Tour of Siena
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Overview
You will be met at the cruise port by your professional English speaking guide who will then welcome you and escort you to your transportation.
As this is a private tour it can be tailor-made to suit your requirements.
Please find below our suggestions to make the most of Siena:
Piazza del Campo: This is the starting point of every visit, one of the largest medieval squares in the world. Every year the famous Palio horse race takes place on the 2nd July and 16th August here in the shell-shaped square. The heart of Siena, an active market and the meeting place for Sienese during important political events, parties and many celebrations. At the top of the square is the Fonte Gaia, one of the most beautiful fountains in Siena. Hear from your guide the fascinating tales of the lives of the noble families that lived in the gothic, renaissance, and mannerism style palaces.
Torre del Mangia: If you're afraid of heights you may not want to venture up the 400 steps (88 meters) of the Torre del Mangia, but you will be missing out on the most wonderful view. From here the sight is breathtaking, a panoramic view of all of Siena and further beyond the rolling hills.
The Cathedral: The Cathedral has a mostly black and white facade, built with the intention of outdoing the Duomo in Florence. The best part of this building is the interior: the floor is jam-packed with esoteric symbols and religious stories, the Piccolomini Library and the Piccolomini Chapel is where Michelangelo worked for 3 years carving the statues of the four lower niches.
The Baptistery: You can find the Baptistery just behind the Cathedral, built in 1325 is one of the most important religious sites in Tuscany. For centuries all inhabitants of Siena, noble or not, were baptized here. Admire the frescoes and the bronze and marble font right in the middle of the Baptistery.
The Complex of Santa Maria della Scalla: Once a very important hospital that dedicated itself to caring for abandoned children, the poor, the sick, and pilgrims. Now a host of museums and monumental areas spread over four floors
The Public Palace of Siena: The centre of Siena's political power, all of Siena's rulers have lived here. Inside you will find the Civic Museum of Siena with the famous frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti representing the Allegory of Good and Bad Government painted on the walls.
The Church of San Domenico: Characterized by the massive architecture and relic of the Holy Head of Saint Catherine from Siena. Hear the fascinating stories behind the life of Saint Catherine depicted by paintings of important scenes from her life.
You will have around 1 hour 30 minutes free time to explore the shops in Siena. You may also wish to have a bite to eat during this time. Many traditional dishes can be found here from Wild Boar, Cinta Senese and hare make for scrumptious pasta, croutons, and grilled meat. Try the local sausages, cheese, liver, soup, and more!
Not forgetting that Siena and its province also have amazing wines: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano to name a few. For those with a sweet tooth why not dig into the cantucci biscuits, Ricciarelli, Panforte and Cavallucci washed down with a glass of Vin Santo.
What's Included
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Cruise port pick-up
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English Speaking guide
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Air conditioned roundtrip transportation
Considerations
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Food and drinks are not included.
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Bring cash/local currency 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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There is alot of walking involved in this tour so please ensure you wear comfortable and suitable footwear.
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There is a dress code if you wish to enter cathedrals/churches or museums, you must cover your shoulders and knees.
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It is recommended to bring sun cream a sun hat, sunglasses and your water bottle - at times on this excursion it can get un-seasonably hot.
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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.