Siena and San Gimignano
Approx. Time: 10 hoursActivity Level: Moderate
Siena and San Gimignano, being only a short ride from Florence, are often visited together over the course of one day, though each on its own could also make for a very rich and pleasant day-trip.
Siena, traditional rival to Florence, is one of Italy’s most vertical cities. Nestled snugly in the Tuscan hills amid rolling valleys and fertile wine country, Sienna is constructed on a group of several steep slopes. Renowned for its architectural styles, food and the famous Palio, Sienna never fails to delight. Just walking through the streets of the city provides a wonderful opportunity to step back in time, and experience medieval Italy. These are just a few of the reasons why "Siena opens up its heart more than any other place," as the famous inscription reads on the Porta di Camollia.
Perched upon a hill surrounded by vineyards and visible from every part of the Val d'Elsa, San Gimignano has almost perfectly preserved, over the centuries, its medieval appearance and its artistic masterpieces. Still surrounded by a double enclosed wall, it is filled with numerous, tall feudal towers constructed by nobles who settled in the countryside over one thousand years ago. Visitors can wander about, mesmerized and enchanted by narrow streets lined with noble palaces and stone-houses. Rest in the alluring taverns where, in a very old atmosphere, it's possible to taste the Vernaccia of San Gimignano, the famous local white wine.
Courtesy of the Italy Tourism