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Florence to Siena Day Trips
- Enjoy round-trip transfers by GT coach or minivan from Florence to the Tuscan countryside and explore its breathtaking landscapes.
- With the expertise of a multilingual guide, get a taste of the authentic Tuscan experience on a full-day tour.
- Visit the enthralling city of Siena where you’ll visit the Piazza del Campo, famous for its Palio di Siena horse race.
- Upgrade to relish a delicious lunch of Tuscan cuisine, and an authentic local wine-tasting tour. Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano and explore to your heart’s desire.
- Go to Pisa and its stunning Piazza dei Miracoli. Admire the Baptistery and the famous Leaning Tower.
- Enjoy round-trip transfers by GT coach or minivan from Florence to the Tuscan countryside and explore its breathtaking landscapes.
- With the expertise of a multilingual guide, get a taste of the authentic Tuscan experience on a full-day tour.
- Visit the enthralling city of Siena where you’ll visit the Piazza del Campo, famous for its Palio di Siena horse race.
- Upgrade to relish a delicious lunch of Tuscan cuisine, and an authentic local wine-tasting tour. Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano and explore to your heart’s desire.
- Go to Pisa and its stunning Piazza dei Miracoli. Admire the Baptistery and the famous Leaning Tower.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Tuscany, Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa
- Expert English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, or French-speaking guide
- Round-trip transfers from Florence by GT coach
- Typical Tuscan lunch with drinks (optional)
- Wine tasting (optional)
Exclusions
- Entry to Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Entry to Siena Cathedral
- Please note that the order of the itinerary may change.
- Customers must be able to climb and descend stairs. Please note that a moderate amount of walking is involved and this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- For lunch, a vegetarian menu is available on request. Dietary requirements should be specified at the time of booking.
- Note: Seine refers to the town and not the Cathedral.
- Reach at the meeting point 15 minutes early to avoid cancellation due to delays. In such cases, refunds will not be granted.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.5
2.0K ratings
1.4K
404
28
23
107
What our guests say
chris
Nov 2024Verified booking
Federico worked very hard to make sure we all were getting the most out of the trip. We had plenty of time to do our own thing at the various stops. The ticketing process was very easy also.
Maria
Oct 2024Verified booking
The complete package, very well organised and a brilliant tour guide can't remember her named but she was the English tour guide.
Laura
Sep 2024Verified booking
I think a guided tour that includes a wine tasting needs to be well thought and more personalized for the audience. The group was really big, we had to rush from one place to another, so we didn't really enjoyed each city; the tour was made in 3 languages so it took a really long time to understand the information. Also they changed the order of the cities and that ruined our traveling plans as the visiting order was important for us to at the end we had to take two more trains on our own. The wine tasting was really regular almost bad. The food was not tasty, the water glasses smelled like egg and the wines were not explained as we tried them. Also a good wine tasting changes your glasses between different wines or puts a glass for each type of wine and they never changed the only glass per person so the real taste was not able to be well enjoyed. The wines were regular and not that good to be Italy. There was a little of lack of organization for the lunch and also we expected to learn a little bit about the wine making process as it is the Tuscany or at least visit the vineyard and none was done. So they didn't really met our expectations for the cost or the description of the experience that is sold. Somehow disappointing honestly.
Dayana
Sep 2024Verified booking
The places were wonderful, but I think the Spanish guide was lacking, since the one who spoke in English told a lot of things and when it was the Spanish guide's turn, she summarized too much.
View original review in Spanish
Diana
Sep 2024Verified booking
The guide was excellent with the information she gave us and very friendly, the 3 cities were beautiful, but you have to wear very comfortable shoes because the streets are complicated.
View original review in Spanish
Alexis
Jul 2024Verified booking
This was one of the highlights of my trip! Our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. Her English was also very good. Marco at Poggio ai Laghi (the winery) was hilarious and made the experience that much better! Definitely do this if you get a chance. Be prepared; this is a lot of walking, so wear very good shoes.
