Private Tuscany Day Tour from Florence by Mercedes: Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti Hills

Florence

A private driver picks the group up at the accommodation in a luxury Mercedes. The road to Siena runs through rolling hills and takes about an hour.

Siena

The driver drops passengers very close to Siena Cathedral, which is one advantage of traveling privately. Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a center of medieval power in Tuscany. Two hours of independent exploration go to medieval-style buildings, artisan shops, local restaurants and alleyways.

Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo is the most famous square in Siena, a very large oval where locals gather with family, friends and classmates. They sit on the wide slopes that lead down to the Palazzo Comunale and the Torre del Mangia. The annual palio horse race is held here, a contest between the different neighborhoods of the city. Cafes line the square, and a cappuccino is the local way to take it in.

Duomo di Siena

Siena Cathedral comes after the walk through the city. Its facade is decorated in pink, green, white and black marble, and it was built in the 1200s in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Inside, carved marble floors show biblical stories in 56 scenes. Masterpieces by Donatello, Pisano, Pinturicchio and Michelangelo are on view, and the painted Piccolomini Library is the last stop before the exit.

San Gimignano

The private vehicle continues to San Gimignano. As the hilltop town comes closer, the driver points out its medieval "skyscrapers". Thirteen towers are still intact in this well-preserved town, sometimes called a medieval Manhattan. The driver drops passengers outside the ancient gate, near a well-known panoramic viewpoint over hills, olive groves and vineyards. One hour is free to explore.

Piazza Della Cisterna

The alleyways of San Gimignano lead to Piazza della Cisterna, the main square, where the Cathedral and medieval architecture stand. A local gelato or coffee fits here.

Strada Statale 222 Chiantigiana

After San Gimignano, the driver heads to the Chianti region, through scenery of small villages and castles on sunny, rolling hills. A private tour allows stops whenever something catches the eye, for photos. A wine tasting in Chianti is possible: book a wine estate independently, ask for the tasting to be planned, or get recommendations from the driver. If the optional tasting is added, the driver goes to a local wine estate in the Chianti hills.

Strada Statale 222 Chiantigiana

A local producer guides a walk through the vineyards (not included in the tour price) and explains the production secrets and traditions behind Chianti. A Chianti Classico tasting follows, with fresh, local products.

Costo extra