The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena

Exploring Siena becomes a playful adventure with The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena tour, offered for just $73.52 per group (up to 5 people) and lasting approximately 3 hours. This private activity is perfect for families, especially those traveling with children, as it combines sightseeing with engaging photo activities. The tour starts at Peace & Road Siena and ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics simple and straightforward.

What truly makes this experience stand out is its focus on interactive discovery. Participants are equipped with a Polaguide, which includes 17 spaces for instant photos, along with riddles leading to the locations of the fantastic animals hidden around Siena’s historic districts. This approach transforms sightseeing into a treasure hunt, encouraging kids to explore and capture memories while adults see Siena through a fresh lens.

A key consideration is that during the Palio days (29 June-2 July, 13-16 August), the original route with the 17 animals is replaced with a Top 10 Palio-focused itinerary. Therefore, if visiting during these periods, travelers will enjoy a different, dedicated experience. The tour relies on good weather, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded, ensuring flexibility.

This tour is highly recommended for families with children, as evidenced by glowing reviews about how well it keeps young ones engaged for hours. Travelers often mention how the map and riddles help avoid crowds and make the exploration more manageable, even with small children. The instant camera adds a creative touch, allowing participants to keep tangible souvenirs of their Siena adventure.

Key Points

• Private tour designed for families with children, lasting approximately 3 hours.
• Cost of $73.52 per group, suitable for groups of up to 5 people.
• Interactive activity with a Polaguide containing 17 photo spaces for instant images.
• Guided riddles lead participants to discover fantastic animals around Siena’s Contrade.
• Tour departs from Peace & Road Siena and ends at the starting point.
• During Palio days, the route shifts to focus on the Top 10 Palio landmarks.

Starting Point at Peace & Road Siena

The tour begins at Via Fusari, 20 in Siena, Italy, a convenient location near public transportation options. This central meeting point makes it easy for participants to find and gather before starting the adventure. Since the tour is private, only your group will participate, adding an element of privacy and personalized pacing.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes logistics simple for planning subsequent activities or meals around Siena’s historic center. The mobile ticket feature offers quick access, and confirmation is received immediately when booking.

Exploring Siena’s Contrade and Fountains

Participants are led through each of Siena’s Contrade, the city’s historic districts, where the fountains serve as essential markers and gathering points. The tour emphasizes the bond between Sienese residents and their Contrada, with visits to fountain locations that are also key to discovering the fantastic animals.

The riddles help guide the group from fountain to fountain, making it an engaging way to learn about Siena’s districts. The physical activity involves walking around Siena’s streets, so good walking shoes and stamina are recommended, especially for families with young children or older participants.

Review comments indicate that the tour takes about 4.5 hours with stops for lunch and breaks, and not all 17 animals are always reached—some groups report finding around 11 animals. However, this still provides ample opportunity to see hidden corners of Siena and enjoy the city at an unhurried pace.

The PolaGuide and Instant Photography

The Polaguide is a core element of this experience. It features 17 spaces for photos, where participants can instantaneously capture images of the animals. The guide also covers each stage with location cues and riddles, making the activity both fun and educational.

You can choose to rent the instant camera with either 10 or 20 films, and select your preferred photo format—either mini (46×62 mm) or square (62×62 mm). The instant photos are attached to the guide, creating a personal album of the Siena adventure, which many find to be a charming keepsake.

The photos serve as tangible memories of discovering Siena’s hidden animals and districts, making the tour not just sightseeing but also a creative activity suitable for children and adults alike.

The Route and Key Contrada Stops

The route takes participants into the heart of Siena’s districts, focusing on the fountains as central points. As the group searches for fantastic animals, they will pass through less touristy streets, avoiding crowds and gaining a more authentic experience of Siena.

The fountains are not only functional landmarks but also hold cultural significance in Siena’s Contrade. The tour provides insights into the bond between residents and their districts, emphasizing the local identity unique to each Contrada.

While not all animals might be found during the tour, the journey leads to parts of Siena that are often overlooked by typical sightseeing routes, offering a more intimate view of the city’s history and layout.