Rebecca
Jul 2024Verified booking
It was easy to be brought around, and I think all of the places we visited were good. The tour guide was also very good. I was, however, disappointed that there was a toilet on the bus and we weren't allowed to use it on a tour that went 12 hours. Also, the vegetarian meal was about half the size of the other meal for lunch.
ANGIE
Jun 2024Verified booking
It was a nice trip well organised by the tour managers . The main highlights of the trip were given in d bus before reaching a particular stop. However the only problem was the same thing was repeated in spanish and portuguese which went över the head!... the views of pisa, chianti and sam gimgnano worth the travel!! A long and tiring trip so plan the previous day accordingly so that next day u can enjoy your tour to fullest! Overall it was a lovely experience with our guides!
DENISON
Jun 2024Verified booking
The tour was very good. But there are a few observations. The air conditioning on the bus was very weak, making it hot during the trip. The bus didn't have a toilet.... what an absurdity The guide walked very fast, sometimes leaving some behind.
View original review in Portuguese
Abhaya
May 2024Verified booking
The guide was perfect, however I believe they should be a bit more strict with the timings. We were accompanied by a group who didn't stop talking at all. This meant we couldn't hear a bit of what the guide was saying in the bus.
Debora
May 2024Verified booking
The whole day with barbara was amazing, she clearly knows a lot about the region and delivers the information in a very lighthearted and entertaining manner. The guide in Sienna, Chiara, was also great, very nice and knowleadgeable.
Ramon
Apr 2024Verified booking
It was a nice experience, Julia was wonderful all 3 places are enchanting. but the lunch was more like a taste of red meats, I would prefer some pasta with tomato sauce.
Ananda
Dec 2024Verified booking
An incredible trip! Beautiful landscapes, very nice lunch experience.
View original review in Portuguese
Kayhan
Oct 2024Verified booking
Perfect tour perfect guide, super
Javier
Sep 2024Verified booking
Incredible tour, the guide and everything you learn is very helpful to understand the landscapes and culture.
View original review in Spanish
FRANCISCO
Aug 2024Verified booking
Yes, the experience was great, the guide was fantastic!!! Always helpful to explain everything in detail
View original review in Portuguese
Cheng
Jul 2024Verified booking
Well organised.instruction clear. On scheduled. The double decked is good. Comfortable.
Heather
May 2024Verified booking
The scenery was amazing! And the guides were great. Not having air conditioning in the bus was a bummer
Sergey
Apr 2024Verified booking
Guide was perfect and very professional We got everywhere on time and even bad weather didint destroy our experience
Aparna
Apr 2024Verified booking
We loved the smooth transfers, wine tasting and the sienna tour
Megan
Feb 2024Verified booking
Lucca, our guide, made the tour so interesting. He was fabulous. Lucca was very knowledgeable and engaging.
Gabriel
Jan 2024Verified booking
The guides Luciano and Patricia and the bus driver Michelle were awesome, they put their hearts in the job!
Warnakulasuriya
Nov 2024Verified booking
Yisel
Nov 2024Verified booking
JULIO
Oct 2024Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Central Florence
Check your final voucher for the exact location in Florence where you board your spacious coach and start your adventure.
78.3 km
71 minutes
1
Siena
1 attractions
At your first stop, set off on a guided tour through the main squares. Admire the architecture of Torre del Mangia (Eater's Tower) at the lively Plaza del Campo.
Things to do
Palazzo Pubblico
Discover a palace that serves as a town hall, set in the bustling main square of Plaza del Campo.
41.7 km
46 minutes
2
San Gimignano
1 attractions
Get free time to explore the maze of cobbled streets, looming towers, and the many local artisan shops at this hilltop village known as a 'Medieval Manhattan'.
Things to do
Piazza della Cisterna
This triangular sloping plaza is surrounded by ancient skyscrapers.
