Overview
Explore San Gimignano, famous for its towers, and the walled city of Siena.
Your trip will begin at the cruise ship pier, where you will be met by your private, licensed driver/guide, who will accompany you during your adventure.
This tour includes:• Round trip transportation from the cruise ship pier in an air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking driver/guide
• Time for lunch and shopping
Visit/see:• San Gimignano
• Church of St. Agostino
• Collegiata
• Piazza del Duomo
• Siena
• Piazza del Campo
• San Domenico
The 90-minute ride from Livorno will go by quickly as you drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside (marvel at the rolling hills covered with vineyards and the silvery green olive groves)on your way to the medieval village of San Gimignano. When you reach San Gimignano, you will find a small, walled, medieval hilltop town, famous for its medieval architecture and especially its towers. Wealthy families competed in the erection of high towers that served as lodging, protection, and status symbols. Of the town's 76 original towers, only about 15 remain. Stroll around the narrow cobbled streets, taking in the sights of the town: Church of St. Agostino (with its Benozzo Gozzoli frescoes) and the Collegiata, the main church, situated in Piazza del Duomo at the heart of the town. Enjoy a taste of the local white Vernaccia wine and have a little free time to shop for local pottery and souvenirs.
After exploring San Gimignano, you will head back to the car and drive to Siena, only 50 short minutes away. Here you will find walls and gates surrounding a city center made up of narrow, winding streets and old buildings and palaces. The city center is dominated by the Piazza del Campo, a large shell-shaped square where the civic life of Siena is focused, and where the "Palio delle Contrade," a biannual horse race, is held. And don't miss the city's great cathedral, San Domenico. Dedicated to Santa Caterina, this cathedral is noted for its marble pavement and Gothic facade.
Lunch and any entrance fees are not included in the price of this tour.
We have found that there may be a rare occurrence of a port change from Livorno to La Spezia. La Spezia is accessible to the same sightseeing as Livorno, but is a slightly longer ride. This port requires an increase in cost as the distance from these highlights is further. Your guide will be waiting for you as you disembark. You may have an adjustment to your tour itinerary depending on your exit time, but be assured that your knowledgeable driver/escort will direct you to a satisfying day. This change is an exception to our policy that ship changes will result in a refund. People have been too disappointed sitting on the ship after this itinerary change and we feel this is in the best interest of the traveler. The total additional cost is $215. We apologize for your difficult day, but promise that the sun will shine as soon as you meet your driver.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 9 hours
