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San Gimignano Cathedral

San Gimignano Cathedral: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Florence: Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch at Chianti winery

1. From Florence: Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch at Chianti winery

Begin your journey of Tuscany at Florence’s central train station, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.  Head straight to Siena, Italy’s most picturesque medieval city, whereupon arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour. Look up to admire the lovely terracotta roofs adorning the buildings and marvel at the magnificent Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the main cathedral.   Next, head to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for the tower houses built in the Middle Ages. Enjoy free time here to see its splendid squares, palaces, churches, and magnificent towers. The last stop on your Tuscan excursion is a visit to Pisa and its iconic leaning tower. Take a stroll through the Piazza dei Miracoli and see other marvelous monuments, before driving back to Florence. Best of all, choose from either a small-group or private guided experience to make your trip special. Choose the lunch option to enjoy a homemade lunch paired with an informal wine tasting at a traditional wine estate in the Chianti wine region. Savor 4 regional wines at lunch and learn about their unique production techniques. Feast on an organic, farmhouse meal while you overlook the rolling vineyards under the Tuscan sun.

Florence: S. Gimignano, Siena, Chianti Lunch & Wine Tour

2. Florence: S. Gimignano, Siena, Chianti Lunch & Wine Tour

Embark on a scenic guided tour from Florence to the charming Tuscan towns of San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Siena. Stroll around the historic villages and enjoy a delicious Chianti Hills wine and balsamic vinegar tasting. Upgrade your experience with tickets to Siena Cathedral. Start at San Gimignano, the world-famous walled town located on a hilltop, which has remained intact through the centuries and is known for its tall towers, frescoes, and many other works of art. Take around 2 hours of free time to explore the city center. Visit the historical walled hamlet of Monteriggioni. Cross Chianti’s rolling hills to a cozy winery where you can relax and enjoy three wines and balsamic vinegar, followed by a Chianti-style three-course lunch. Enjoy a guided tour of Siena’s historic center (if selected in the option), starting with the 13th-century Basilica of San Domenico. Stroll along the narrow medieval streets of the city, flanked by splendid palaces and historic shops. Pass through the Piazza del Campo and visit the cathedral, if you select the option.  Take some free time in Siena before returning to Florence.

San Gimignano: Torre Grossa and Duomo Tickets

3. San Gimignano: Torre Grossa and Duomo Tickets

Enjoy this combined ticket and visit the best museums and churches in San Gimignano with an audio guide. See the Cathedral of San Gimignano, which is without a doubt one of the city's most important monuments, and climb up the Torre Grossa, San Gimignano's tallest medieval tower. See the splendid frescoes inside San Gimignano Cathedral, a real feast for the eyes. Look out for the famous Creation of Adam and Eve and Noah's arc, and listen as your audio guide explain the meaning behind the beautiful works on display. Discover the iconic 13th-century Palazzo Comunale. Walk around the Sala di Dante, which once hosted the poet Dante Alighieri. Admire the civic painting gallery, which holds masterpieces from the Sienese and Florentine schools.  Climb the 218 steps of the palazzo's 54m Torre Grossa for a spectacular view over the town and surrounding countryside. Walk around, listen to the history, and explore these impressive buildings at your own leisure. This ticket also includes a visit to the Romanesque church of St. Lorenzo in Ponte, Archaeological and Museum Contemporary Art Gallery.

Tuscany Highlights: San Gimigniano, Siena, Winery and Lunch

4. Tuscany Highlights: San Gimigniano, Siena, Winery and Lunch

Start your tour early in the morning from Rome, where we'll head to our first destination, the iconic San Gimignano. There you will have the opportunity to discover its medieval architecture and its walled streets. In addition, you can walk through its iconic Piazza della Cisterna and visit its representative Torre Grossa. The next stop will be a wine cellar, a great symbol of Tuscany culture. Along with a guided tour, you will learn how this precious delicatessen is made and you will have the opportunity to taste it. You can delight yourself with the aroma of the prestigious Chianti. You will be lucky to taste 15 varieties of wine and oil from the region, besides appetizers like Tuscany cheeses, salami, and the famous bruschetta! You will enjoy a traditional lunch, tasting the best dishes in the area. After this gastronomic visit, we will head to Siena, known for its traditions, and cultural heritage. There you can enter its historic center and stroll through Piazza il Campo. With its peculiar shell shape, it is considered one of the best medieval squares in Europe. Nor can you miss its characteristic Duomo di Siena and its ancient Tower of Mangia. Finally, with a full stomach and a backpack loaded with beautiful landscapes and picturesque cities, we will return to Rome through the serene Val d'Orcia.

San Gimignano Cathedral Entry Ticket

5. San Gimignano Cathedral Entry Ticket

Pre-book your entry ticket and audio guide to the Cathedral of San Gimignano, one of the city’s most important monuments. The walls of the church are entirely lined with frescoes that recount stories of the New and Old Testaments painted by artists of the 14th-century Sienese school. Discover the wonders of the San Gimignano Cathedral immediately upon entering. Admire the interior of the church, characterized by 14 classical Tuscan stone columns, 10 of which are round and the other four octagonal. The cycle of frescoes of the New Testament on the church’s right wall is a masterpiece by Lippo and Federico Memmi. On the left wall, spot the Stories of the Old Testament, painted in 1367 by Bartolo di Fredi. The interior also presents polychrome decorations typical of medieval churches, such as the unique painted-blue cross vault and the intrados of the arches separating the nave from the aisles decorated with a striped motif typical of the Tuscan taste. The cathedral also holds a precious Renaissance jewel, the Chapel of Santa Fina, on which three famous Florentine artists worked: an architect, Giuliano da Maiano; a sculptor, Benedetto da Maiano; and a painter, Domenico Ghirlandaio. This piece is dedicated to San Gimignano’s best-loved saint. 