45.9 km
57 minutes
3
Chianti Classico
1 activities
Head to a charming vineyard in the heart of the Chianti region.
Things to do
Vineyard tour & wine tasting
Included in price
Visit a rustic estate, where a wine producer takes you through the grape-filled vineyards and cellars. Indulge in a few samples of the wines with local specialty snacks and fresh olive oil.
29.1 km
50 minutes
4
END POINT
Central Florence
The essential Tuscany trip! Discover Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti, and sip the best of wines.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfortable GT coach ride from Florence and back with multilingual support on deck.
- Walk around the Palazzo Pubblico town hall and Mangia Tower in the Piazza del Campo on a guided tour of Siena.
- Interested in ancient skyscrapers encircled by 13th-century walls? Wander the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano at your whim.
- Now, bring on the wine! Stroll through a local Chianti estate and hear the secrets behind its magic as you drink and munch.
The essential Tuscany trip! Discover Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti, and sip the best of wines.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfortable GT coach ride from Florence and back with multilingual support on deck.
- Walk around the Palazzo Pubblico town hall and Mangia Tower in the Piazza del Campo on a guided tour of Siena.
- Interested in ancient skyscrapers encircled by 13th-century walls? Wander the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano at your whim.
- Now, bring on the wine! Stroll through a local Chianti estate and hear the secrets behind its magic as you drink and munch.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti
- Multilingual assistance on board
- Pick up from Florence
- Round-trip AC coach transfer
- Expert English-speaking guide in Siena
- Vineyard visit and wine tasting in Chianti
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Tip: When in San Gimignano, seek out the Rocca di Montestaffoli. This old fortress offers a quieter panoramic vantage with lovely gardens that many tourists miss.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Safety is a priority so the wine tasting experience is restricted for guests under the age of 18 years.
- Guests under the age of 18 years can join the tour if they are each accompanied by at least one adult.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Central Florence
Head to the location mentioned on your final voucher and set off on your adventure.
84.5 km
77 minutes
1
Pisa
1 attractions
Stop by Pisa's Square of Miracles, where you will have time to admire the stunning Cathedral, Baptistery, Monumental Cemetery, and pose with the Leaning Tower.
Things to do
Leaning Tower of Pisa
78.8 km
81 minutes
2
San Gimignano
1 attractions
Nicknamed 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages', San Gimignano's tall, narrow towers create a modern skyline. Stroll by charming craftsmen’s shops along the cobbled stone streets and small squares.
Things to do
1. Tuscan lunch
Lunch
Fuel up with a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine pairings before hitting the streets of San Gimignano.
2. Duomo di San Gimignano
Admire the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, a 12th-century church with frescoes by Ghirlandaio in its Santa Fina Chapel.
41.9 km
46 minutes
3
Siena
2 attractions
You can choose to either freely explore Siena, or avail a guided tour of the city center and maybe even its cathedral.
Things to do
1. Piazza del Campo
Traverse the main square, lying on the intersection of the three main roads that lead in and out of Siena.
2. Siena Cathedral
Nestled in Piazza del Duomo is the magnificent Gothic-Romanesque cathedral. Select the guided tour with entry to admire the mosaic floors and frescoes within.
77 km
78 minutes
4
END POINT
Central Florence
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, fill up on lunch with drinks in San Gimignano, and traverse Siena!
- Want to unravel three UNESCO Heritage gems from Florence in just one day? A trip to Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena is the answer.
- At Pisa, walk along the Square of Miracles and get enough time for photo ops by the Leaning Tower!
- A hearty lunch with the finest wines at San Gimignano keeps your energy up as you uncover its 13th-century walls and stone skyscrapers.
- Fall in love with Siena's medieval streets and squares. Upgrade to a guided tour with an optional cathedral visit to get the most of your trip!
- Cruise to all destinations and back in a feature-packed AC vehicle that comes with friendly multilingual support.
