Small Group San Gimignano & Volterra Tour from Siena

Our trip starts with a drive towards San Gimignano. On our way, we stop for a walk in the fortress of Monteriggioni, a medieval and perfectly preserved fortress with a complete ring of walls and turrets built in the 13th century and mentioned by Dante in his Divine Comedy. This was Siena’s main bastion of defense against the armies of Florence.

We then continue to the fascinating town of San Gimignano, one of the most characteristic of Tuscany’s hill-towns with its many austere medieval towers that defiantly survived the centuries and are still standing today. It has recently been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site as a testimony of medieval architecture.

Here we can walk along the ancient route of the Via Francigena, the main route to Rome for travelers and pilgrims from all over Europe. Today, the bustling San Gimignano flourishes with artisanal boutiques of the local trades and stores selling the towns ‘red gold’, the saffron spice and the centuries old Vernaccia white wine.

After spending time visiting San Gimignano and its the stores, churches and museums. We make our way to a small family run farm where we enjoy a wholesome traditional lunch prepared using the farm's own seasonal products. During lunch you will taste dishes prepared with saffron accompanied by the refreshing Vernaccia white wine.

After lunch we continue on panoramic roads towards Volterra where we will first stop at a small artisanal alabaster workshop to meet the traditionalist craftsman and witness the ancient art of sculpting this semiprecious stone in the company of the jovial artists. We proceed to Volterra, the ancient Velathri, a harmonious blend of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance art and architecture.

You will have free time to walk along the streets of the historical centre visiting the town’s famous Etruscan museum, the still standing millennia old Etruscan arch, the Roman theatre and the other monuments of town.