PRIVATE EXCURSION: Volterra & San Gimignano + Wine Tastings (From Livorno Port)

Situated just a short drive from the bustling Livorno Port, this private excursion to the historic towns of Volterra and San Gimignano promises an unforgettable day in the heart of Tuscany. Travelers will have the chance to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, exploring medieval architecture, iconic towers, and indulging in a delightful wine tasting experience. Whether you’re seeking to uncover the secrets of Volterra’s past or marvel at the picturesque landscapes surrounding San Gimignano, this exclusive tour offers a personalized and comprehensive journey that tantalizes the senses and leaves you eager to discover more.

This experience made our list of the 21 Best Wine Tours In Livorno.

Key Points

• Private shore excursion from Livorno Port to explore historic Volterra and San Gimignano, including a traditional farm visit and five-wine tasting.
• Ample sightseeing time in the Tuscan countryside with on-time return to cruise ship and personalized experience by a local expert driver.
• Taste five different Chianti and Sangiovese wines at a traditional Tuscan farm, accompanied by a 3-course Tuscan lunch featuring local specialties.
• Discover the well-preserved medieval architecture and panoramic views in the historic centers of Volterra and San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Comprehensive accessibility features, including infant seats, stroller accessibility, and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring a comfortable experience for families.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This private shore excursion from the Livorno Port takes travelers on a journey through the Tuscan countryside to explore the historic centers of Volterra and San Gimignano.

Highlights include visiting a traditional farm for insights into wine production and enjoying a Tuscan lunch. Guests will sample five different Chianti wines during a tasting session.

The tour provides ample time for sightseeing and returns participants to their cruise ship on schedule.

Travelers can expect an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a 3-course lunch featuring local specialties like bruschettas, homemade pasta, and regional cheeses.

Inclusion and Experience

Alongside the air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water, the excursion includes a delectable 3-course Tuscan lunch.

The menu features bruschettas, homemade pasta, cold cuts, Pecorino cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and truffle oil.

During the tour, guests will enjoy five wine tastings at a traditional farm, sampling Chianti, Sangiovese, Vernaccia, and Super Tuscan varieties.

A local expert driver provides a personalized experience, while a professional guide is available upon request for an additional fee.

This private tour ensures that only your group participates, allowing for a more intimate and tailored experience in the Tuscan countryside.

Pickup and Logistics

The excursion offers pickup directly at the cruise ship in Livorno Port, with authorized access to ensure a seamless start.

Guests will be greeted with a welcome sign displaying "PEK TUSCANY IN LIMO" and their name.

The tour takes place in a comfortable minivan, providing a personalized experience.

The start time is set at 8:00 AM, allowing ample time for the day’s activities before returning to the cruise ship.

The private nature of the tour means only the group participates, ensuring a tailored and exclusive experience throughout the Tuscan countryside.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Infant seats and stroller accessibility are available, ensuring the excursion can accommodate families with young children. Most travelers can participate, including those with mobility challenges, as the tour is wheelchair accessible. This private tour means only your group will be participating, providing a personalized experience. Confirmation is received at booking, though the tour is non-refundable.

Accessibility	Available	Not Available
Infant Seats	✓
Stroller Accessibility	✓
Wheelchair Accessibility	✓
Private Tour	✓

Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have awarded the Volterra & San Gimignano Excursion an outstanding 5.0 overall rating based on 5 reviews.

Highlights of the feedback include the excellent guides, well-organized tours, and enjoyable lunch experiences. Reviewers highly recommend this tour for its informative and delightful nature.

Positive comments also praise the beautiful Tuscan scenery and engaging winery visit. The local expert driver is praised for providing a personalized experience.

Exploring Volterra’s Historic Center

Upon arrival in Volterra, visitors are immediately captivated by the town’s historic charm and well-preserved architecture. Winding cobblestone streets lead to the impressive Piazza dei Priori, home to the Palazzo dei Priori, a striking medieval town hall.

Nearby, the Duomo di Volterra, a Romanesque cathedral, impresses with its ornate façade and intricate bell tower. Guests can explore the Etruscan Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the ancient Etruscan civilization that once thrived in the region.

The town’s historic city walls and the Medici Fortress, perched atop a hilltop, offer panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Discovering San Gimignano’s Towers

After exploring the historic wonders of Volterra, the tour continues onward to the enchanting town of San Gimignano.

Often dubbed the "Medieval Manhattan," this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its striking skyline of 14 preserved medieval stone towers.

Visitors can wander the winding streets, marveling at the magnificent towers that once served as symbols of wealth and power for rival families.

From the hilltop, guests are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Tuscan countryside.

The tour provides ample time to take in the town’s charming ambiance, admire the impressive architecture, and gain insights into its captivating history from the knowledgeable local guide.

Wine Tasting at the Traditional Farm

The tour then takes visitors to a traditional Tuscan farm, where they’ll have the opportunity to gain insights into the region’s renowned wine production.

At the farm, guests will enjoy a 5-wine tasting, sampling Chianti, Sangiovese, Vernaccia, and Super Tuscan varietals. The knowledgeable staff provides an in-depth explanation of the winemaking process and the distinct characteristics of each wine.

Afterward, guests indulge in a 3-course Tuscan lunch, featuring homemade pasta, cured meats, Pecorino cheese, and more, all complemented by the estate’s own extra virgin olive oil and truffle oil.

This comprehensive experience offers a true taste of Tuscan culinary and viticultural traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine on Board the Ship?

Unfortunately, it’s generally not permitted to bring your own wine onboard a cruise ship. The ship’s policies typically restrict passengers from bringing outside alcoholic beverages due to regulatory and safety concerns.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the local expert driver, who can customize the itinerary to accommodate additional time at the destinations or include extra activities within the overall tour schedule.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Excursion?

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances. The tour provider offers a non-refundable policy, so insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies during the excursion.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Menu?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or special dietary menu for this tour. The tour provider offers a 3-course Tuscan lunch that can be adapted to accommodate different dietary needs if requested in advance.

Is It Possible to Visit Other Tuscan Towns During the Tour?

While the standard tour visits Volterra and San Gimignano, it’s possible to customize the itinerary to include other Tuscan towns. Speak with the tour provider about modifying the tour to fit your interests and preferences.

Recap

This private excursion from Livorno Port offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Tuscany. Visitors can explore the medieval towns of Volterra and San Gimignano, savor five exquisite Chianti wine tastings, and indulge in a delectable three-course Tuscan lunch, creating an unforgettable day filled with history, natural beauty, and exceptional local experiences.