Travel from Florence to some of Tuscany’s most iconic towns on this full-day group tour costing approximately $75.47 per person. Spanning about 12 hours, this tour offers the chance to explore Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano, with free time at each destination to wander at your own pace. The tour features comfortable transportation by air-conditioned coach, with assistance at the meeting point in Florence’s Piazzale Montelungo. Travelers should be prepared for a long day with substantial bus travel, but the route passes through scenic Tuscan landscapes and includes optional lunch at a family-run winery. It’s best suited for those ready for a moderately active experience with limited time in each town.

While the tour doesn’t include guides inside Siena or entry tickets to the Pisa monuments, it offers ample opportunities for independent exploration, making it a solid choice for visitors who want a rundown of the region in a single day.

Key Points

Comprehensive day trip from Florence covering Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano
Approximate cost of $75.47 per person, including transportation and optional lunch
Travel time of around 12 hours with a mix of guided transport and free time for self-discovery
Scenic drive through Tuscan countryside and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites
Optional Tuscan lunch with wine at a family-run vineyard, enhancing regional experience
Long day with busy itineraries, suitable for those comfortable with walking and bus travel

Departure and Group Size for the Tuscany Day Trip

This tour departs from Piazzale Montelungo in Florence at 7:30 am, making it an early start for a full day of sightseeing. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, with small-group variations available for groups up to 8 people. The tour features licensed escorts and assistance at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Florence, making logistics straightforward. Travelers should arrive on time and bring original ID, as late arrivals cannot join or be refunded.

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Visiting Pisa: The Leaning Tower and Cathedral

The Pisa stop includes free time at Piazza dei Miracoli, home to its famous Leaning Tower, Duomo, and Baptistery. The exterior of these UNESCO sites is striking, with white marble buildings set on lush green grass. The tour allows about 15 minutes at the Duomo and Baptistery (not including entry fees), and 15 minutes near the Leaning Tower—note that tickets to climb the tower are not included and must be purchased separately on-site, subject to availability.

Long lines are common, so there’s limited time for climbing, and visitors should plan accordingly if they wish to go up the tower. The shuttle train from the parking lot to the monuments costs 5 Euros, but this is not included in the tour price.

Exploring Siena’s Historic Center

In about 2 hours, the tour visits Piazza del Campo, renowned for its Palio horse race. Travelers have free time to walk around, take photos, or enjoy a quick gelato. The Siena Duomo, which is outside the scheduled stop, is not included in the ticket price, so entry costs are separate if visitors wish to explore inside.

While the tour does not include a guided visit inside Siena, the escort provides helpful tips for exploring on your own, and the time is enough to capture the city’s atmosphere and see key landmarks.

San Gimignano: The Medieval Skyline

The historic center of San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval towers that resemble a “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. The visit lasts about an hour, during which visitors can walk the narrow streets, take photos of the skyline, and shop for local goods.

Because San Gimignano is a popular tourist spot, expect crowds and a short window for gelato and shopping. The notoriously busy streets can make the visit feel hurried, but the stunning views and well-preserved medieval architecture make it worthwhile.

Tuscan Lunch with Wine at a Family-Run Vineyard

One of the tour’s highlights is the lunch at a local winery, available if the “with Lunch” option is selected. The traditional Tuscan meal includes bread, cheese, and cured meats as appetizers, followed by rigatoni with light meat sauce, and dessert wine with biscotti.

The lunch features regional wines paired with each course, providing a taste of local flavors. The winery is located in the heart of Tuscany, offering views over the countryside and a chance to experience authentic regional hospitality.

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Scenic Drive Through the Tuscan Countryside

Throughout the day, the coach route passes through rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque towns, offering photo opportunities and a sense of the region’s charm. The drive is comfortable, with air-conditioned transportation and a licensed escort sharing insights about Tuscany.

While the long bus rides can be tiring, the scenery helps compensate for the pace, making it an ideal tour for those who appreciate landscape views and want a guided overview of the region.

Tour Guides and Practical Aspects

The escort is noted for being knowledgeable and helpful, providing clear instructions and recommendations—especially at Pisa for dining options. However, the tour does not include guides inside Siena or Pisa, and entry tickets to the cathedral, Baptistery, or tower are not included.

Most reviews mention ample free time to explore independently, though some note that time in each town can feel brief, especially in San Gimignano and Siena. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves considerable walking and up-hill sections.

Pacing, Crowd Levels, and Overall Experience

The tour is well-organized and runs on a full schedule, but crowds and traffic can impact the experience. Some travelers find the itinerary rushed, especially during peak tourist seasons, and tickets for Pisa’s tower may be sold out by the time you arrive if not purchased in advance.

Despite these challenges, the scenic route, historical sites, and optional lunch make this tour a worthwhile introduction to Tuscany’s highlights, especially for those short on time.

Suitability and Final Advice

This full-day tour appeals most to visitors who want to see several key Tuscan towns in one trip, appreciate self-guided exploration, and don’t mind a long, active day. It’s best for those with moderate physical fitness, comfortable with bus travel and walking.

While the limited time at each site means it’s not suitable for in-depth visits, the scenic drive, cultural sights, and regional food create a satisfying snapshot of Tuscany. Be prepared for a busy schedule and crowd levels at popular spots like San Gimignano and Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli.

Ready to Book?

Siena San Gimignano Pisa Escorted Transport and Optional Lunch

4.0

(66)

“This trip was not worth it. It was a very long day with too many people. It rained all day too, which did not help (although that was out of everyo…”

— Wendy L, Apr 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include guided tours inside Siena or Pisa?
No, the tour provides free time for exploration but does not include guided visits inside Siena or Pisa.

Are tickets to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa included?
No, tickets to climb the tower are not included and must be purchased separately on-site.

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 7:30 am and returning to Florence.

Is the lunch at the winery included in the price?
Only if the “with Lunch” option is selected**. The meal includes regional food and wine pairings.

How many stops does the tour make?
The tour includes seven main stops: Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower, Duomo di Pisa, Piazza del Campo, Duomo di Siena, San Gimignano, and the winery.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable, walking shoes are recommended due to considerable walking and some uphill sections.

Can I buy tickets for Pisa’s monuments in advance?
It’s not guaranteed that you’ll be in Pisa at the right time to buy tickets on the day of the tour.

Is food or drinks included in the tour?
The optional lunch includes regional dishes and wines. Otherwise, food and drinks outside the lunch are not included.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour operates with up to 50 travelers, with small-group options available for up to 8 people.

What if I am late to the meeting point?
Arriving late means missing the tour, as no refunds or rescheduling are available for late arrivals.