Private Tour: Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip from Rome

Our first stop this morning will be Siena, without doubt, one of Italy's most enchanting towns. Its medieval centre is full of majestic Gothic buildings such as Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo, Siena's main square. Twice a year the Sienese celebrate their rich medieval heritage with a horse race called the Palio, which attracts visitors and spectators from around the world.

Spend a few hours exploring the town and perhaps the Duomo. The cathedral's green, pink and white marble exterior is surpassed only by the exquisite black and white marble geometric patterns and the inlaid marble mosaic floor found inside. This was the first European city to ban traffic from its main square in 1966. Sit down and, while sipping a cup of coffee, enjoy the stunning view.

3 h

You will then proceed to San Gimignano, Italy s Medieval Manhattan or the city of the belle torri (beautiful towers) rising imperiously above the vineyards of its own wine-growing area. Built as status symbols and defensive outposts, the towers played a significant role in the internecine feuds that eventually led to the town's downfall. Prior to its eventual decline into a sleepy backwater, the town prospered through its position along the main pilgrim route from Northern Europe to Rome. Today it is better known for its tourism, wine production and rich artwork. Piazza del Duomo is a good starting point from which to explore the historical buildings of the town. The Collegiate church, situated at the town's heart, is most famous for its frescoes of outstanding beauty, the greater part of which dating from the 14th century

2 h