A Day Trip to Siena and San Gimignano, Italy

When I stayed in Florence, Italy, we took a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano in the Tuscan countryside. This small city and town are so charming and will have you feeling like you’re in the Middle Ages. If you’re visiting Florence or the surrounding area, I highly recommend taking a day trip to these beautiful spots. To read my blog post, “3 Days in Florence: A Perfect Itinerary,” click here. I hope you enjoy my guide to a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano!

GETTING THERE

Siena is just a one hour drive from Florence. We signed up for a bus tour from Florence to Siena and San Gimignano at the Florence Tourist Information Office. You could also ask your hotel to do so. Another option would be to rent your own car, take the bus or take the train.

SIENA

Back in time, Siena was actually the rival of Florence for Italy’s best medieval city. Some might even prefer Siena over Florence to this day as it is more quaint and less crowded!

City Centre 

Spend the majority of your time walking around the historic city centre, admiring the buildings and charming alleyways. The best part is there are no cars allowed!

Piazza del Campo

You can’t miss the famous Piazza del Campo, a beautiful Medieval square in the heart of the historic centre. The Palio to Siena horse race is held here twice a year.

Siena Cathedral

Head to the Piazza del Duomo to see the gorgeous Siena Cathedral. If you have visited Florence, you will notice that Siena’s Cathedral looks similar to the Florence Cathedral and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Siena Baptistery of St. John

At the back of the Cathedral you’ll find the Baptistry of St John, another beautiful white and gold building.

Basilica Cateriniana

Don’t miss going into the Basilica Cateriniana if you want to see St. Catherine of Siena’s head and thumb! Yes, it’s very creepy but fascinating.

SAN GIMIGNANO

An approximately 45 minute drive from Siena is the town of San Gimignano. This Tuscan hill town is incredibly charming and has 14 medieval towers still standing!

Piazza Del Duomo

Spend your time in San Gimignano walking around the historic town centre. Don’t miss the Piazza Del Duomo!

I hope you enjoyed my guide to a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano!

To read my blog post, “A Complete Rome Itinerary,” click here.

To read my blog post, “A 2 Day Venice Itinerary,” click here.

To read my blog post, “A Guide to Lake Como,” click here.