See the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, fill up on lunch with drinks in San Gimignano, and traverse Siena!
- Want to unravel three UNESCO Heritage gems from Florence in just one day? A trip to Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena is the answer.
- At Pisa, walk along the Square of Miracles and get enough time for photo ops by the Leaning Tower!
- A hearty lunch with the finest wines at San Gimignano keeps your energy up as you uncover its 13th-century walls and stone skyscrapers.
- Fall in love with Siena's medieval streets and squares. Upgrade to a guided tour with an optional cathedral visit to get the most of your trip!
- Cruise to all destinations and back in a feature-packed AC vehicle that comes with friendly multilingual support.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena
- Multilingual assistance on board
- Pick up from Florence
- Round-trip AC coach transfer
- Lunch with wine in San Gimignano
- Guided tour of Siena city center (if selected)
- Guided tour of Siena Cathedral and city center (if selected)
- Tip: For the best gelato in San Gimignano, visit the award-winning Gelateria Dondoli in the main square. Don’t miss their signature Saffron and Pine Nut flavor.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Safety is a priority so the wine tasting experience is restricted for guests under the age of 18 years.
- Guests under the age of 18 years can join the tour if they are each accompanied by at least one adult.
- Please note that the order of visits is subject to change.
- For entry to Siena Cathedral, all guests must wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.4
3.9K ratings
2.6K
849
82
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237
What our guests say
Maria
Oct 2024Verified booking
The complete package, very well organised and a brilliant tour guide can't remember her named but she was the English tour guide.
Juan
Sep 2024Verified booking
The tour was very nice. My mother and I really enjoyed all the places we visited. Lunch in San Gimignano was delicious, accompanied by local Tuscan products, which made the experience even more special. For those who prefer to tour the towns without any rush, we suggest doing it on your own. Finally, we would like to thank immensely the help offered by the guide Alexandra who very kindly helped us find a place to leave our luggage in Siena as we were not ending the tour in Florence as scheduled, but were heading to another destination. Without his help we would not have known Siena. Excellent as a professional and as a person.
View original review in Spanish
Alexis
Jul 2024Verified booking
This was one of the highlights of my trip! Our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. Her English was also very good. Marco at Poggio ai Laghi (the winery) was hilarious and made the experience that much better! Definitely do this if you get a chance. Be prepared; this is a lot of walking, so wear very good shoes.
Rebecca
Jul 2024Verified booking
It was easy to be brought around, and I think all of the places we visited were good. The tour guide was also very good. I was, however, disappointed that there was a toilet on the bus and we weren't allowed to use it on a tour that went 12 hours. Also, the vegetarian meal was about half the size of the other meal for lunch.
ANGIE
Jun 2024Verified booking
It was a nice trip well organised by the tour managers . The main highlights of the trip were given in d bus before reaching a particular stop. However the only problem was the same thing was repeated in spanish and portuguese which went över the head!... the views of pisa, chianti and sam gimgnano worth the travel!! A long and tiring trip so plan the previous day accordingly so that next day u can enjoy your tour to fullest! Overall it was a lovely experience with our guides!
Abhaya
May 2024Verified booking
The guide was perfect, however I believe they should be a bit more strict with the timings. We were accompanied by a group who didn't stop talking at all. This meant we couldn't hear a bit of what the guide was saying in the bus.
Prachi
Jan 2024Verified booking
Hi, My experience with Headout team and the guide was suoer amazing, I think on our own we wouldn't have ever visited so many places in one day, but due to this trip we could visit so much and the guide was also very informative. I speacially love the wine tasting experience. Wish we would have got more time everywhere but it was a little hectic but worth visting ..I just loved it.
Lidia
Dec 2024Verified booking
Everything was excellent. Only the part of the lunch in the vineyard that no one explained in Spanish.
