Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Piazza del Campo
- Siena Duomo
- Palazzo Piccolomini
- Palazzo Pubblico
- Via Francigena
Photos & Highlights
- Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field as you explore Siena's superb artistic heritage from its Medieval ties to its modern-day preservation
- Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Choose from private tours for just you and your party, or join a small group tour with other travelers
Select a date
Tour Description
Nestled amidst the sun-kissed hills of southern Chianti, Siena emerges as a symphony of medieval splendor. During your three hours exploring this enchanting city, you will embark on a journey to uncover the very essence of Siena, a city that has played an integral role in shaping the tapestry of Italian history. Guided by an expert who possesses an unparalleled understanding of Siena's hidden gems, you'll delve into the heart of this captivating place, unraveling its secrets and immersing yourselves in its captivating charm.
Your senses will be awakened as you wander through the Piazza del Campo, Siena's iconic fan-shaped piazza, where the electrifying Palio horse race takes place. You will imagine the thundering hooves, the palpable excitement, and the sheer exhilaration of this medieval spectacle. Next, you'll stand in awe before the majestic Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that stands as a testament to Siena's artistic prowess. You will gaze upon its soaring façade, intricate carvings, and stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of light.
As you stroll through Siena's labyrinthine streets with your local guide, you will encounter the historic Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank, the oldest surviving bank in the world. You will also visit Palazzo Piccolomini and Palazzo Pubblico, unveiling Siena's political and social history. You'll step back in time, imagining the bustling courts and lively debates that once filled these halls.
Siena's profound religious heritage will also become evident as you trace the footsteps of pilgrims along the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route. You'll be immersed in the city's spiritual aura, understanding the profound impact of religion on Siena's identity.
As you conclude your Sienese adventure, you'll take with you an indelible impression of the city where art, history, and beauty converge.
Please note: Scaffolding will be covering the Buon Governo fresco during renovations. Depending on the activities around the renovation, the fresco might be unavailable.
Please note: Scaffolding will be covering the Buon Governo fresco during renovations. Depending on the activities around the renovation, the fresco might be unavailable.
- You’re looking to explore the city on foot and absorb fascinating insights at every turn
- You’re hoping to discover the city through the eyes of a local expert
- You love to walk and want to cover a lot of ground to orient yourself in the city
- Il Campo – piazza at the heart of Siena, where the world-famous Palio horse race is held.
- Siena Duomo – the cathedral, which stands as a symbol of Siena.
- Palazzo Pubblico – served as the seat of the Republic of Siena's government.
- Via Francigena – an ancient pilgrimage route that runs throughout Europe.
Tickets
- Includes Siena Duomo Complex tickets and Museo Civico at the Palazzo Pubblico tickets.
Headsets
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets, in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
Resources
- For more information on planning your tour, read more about how to arrange your next visit to Siena in our Context Story!
- Check out our upcoming lectures on Tuscany to prepare for your trip.
Itinerary
- The itinerary is adaptable for clients with mobility issues.
Wheelchair accessibility
- The Duomo and Museo Civico sites are wheelchair accessible.
- If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss the best tour option for you.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Can we be met by our guide in Florence?
Your guide is a local expert, so you will meet directly in Siena. If you would like the convenience of help getting to Siena, please contact us to arrange a private car for you.
How can I get to Siena from Florence?
The best way to reach Siena from Florence is with the SITA bus line. The SITA bus line leaves the bus depot on Via Santa Caterina di Siena, just a block southwest from the front of Santa Maria Novella station, at least once an hour on weekdays, and the ride is about 75 minutes. Taking the train to Siena is discouraged- the bus stop is in the middle of Siena, while the train will leave you on the outskirts, forcing you to get a taxi.
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Can we be met by our guide in Florence?
Your guide is a local expert, so you will meet directly in Siena. If you would like the convenience of help getting to Siena, please contact us to arrange a private car for you.
How can I get to Siena from Florence?
The best way to reach Siena from Florence is with the SITA bus line. The SITA bus line leaves the bus depot on Via Santa Caterina di Siena, just a block southwest from the front of Santa Maria Novella station, at least once an hour on weekdays, and the ride is about 75 minutes. Taking the train to Siena is discouraged- the bus stop is in the middle of Siena, while the train will leave you on the outskirts, forcing you to get a taxi.
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets, in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us, and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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106 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Everything went smoothly thanks to both Context communication and Alessanda’s exceptional knowledge. Her warm personality made us feel almost like friends from the start. She remembered all our special requests, and she answered our questions with patience, insights, and gentle humor. All four of us left feeling that we couldn’t have made a better investment of time or money.
Mary
Reviewed on:
Sep 5, 2019
Rita gave us an excellent introduction to Sienna and covered all but one of the highlights I had listed based on my research before the trip. Her obvious pride in and enthusiasm for her town came through as she provided the historical context for what we were seeing. She was especially good at helping us read some of the complex art works, like the Allegory of Good Government, where she pointed out many details that we might have overlooked that increased our admiration of the works.
If there was any criticism it was that the timing could have been a little better. In the end we ran a little long and were too tired to appreciate the last few details in the Cathedral even though we still wanted to see them. I think that was the result that we and Rita were enjoying our conversations so much but our ability to absorb seems to end pretty promptly at three hours.
We especially appreciated the way she worked with the driver we had arranged through Context so that we were able to change our departure time when we realized how tired we had become.
By the way, I wanted to compliment our driver who took some scenic side trips (with our concurrence) on the way over when he realized he would be arriving early. On the way back he even offered us a slight detour to see a site in Florence. We declined, because we had already seen it, but it was very thoughtful of him to offer.
Leon
Reviewed on:
Nov 26, 2018
Another fabulous guide! Stella is just great and fun! She is very much enthusiastic about her city’s wonderful heritage, unique neighbourhood competition in the Palio, amazing new 12th crypt just discovered under cathedral. Excellent again!
Kathleen
Reviewed on:
Nov 2, 2018
