PRIVATE Full-Day Tour of San Gimignano and Volterra

The PRIVATE Full-Day Tour of San Gimignano and Volterra offers a personalized exploration of two of Tuscany’s most captivating medieval towns. Priced at $374.53 per person, this 8-hour experience is designed for those who want an intimate, hassle-free visit to these UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Florence, a Mercedes minivan with Wi-Fi, and an expert driver who provides a smooth journey through the Tuscan countryside. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a quiet, personalized atmosphere, and the tour is highly praised, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 7 reviews.

This tour is ideal for visitors who appreciate historic architecture, scenic views, and cultural insights without the need to navigate public transport or rent a car. Its highlights include stunning viewpoints, historical landmarks, and local artisan workshops. A notable advantage is the flexibility offered by a private guide, who customizes your experience based on your interests—whether that’s exploring ancient ruins, tasting local wines, or wandering through lively markets.

However, it’s worth noting that lunch and private guides inside the towns are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. While the tour covers notable sites like the Collegiata Church in San Gimignano and the Palazzo dei Priori in Volterra, it offers plenty of time to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace over rushed sightseeing.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a dedicated driver and customized itinerary
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Florence for added convenience
• Visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites of San Gimignano and Volterra
• Comfortable Mercedes minivan with Wi-Fi and unlimited mineral water provided
• Two hours at San Gimignano to explore its medieval towers, frescoes, and piazzas
• Four hours in Volterra, featuring Etruscan tombs, Roman baths, and artisan workshops

The Convenience of a Private Full-Day Tour in Tuscany

This full-day private tour provides a stress-free way to see San Gimignano and Volterra without the hassle of public transportation or renting a car. From the moment of hotel pickup, a luxury Mercedes minivan whisks you away to each destination, with Wi-Fi and refreshments onboard to ensure comfort throughout the approximately 8-hour excursion. The tour operates starting at 9:30 am, with flexible pickup times available upon request.

Travelers appreciate the private setting for its intimacy and ability to adapt the pace to personal interests. The expert driver offers insights along the way but does not serve as a guide inside the towns, allowing free exploration of the sites. The unlimited mineral water keeps everyone refreshed, and the panorama view stop offers perfect photo opportunities of the rolling Tuscan landscape.

This experience suits visitors who want to maximize their time in Tuscany with a tailored itinerary and the comfort of private transportation. It’s especially popular among those booking 106 days in advance, highlighting its demand among travelers seeking well-organized, exclusive tours.

Discovering San Gimignano’s Medieval Skyline

The first stop on this tour is San Gimignano, a town famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and tower-filled skyline that has earned it the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle Ages.” The journey from Florence is about 1 hour, providing scenic views of Tuscany’s rolling countryside.

Once in San Gimignano, you have two hours to explore independently, guided by insider tips provided during the drive. The Piazza della Cisterna, built in 1287, sits at the heart of the town, historically serving as a lively market square and social hub. Visitors can admire the frescoes and stonework inside the Collegiata Church of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to 1056, with its consecration in 1148.

A climb to the highest point of the town offers panoramic views of the medieval towers that dominate San Gimignano’s skyline. A stroll through the colorful piazza captures the lively atmosphere, perfect for photos and soaking in the historic ambiance. The town’s artisan shops and cafes are ideal for sampling locally-made gelato and Vernaccia wine.

This stop’s highlight is the unmatched medieval architecture combined with the local culinary scene, giving visitors a taste of Tuscany’s traditions and craftsmanship. The free admission allows flexible exploration, making it an ideal stop for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Exploring Volterra’s Etruscan and Roman Heritage

After leaving San Gimignano, the tour proceeds to Volterra, a town perched on the highest point of Mount Volterra. The drive offers spectacular views and takes about 4 hours in total, including free time to explore. The town’s gigantic fortress, formed by the Rocca Antica and Rocca Nuova, dominates the approach, connected by a double curtain wall and crowned by the Cammino di Ronda balcony.

In Volterra, the Palazzo dei Priori—built around 1200—serves as the town’s main civic building and a prime example of medieval architecture. The medieval walls constructed in 1200, originally built during the Etruscan period and later strengthened, are a testament to the town’s long history of fortification.

