San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni: Fully Escorted Tour, Lunch & Wine Tasting

Tuscany’s picturesque hill towns are a true gem, and this guided tour offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of the region. From the medieval charm of San Gimignano’s iconic towers to the Gothic splendor of Siena’s cathedral and Piazza del Campo, visitors will embark on a cultural journey that delights the senses. The tour also includes a visit to the well-preserved medieval fortress of Monteriggioni, where guests can indulge in a winery tour, tasting, and a traditional Tuscan lunch. With round-trip transportation and seamless amenities, this tour promises to be a seamless and unforgettable exploration of Tuscany’s finest. Discover the secrets that these picturesque hill towns hold, as you…

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Lunch Experiences In Siena.

Key Points

• This fully escorted tour explores the popular Tuscan hill towns of San Gimignano, Siena, and Monteriggioni, providing guided services and free time for independent exploration.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation via air-conditioned bus with WiFi, a 3-course Tuscan lunch with wine tasting at a Chianti winery, and admission to the Siena cathedral.
• Visitors can learn about winemaking by visiting the cellars and vineyards, and enjoy classic Italian antipasto, penne with meat ragout, and homemade tart for dessert.
• The tour starts and ends at Piazzale Montelungo in Florence, with an assistant in blue clothing marked with Caf Tour and Gray Line logos to assist participants.
• The tour offers stroller accessibility, proximity to public transportation, and infant seats, with comfortable walking shoes recommended as the order of visits may change.

Tour Overview

The tour explores popular Tuscan hill towns, including San Gimignano, Siena, and Monteriggioni, offering free time for independent exploration of their historic centers alongside informative commentary from the tour leader.

Travelers will enjoy round-trip transportation via an air-conditioned bus equipped with WiFi.

The tour includes a visit to wine cellars, vineyards, and a 3-course typical Tuscan lunch at a Chianti winery, where they’ll have the opportunity to taste three different Chianti wines, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and vin santo.

Guided service is provided in Siena, along with admission to the cathedral.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Florence.

Included Activities

This tour includes several engaging activities. Travelers will enjoy round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus equipped with WiFi, providing a comfortable journey. Plus, the tour features a visit to cellars and vineyards, allowing participants to learn about the winemaking process firsthand. Complementing this, a 3-course typical Tuscan lunch will be served at a Chianti winery, where guests can savor three different Chianti wines, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and vin santo.

Activity	Description
Winery Visit	Explore cellars and vineyards to learn about winemaking
Tuscan Lunch	Enjoy a 3-course meal featuring local specialties and wine tasting
Guided Service	Receive informative commentary and guided service in Siena, including cathedral admission

Sample Menu

A 3-course typical Tuscan lunch is served at a Chianti winery, where guests can savor a menu featuring local specialties.

The meal starts with a selection of cold cuts, bruschetta, and pecorino cheese – a classic Italian antipasto.

For the main course, guests enjoy penne pasta with a rich meat ragout and freshly grated parmesan.

To conclude the dining experience, a homemade tart with jam and vinsanto, a traditional sweet wine, is served for dessert.

This carefully curated menu allows guests to enjoy the flavors of Tuscany while surrounded by the region’s picturesque vineyards and rolling hills.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests meet up at Piazzale Montelungo in Florence, where an assistant wearing blue clothing marked with the Caf Tour and Gray Line logos will be waiting at the end of the ramp connecting to the railway station.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. This makes it convenient for travelers as they won’t have to worry about finding their way to a different location at the end of the day.

The meeting point is located near public transportation, and infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour has a strict schedule to adhere to.

Exploring Tuscan Hill Towns

The tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Tuscany’s most captivating hill towns, starting with the medieval walled city of San Gimignano, renowned for its striking skyline of imposing towers. Guests will have free time to explore the historic center independently, discovering charming piazzas, quaint shops, and the iconic Duomo.

Next, the tour moves on to the magnificent city of Siena, where a guided service provides an in-depth look at the stunning Gothic cathedral and the lively Piazza del Campo.

The final stop is Monteriggioni, a well-preserved medieval fortress with its iconic walls and towers, offering a glimpse into Tuscany’s rich history.

Independent Exploration Time

Visitors are granted ample time during the tour to explore the historic centers of San Gimignano, Siena, and Monteriggioni independently, allowing them to discover the charming piazzas, quaint shops, and iconic landmarks at their own pace.

This freedom enables travelers to enjoy the local culture, wander the medieval streets, and capture the essence of these Tuscan jewels.

Whether it’s admiring the famous towers of San Gimignano, marveling at the Duomo in Siena, or strolling the fortified walls of Monteriggioni, the independent exploration time offers a personalized experience that complements the guided portions of the tour.

This balance ensures visitors have the opportunity to truly savor the highlights of Tuscany at their own rhythm.

Transportation and Amenities

Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus with WiFi is provided for this tour, allowing participants to travel comfortably between the historic hill towns.

An assistant in blue clothing with Caf Tour and Gray Line logos will be waiting at the meeting point in Piazzale Montelungo, Florence to greet and guide travelers.

The tour includes the following amenities:

1. Stroller accessibility, making it suitable for families with young children.
2. Proximity to public transportation, ensuring easy access to the meeting point.
3. Availability of infant seats for added comfort and safety.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the order of the visits may change, and you will have the opportunity to explore the historic centers independently.

Arrival and Departure Details

An assistant in blue clothing with Caf Tour and Gray Line logos will be waiting at the end of the ramp connecting to the railway station in Piazzale Montelungo, Florence to greet travelers and guide them to the meeting point for this tour. The tour ends back at the same meeting point. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s mandatory to arrive at the meeting point on time.

Meeting Point	Pickup Time
Piazzale Montelungo, Florence	–
End Location	Departure Time
Piazzale Montelungo, Florence	–

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the order of the visits may change during the tour. Plus, the tour is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. However, comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there will be some walking involved. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is advised to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can’t bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes a full lunch with wine tasting at a Chianti winery, so outside food and beverages aren’t permitted. Participants must follow the provided schedule and menu.

How Long Is the Drive Between Each Town?

The drive times between the Tuscan hill towns on this tour vary. Typically, it takes around 1 hour to travel between San Gimignano, Siena, and Monteriggioni. The exact durations may differ due to factors like traffic conditions.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Headphones?

No, headphones are not required for this tour. The tour leader will provide an informative commentary throughout the journey, which can be heard without the need for personal headphones. The transportation includes a built-in audio system.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention discounts for children or seniors. However, many tour operators offer reduced rates for these groups, so it’s best to check with the provider directly about any available discounts.

Recap

This guided tour offers an immersive exploration of Tuscany’s iconic hill towns.

Visitors will discover the medieval charm of San Gimignano, the Gothic splendor of Siena, and the well-preserved fortress of Monteriggioni.

The tour includes a winery visit, traditional Tuscan lunch, and comfortable transportation, providing a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the region’s cultural and culinary highlights.