Siena’s medieval charm beckons travelers to explore its historic streets and discover its rich cultural heritage. This cost-effective city tour offers a chance to uncover the city’s renowned landmarks, from the Basilica di San Domenico to the iconic Piazza del Campo. With an enthusiastic local guide leading the way, visitors can explore the captivating traditions that make Siena a truly unique destination. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive experience, this tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you intrigued to learn more.
Key Points
- The Siena city tour is offered in German, catering to German-speaking visitors.
- The 2-hour guided experience showcases the medieval atmosphere and highlights of Siena, led by passionate local guides.
- Key sights covered during the tour include the Basilica of San Domenico, University of Siena, and the iconic Piazza del Campo.
- The tour provides an immersive experience exploring the charming Contrade (neighborhoods) of Siena without any entrance fees.
- The meeting point for the German-language tour is the big tree in front of the Basilica of San Domenico, where the guide can be identified by a green lanyard.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Siena City Tour is a 2-hour guided experience that takes visitors through the medieval heart of the city.
Priced from $59.69 per person, the tour highlights Siena’s rich history and traditions. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those who book now can reserve their spot without paying today.
Led by passionate local guides, the tour showcases the Basilica of San Domenico, the University of Siena, and the famous Piazza del Campo, home to the renowned Palio horse race.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this insightful exploration of Siena.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Siena.
Tour Highlights
This Siena City Tour offers visitors a chance to experience the medieval atmosphere of the city.
Guests will discover the tradition of the Palio, a source of pride for the Sienese. Led by a passionate local guide, the tour highlights Siena’s key sights, including the Basilica of San Domenico, the University of Siena, and the historic Piazza del Campo.
Guests will discover the tradition of the Palio, a source of pride for the Sienese. The tour highlights Siena’s key sights, including the Basilica of San Domenico, the University of Siena, and the historic Piazza del Campo.
Visitors will wander through the city’s charming Contrade, or neighborhoods, before concluding at the famous Piazza del Campo, the setting for the Palio horse race.
No entrance fees are required, making this a budget-friendly way to explore the medieval wonders of Siena.
Itinerary Details
Starting at the Basilica of San Domenico, home to relics of St. Catherine, the tour provides a historical overview of Siena’s layout. Guests will visit Via della Sapienza, site of the University of Siena, and explore Via Banchi di Sopra, part of the medieval road Via Francigena. The tour also includes Piazza Salimbeni, home to the world’s oldest bank, and Piazza Tolomei with its church and palace. Finally, the tour concludes at the iconic Piazza del Campo, the location of the famous Palio horse race.
| Itinerary Highlights |
|———————|
| Basilica of San Domenico |
| Via della Sapienza |
| Via Banchi di Sopra |
| Piazza Salimbeni |
| Piazza del Campo |
Guided Tour Inclusions
The guided tour includes a knowledgeable local guide who’ll lead visitors through Siena’s historic streets and landmarks.
No entrance fees are required, so the tour focuses on experiencing the medieval atmosphere and learning about Siena’s proud Palio tradition.
The guide’s passion for the city brings the highlights to life, from the Basilica of San Domenico to the famous Piazza del Campo.
With comfortable walking involved, the tour provides an immersive introduction to Siena’s rich history and culture.
Travelers can explore the university, historic banks, and winding alleyways without worrying about admission costs.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Important Information
The meeting point for the Siena City Tour is the big tree in front of the Basilica of San Domenico.
The tour guide will wear a badge with a green lanyard labeled "local guide" to be easily identified.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the tour involves navigating the medieval streets of Siena.
The tour covers key sights, including Piazza del Campo and the Palio tradition, providing an insightful look into the city’s history and culture.
With no entrance fees required, the tour offers an accessible way to explore Siena’s highlights with a knowledgeable local guide.
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Experience Siena’s Medieval Atmosphere
As visitors stroll through Siena’s winding medieval streets, they’ll be immersed in the city’s timeless charm. Narrow alleys, historic buildings, and charming piazzas evoke a sense of stepping back in time.
The Basilica of San Domenico, home to relics of St. Catherine, offers a glimpse into the city’s religious heritage. Wandering along Via della Sapienza, they’ll discover the University of Siena, founded in 1240.
Exploring Via Banchi di Sopra, part of the medieval Via Francigena, provides a connection to Siena’s important role in trade routes. Throughout, the city’s well-preserved medieval character transports visitors to another era.
Discover the Tradition of the Palio
Sienese residents take immense pride in the tradition of the Palio, a bi-annual bareback horse race that has captivated the city for centuries.
The Palio is organized by the city’s Contrade, or neighborhoods, with each Contrada fielding a horse and rider. The race is run in Piazza del Campo, the iconic shell-shaped square, with spectators lining the course.
The competition is fierce, and victory is celebrated with great passion. The Palio is a source of identity and community for the Sienese, showcasing their cultural heritage and fierce local rivalries.
Explore Siena’s Historic Sites
When visitors explore Siena’s historic sites, they’ll discover a city steeped in medieval charm and cultural heritage. A guided tour takes them through the Basilica of San Domenico, home to the relics of St. Catherine, and along the Via della Sapienza, where the University of Siena has stood since 1240. They’ll marvel at the Piazza Salimbeni, the oldest bank in the world, and the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the city.
| Historic Site | Significance |
| — | — |
| Basilica of San Domenico | Relics of St. Catherine, patron saint of Italy and Europe |
| Via della Sapienza | Site of the University of Siena, founded in 1240 |
| Piazza Salimbeni | Home to Banca Monte dei Paschi, the oldest bank in the world |
| Piazza del Duomo | The heart of the city |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than German?
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Travelers can choose their preferred language when booking the tour to ensure they have a guided experience tailored to their needs.
How Many People Can Be in a Tour Group?
The tour group size is not specified, but typical group sizes for walking tours range from small, intimate groups of 6-12 people to larger groups of up to 25-30 participants. The exact group size may vary.
Are Photography and Video Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and video are allowed during the tour. There are no restrictions, so guests can capture memories of the medieval sights and attractions along the way at their own discretion.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?
The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Travelers can work with the local guide to focus on areas of particular interest, such as art, architecture, or the history of the Palio horse race.
What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather During the Tour?
In case of inclement weather, the tour will proceed as scheduled. Participants are advised to dress appropriately and bring umbrellas or raincoats. The tour guide will adjust the itinerary if necessary to ensure the comfort and safety of the group.
The Wrap Up
This guided tour offers an affordable and immersive way to discover Siena’s captivating medieval heritage. Visitors can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, learn about the Palio tradition from a passionate local guide, and wander through the charming Contrade neighborhoods. With comfortable shoes recommended, this 2-hour tour provides an engaging and informative introduction to Siena’s rich history and cultural traditions.
You can check availability for your dates here:More City Tours in Siena
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