View original review in Spanish
Kayhan
Oct 2024Verified booking
Perfect tour perfect guide, super
Oswaldo
Oct 2024Verified booking
Great guide, everything according to plan, punctuality and great cities
View original review in Portuguese
Heather
May 2024Verified booking
The scenery was amazing! And the guides were great. Not having air conditioning in the bus was a bummer
Sergey
Apr 2024Verified booking
Guide was perfect and very professional We got everywhere on time and even bad weather didint destroy our experience
Aparna
Apr 2024Verified booking
We loved the smooth transfers, wine tasting and the sienna tour
carolin
Mar 2024Verified booking
The tour guide Elisabetha and the bus driver Alexander were very good!
View original review in German
Megan
Feb 2024Verified booking
Lucca, our guide, made the tour so interesting. He was fabulous. Lucca was very knowledgeable and engaging.
Maura
Jan 2024Verified booking
These were beautiful areas in Tuscany to visit, and the logistics support was helpful. Guide was friendly.
Warnakulasuriya
Nov 2024Verified booking
Lilit
Oct 2024Verified booking
jaime
Oct 2024Verified booking
Aazmina
Oct 2024Verified booking
Vindhya
Sep 2024Verified booking
Pruna
Aug 2024Verified booking
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Aug 2024Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Central Florence
Meet your fellow travel mates and set off from the heart of Florence by AC coach.
78.3 km
71 minutes
1
Siena
2 attractions
Independently uncover the historic districts of Siena, or go on a guided tour of the city center and optionally its cathedral.
Things to do
1. Banca Monte dei Paschi
Exploring by yourself? Be sure to check out the oldest bank in the world! It was founded 500 years ago and remains one of Italy's largest banking institutions.
2. Siena Cathedral
Nestled in Piazza del Duomo is the magnificent cathedral, a Gothic-Romanesque masterwork. Select the guided tour with entry to admire the mosaic floors and frescoes within.
45.5 km
59 minutes
2
Chianti Classico
1 activities
Drive along the gentle slopes of Chianti and head into a vintage wine estate.
Things to do
1. Vineyard tour & wine tasting
Included in price
Be welcomed to the organic winery with a glass of sparkling and immerse yourself on a tour of its wine cellar.
2. Tuscan lunch
Lunch
Smack on an exquisite 3-course lunch, accompanied by four delightful wines.
46.4 km
55 minutes
3
San Gimignano
1 attractions
At your leisure, traverse this hilltop city, from its old town's 13th-century walls to its skyline filled with high rises.
Things to do
Torre Grossa
Situated in Piazza Duomo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the tallest of San Gimignano's medieval skyscrapers.
61.1 km
70 minutes
4
END POINT
Central Florence
Indulge your appetite on a trip to Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti with lunch and wines included!
- Freely roam through Siena by yourself, or choose a guided tour of the city center. Upgrade to enter the iconic Siena Cathedral!
- Drop by a winery nestled in the rolling hills of Chianti and dig into a sumptuous 3-course lunch paired with an array of fine wines.
- Gaze up at the towering structures of San Gimignano as you learn why it's called the 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages'.
- Relax to and from Florence aboard an AC coach. Between April and October, you may also stop at the medieval fortress commune of Monteriggioni!
Indulge your appetite on a trip to Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti with lunch and wines included!
- Freely roam through Siena by yourself, or choose a guided tour of the city center. Upgrade to enter the iconic Siena Cathedral!
- Drop by a winery nestled in the rolling hills of Chianti and dig into a sumptuous 3-course lunch paired with an array of fine wines.
- Gaze up at the towering structures of San Gimignano as you learn why it's called the 'Manhattan of the Middle Ages'.
- Relax to and from Florence aboard an AC coach. Between April and October, you may also stop at the medieval fortress commune of Monteriggioni!
