The Town of Fine Towers: San Gimignano and Vernaccia Wine

San Gimignano, the "Town of Fine Towers," captivates visitors with its medieval skyline and UNESCO-listed historic center. Amidst the charming cobblestone streets and local shops, one can discover the renowned Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine celebrated for its floral and fruity notes. This delightful taste of Tuscany’s winemaking traditions perfectly complements the town’s enchanting atmosphere. Whether exploring the architectural heritage or savoring the region’s signature vintage, San Gimignano offers a truly immersive experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• San Gimignano, known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," features a captivating skyline of medieval tower houses, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a local white wine, is the main focus of the wine tasting experience, showcasing its floral and fruity notes.

• The tour includes a visit to the Tenuta Torciano winery, where participants learn about the history and traditions of Vernaccia and sample a range of Tuscan wines.

• The scenic countryside drive showcases rolling hills, olive groves, and cypress trees, providing a glimpse into the iconic Tuscan landscape.

• Visitors can explore the charming cobblestone streets, historic plazas, and architectural wonders of San Gimignano, including the Romanesque Duomo and Palazzo del Podestà.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This half-day small group excursion from Florence to San Gimignano lasts around 5 hours and is priced from $82.36 per person.

Participants can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour has a reserve now and pay later option, and group size is limited to 25 people.

Travelers will journey through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, filled with rolling hills, medieval towns, olive groves, and vineyards, before arriving in the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" – San Gimignano.

There, they’ll explore the town’s cobblestone streets, historic plazas, and have the chance to climb the iconic Torre Grossa tower.

Itinerary Highlights

What highlights can travelers expect on this journey through the Tuscan countryside?

The tour features a scenic drive past rolling hills, medieval towns, olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards.

Upon arrival in San Gimignano, guests will walk through the town’s cobblestone streets to the picturesque Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza Duomo.

The highlight of the visit is climbing the Torre Grossa, the tallest of San Gimignano’s iconic towers, offering panoramic views over the medieval skyline.

Afterwards, travelers will have free time to explore the charming town at their own pace before returning to Florence.

Discover San Gimignano

San Gimignano, known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," captivates visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture and iconic skyline of towering stone structures. Wandering the town’s cobblestone streets, travelers can marvel at the Romanesque Duomo, the impressive Palazzo dei Priori, and the dramatic Torre Grossa, which offers panoramic views from the top. The town’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts numerous piazzas, fountains, and churches that transport visitors back in time. Exploring San Gimignano’s charming alleys and sampling the renowned Vernaccia wine create an unforgettable Tuscan experience.

Piazza della Cisterna	Piazza Duomo	Torre Grossa
Historic town square	Cathedral and civic center	Tallest tower at 218 steps
Elegant Gothic architecture	Stunning Romanesque design	Panoramic views of Tuscany

Vernaccia Wine Tasting

A renowned local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a highlight of the wine tasting experience offered on this tour. Participants will learn about the history and tradition of this unique varietal, which has been produced in the region for centuries.

The tasting includes:

1. Sampling the floral and fruity notes of Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
2. Immersion in the winemaking process and Tuscan wine heritage.
3. Tasting of red, white, and rosé wines at the Tenuta Torciano winery.
4. Pairing the wines with local cheeses, breads, and salami.

This wine experience provides an authentic taste of San Gimignano’s culinary and viticultural treasures.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Winery Experience

The Tenuta Torciano winery hosts the wine tasting portion of the tour, where participants can explore the region’s renowned red, white, and rosé offerings.

During this immersive experience, visitors learn about the history and traditions of Vernaccia, a local white wine prized for its floral and fruity notes.

The tasting includes Vernaccia di San Gimignano as well as other Tuscan varietals, all paired with complementary cheeses, breads, and salami.

This segment of the tour provides an opportunity to deepen one’s appreciation for the winemaking process and the unique flavors that define the Chianti terroir.

Travel Logistics

Roundtrip transportation to San Gimignano is provided by a fully fitted GT Coach, departing from the Tours&News kiosk at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, located just 5-10 minutes away from Santa Maria Novella Train Station.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking through the medieval streets of San Gimignano. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Additionally:

1. Babies (0-2 years) must sit on a parent’s lap.
2. The meeting point is easily accessible from the train station.
3. The tour is limited to a small group of 25 participants.
4. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the San Gimignano and Vernaccia Wine tour, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on 1 review.

Positive remarks highlighted the driver’s extensive knowledge of the Chianti area and San Gimignano. Clients suggested visiting The Rocca for scenic views, which wasn’t part of the standard itinerary.

The tour received praise for accommodating dietary requirements and avoiding a hard sell during the wine tasting.

Why Visit San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a captivating medieval town that has earned the moniker "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for its striking skyline of tower houses.

Visitors are drawn to its well-preserved historic center, which offers a glimpse into 14th-century Tuscany. The town’s allure lies in:

1. Its remarkable architecture, including the Duomo, Palazzo del Podestà, and the famous Torre Grossa, which provides panoramic views.

2. The charming cobblestone streets lined with artisanal shops, cafes, and picturesque piazzas.

3. The renowned Vernaccia wine, a local white varietal with floral and fruity notes, which can be sampled at area wineries.

4. The breathtaking surrounding countryside, featuring rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards that epitomize the Tuscan landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, though babies under 2 years old must sit on a parent’s lap. The tour is suitable for most participants, provided they can comfortably handle the walking and 218 steps to climb the Torre Grossa tower.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, there is no mention of allowing participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour focuses on experiencing the local Vernaccia wine and cuisine at the winery. Bringing outside items is likely not permitted.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, it does offer a "Reserve now & pay later" option, which could provide some flexibility in budgeting for the tour.

How Many Stops Are Made During the Countryside Journey?

The tour makes one scenic stop in the Tuscan countryside before arriving in San Gimignano. Travelers will enjoy views of the rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards along the journey.

What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides speak multiple languages, including English, which allows them to provide informative commentary to participants from various backgrounds during the half-day small-group excursion from Florence to San Gimignano.

Recap

San Gimignano’s captivating towers, historic charm, and renowned Vernaccia wine make it a must-visit Tuscan destination. Visitors can enjoy the town’s medieval atmosphere, explore its quaint streets and shops, and savor the region’s winemaking traditions. With its UNESCO-protected status and stunning natural setting, San Gimignano offers travelers a unique and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Tuscany’s cultural and culinary heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: