Siena Day Trips from Florence
Strolling through the streets of Siena is like travelling back in time to Italy's medieval past. Sounds good, doesn't it?
The roofs of Sienna | ©Antônia Felipe
Siena, with its World Heritage listed historic centre, is one of the wonders of Tuscany that you can visit on a day trip from Florence, as well as Pisa, Chianti, San Gimignano or Monteriggioni.
Best day trips to Siena from Florence
Siena is only 70 kilometres from Florence and its main attractions are centralised in its historic centre, making it very easy to visit. Here is a summary of the main organised excursions to discover Siena and magical Tuscany.
Excursion to Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni
With this guided day trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni , you will discover Siena in depth thanks to a local guide who will take you through this beautiful monumental city, home of the famous Palio horse race. In addition, you can explore on your own the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, halfway between Florence and Siena and known as the 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages' with its skyline of numerous tall medieval towers.
You will also enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch to replenish your energy during your tour, paired with a tasting of local wines at a vineyard in the village of Monteriggioni. Please note that this tour is only available with explanations in English. For an excursion to Siena with explanations in English, see the other tours listed here.
What this tour includes
- One day tour Pisa, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni from Florence
- Group of maximum 25 people
- Guide in Siena available in English only
- Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minibus or minivan
- Entrance ticket to visit the interiors of the Siena Cathedral (if booked option)
- Lunch in a Tuscan wine cellar with tasting of local wines
Itinerary
- Siena, with Piazza del Campo, Duomo di Siena
- Monteriggioni, with a stop at the Fattoria Lornanola winery and vineyard with lunch
- San Gimignano, with free time to visit it
Transfer to Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni from Florence with wine tasting in Chianti
If you want to discover the area on your own, there is the option to book just the transfer to Siena and San Gimignano from Florence, with time to explore the charming walled town of Monteriggioni on your own as well. This transfer is perfect to comfortably reach these three towns and explore them at your own pace.
This tour also includes a typical Tuscan lunch and a tasting of local wines from the prized Chianti Denomination of Origin in a rustic local winery, where you will learn all the secrets of winemaking.
What is included in this tour
- 11 hour excursion to Siena, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano from Florence.
- Informative commentary on the bus
- Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
- Entrance ticket to visit the interiors of the Siena Cathedral (if option is booked)
- 3-course Tuscan lunch with wine tasting in a Chianti wine cellar
Itinerary
- San Gimignano
- Siena
- Monteriggioni
- Chianti with lunch at a local winery
Private guided tour to Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Chianti
For the most VIP and personalised experience in Tuscany, this fully private tour will take you from your hotel on a comfortable and comprehensive journey through Siena, San Gimignano Monteriggioni and the Chianti countryside from Florence.
What this tour includes
- 8 hour tour to Siena, Monteriggioni, Chianti and San Gimignano from Florence
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off, provided you are staying in the centre of Florence
- Transport in luxury air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board
- Professional driver
- Private guide with explanations according to your interests in English and 4 other languages
- 3-course Tuscan lunch with wine tasting in a Chianti winery
Itinerary
:
- Siena
- Chianti countryside
- Monteriggioni
- San Gimignano
Tuscany tour from Florence to Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano and Chianti, with lunch in a winery
This tour is my favourite, as it allows you to make the most of your time in Florence by immersing yourself in Tuscany and visiting its main gems. In one day you will visit the typical Tuscan vineyards in Chianti with a typical lunch and a wine tasting of its Denomination of Origin, as well as touring San Gimignano and visiting the other two Tuscan cities such as Pisa, with its famous Leaning Tower and Siena, with a guided tour.
Pisa is a city that is really worth including in your discovery of Tuscany and which you can visit on your own with this tour. It is home to one of the most famous monuments in the world, the Leaning Tower, which is almost 56 metres high and has 294 steps that you can climb to admire unparalleled views of the architectural ensemble of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the Cathedral and the Baptistery.
What is included in this tour
- 12 hour excursion from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti and Pisa.
- Round trip transport by air-conditioned GT bus with Wi-Fi on board
- English speaking guide and 3 other languages in Siena
- Headphones during the guided tour of Siena
- Entrance to the Cathedral of Siena
- Lunch in a Chianti wine cellar paired with 2 wines of the region
Itinerary
:
- Siena with guided tour
- Chianti with Tuscan lunch
- San Gimignano
- Pisa
Why Siena is worth a visit
Siena is a magical city in which to lose yourself in the narrow medieval streets of its historic centre, flanked by splendid palaces and historic shops, historic buildings and monuments, among which you should not miss:
Piazza del Campo
This medieval square, one of the most beautiful and largest in the world, hosts the famous ancient horse race of the Palio of Siena and is the centre of the city's life.
Duomo of Siena
The 14th century Cathedral of Siena is a spectacular building with a remarkable baptistery and crypt inside. It also boasts magnificent views of the city from its belvedere, the 'Panorama del Duomo'.
Church of San Domenico
This is the second most important church in Siena. With a sober appearance due to its brick construction, the Church of San Domenico was erected in the 13th century and later remodelled in the Gothic style.
Palazzo Pubblico
Another place to get panoramic views of Siena is from the 88-metre tower of its Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of the city's town hall and one of its most representative historic buildings, with its brick and white marble façade.
Other interesting activities in Florence
If you found this article on how to visit Siena from Florence useful or if you are still not sure which excursion best suits your style of travel, here is my guide on how to visit Siena from Florence. Tours and Daytrips from Florence. Personally, I recommend you consider Cinque Terre or Pisa as alternative destinations to Siena. Here are the articles I have written about them: Cinque Terre Day Trips from Florence y Pisa Day Trips from Florence.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Siena so famous?
It is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy for its beautiful architecture, and for the biannual horse race held in the city centre known as the Palio, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
What is typical food in Siena?
Following the standards of Tuscan cuisine, Siena's gastronomy abounds with fresh produce and local specialities. Expect dishes made with virgin olive oil, truffles, pecorino cheese, a variety of mushrooms and wild boar meat.
What are the sights of Siena?
Siena's Duomo is a site that surprises visitors with its exterior, its walls and striped columns, making it the first stop on tourist itineraries. After the Duomo, the Orti dei Tolomei and the Campo Regio are must-sees offering incredible views of the city. Finally, there is Piazza del Campo, home of the Palio.