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti
- Multilingual assistance on board
- Pick up from Florence
- Round-trip AC coach transfer
- Vineyard visit, wine tasting, and lunch in Chianti
- Guided tour of Siena city center (if selected)
- Guided tour of Siena Cathedral and city center (if selected)
- Tip: It's possible to walk along the 2176-metre perimeter of the second circle of city walls that mark the historical centre of San Gimignano.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Safety is a priority so the wine tasting experience is restricted for guests under the age of 18 years.
- Guests under the age of 18 years can join the tour if they are each accompanied by at least one adult.
- Please note that the order of visits is subject to change.
- For entry to Siena Cathedral, all guests must wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.1
834 ratings
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What our guests say
NATALIA
Dec 2024Verified booking
The tour is phenomenal, I did not like that the bus does not have a bathroom and that the tasting the person who gave it spoke too fast was not understood much, otherwise perfect.
View original review in Spanish
Andrew
Nov 2024Verified booking
The visit to Siena, San Gimignano & the Chianti lunch & wine tasting were all very good. The tour leader was excellent.
Nuria
Sep 2024Verified booking
The villages visited were wonderful, the time to visit them perfect and the guides Marta. Fabrizio and Ferdinado, unbeatable. The visit to the vineyards, the wine tasting and the fabulous lunch. Highly recommended!
View original review in Spanish
Antonia
Jul 2024Verified booking
Great experience, perfect length, great lunch & wine. The guide was the cherry on top, fascinating explanations about the places we saw, and even additional explanations about Florence and different things that we saw on the way. The bus trip itself is also a breath of fresh air and air conditioning in between sightseeing. The only tip: I think for european travelers, the 'winery' is obviously not a real winery but a business for tourist entertainment, especially because of the slightly pathetic comedy show pulled by the winery host, with bad jokes targeting directly North American tourists.
Kaminthia
Jun 2024Verified booking
Wonderful trip with great guide and very informative!! We had lots of time to explore on our own. Great food and amazing g wine tasting! Tour company were great and the entire day ran very well Would highly recommend this tour
Traci-Ann
Nov 2024Verified booking
The guide was excellent and the tour ran to time in all locations. Everything was as expected or better.
Rebecca
Oct 2024Verified booking
Fabulous guide, Sandro and driver, Fernando! The winery was also a big highlight. So much fun.
Andrea
Jul 2024Verified booking
Sandro and Catu very good guides. Plenty of free time to explore each place.
View original review in Spanish
Victor
Jun 2024Verified booking
It was very nice and well organized. The travel guide was very nice, helpful and informative.
Rozita
Nov 2024Verified booking
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FlorenceFlorence To Siena Tours
Top things to do in Florence
Why go on a Florence to Siena day trip?
See all photos
Your Florence to Siena day trip options explained
Classic Tuscan tour
- Duration: 11 hr. 30 min. - 13 hr. 45 min.
- Guide: Yes
- Mode of transfers: GT coach
- Additional destinations: San Gimignano, Pisa
- Highlights: Ideal for first-time visitors eager to experience Tuscany’s iconic sites in a single day. Explore the beautiful countryside with stops at top destinations, plus the option to skip lunch and wine tasting for extra sightseeing time.
Recommended tours:
- From Florence: Tuscany, Siena, San Gimignano & Pisa Day Trip
Tuscan tour with food & wine
- Duration: 12 hr. - 13 hr. 45 min.
- Guide: Yes
- Mode of transfers: AC coach
- Additional destinations: San Gimignano, Pisa, Chianti
- Highlights: Ideal for travelers who prioritize tasting Tuscany’s wines and flavors alongside cultural exploration. With the choice of guided access to Siena’s main sites, it’s ideal for those who want to dig a bit deeper into Siena’s history.
Recommended tours:
- From Florence: Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena & Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
Siena | Highlights
Piazza del Campo
Siena’s heart, this fan-shaped piazza is one of Europe’s most iconic medieval squares. It’s where the legendary Palio horse race takes place, surrounded by historical buildings and bustling cafes, perfect for people-watching.
