Tuscany is one of the most recognised and desirable regions to visit in Italy. The countryside with its rolling hills, ancient villages, Renaissance art and sunburnt colour scheme make it a delight to visit.
Italian Allure Travel offers a broad variety of custom day trips with private guides and drivers in a selection of air-conditioned new Mercedes.
One of our latest experiences is our private guided tour to visit Siena, Volterra and San Gimignano.
Siena is without a doubt one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany only for just a few days. Siena’s heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo which is known worldwide for the famous Palio horse race that is held twice every summer as seen in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
The piazza is watched over by Palazzo Pubblico (town hall) and it’s magnificent tower, Torre del Mangia. Your guide will take you to experience not only the piazza and its tower, you will also visit the Duomo of Siena that is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and renowned for being one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. Inside the church there are works by Michelangelo, Pisano, Donatello, and Pinturicchio.
Siena is where we suggest stopping for lunch and we will recommend and book for you the best authentic restaurants in Siena. Two of our favourite restaurants offer tradition and creativity as the soul of their menus, with ancient dishes and other new ones linked to the evolution of the culture of home made Tuscan cuisine.
Another stop during the day will be Volterra, known to the ancient Etruscans as Velathri or Vlathri and to the Romans as Volaterrae. Volterra was the set of the blockbuster based on Stephanie Maier’s best selling book Twilight. The enigmatic past of the powerful lords of Volterra is still hidden in the centuries-old stones. It is a very beautiful Medieval town to visit.
Volterra offers an array of beautiful ruins, unique architecture and works of art, its steep narrow streets are peaceful and reflect golden light that will remind you of a fairytale.
Another must visit is to explore San Gimignano, a hilltop town halfway between Florence and Siena. The entire village is encircled by 13th-century walls with the centre of the village being Piazza della Cisterna, a small square lined with medieval houses.
San Gimignano has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, you will feel like you are stepping back in time to another world where there are a wonderful selection of local products to explore from fresh produce to the beautiful hand-made ceramics. The must see monuments are Palazzo Comunale, Pinacoteca and Torre Grossa which is the tallest tower in the city offering 360 degree views over the hills of Tuscany.
Our driver and guide will meet you at your hotel reception to take you on this wonderful exploration to the heart of Tuscany.
If you need assistance with the best boutique hotels in Tuscany please refer to our beautiful hand picked selection and contact us to arrange your Italian escape – best luxury hotels in Tuscany
If you would like to stay in Siena we have a very unique luxury apartment for two with original frescoes in the 700 year old Palazzo Accarigi, located in Piazza del Campo in the historical heart of Siena. Completely renovated and restored with a new kitchen, dining and lounge that directly overlook Piazza del Campo, a perfect getaway for a couple, as a bridal suite, for history lovers or romantic gateways. If you are interested in renting out the apartment to experience the thrill of a lifetime to watch the Palio race in July or August, please enquire about availability and rates that escalate to a completely different price range during this period – private apartment in Siena
Note: the apartment in Siena books 12 months in advance during the weeks of the famous Palio race due to its unique positioning and picture perfect private views of the festival and race.
Please contact us to enquire about costs for this full day exploring Tuscany. Costs will be determined by the the number of people, vehicle, milage and any special requests.
Email – info@italianalluretravel.com
We pride ourselves on creating the Italian dream, almost anything is possible on request!