Exploring the medieval wonders of Tuscany can be a captivating journey, and the San Gimignano, Volterra, and St Galgano Abbey Small Group Tour promises to deliver just that. Delving into the region’s rich heritage, this comprehensive excursion introduces travelers to the iconic hilltop town of San Gimignano, the artisan-filled Volterra, and the awe-inspiring, roofless San Galgano Abbey. Guided by experts, the tour offers an immersive experience, complete with lunch and entrance fees, all within a small group setting. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to learn about Tuscany’s enchanting past, this tour holds the promise of an unforgettable adventure.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Volterra.
Key Points
- This small group tour explores the medieval landmarks of Tuscany, including San Gimignano, Volterra, and San Galgano Abbey.
- The tour lasts 11.5 hours and departs from Piazzale Montelungo near Santa Maria Novella Train Station, with roundtrip transport and an English-speaking escort.
- Key highlights of the tour include the historic towns of San Gimignano and Volterra, as well as the iconic San Galgano Abbey with its roofless structure.
- The tour includes free time to explore the sites, entrance fees, and a provided lunch, offering a comprehensive medieval Tuscan experience.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the tour may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.
Tour Overview
The San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour offers an immersive day exploring medieval wonders in Tuscany. Priced from $154.44 per person and lasting 11.5 hours, the tour departs from Piazzale Montelungo, just minutes from Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
Highlights include the medieval streets of San Gimignano, the artisan workshops and views of Volterra, and the grandeur of the roofless San Galgano Abbey.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, an English-speaking escort, free time at each location, the entrance fee to San Galgano Abbey, and lunch. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Customer reviews praise the scenic views and unique experiences, though some note a lack of information from the guide.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Volterra.
Itinerary
Starting at Piazzale Montelungo, the tour embarks on its journey, first traveling by bus/coach to the renowned San Galgano Abbey, a 1.5-hour journey.
After exploring the grandeur of the roofless abbey, the tour moves on to Volterra, where visitors have 2 hours to discover the artisan workshops and breathtaking views, including the Palace of Priors and Etruscan Museum.
The next stop is San Gimignano, known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," where guests have 1.5 hours to explore the medieval streets.
Finally, the tour returns to Piazzale Montelungo.
The itinerary includes:
- Visit to San Galgano Abbey (1.5 hours)
- Visit to Volterra (2 hours)
- Visit to San Gimignano (1.5 hours)
- Return to Piazzale Montelungo
Highlights
Exploring the medieval streets of San Gimignano, the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," offers a captivating glimpse into the past.
Visitors can discover artisan workshops and breathtaking views in Volterra, including the Palace of Priors and the Etruscan Museum.
The tour also includes a visit to the grandeur of the roofless San Galgano Abbey, a significant historical site.
Nearby, the Eremo di Montesiepi, home of the legendary Sword in the Stone, adds an element of mystique to the experience.
These highlights provide a well-rounded exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Inclusions
Included in the tour package is a roundtrip journey by a fully fitted GT Coach, allowing visitors to comfortably traverse the scenic landscapes.
The tour also features a small group setting with an expert English-speaking escort, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests will enjoy free time to explore the medieval streets of San Gimignano, the artisan workshops and breathtaking views in Volterra, and the grandeur of the roofless San Galgano Abbey.
Plus, the tour includes:
- Entrance fee to San Galgano Abbey
- Lunch
- Opportunity to visit the nearby Eremo di Montesiepi, home of the Sword in the Stone
- Hassle-free transportation throughout the day
Important Information
This tour may not be suitable for all visitors. It isn’t recommended for wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility, as the itinerary involves navigating historic sites and uneven terrain.
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly advised. Certain items are strictly prohibited on the tour, including pets, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances. Participants should be mindful of these restrictions.
While the tour order is generally set, it may be subject to change. The unique experiences offered on this small group tour require a certain level of physical capability and adherence to the tour guidelines.
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Customer Reviews
The San Gimignano, Volterra, and St Galgano Abbey tour has garnered a near-perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on a handful of customer reviews.
The positive feedback highlights several key aspects of the tour:
- Stunning scenic views and unique experiences, particularly at the Abbey and winery visit.
- The tour guide’s friendly demeanor and driving skills, though some noted a lack of detailed information during the tour.
- The small group size, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.
- The well-organized itinerary, covering a diverse range of medieval sites and landmarks.
While there were a few minor criticisms, the overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes and rich history of the region.
Meeting Point
According to the tour overview, the meeting point for the San Gimignano, Volterra, and St Galgano Abbey tour is the kiosk at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, conveniently located just 5-10 minutes from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station. This makes the tour easily accessible for those arriving by train. The meeting point provides a central and well-known location for the group to gather before embarking on their day-long journey to explore the medieval towns and historic abbey. The table below outlines key details about the meeting point:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal |
| Location | 5-10 minutes from Santa Maria Novella Train Station |
| Meeting Point | Kiosk |
| Accessibility | Convenient for train travelers |
| Group Gathering | Central location for tour participants |
Cancellation Policy
The tour provider offers a flexible cancellation policy for the San Gimignano, Volterra, and St Galgano Abbey tour.
Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. This policy provides peace of mind and flexibility for travelers, allowing them to adjust their plans if needed without incurring any penalties.
Key details of the cancellation policy are:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour
- Full refund issued for canceled bookings
- No fees or charges for cancellations within the 24-hour window
- Cancellations after the 24-hour period are subject to the provider’s standard terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour is a small group experience, which means the group size is limited to ensure a more personalized and intimate exploration of the sights. The exact group size is not specified in the tour details provided.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention any scheduled restroom breaks. However, it’s reasonable to expect the guide will make appropriate stops to accommodate participants’ needs during the 11.5-hour excursion, given the length and nature of the tour.
Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?
The tour typically allows stops for photos along the way, though the exact schedule may vary. Participants will have ample opportunities to capture the scenic landscapes and historical sites visited during the tour.
Is There an Option to Have a Vegetarian/Vegan Lunch?
The tour provides a vegetarian/vegan lunch option. Customers can request this at the time of booking, and the tour operator will accommodate their dietary requirements accordingly.
Can We Leave Any of the Tour Stops Early if Needed?
Participants can generally leave any tour stop early if needed, though they should coordinate with the guide to ensure they don’t miss the bus for the next destination. Advance notice is recommended to accommodate any changes.
Recap
The San Gimignano, Volterra, and San Galgano Abbey Small Group Tour offers an immersive exploration of Tuscany’s medieval heritage. Participants journey through enchanting hilltop towns, artisan-rich landscapes, and the awe-inspiring San Galgano Abbey, all while benefiting from expert guidance, lunch, and personalized attention in a small group setting. This 11.5-hour tour provides a comprehensive and enriching experience, allowing visitors to discover the cultural gems of this captivating region.
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