San Gimignano, Siena and Monteriggioni Castle
Don't Port,
Don't Pay Security
Back-to-Ship
Guarantee
Hassle-free
Cancellation
9 hours (approx.)
Private Tour
Overview
You will step off your ships gangway and your driver will be waiting to guide you to your transportation, for this wonderful full day tour! Settle in for the 90-minute ride from Livorno, this will go by quickly as you drive through the beautiful Tuscany countryside (marvel at the rolling hills covered with vineyards and the silvery green olive groves) on your way to historic Monteriggioni Castle — actually a fortified city — ensured freedom to the Republic of Siena until 1554 when, without any battle (and thanks to a betrayal), the city was conquered by the Florentines.
After exploring the walled village your next stop is Siena, where you will be enchanted by the narrow, winding streets, old row houses and palaces, and beautiful, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where civic life of Siena is focused and where the Palio delle Contrade, a crazy biannual horse race, is held. And don't miss the city's famous cathedral, San Domenico, dedicated to and containing certain remains of Santa Caterina.
The town also serves as a market for the surrounding agricultural area, which produces cattle, grain, olives, and, above all, wines - its Chianti being perhaps the best known of all Italian wines. The day finishes in San Gimignano, a walled, Medieval hilltop town, famous for its architecture and especially its towers. In the Middle Ages, wealthy families competed in the construction of these towers that served as lodging, protection, and status symbol. Of the town's 76 original towers, only 14 remain, still sufficient to give San Gimignano the nickname The Manhattan of the 14 Century.
Stroll around the narrow cobbled streets, taking in the sights of the town: Church of St. Agostino (with its Benozzo Gozzoli frescoes) and the Collegiata, the main church in the heart of town.
Enjoy a taste of the local white Vernaccia wine, sample some award-winning gelato, and do a little shopping for hand-crafted ceramics and products of the region, such as the locally grown saffron. After your sightseeing you will board your transportation for your return drive to your cruise ship.
What's Included
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Cruise port pick-up
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Round trip transportation from cruise pier
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English-speaking driver
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Time for lunch and shopping
Considerations
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Food and beverages.
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Entrance fees.
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Bring cash for any additional purchases on the day.
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Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash.
Special Instructions
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Local currency is Euro (EUR).
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Your English-speaking driver will not enter sites with you but will give running commentaries of what you are seeing and make sure you have enough time to visit each site, taking you from point to point throughout the city.
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To give you an opportunity to explore each area on foot, your driver will orient you in the area, supply you with a map of Siena (with emergency phone numbers and a timetable for the churches and museums) and coordinate your rendezvous.
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Wear cool and comfortable clothes and suitable footwear.
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Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat and water bottle.
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Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.
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