7:00 – 8:00 – 9:00 – 10 am
Livorno port
approximately 8 hours
Tip
Definitely one of the most spectacular day tours , covering the spectacular countryside of the Tuscany region, with a targeted visit to Volterra and San Gimignano!
You will be picked up at a time of your choice from the port of Livorno by one of our expert English-speaking drivers, who will proceed to take you in total safety and comfort to the charming city of Volterra, rich not only in spectacular monuments, but also in historical sites of the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages and for the extraction of alabaster.
Then you will move to San Gimignano, another city on the hills of Florence where just like Volterra you can find a lot of history, especially in the world-famous medieval towers, to the point that San Gimignano has been nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan”.
This tour is the best option if you are on a cruise and want to visit both Volterra and San Gimignano in one day, and we guarantee it will be an experience you will never forget.
Magical and mysterious, the city of Volterra will surely enchant you at first sight. Located 550 meters above sea level between the Era and Cecina rivers, it is still surrounded by solid stone walls. This beauty has over 3000 years of history to tell.
The significant isolation has in fact limited the industrial and commercial development of the city, which is why Volterra has preserved a fabulous medieval aspect intact.
It was a great Etruscan lucumone and an important Roman province (4th century BC), as evidenced by the Augustan theater of Vallebona.
The city retains some significant signs from the Etruscan period, such as the city walls, the imposing Porta all’Arco , the immense Marmini necropolis and the numerous archaeological finds (ancient alabaster cinerary urns, finely crafted jewels) preserved in the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum
In the Middle Ages the town expanded all around the ancient church of S. Maria (the current cathedral) and the adjacent pratus episcopatus, today Piazza dei Priori, which is the historic center of the town and, nevertheless, one of the most shorthand places Italian squares.
Palazzo dei Priori was built in the 13th century, and this makes it the oldest town hall in Tuscany. Enriched by elegant windows and a remarkable facade with numerous coats of arms in marble and glazed terracotta. In Piazza dei Priori you will find many other artistically interesting ancient buildings, such as Palazzo Vescovile, Palazzo Incontri, Palazzo Pretorio and the Torre del Porcellino and of course the Duomo: a Romanesque building characterized by a beautiful portal and a large rose window. It is richly decorated with various works of art such as the “Deposition” and the “Cavalcata dei Magi”
Volterra, however, is famous for being the city of alabaster. In fact, the city has many professional craftsmen, from whose hands a wide range of things take shape, made using this translucent malleable mineral. Pride of the city, rich in mineral deposits of this variously colored mineral. They make appreciable vases, bowls and ornaments.
San Gimignano in Italy is a real highlight on any trip to Tuscany. Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” or even as “The City of Towers”, the old city with its medieval skyline fascinates all its visitors. There are so many amazing things to do in San Gimignano! A visit takes you back in time as you drift through the quaint stone alleyways, admiring the historic attractions and enjoying the unique vantage points from the city’s tall towers. If you wish, you can try perhaps the best ice cream in the world or taste the delicious wines of the Chianti region. However, not only the historic center is beautiful, the surroundings of San Gimignano with its countless wineries and excursion destinations are also worth seeing!
In this travel guide we will provide you with all the important information about San Gimignano in Italy so that you can enjoy a perfect stay. We also feature the coolest things to do, great pictures and reveal our insider tips.
San Gimignano is one of the most famous cities in the region together with Florence, Pisa and Siena. If you plan a trip there are really great excursions, plus bike tours, cooking classes and wine tastings, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a special experience in Tuscany.
San Gimignano is located in the province of Siena and is a small town in Tuscany with about 8,000 inhabitants. Since 1990, the historic center with its many medieval towers has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list and is today one of the most important places to visit in the entire region. Along with the visitor magnets Florence, Siena and Pisa, San Gimignano is one of the most visited places in Tuscany by tourists. The hillside location is also unique, thanks to which you can enjoy picturesque views of the green vineyards and the Mediterranean landscape.
The history of this town dates back to 300 BC At that time San Gimignano was already inhabited by the Etruscans. The heyday of this region was the Middle Ages (from the 11th to the 13th century), when the famous towers of San Gimignano were built. There were once 72 of these medieval patrician family houses. Today, 15 of them can still be admired and some of these towers can even be climbed. It is above all the large number of still well-preserved towers that makes San Gimignano so special and unique in Italy.
During a holiday in San Gimignano you can expect a wide range of things to see and find different activities. Among the main attractions of the historic center are the high towers, but also the many romantic squares, the interesting museums and galleries. And there is also a lot to discover in the surrounding area!
