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Entire Day - 7hrs
Driving Tour
Private Tour
Your Hotel
Discover two hidden gems of Tuscany: Siena and Lucca. Siena, where you will see where they hold traditional horse races in the Piazza del Campo even to this day, and take a stop in the Duomo, where the beauty and splendor makes the Duomo in Florence look like child’s play. Elaborate paved floors, and splendidly painted frescoes of the Piccolomini library await you. Then there is Lucca, a town that maintains its medieval grandeur. The picturesque roofs, imposing towers, lovely churches, and quaint piazzas all make for an absolutely terrific day.
Throughout the Renaissance Florence, Siena, and Lucca were always at each other’s throats. They all had their time in the limelight, as well as their time as second fiddle. While in the end, Florence won out, just before the renaissance, Siena was a titan of art which Florence could not keep up with. Before even that Lucca was a dominating force in the medieval period, to which many towns of Tuscany had to bend the knee. For our purposes, the competition was excellent, it pushed each city to excel in art and architecture, and it means that what we have left is absolutely phenomenal.
Suggested starting time: 08:30 am; 09:00 am (Times may have to change slightly due to ticket availability)
The main square in Siena, the unique slanted brick paving is very captivating. Here you will find all sorts of Sienese locals having a drink at one of the nearby bars, or sitting in the middle of the piazza having a picnic. It also hosts twice a year the Palio di Siena, a horse race that takes place around the piazza. If you are coming in July or August, be sure to try and catch it!
The Duomo of Siena is by far the highlight of the town. In fact, it might be the highlight of all of Tuscany. This church, built in the 13th century, blows the Duomo of Florence out of the water in terms of both grandeur and artistry. The floor inside is otherworldly, with the most elaborate decoration you will ever see.
Within the Duomo is the Piccolomini chapel. The Piccolomini family from Siena rose to prominence in 1458 when Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini was elected Pope Pius II. His nephew, who became Pope Pius III, had this chapel commissioned to chronicle the achievements of his uncle and himself.
This museum contains much of the original statuary from the Duomo itself. It also has some fantastic paintings by the famous 14th century painter Duccio. From here you can climb up to one of the most spectacular views in all of Siena!
Also known as the Cathedral of Lucca, this church was built in the 11ths century, and is known throughout Europe for its stunning facade, and jaw-dropping stained glass windows. Adjacent is the unfinished bell tower, which is part precious stone, part brick.
This is the busiest square in Lucca. It is a fantastic place to stop for a coffee or a drink. It is named as such, because all the buildings around are built on the foundations of the old Roman amphitheater. Hence the curved walls!
Constructed in the 14th century as a symbol of the wealth and power of the Giugini family, now this tower is an iconic monument in Lucca, which you can surmount for a spectacular view of the city. All 230 steps are well worth it, especially once you see the trees planted on top.
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
