How to Plan Your Private Tour: Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa Day Trip from Florence

Are you looking for an easy and personalized way to explore the best of medieval Tuscany? Look no further than this private day trip from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. This tour is perfect for those looking to skip the hassle of renting a car and let a private chauffeur take them directly from their hotel door through the stunning Tuscan countryside and into the heart of historic Italy.

Overview

On this full-day tour, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites in a single day while learning about the area’s rich history and culture from your knowledgeable private driver. This luxury minivan can seat private parties of up to eight people, making it the perfect option for couples, families, or small groups.

What’s Included

Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Florence, bottled water, lunch, gratuities, and a private luxury minivan. With a city guide, explore the UNESCO-listed cities at your own pace with the help of tips and local guidance from your driver.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup from all hotels or apartments in Florence downtown is available for this tour. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM, and the pickup process is hassle-free. Now, let’s take a closer look at the itinerary and what to expect from each destination on this tour.

1. Pisa

Start your day in the famous city of Pisa, known for its iconic leaning tower. This architectural marvel is one of Italy’s main attractions and is located in the Piazza Dei Miracoli, which translates to the “Square of Miracles.” Here, you can capture the perfect Instagram-worthy photo of the leaning tower and explore the rest of the site’s impressive duomo and baptistery.

2. San Gimignano

Next on your itinerary is San Gimignano, a small, walled medieval hill town in the heart of Tuscany. Known as the “city of beautiful towers,” San Gimignano is home to 13 well-preserved medieval towers that provide an incredible view of the surrounding countryside. In addition to the towers, the town boasts some of the best examples of frescoes in Italy, including work by famous artists like Benozzo Gozzoli and Taddeo di Bartolo.

3. Siena

Finally, you will arrive in Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful cities. The historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of stunning cathedrals, palaces, and museums. Highlights of Siena include the impressive Piazza del Campo, site of the famous Palio horse race, and the stunning Siena Cathedral.

Why Choose a Private Tour?

While traditional group tours have their advantages, a private tour allows you to explore at your own pace and on your own terms. With a private tour, you have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to your interests, whether you want to spend more time in one location or skip another entirely. Additionally, a private tour provides a personalized experience with a knowledgeable driver who can offer local recommendations and guide you through the region’s rich history and culture.

Book Your Tour Now

Overall, this private day trip from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa is the perfect way to explore Tuscany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Avoid the stress of renting a car and let a personal chauffeur take you on a luxury minivan through the stunning Tuscan countryside. Book the tour through our partner, Viator, and start your journey through historic Italy today. Book the tour here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florence

1. Where is Florence located?

Florence is located in the central part of Italy, in the region of Tuscany. It is situated about 230 kilometers north of Rome and about 80 kilometers inland from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

2. What is the weather like in Florence?

Florence has a humid subtropical climate, which means that the summers are hot and dry while the winters are mild and rainy. The average temperature during the summer months is around 30°C (86°F), while during the winter months it is around 10°C (50°F).

3. What are some of the popular tourist attractions in Florence?

Florence is a city rich in history and culture, and there is no shortage of things to see and do. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s David.

4. What is the best time to visit Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is generally in the spring (from April to June) and in the fall (from September to October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than during the peak tourist season in the summer.

5. How do I get around Florence?

Florence is a relatively small city, and it is easy to get around on foot. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, there are buses and trams that run throughout the city. You can purchase tickets at newsstands or at ticket machines.

6. What is the currency used in Florence?

The currency used in Florence (and throughout Italy) is the euro. You can exchange currency at banks or exchange offices, or withdraw money from ATMs.

7. What are some traditional dishes of Florence?

Some of the traditional dishes of Florence include bistecca alla fiorentina (grilled steak), ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup), and pappa al pomodoro (a bread and tomato soup). Florence is also known for its gelato and its wines, particularly Chianti.

8. Is it safe to travel to Florence?

Florence is generally a safe city for tourists, but as with any popular tourist destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas, so it is a good idea to keep your valuables out of sight and to be vigilant in crowded areas.

9. What are some day trips from Florence?

Florence is surrounded by beautiful countryside and picturesque towns, making it an ideal base for day trips. Some popular day trips include the medieval town of Siena, the charming hilltop town of San Gimignano, and the vineyards of Chianti.

10. How do I book tickets for tourist attractions in Florence?

You can book tickets for many of the tourist attractions in Florence online or in advance at ticket offices. It is a good idea to book ahead, particularly during the peak tourist season, to avoid long queues and ensure that you get to see everything that you want to.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Florence

Florence, also known as Firenze in Italian, is a city in central Italy that is famous for its art, architecture, and beautiful Renaissance-era buildings. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, attracting millions of visitors every year. If you’re visiting Florence as a tourist, there are many things you can do to make the most of your time in the city. In this post, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Florence.

1. Visit the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world, and it’s located in the heart of Florence. The museum houses an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance period, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The gallery is open every day except for Mondays, and we recommend that you book your tickets in advance since it can get crowded during peak season.

2. Explore the historic center of Florence

The historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most beautiful Renaissance-era buildings in the world. You can explore the city’s narrow, winding streets, and discover magnificent landmarks such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.

3. Climb up to the top of the Duomo

The Duomo is a stunning cathedral that dominates the skyline of Florence. You can climb to the top of the Duomo, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the top. The climb can be quite strenuous, but the views are well worth the effort.

4. Visit the Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is another famous art museum in Florence that is home to the world-famous sculpture of David by Michelangelo. The museum has an extensive collection of sculptures and paintings from the Renaissance period, and it’s open every day except for Mondays. Like the Uffizi Gallery, it’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

5. Wander around the Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens is a vast park located behind the Pitti Palace in Florence. It’s a beautiful place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens are home to numerous sculptures, fountains, and beautiful flora. You can spend a few hours wandering around the gardens and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

6. Discover the city’s markets

Florence is known for its markets that sell everything from fresh produce to leather goods. You can explore the Mercato Centrale, a vast indoor food market, and sample some of the city’s traditional dishes. You can also visit the San Lorenzo Market, which sells leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs.

7. Take a day trip to Tuscany

Tuscany is a beautiful region located just outside Florence, and it’s famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages. You can take a day trip to Tuscany and explore charming towns such as Siena, San Gimignano, and Montepulciano. You can also visit the many wineries in the region and sample some of the famous Italian wines.

8. Enjoy the local cuisine

Florence is famous for its cuisine, and you can enjoy some of the city’s traditional dishes at the many restaurants and trattorias in the city. We recommend trying the famous Florentine steak, which is a thick, juicy steak served with roasted potatoes. You can also sample traditional pasta dishes such as pappardelle alla lepre or risotto alla fiorentina.

Book Your Tour Now

Florence is a beautiful city that is full of history, art, and culture. If you’re visiting as a tourist, there are many things you can do to make the most of your time in the city. We hope that this guide has provided you with some useful tips on how to spend your time in Florence. Remember to book your tickets in advance for the popular attractions, and don’t forget to sample some of the local cuisine. Enjoy your time in Florence!