San Gimignano, Siena & Monteriggioni Castle

San Gimignano, Siena & Monteriggioni Castle Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Explore San Gimignano, famous for its towers, and the walled city of Siena.

Some say Siena, with its expansive fan-shaped plaza, is the most beautiful city in Tuscany. San Gimignano and Monteriggioni Castle are Medieval gems sure to transport you back in time. If you are looking for good choice during rainy/cooler seasons this tour is optimum (in fact, rain may enhance the experience!).

The 90-minute ride from Livorno will go by quickly as you drive through the beautiful Tuscany countryside (marvel at the rolling hills covered with vineyards and the silvery green olive groves) on your way to historic Monteriggioni Castle - actually a fortified city - ensured freedom to the Republic of Siena until 1554 when, without any battle (and thanks to a betrayal), the city was conquered by the Florentines. After exploring the walled village we will head to Siena, where you will be enchanted by the narrow, winding streets, old row houses and palaces, and beautiful, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where civic life of Siena is focused and where the Palio delle Contrade, a crazy biannual horse race, is held. And don't miss the city's famous cathedral, San Domenico, dedicated to and containing certain remains of Santa Caterina. The town also serves as a market for the surrounding agricultural area, which produces cattle, grain, olives, and, above all, wines -- its Chianti being perhaps the best known of all Italian wines.

The day finished in San Gimignano, a walled, Medieval hilltop town, famous for its architecture and especially its towers. In the Middle Ages, wealthy families competed in the construction of these towers that served as lodging, protection, and status symbol. Of the town's 76 original towers, only 14 remain, still sufficient to give San Gimignano the nickname "The Manhattan of the 14 Century". 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 in the heart of town. Enjoy a taste of the local white Vernaccia wine, sample some award-winning gelato, and do a little shopping for hand-crafted ceramics and products of the region, such as the locally grown saffron.

- Your English-speaking driver will not enter sites with you, but will give running commentaries of what you are seeing and make sure you have enough time to visit each site, taking you from point to point throughout the city. To give you an opportunity to explore each area on foot, your driver will orient you in the area, supply you with a map of Siena (with emergency phone numbers and a timetable for the churches and museums) and coordinate your rendezvous.
- Food, beverages, entrance fees, and gratuities are not included in the price of this tour.

- Please note that on the first Sunday of each month many tourist sites in Italy have free admission. This can often result in long lines. If you are staying at a hotel, it may be beneficial to avoid booking a tour involving inside visits to major attractions on these days. If you have questions, contact ShoreTrips.
- Modest dress is required in all Italian churches. If you expect to enter a church during your tour, please do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, skirts above the knee, or revealing clothing. If preferred, you may wear a shawl to cover your shoulders. This applies to children as well.
- 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 additional costs are as follows: to Cinque Terre add $75; to Florence and Pisa, and Pisa and Lucca the additional charge is $265. We apologize for your difficult day, but promise that the sun will shine as soon as you meet your guide.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 9 hours
• 09:30 AM, duration: 9 hours Only for ships arriving at 9 AM.