Siena walking tour with lunch & Chianti wine

Discover Siena with a Local Guide and Tasting Experience

The Siena walking tour with lunch and Chianti wine offers an engaging 2.5-hour exploration of Italy’s celebrated medieval city, priced at $100.72 per person. This small-group adventure, limited to 12 travelers, combines cultural insights, historic sites, and regional culinary delights. Led by a licensed guide, the tour emphasizes personalized attention and genuine local stories that go beyond guidebook descriptions.

Starting from Hotel NH Siena, the tour ends in Piazza del Campo, allowing convenient access for further sightseeing. With over 97 reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating, this experience is highly praised for its combination of historical storytelling, regional food, and wine tastings, making it ideal for visitors eager to enjoy Siena’s authentic atmosphere.

Key Points

• Expert local guide provides personalized storytelling and insights.
• Includes tastings of gelato, regional wines, Pecorino cheese, homemade pasta, and more.
• Visits historical landmarks such as Piazza del Campo and the oldest bank in the world.
• Small-group format ensures more interaction and attention from the guide.
• Flexible vegetarian options available for lunch.
• Free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at Hotel NH Siena at 10:30am, with the meeting point on Via La Lizza. It runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, ending in Piazza del Campo, the city’s iconic square. The consistent praise for the timing and pacing suggests a well-balanced experience that combines walking, tasting, and sightseeing without feeling rushed.

This tour’s duration allows enough time to visit several unique stops while enjoying multiple food and wine tastings. The small size, capped at 12 people, helps maintain an intimate atmosphere, ideal for those who want to ask questions and hear detailed stories about Siena’s history and culture.

Exploring Piazza San Domenico and the Basilica

The tour’s first stop is near the Basilica of San Domenico, a significant religious site in Siena. Here, visitors sample three organic flavors of awarded gelato, providing a sweet start and a taste of local craftsmanship. The gelato tasting is quick, about 15 minutes, but leaves a lasting impression of Siena’s quality desserts.

This initial stop sets the tone for a day of authentic regional experiences, combining history with culinary indulgence. The admission is free, making it a practical, enjoyable introduction to the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

Uncovering Siena’s Hidden Underground of the 600 BC Cave

One of the tour’s most intriguing stops is below Via della Sapienza, where a medieval cave dating back to 600 BC awaits discovery. This hidden underground site is not open to the general public, making access exclusive for tour participants. The guide explains the history of this secret cave and showcases a unique collection of red wines, adding a mysterious and educational layer to the experience.

Spending about 15 minutes here allows for an appreciation of Siena’s ancient past, while the cave’s significance enriches the understanding of the city’s historical layers. The visit is free of charge, emphasizing the value of this special glimpse into Siena’s beneath-the-surface history.

Admiring Siena’s Oldest Bank and Historic Views

Another highlight is a stop at Siena’s most ancient bank, established in 1472, which still operates today. The tour provides a view of the bank’s exterior, giving insight into Siena’s longstanding financial history. This spot is perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike, with no admission fee involved.

While brief, this visit offers a tangible connection to the city’s continuity and resilience. The guide shares anecdotes about Siena’s medieval finance systems, adding context to this historic structure.

Piazza Tolomei and Siena’s Medieval Neighborhoods

Next, the tour pauses at Piazza Tolomei, where medieval buildings and hidden alleys invite exploration. This area reveals local traditions and anecdotes, making it a lively and authentic part of Siena’s fabric. Visitors enjoy about 15 minutes here, taking in the sights and learning about the daily life of Sienese residents in historical times.

This stop emphasizes Siena’s lesser-known stories, offering a richer picture of the city’s medieval character. Free to wander and absorb the atmosphere, visitors gain a genuine sense of Siena’s community spirit.

Piazza del Campo and a Sparkling Wine Tasting

At Piazza del Campo, the tour’s centerpiece, participants indulge in a 30-minute wine tasting featuring local and regional sparkling wines, including Prosecco. This educational experience highlights regional wine craftsmanship and offers a chance to savor Siena’s flavors in a lively setting.

The included tasting elevates the experience, blending gastronomy with sightseeing. The guide explains the wines’ background and production, deepening appreciation for Tuscany’s famed wines while enjoying the vibrant ambiance of Siena’s most famous square.

Lunch at a Typical Osteria with Local Delicacies

The final stop is Via Pantaneto, where a one-hour lunch awaits in a traditional Osteria. The menu features Pici pasta, Pecorino cheese, cold cuts, vegetarian bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, and Ricciarelli biscuits. Guests can enjoy these regional specialties paired with Chianti or White wine.

This relaxed, authentic meal offers a satisfying conclusion to the tour, with ample time to chat and enjoy the flavors of Tuscany. The lunch is free of charge, and vegetarian options are available, ensuring inclusivity.

Included Tastings and Food Highlights

Throughout the tour, participants sample a variety of regional foods and drinks. The award-winning gelato at the start, local sparkling wines, Pecorino cheese, homemade pasta, and Ricciarelli biscuits all showcase Siena’s culinary richness.

Chianti wine and Prosecco are featured prominently, with the guide offering educational commentary on regional wine varieties. These tastings add a delicious, flavorful dimension to the historical walk, making the experience both tasty and informative.

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour starts at Hotel NH Siena and ends in Piazza del Campo, both central locations in Siena. The group size is limited to 12, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.

Participants should be prepared for moderate walking through Siena’s streets and alleys, with some stairs and uneven surfaces. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including vegetarians, who can request vegetarian options during lunch. Service animals are permitted, and the weather is not a concern as the tour operates rain or shine.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour unique is its combination of history, food, and wine, all led by a knowledgeable licensed guide. The small-group format allows for lively interaction, questions, and a more personalized experience.

The inclusion of special stops like the underground cave and views of Siena’s oldest bank enhances the authenticity, while the regional tastings provide a true taste of Tuscany. The lunch delivers generous portions of local specialties, making it excellent value.

Final Thoughts on the Siena Walking Tour with Lunch & Chianti Wine

This experience offers a well-rounded introduction to Siena, blending cultural highlights, historic insights, and regional flavors. The expert guidance and small-group setting ensure a comfortable and engaging experience.

While it’s primarily focused on history, food, and wine, it’s especially suited for those who want to explore Siena at a relaxed pace, enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine, and learn from guides passionate about their city. The full refund option up to 24 hours before departure adds peace of mind for planning.

If you seek a comprehensive yet cozy tour that captures Siena’s spirit, this tour delivers on its promises, providing a memorable slice of Tuscany in just a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $100.72 per person.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Hotel NH Siena on Via La Lizza and finishes in Piazza del Campo.

Is vegetarian food available during lunch?
Yes, vegetarian options are provided.

What is included in the tour?
Tastings of gelato, Chianti wine, Prosecco, Pecorino cheese, homemade pasta, and Ricciarelli biscuits, plus a lunch and a licensed guide.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Are there any additional costs?
An entry ticket for the Siena Duomo costs €12, which is not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families with children, especially since it involves manageable walking and food tastings.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; weather-appropriate clothing is advisable since the tour operates rain or shine.