Physical and Accessibility Considerations

The tour involves walking around Siena’s streets and districts, which can be considerable depending on the pace and stops. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially during longer exploration times noted by some participants.

Since the activity is private, it can be tailored to accommodate different paces, but travelers should plan for 3-4 hours of active walking. The experience is suitable for most ages, including small children, as evidenced by reviews highlighting their engagement and enjoyment.

Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with pets or assistance needs. Weather can influence the experience, so checking the forecast and preparing accordingly is advised.

The Experience During Palio Days

During the Palio (29 June-2 July and 13-16 August), the tour route switches to focus on the Top 10 Palio-related sites. The original 17-animal route is unavailable on these dates, and a dedicated guide and map are provided for the Palio-focused itinerary.

Participants should plan for this change if visiting during the summer or early July, as the route and content will differ from the usual animal hunt.

The Reviews and Practical Insights

Multiple reviews praise the engagement factor for children, highlighting how the photos and riddles keep young minds busy for hours. The map-based approach is valued for steering travelers away from crowds and showcasing Siena’s less-trafficked streets.

Some groups mention that they did not complete all 17 animals, often reaching about 11 animals after several hours, but still enjoying the unique perspective on Siena gained through the activity. The photo album created during the tour receives special mention as a cherished souvenir.

Reviewers also appreciate the personalized pace and how the activity makes exploring Siena relaxing and fun, especially with small children or large families. The cost is considered reasonable given the interactive experience and the personalized attention.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This activity is best suited for families with children who enjoy interactive, creative activities. It’s also ideal for groups seeking a relaxed, personalized exploration of Siena’s districts away from tourist crowds. The photo keepsake adds sentimental value, making it a great activity for lasting memories.

Travelers who love scenic walks, hidden corners of cities, and storytelling through riddles will find this tour particularly rewarding. The flexibility during bad weather or Palio days makes it a practical choice for most itineraries.

Final Thoughts on The 17 Fantastic Animals of Siena

This tour offers a fun, engaging way to discover Siena, emphasizing family participation, photo souvenirs, and local storytelling. Its focus on hidden fountains and Contrada secrets provides a fresh perspective for repeat visitors or first-timers alike.

The private format, combined with small-group pacing and optional instant camera rental, ensures a personalized experience. While not everyone may find all 17 animals, the creative approach to sightseeing makes it a memorable and distinctive activity suitable for all ages.

Travelers seeking a relaxed, hands-on exploration of Siena’s districts will find this tour offers a perfect blend of fun and discovery suitable for families and curious explorers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for small children?
Yes, the tour is designed with families in mind, and children thoroughly enjoy finding animals, taking photos, and exploring Siena at their own pace.

How long does the tour usually take?
Most groups spend around 4.5 hours, including breaks and lunch, though the average is approximately 3 hours of active exploration.

Can I participate if I don’t have an instant camera?
The tour includes an option to rent an instant camera with available films. Without rental, you can still join and take photos with your own device.

What happens during Palio days?
The original route with 17 animals is replaced with a Top 10 Palio-themed itinerary, with a dedicated guide and map for that period.

Is the tour physically demanding?
It involves walking around Siena’s streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The pace is flexible depending on your group, especially since it’s a private activity.

Can the activity be canceled due to weather?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded, and the activity can be rescheduled.

What is included in the price?
The $73.52 covers the private tour, Polaguide, and photo services if you rent the camera and films. It does not include food or additional souvenirs.

Is this activity accessible for people with disabilities?
While not explicitly detailed, the activity involves walking around Siena’s districts, so accessibility may depend on individual needs.

Are the guides knowledgeable about Siena?
The tour emphasizes local storytelling and hidden city secrets, indicating that guides are well-versed in Siena’s Contrade and fountains.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is straightforward via the provider Peace & Road, and securing your place in advance is recommended, especially since the average booking time is 57 days ahead.

This engaging activity offers a charming way to explore Siena’s contrade, fountains, and hidden stories, making it a memorable choice for families and curious explorers alike.