Florence to Tuscany: Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano & Wine + Lunch

Discover the enchanting landscapes and historic cities of Tuscany on this captivating full-day tour from Florence. Explore iconic sights in Siena and San Gimignano, led by an expert guide. Indulge in a gourmet lunch and Chianti wine tasting at a family-run vineyard, surrounded by stunning scenery. With a small group size, this personalized journey promises rich flavors and unforgettable moments amidst Tuscany’s charm. There’s more to uncover about this immersive experience.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Florence explores the Tuscan region, including visits to the historic cities of Siena and San Gimignano.
• Participants enjoy a gourmet lunch and Chianti wine tasting at a family-run vineyard.
• The tour is led by an expert English-speaking guide and transportation is provided in air-conditioned small luxury minivans.
• The tour offers a maximum group size of 14 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• The tour is priced at $171.36 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The "Florence to Tuscany: Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano & Wine + Lunch" tour offers travelers a comprehensive full-day experience exploring the highlights of the Tuscany region.

This small-group tour (maximum 14 people) departs from Florence, providing round-trip transportation, a gourmet lunch, and a Chianti wine tasting at a family-run vineyard.

Guided walking tours of the historic cities of Siena and San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are included.

With an English-speaking expert guide and air-conditioned minivan transport, participants can enjoy the scenic landscapes and savor the flavors of Tuscany in a convenient and enjoyable manner.

Itinerary and Experience

Participants begin the tour at 8:30 am in Piazza della Repubblica in the heart of Florence, where they’ll meet their expert English-speaking guide and board the air-conditioned minivans.

The first stop is Siena, where they’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic city center, including the iconic Siena Cathedral.

Visitors embark on a guided walking tour of Siena’s historic city center, including the renowned Siena Cathedral.

Next, they’ll visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its medieval towers and charming streets.

Afterwards, they’ll head to a family-run Chianti vineyard for a gourmet lunch and wine tasting, savoring the region’s renowned vintages.

Guides and Transportation

An expert English-speaking guide and a designated professional driver accompany participants throughout the tour.

The guide may split their time between vehicles for larger groups, ensuring everyone receives personalized attention.

The air-conditioned transport is in small luxury minivans, allowing access to the city centers.

These minivans provide a comfortable and efficient way to navigate the Tuscan countryside, enabling participants to fully enjoy the scenic landscapes.

The guide’s expertise and the driver’s skillful navigation ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Booking Information and Policies

Booking this Florence to Tuscany tour starts at $171.36 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Dietary restrictions must be communicated after booking, but vegan and celiac options are unavailable.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

1. Price: From $171.36 per person
2. Free cancellation: Up to 24 hours before the tour
3. Dietary restrictions: Must be communicated after booking, no vegan or celiac options
4. Confirmation and accessibility: Received at booking, not wheelchair accessible

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

According to traveler reviews, this Florence to Tuscany tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 218 reviews.

Tourists praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, delicious lunch, and high-quality wine tasting. However, some express concerns about limited time in towns, itinerary deviations, and walking pace.

Reviewers highlight the friendliness of guides and the exceptional vineyard experiences, with specific praise for the wine and lunch.

Exploring Siena and Its Cathedral

The Florence to Tuscany tour takes visitors on an exploration of the historic city of Siena, home to one of Italy’s most impressive cathedrals.

The Siena Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Siena, is a stunning example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Visitors can admire its striped marble façade, intricate sculptures, and towering bell tower.

The Siena Cathedral, a stunning example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, features a striped marble façade, intricate sculptures, and a towering bell tower.

Inside, the cathedral’s opulent interior features lavish frescoes, ornate altars, and the intricate Piccolomini Library.

Highlights include:

1. Climbing the Panoramic Lantern for sweeping views of Siena
2. Marveling at the Duomo’s ornate Façade and Sculptures
3. Exploring the Exquisite Piccolomini Library
4. Admiring the Cathedral’s Magnificent Mosaic Floor

Discovering the Hilltop Village of San Gimignano

As the tour continues, visitors are captivated by the hilltop village of San Gimignano. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Gimignano is renowned for its medieval towers that dot the skyline.

Guides lead the group on a walking tour through the charming streets, showcasing the town’s impressive architecture and history. Highlights include the Duomo, a magnificent cathedral with frescoed interiors, and the expansive Piazza della Cisterna, surrounded by medieval buildings.

With free time, travelers can explore the quaint shops, sample local delicacies, and soak in the stunning vistas overlooking the Tuscan countryside.

Indulging in the Chianti Wine Tasting and Gourmet Lunch

After visiting the charming town of San Gimignano, the tour’s participants eagerly anticipate the next highlight – the Chianti wine tasting and gourmet lunch.

The tour transports them to a family-run vineyard in the heart of the Chianti region. Here, they indulge in:

1. A guided tasting of the estate’s acclaimed Chianti wines, savoring the rich flavors and learning about the winemaking process.
2. A seasonal, multi-course lunch showcasing the region’s fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, expertly paired with the vineyard’s award-winning vintages.
3. An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the winery, providing an intimate glimpse into the family’s centuries-old viticulture traditions.
4. Ample time to explore the picturesque vineyard grounds and appreciate the stunning Tuscan vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes as the tour involves a moderate pace of walking through historic towns.

Are Children Welcome on the Tour?

Children are welcome on the tour, but it’s geared towards adult travelers. The tour involves significant walking, so younger children may struggle to keep up. Parents should consider their child’s abilities before booking.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Snacks or Beverages?

Participants can’t bring their own snacks or beverages on the tour. The tour includes a gourmet lunch and Chianti wine tasting, so outside food and drinks aren’t permitted. Travelers should plan to enjoy the provided meal and tastings during the day.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Exploration?

The tour allocates limited time for free exploration, as it’s a full-day small-group tour with a structured itinerary. Participants should expect guided visits to the main sights with minimal independent exploration time in each town.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Activities?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend or add activities. It’s a full-day, fixed itinerary with limited free time in the towns. Travelers looking for more flexibility or customization may need to consider a private tour option instead.

The Sum Up

This captivating Tuscany tour from Florence offers a well-rounded experience, blending visits to historic Siena and charming San Gimignano with a delightful Chianti wine tasting and gourmet lunch. With a small group size and expert guidance, travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness, creating an unforgettable day filled with rich flavors and cherished memories.