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Entire Day 11hrs
Driving tour with Chauffeur, Guide & Sedan
Private Tour
Your Hotel
Since the 12th century, Siena and Florence have been locked in a rivalry as intense as the rolling Tuscan hills that separate them. These two iconic cities competed for centuries in wealth, influence, and prestige, leaving behind a legacy of art, culture, and history that still captivates visitors today.
The rivalry began with battles fought and treaties made (and broken) faster than you can say “ciao.” Each city sought to outshine the other, not just on the battlefield but also in economic power. Depending on whom you ask—a proud Florentine or a loyal Sienese—you’ll hear a different story about where Europe’s first bank truly began.
Florence proudly claims its Roman origins, exuding ancient legitimacy. Meanwhile, Siena, perched on its medieval hilltop, weaves its own tales of intriguing mythos and power. The truth? It’s as hotly debated as the best gelato flavor in Tuscany!
While the competition between Siena and Florence may no longer involve armies or trade wars, its legacy endures. Each city boasts breathtaking architecture, world-class art, and unique cultural traditions. From Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces to Siena’s medieval splendor, this rivalry has created a region of unparalleled beauty and charm.
Want to decide for yourself which city claims the crown? Join our expert guides for a journey through Siena and Florence. Discover the history, art, and secrets that make these two cities so extraordinary. In the end, you’ll find that the true winner of this centuries-old rivalry is anyone lucky enough to visit both.
In this day tour from Rome you get to visit Florence and Siena – two of Italy’s most enchanting cities, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s artistic and cultural brilliance. Rivals in art, trade, and power, they embody the essence of the Renaissance and medieval splendor.
Begin your journey in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Explore the Duomo of Florence, with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi, piercing the Tuscan sky. Wander through Piazza della Signoria, an open-air museum where Michelangelo’s David once stood. Admire the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, showcasing masterpieces that tell tales of Florence’s golden age.
As the afternoon unfolds, immerse yourself in Siena’s captivating medieval charm. Visit the Duomo of Siena, a stunning masterpiece blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its intricate facade and awe-inspiring interior are a testament to centuries of artistic devotion. Stroll to Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, where the thrilling Palio horse race still takes place, echoing traditions of the past.
Florence and Siena stand as guardians of a legendary past, showcasing their artistic achievements and rich histories. From the Renaissance brilliance of Florence to the medieval allure of Siena, these cities will leave you inspired, thinking, “Ah, so this is the glory of Italy.”
A journey between Florence and Siena offers more than sightseeing—it’s a step into a world where history, art, and culture converge.
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
