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Entire Day - 7hrs
Driving Tour
Private Tour
Your Hotel
Over every hill and through every valley in Tuscany there is a new culture to be discovered, new wine to be savored, and new art to be mesmerized by. Siena and Cortona are two such classic Tuscan hill towns that are true gems of the region, charming enough to be the sets of a movie. In fact, Cortona was such a set for Frances Mayes heartwarming (and true story) “Under the Tuscan Sun,” which has brought millions of tourists to its doorstep, and now perhaps you!
In the morning, immerse yourself in the splendor of Sienese craftsmanship. Long overshadowed by its rival, Florence, the great Sienese artistic tradition has been undervalued. In the Piazza del Campo and the Duomo of Siena, you’ll encounter nothing short of Renaissance glory. In the afternoon, we’ll climb to another hilltop town, Cortona, who boasts Etruscan origins, originally founded under the name “Curtun.” As you wind through narrow paths with flowered terraces and full clotheslines, you’re view suddenly opens up to a sweeping vista of the Tuscan countryside. It’s medieval mystique, Etruscan heritage, and true Tuscan charm.
Suggested starting time: 08:30 am; 09:00 am (Times may have to change slightly due to ticket availability)
In the heart of Siena lies the main piazza, a mesmerizing masterpiece of slanted brickwork. Here, immerse yourself in the quintessence of Sienese life as locals soak up the Tuscan sun with spritz in hand. The real attraction, however, is the Palio di Siena, a horse race that takes place around the piazza. If you are coming in July or August make sure to catch this cobble-stone-shaking tradition firsthand!
Behold the Duomo of Siena–the crown jewel of Tuscany! Built in the 13th century, the church outshines even Florence’s famed Duomo with its grandeur and artistry. Step inside to discover a floor so adorned with intricate mosaics, it’s like stepping into a dreamscape. In Siena, the Duomo isn’t just a church, it’s a living tribute to Sienese pride, craftsmanship, and beauty.
In 1458, when Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini ascended to the papal throne as Pope Pius II, this Renaissance family hit it big in terms of wealth and power. In 1492, in honor of Pope Pius II, his nephew, Cardinal Francesco Piccolimini commissioned the talented Renaissance master Pinturicchio to design a library that would not only house their extensive book collection, but tell the story of his uncle’s rise to fame and to the papacy. The result? A chromatic masterpiece in fresco that will dazzle your eyes.
At the center of Cortona, dating back to the 13th century, you’ll find the historic Piazza della Repubblica, described as “the most romantic square in Italy.” In fact, this has been the center of the city since Roman times, when the Roman Forum was located here. Surrounding the square, you’ll find a number of palazzi dating from the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, which together spin the tales of an intriguing and enchanting history. Visitors and locals alike can take a moment to sit on the steps or at a cafe, watching the world go by in Cortona.
Housed in a former church, the Diocesan Museum boasts a small, but prestigious collection of Renaissance paintings. Marvel at exquisite frescos, elegant sculptures, and precious artifacts, each whispering a piece of history from Cortona’s storied past.
San Gimignano is unlike any other city in Italy. It is a perfect example of what many of these medieval towns would have looked like. Filled with towers jutting up from the streets, a memento of the previous squabbling baronial families that warred amongst themselves in the medieval period. Each of these towers were built by rich families that wanted to outdo their rivals by having the tallest tower, to which they could retreat to when conflicts arose in the streets. At its peak of wealth and influence in the 14th century, San Gimignano had 70 towers, now only 13 remain. Still more than enough the give you an idea of life back then.
Suggested starting time: 08:30 AM; 09:00 AM; 1:30 PM; 2:00 PM - Can clients choose one of the given timings and that features in his booking form
