appreciate picturesque scenery.

Flexibility and Personal Recommendations

Because this is a fully private and customizable tour, the driver is available to recommend restaurants, attractions, or additional stops based on your interests. Whether you want to linger longer at certain sites or explore hidden corners, the driver-guided flexibility ensures the day aligns with your preferences.

However, it’s worth noting that museum and monument entry fees are not included, so visitors should plan accordingly if they wish to visit interiors or specific exhibitions. The lunch is also not included, giving you the opportunity to enjoy local trattorias or cafes at your leisure.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, as service animals are permitted. The group size is limited to 7 people, providing an intimate atmosphere. Once booked, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start, offering peace of mind.

The experience is provided by Luccalimo, whose driver Giovanni has received praise for his clean vehicle, friendly demeanor, and helpful recommendations. The tour includes bottled water for guests, enhancing comfort during the day.

Final Thoughts on the Florence Private Day Trip

This private tour offers a balanced blend of sightseeing, scenic drives, and free exploration in Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni. It suits travelers who value personalized service and want to see key highlights without the rush of group tours. The luxury transportation and customizable itinerary make it a convenient way to enjoy Tuscany’s most iconic towns.

The main strengths lie in the attention to detail, flexibility, and the stunning views provided along the way. The tour’s cost reflects its private, tailored nature, making it a good choice for those seeking a luxury experience and willing to plan their own meals and entry fees.

For travelers who appreciate comfort, flexibility, and a personalized itinerary, this private day trip from Florence offers a memorable way to discover Tuscany’s cultural and scenic treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour? Yes, the tour includes Florence hotel pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Are entrance fees included? No, museum and monument tickets are not included, so you may want to budget for these if you plan to visit specific sites inside.

Can I customize the stops? Yes, as a fully private tour, the driver can adjust stops or durations based on your preferences.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers? Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Mobility specifics are not detailed, so consider your needs when booking.

What should I bring? It’s recommended to carry water, comfortable shoes for walking, and any personal items needed for sightseeing.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose where and when to dine.

What makes this tour different from others? Its private, customizable nature and expert driver-guide make it ideal for those seeking a tailored, relaxed experience of Tuscany’s main sights.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

How do I book this experience? You can reserve through the provider, Luccalimo, with confidence in the flexible cancellation policy and personalized service.