Other stops on your Florence to Siena day trip
San Gimignano
This medieval hilltop town is known as the “City of Towers” for its unique skyline of historic towers. Wander through cobbled streets lined with artisan shops, and take in stunning views of the Tuscan countryside from the city walls.
Don't miss: Climbing Torre Grossa for panoramic views, and sample the famous local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Book ticketsPisa
Home to the iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa offers a mix of architectural wonders within the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic buildings and grand squares make for unforgettable photo stops.
Don't miss: Exploring the nearby Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery for a full experience of this historic site.
Book ticketsChianti
Chianti is renowned for its rolling vineyards, charming villages, and celebrated wines. This scenic region is perfect for tasting local Chianti wines and sampling traditional Tuscan dishes in a serene countryside setting.
Don't miss: Visiting a local vineyard for a wine tasting, and try authentic olive oils and cheeses for a true taste of Tuscany.
Book ticketsHow to get to Siena from Florence?
By train
By bus
By car
Best for: Comfortable and scenic ride.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 19 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes.
Closest station/stop: Florence Santa Maria Novella (S.M.N.) Station; Siena Station.
Frequency: About 14 trains per day.
Timings: 6:20am - 9:44pm
- Direct trains, operated by Trenitalia, travel from Florence to Siena. Departing from Florence Santa Maria Novella, the journey is approximately 49 kilometers and offers picturesque views of the Tuscan countryside.
- Trains typically run every hour, making it easy to find a departure that fits your schedule.
- Upon arrival at Siena Station, you can take a short bus ride or walk to reach the city center. Tickets generally start around €10, but booking in advance can yield better prices.
Best for: Budget travel and direct routes.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Closest stop: Firenze Autostazione; San Domenico in Siena.
Frequency: Hourly throughout the day.
Timings: Check local schedules for exact times.
- Buses from Florence to Siena are operated by Autolinee Toscane and provide a direct route with no transfers required.
- This mode of transport is often more economical than trains, with fares ranging from €1 to €22 depending on the time of booking.
- Buses arrive at San Domenico in Siena, which is conveniently located near the city center.
Best for: Flexible exploration
Duration: Approximately 1 hour (depending on traffic).
- Driving from Florence to Siena lets you set your own pace, make scenic stops, and explore Tuscany beyond Siena.
- The distance is about 72 kilometers via the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze-Siena (RA3), taking roughly an hour under normal traffic conditions.
- A quick heads-up: Parking in Siena can be a bit tricky. Spaces can be limited, and you might need to walk a bit to reach the city center. So, be sure to check local parking regulations before you arrive.
Make the most of your time in Siena
Where to eat?
Where to stay?
Tips
- La Compagnia dei Vinattieri: Italian; cozy, with a well-priced tasting menu (€50). Try the pumpkin-stuffed pasta and braised beef.
- Trattoria Papei: Traditional Tuscan; local favorite near Piazza del Campo known for generous portions. Don’t miss the wild boar ragu and mixed grilled meats.
- Osteria Enoteca Sotto Le Fonti: Tuscan; family-run, perfect for meat lovers. Recommended: Florentine steak and local wines.
- Antica Osteria Da Divo: Etruscan-inspired; elegant cave setting with unique regional dishes. Pair Etruscan specialties with fine wines.
- Caffe Fiorella: Café; a local go-to for coffee and pastries. Great for a cappuccino and fresh pastries.
- Pizzeria Poppi Ivano: Italian; casual with pizza by the slice. Try Ciaccino and their pizza options.
- Il Carroccio: Traditional trattoria; authentic Sienese atmosphere. Must-try: Wild boar in sweet-and-sour sauce.
- Hotel Athena: Inside the city walls, a short walk to Piazza del Campo and the Duomo. Enjoy comfy rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a terrace with panoramic views.
- Palazzo Ravizza: Historic charm with Tuscan decor and gardens, close to the center. Offers a lovely breakfast buffet and friendly service.
