PRIVATE TOUR: Full-Day Volterra & San Gimignano with Wine Tasting Experience

Exploring Tuscany’s enchanting hill towns becomes much easier with this Private Full-Day Tour to Volterra and San Gimignano, priced at $289.40 per person. This 7-hour experience offers a hassle-free way to visit two iconic medieval towns, with private transport and free time at each stop. The tour starts with a scenic drive from Siena, passing through the rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards that define the Tuscan landscape.

One of the strongest features of this tour is the inclusion of a wine tasting at a family-run Chianti winery during lunch. This authentic experience allows participants to sample five different wines and learn about Tuscan winemaking techniques. While the tour offers a relaxed pace with self-guided exploration, it is especially suited for those who enjoy combining sightseeing with culinary delights and scenic drives.

Key Points

• Private transportation ensures a comfortable and flexible journey through Tuscany’s countryside
• Visits to Volterra and San Gimignano include free time for personal exploration
• Authentic Tuscan lunch at a biodynamic winery with five wine tastings
• Self-guided tours of both historic towns, with highlights like Palazzo dei Priori and Medieval towers
• Expert driver provides commentary and scenic stops, with pickup included from your location
• Ideal for those who prefer a personalized pace and local wine and food experiences

Tuscany’s Rolling Hills and Enchanting Towns

This tour begins with a scenic drive from Siena, taking travelers through Tuscany’s signature landscapes—olive groves, vineyards, and fields of sunflowers. The professional driver escorts the group, providing a smooth ride that leaves the planning to the experts. The private transportation minimizes waiting times and allows for a more personalized experience.

The journey culminates in Volterra, a historic town famous for its Roman Theater, the octagonal Baptistery, and the Palazzo dei Priori. The Etruscan Arch, dating back to the 4th century BC, also invites exploration. The self-guided visit lasts about an hour, offering enough time to enjoy the charming streets and incredible sights at your own pace.

Exploring Volterra’s Historic Charm

During the free exploration of Volterra, visitors are encouraged to walk at their leisure. The town’s ancient streets lead to notable landmarks, including the Roman Theater and the Majestic Duomo. The Palazzo dei Priori is a prominent building, reflecting the medieval atmosphere.

The Etruscan Arch, one of the oldest sites, provides insight into the town’s Etruscan roots. While the town is compact, its architectural beauty and historical sites make it a perfect place for a relaxed visit. The free time allows for photo-taking, browsing local shops, or simply soaking in the panoramic views.

Lunch at Podere La Marronaia- Le Colonne Biodynamic Winery

After immersing in Volterra’s history, the tour proceeds to a family-run organic farm in Chianti for a genuine Tuscan lunch. This biodynamic winery offers a delicious meal featuring bruschetta, lasagna or homemade pasta, cured meats, and pecorino cheese. The meal is complemented by a wine tasting of Chianti, Chianti Riserva, and Sangiovese.

Along With wine, guests sample extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and truffle oil, gaining insight into Tuscan food and wine pairings. The lunch lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy traditional flavors while learning about local wine production.

Savoring Tuscan Wines and Oils

The wine tasting at the farm features five varieties: Chianti Rosso, Chianti Riserva, Vernaccia, Super Tuscan, and Rosé. The host shares secrets of Tuscan winemaking, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The olive oil tastings, including truffle oil, and balsamic vinegar, enhance the tasting experience, showcasing the region’s culinary craftsmanship.

The lunch and tasting experience is designed to highlight the pairing of food and wine, making this part of the tour a highlight for lovers of Italian cuisine. The setting at the farm offers spectacular views of the countryside, adding to the appeal.

Scenic Drive through Chianti and Siena Hills

Post-lunch, the tour continues through the famous Chianti wine road and the Siena hills, characterized by cypress trees, vineyards, and olive groves. This drive offers plenty of opportunities for photo stops and scenic overlooks. The professional driver ensures a smooth, narratively engaging trip through one of Italy’s most picturesque regions.

This drive sets the stage for the final visit to San Gimignano, a medieval hill town renowned for its tower-filled skyline and well-preserved architecture. The scenery along the way is often praised for its beauty, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

Discovering San Gimignano’s Medieval Towers

In San Gimignano, travelers have about an hour for self-guided exploration. The town’s famous towers are a defining feature, with over 70 towers historically built for defense and status. Today, most of these towers remain, creating an open-air museum atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll through narrow streets, visit landmarks like the Main Square, and admire white Vernaccia wine production from the sandstone hillsides. Don’t miss tasting the “best ice cream in the world”, a local specialty, while enjoying the lively medieval ambiance.

Practical Details: Logistics and Inclusions

The tour departs from Siena at 8:30 am and includes air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a professional driver. The private transportation ensures a comfortable experience, with pickup offered from various locations.

Included in the price are a Tuscan lunch at the biodynamic winery, wine tastings, balsamic vinegar, and olive oils. The tour also provides free time at each stop for personal exploration, making it flexible for varied interests. Not included are anything outside the listed activities, giving guests the freedom to focus on what they enjoy most.

How This Tour Stands Out from Similar Experiences

What sets this tour apart is the combination of private transport, self-guided exploration, and a genuine Tuscan lunch with wine tasting. The small group feel (since it’s private) allows for more personalized attention, and the scenic drive through renowned regions enhances the overall experience. The reviews highlight friendly guides, stunning views, and the delicious wine and food as key strengths.

While the tour is ideal for history, food, and wine lovers, it also suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and flexibility. The approximate 7-hour duration keeps the day manageable, with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Visiting the Heart of Tuscany with Ease

This full-day private tour offers a well-balanced blend of sightseeing, culinary experiences, and scenic drives in Tuscany. It caters to those who want the convenience of private transport, the freedom of self-guided towns, and the enjoyment of authentic Tuscan cuisine and wines.

The professional driver, beautiful landscapes, and carefully curated stops make this an appealing option for anyone looking to explore the region comfortably and authentically. The high ratings and positive reviews reflect the tour’s ability to deliver a satisfying and memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as the tour involves walking at your own pace and does not specify physical restrictions.

What is included in the price?
The private transport, lunch at the winery, five wine tastings, balsamic vinegar, olive oils, and bottled water are included.

How long are the stops at each town?
You get about one hour at Volterra and one hour at San Gimignano for self-guided exploration.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Most arrangements are handled by the tour provider; simply arrive ready for a scenic, culinary, and cultural day.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?
The menu includes lasagna or homemade pasta, but specific dietary restrictions are not mentioned. It’s best to inquire if you have specific needs.

Will I receive a guide during the stops?
No, the tour features a self-guided experience at each town but the driver provides commentary during transit and at scenic points.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
This tour is popular, often booked 117 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended for availability.

What transportation is used?
An air-conditioned private vehicle is provided throughout the day.

Can I customize this tour?
As a private experience, it offers some flexibility, but any specific customizations should be confirmed with the provider.

This Private Tour of Volterra and San Gimignano combines scenic beauty, historic charm, and Tuscan flavors into a memorable day. With friendly guides, flexible pacing, and authentic experiences, it offers a well-rounded taste of Tuscany in just about 7 hours.