Port
Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
Activity Level
Strenuous
Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,24,All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$249.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 10½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Siena is a glorious city of winding narrow streets that cling to steep hillsides. It boasts an unmatched, enchanting medieval atmosphere and the buildings surrounding the central Piazza del Campo symbolize the golden age of the city. Between 1260 and 1348, wealthy citizens contributed to a major program of civic development, and the stunning results are still there to enjoy today. A nasty bout of Bubonic Plague and an 18-month Florentine siege worked to freeze Siena in time, and now most of its medieval buildings have been carefully renovated and restored.
A guided walking tour includes the Church of San Domenico, which contains the relics of the famous Saint Catherine -- including her preserved head -- and beautiful frescoes by Sodoma in the chapel.
The Piazza del Duomo, with its magnificent cathedral in black and white marble, is built on Siena's highest hill.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption with a beautiful inlaid marble floor and pulpit by Nicola Pisano, and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo with its original 13th-century palaces (the Palazzo Pubblico has been the seat of Siena government since the 13th century). Nearby is the 300-foot-tall Torre del Mangia bell-tower.
Make the most of some free time to shop and browse.
Just out of town, at a local farmhouse, estate wine and olive oil are produced. Taste these and many other products during an Italian lunch, accompanied by local wine.
Enjoyed free time in the town of San Gimignano -- chosen by Zeffirelli as the setting for his masterpiece Tea with Mussolini.
You may choose to explore the interesting churches, palaces and shops, the Piazza della Cisterna, the Devil's Tower, the 11th-century cathedral and Piazza del Duomo, the Old Podest' Palace, the 1353 Florentine fortress, or the simple Sant'Agostino Church that hides a heavily decorated Rococo interior by Vanvitelli -- architect to the Kings of Naples.
Notes:
The guided walking tour of Siena is on very steep streets and a great deal of walking is required. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. A short visit inside cathedral is included. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience at the cathedral.
Corkage policy: Wine purchased on this tour is exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).