- Hotel Duomo: Right by Siena Cathedral, with easy access to sights, cozy rooms, free breakfast, and a rooftop terrace for cathedral views.
- B&B Il Corso: Budget-friendly and close to main attractions, offering a homey vibe, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
- Many smaller cafes, bakeries, and shops in Siena still operate on a cash-only basis. Bringing a bit of cash will come in handy, especially if you want to try local treats.
- If you’re keen to see Siena’s iconic square in its best light, check for events or closures, especially around the Palio season (July 2 and August 16). The square transforms during these times, which is exciting but can limit access.
- Each of Siena’s 17 districts, or contrade, has its own museum, showcasing the city’s deep-rooted Palio traditions and unique history. These are often overlooked but offer a unique peek into local life.
- Many restaurants close in the early afternoon, so aim for a lunch spot before 2 pm for the best options, especially if you want to enjoy a leisurely Tuscan meal.
- Siena's cobbled streets and hills are beautiful but can be tough on your feet. Choose comfortable shoes for easier exploring.
- Summers in Tuscany are hot, so bring a refillable water bottle. There are fountains around Siena where you can refill.
Frequently asked questions about Florence to Siena day trips
What’s the best mode of transport for a day trip to Siena?
Organized tours are an excellent choice for a stress-free, enriching day trip to Siena. If you’re self-exploring, we recommend buses for shorter travel time (about 1 hour and 15 minutes) and direct drop-off near the city center. The train takes about 1.5 hours and requires a longer walk to reach the main attractions.
Are guided tours available for the popular attractions in Siena?
Yes, guided tours are widely available for Siena’s top attractions. Options include both group and private tours that explore highlights like the Siena Cathedral, Piazza del Campo, and Torre del Mangia, often with a knowledgeable guide to share insights into the city’s history, art, and architecture. Many tours also offer skip-the-line access, perfect for making the most of your visit, especially during peak season. Some experiences even include walking tours of the historic center or combining Siena with nearby Tuscan gems like San Gimignano and Chianti for a full-day exploration.
Where do I catch the bus or train in Florence?
Buses depart from Firenze Autostazione, located near the Santa Maria Novella train station. Trains leave from Florence Santa Maria Novella (S.M.N.) Station.
Are there any recommended itineraries for a day trip to Siena?
A suggested itinerary could include:
Morning: Arrive a Siena, visit Piazza del Campo, and climb the Torre del Mangia.
Midday: Explore the Siena Cathedral.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local trattoria.
Afternoon: Visit the Civic Museum or wander through the charming streets, stopping by lesser-known sites like Piazza Salimbeni.
What should I know about parking if I drive to Siena?
Parking in Siena is limited within the historic center due to ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones). It’s best to park in designated lots outside the walls, such as Parking Santa Caterina or Parking Il Campo, and walk into the city center.
Are there any local festivals or events I should plan my visit around?
The most famous event is the Palio di Siena, held on July 2 and August 16. This historic horse race draws large crowds and creates a festive atmosphere. Other events include the Siena Jazz Festival in July and various local food festivals throughout the year.
Is it necessary to book tickets in advance for popular attractions in Siena?
It’s advisable to book tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Siena Cathedral and the Torre del Mangia, especially during peak season, to avoid long lines.
How accessible is Siena for visitors with mobility challenges?
While many areas of Siena are pedestrian-friendly, its cobblestone streets and steep inclines can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Some attractions may have accessibility options, but it’s best to check in advance.
Can I use public transportation within Siena?
Yes, local buses are available for getting around town, especially if you want to visit areas outside the historic center or return from the train station. However, most attractions are within walking distance.
What are some hidden gems in Siena that aren’t on typical tourist itineraries?
Consider visiting the peaceful gardens of the Orto de' Pecci, lesser-known church of San Domenico and the charming neighborhood of Contrada della Torre with its unique local shops.