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Entire Day 11hrs
Driving tour with Chauffeur, Guide & Sedan
Private Tour
Your Hotel
Florence and Siena: a tale of two cities, rivals in art, trade, and culture. Florence and Siena, guardians of a legendary past, two cities that will leave you thinking, “ah so this is the glory of the Renaissance.” In the morning, immerse yourself in the Renaissance core; then, as the afternoon unfolds, prepare to be captivated by medieval mystique. From the Duomo of Florence, its dome piercing the sky, to the Duomo of Siena, a veritable jewel box of medieval and Renaissance splendor, together they testify to centuries of artistic and cultural brilliance. Wander through the open-air museum of Piazza della Signoria, once graced by Michelangelo’s David once stood, to the bustling Piazza del Campo, where Siena’s famous Palio still thrills spectators with its thunderous horse race.
Since the 12th century, Siena and Florence have been locked in a rivalry as fiery as a Tuscan sunset. Battles were fought, treatises were made and broken faster than you can say “ciao,”, and each city sought to one up the other in wealth, influence, and prestige. Depending on who you ask (a Sienese or a Florentine), the first bank of Europe has different roots–it is as hotly debated as the best gelato flavor. Florence claims bragging rights with its Roman origins, giving the city an air of ancient legitimacy. Siena, perched atop its medieval hill, spins tales of its own intriguing mythos. You’ll just have to visit with our expert guides to find out! In any case, the outcome of all this spirited rivalry? Nothing short of Tuscan perfection.
The Uffizi Museum reigns supreme as a magnet for art enthusiasts worldwide, and it's easy to see why. Within its walls, you'll discover a treasure trove of masterpieces by the luminaries of the Italian Renaissance. Picture yourself standing in awe before the timeless creations of Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio, each stroke of genius a vivid splash on the canvas of history.
For more than a century, Florence Cathedral lacked a crown, its grandeur incomplete against the Tuscan sky. Then, in 1436, Filippo Brunelleschi achieved the unimaginable, weaving a marvel of engineering brilliance into the city's skyline—a dome unrivaled in its grandeur and audacity. Soaring to the heavens, it unveiled itself as the largest dome the world had ever beheld, a radiant testament to human ingenuity and the vibrant spirit of Renaissance Florence.
Amidst the myriad treasures within the Accademia, one masterpiece stands tall, casting its majestic shadow over all others. Behold Michelangelo's David, a colossus of marble craftsmanship and artistic prowess. The Accademia itself was erected as a sanctuary for this iconic sculpture, a sanctuary from the whims of weather and time. An intriguing tidbit: the only conceivable way to relocate David would involve a daring aerial maneuver, requiring the removal of the museum’s roof and a helicopter.
Step into the beating civic heart of Siena, where the past lives in the present. Did you know this extraordinary shell-shaped square isn’t just for coffee sipping, but it’s the stage for the exhilarating Palio horse race, where rival neighbourhoods compete for eternal glory.
From its stunning gothic facade adorned with marble marbles, to the most awe-inspiring mosaics that line the entire floor, every inch of the cathedral is work of art. Inside you’ll find hidden gems of Michelangelo and exquisite frescoes of Pinturicchio, a close friend and admirer of Raphael. Legend has it that the cathedral’s construction was inspired by a divine dream–which is exactly how it feels on the inside.
Facciatone essentially means 'absolutely enormous facade' in Italian, a structure which today visitors can climb and relish in breathtaking panoramic visitas. Originally intended as part of an ambitious cathedral expansion, this towering structure stands as a testament to Siena's architectural ambitions. Fun fact: Had the restoration been completed, Siena Cathedral would have claimed the title of Europe's largest cathedral—however, Florence stole the spotlight with its own grand design. Despite remaining unfinished, the Facciatone offers a fascinating glimpse into Siena's storied past and commands awe-inspiring views of the city and beyond."
Suggested starting time: 07:30 am times can be adjusted based on preference