Key sites include Etruscan tombs, created hundreds of years before Christ, and an underground Roman theatre carved into the rock. These archaeological wonders highlight Volterra’s significance during Etruscan and Roman times. Artisans working with Alabaster stone produce exquisite crafts, and visitors can explore local workshops to see how these artworks are created.

Fans of “Twilight” will recognize Volterra as the filming location of dramatic scenes in “New Moon”, where the historic stone walls and squares provide a cinematic backdrop. The main square, Piazza dei Priori, remains a bustling hub, with cafes and shops surrounding the historic buildings.

The free admission to these sites allows for flexible exploration, with ample time to appreciate both the archaeological sites and the lively artisan workshops.

Inside Volterra’s Fortifications and Main Square

The fortresses of Rocca Antica and Rocca Nuova are among the most impressive structures in Volterra. Built on Mount Volterra, they provide spectacular views and a sense of the town’s strategic importance through centuries. The Rocca Nuova, constructed by Lorenzo de Medici, stands on the site of the Palazzo dei Vescovi, destroyed by the Florentines in 1472.

The Piazza dei Priori is the oldest civic square in Tuscany, dating back to the early 1200s. It is surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Palazzo dei Priori, which features a distinctive clock tower. The square is a dynamic place to observe local life and admire medieval architecture.

The medieval walls, originally built during the Etruscan period and expanded in 1200, encircle the historic core of Volterra. These impressive walls reflect the town’s history of fortification and defense, which played a key role during Florentine conflicts.

The internal Roman theatre and Etruscan tombs add to the town’s archaeological appeal. Visitors can stroll through the historic streets and artisan workshops, where handcrafted alabaster art is a highlight. The free accessibility of these sites makes voluntary exploration possible, with plenty of opportunities for photos and souvenirs.

Practical Details and Logistics of the Tour

The tour departs at 9:30 am from your hotel or address in Downtown Florence, with pick-up included. The private Mercedes minivan features air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and unlimited mineral water, ensuring a comfortable ride across Tuscany’s scenic landscapes.

A panorama view photo stop is included, giving travelers a chance to capture the countryside’s beauty. The driver is English-speaking and licensed, providing useful commentary along the way but not a guided tour inside the towns.

The maximum group size of 8 ensures a personalized experience, and confirmation is recommended the day before. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for change of plans.

It’s important to note that lunch and private guides inside the towns are not included, giving visitors the freedom to choose dining options or wander freely.

Who Should Book This Tour

This private full-day tour is perfect for visitors seeking a comfortable, tailored experience of Tuscany’s key medieval towns. It’s well-suited for those who prefer not to rent a car but want flexibility and personalized attention. The expert driver and private transportation enable a relaxed pace, ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and architecture enthusiasts.

Travelers who value scenic views, archaeological sites, and local artisan crafts will find this tour rewarding. The absence of guided inside visits may be a drawback for those seeking detailed guided tours of specific sites but offers freedom for independent exploration.

The cost of $374.53 per person reflects the luxury and personalized service provided, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a special, hassle-free day in Tuscany.

The Sum Up: A Well-Organized, Personal Tuscan Adventure

The PRIVATE Full-Day Tour of San Gimignano and Volterra stands out for its personalized approach, comfort, and flexibility. With hotel pickup, luxury transportation, and expert navigation of the itinerary, it offers an efficient way to see Tuscany’s iconic hill towns without the stress of self-driving or group tours.

The tour’s greatest strengths are the well-chosen stops—from San Gimignano’s medieval towers to Volterra’s archaeological treasures—and the customized exploration time. The private format and limited group size ensure a quiet, enjoyable experience, praised highly in reviews.

While lunch and guided inside visits are not included, the flexibility to explore freely makes this tour particularly appealing for independent-minded visitors. Overall, it provides excellent value for those wanting a luxury, private day immersed in the heart of Tuscany’s history and scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or address in Downtown Florence.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, offering a private, intimate experience.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to dine as you wish.

Is a guide inside San Gimignano and Volterra provided?
No, the tour does not include private guides inside the towns; exploration is self-guided with tips from the driver.

What amenities are available on the vehicle?
The Mercedes minivan features Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and unlimited cold mineral water.

Can the pickup time be changed?
Yes, pickup times can be adjusted upon request.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at each site.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked 106 days in advance, indicating high demand.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if plans change.