Florence: Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Small Group Day Trip

6. Florence: Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Small Group Day Trip

Visit three of the most famous and fascinating towns in Tuscany. Enjoy the comfort of a small group tour and learn from your expert English-speaking tour leader. First, discover the nearby town of Siena. Its historical center is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at Piazza del Campo and the majestic Siena Cathedral. After a short drive through the enchanting countryside, stop in a small, family-owned winery. Enjoy an exquisite lunch of Tuscan appetizers, pasta, and desserts paired with local wines. Next, explore San Gimignano, also known as the town of towers. Discover the fourteen medieval skyscrapers which still remain perfectly preserved. Enjoy the last stop of the day in Pisa. Visit the Square of Miracles, where you can find the iconic Leaning Tower. Spend some time snapping pictures of the famous Italian symbol. After your full-day visiting three of Tuscany’s highlights, return to Florence.

From Florence: PRIVATE Tour of San Gimignano and Volterra

7. From Florence: PRIVATE Tour of San Gimignano and Volterra

Discover Tuscany on this private full-day trip from Florence. Go back in time and learn about the history of Tuscany as you visit ancient sites like the stronghold of San Gimignano, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the Fortezza Medicea of Volterra, and much more. After being picked up from downtown Florence, enjoy a scenic view of the countryside as you drive to San Gimignano. This beautiful stronghold is one of the most popular attractions in Tuscany. During the trip, marvel at San Gimignano's ancient towers, visit the historic Piazza Duomo, and soak in the atmosphere at Piazza della Cisterna. Then, proceed to Volterra and stroll through the cobbled streets to reach an array of historical sites. See remarkable discoveries such as Etruscan tombs built hundreds of years before Christ, elaborate Roman baths, and an incredible theater excavated from rocks. The stop at the set of The Twilight Saga: New Moon is also worth looking forward to. Afterwards, recharge by having lunch at a local restaurant, trattoria, or farm house. Next, admire the imposing structure of the Fortezza Medicea of Volterra before heading over to Palazzo dei Priori, which is the oldest civic building in Tuscany. After your exploration, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Florence.

From Florence: Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Private Tour

8. From Florence: Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Private Tour

Amongst the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti, lie medieval towns and UNESCO heritage sites. Explore them all on a private, 8-hour tour of the Chianti countryside, Siena and San Gimignano. A truly private tour, you will begin your day with complimentary pick-up at your Florence hotel by chauffeured private vehicle. Your English-speaking driver is at your disposal for a maximum of 8 hours. Your first stop will be in Siena, a medieval town. Here you will meet with your private tour guide, who is at your disposal for a maximum of 2 hours. Your guide will take you through the historic city center, where you may admire the splendid palaces and other points of interest. Your tour of Siena will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful piazzas in the world. Here, you will find the Palazzo del Comune and have some free time to enjoy lunch. The journey to your next stop, San Gimignano, will take you through Chianti territory. Along the road you will find panoramic vistas, as well as lush vineyards and olive groves. Along the way to San Gimignano you may wish to stop and admire the fortified hamlet of Monteriggioni. This hamlet is a small jewel built in the 13th-century and still embraced by ancient walls. San Gimignano you will find is a UNESCO designated world heritage site. Here you will be given free time to take in the historically interesting medieval town planning, as well as the numerous towers. You will soon find out why this place is called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. Touring this extraordinary region of Italy is a wonderful experience and the fact that this tour is entirely private makes it even more special.

From Florence: Private GUIDED tour, Siena & San Gimignano

9. From Florence: Private GUIDED tour, Siena & San Gimignano

• Stop At: Siena, Tuscany. Experience Siena through the expert and knowledgeable lens of a professional tour guide! Siena is one of the most popular and visited places in Tuscany. It is known throughout Italy for its distinguished medieval architecture. Upon arrival, explore with your guide Siena’s rich history and art, through its notable local monuments such as the famous seashell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the outstanding Siena Cathedral. Many local shops fill the historic streets of Siena, a great opportunity for you to taste local food or buy some gifts! Duration: 3 hours • Stop At: Castello di Monteriggioni, Tuscany. Make a lovely stop in the small, fortified village, which is still surrounded by its original medieval walls. Located not far from Siena, Monteriggioni is a great spot for a short walk after lunch at one of the local restaurants. Duration: 2 hours • Pass By: Village of Fonterutoli, Siena. Fonterutoli has been an important village ever since the Roman times. The Via Romea passes here, and is still today traveled by pilgrims from all over the world. Location of the historic Mazzei family since 1435 (for 24 generations), the village of Fonterutoli maintains its medieval appearance intact. Stroll in the village to stretch your legs and take some beautiful photos. Duration: 30 minutes •Stop At: Organic Farm/Winery Tenuta Casanova, Tuscany. (*optional) *OPTIONAL lunch at the Farm or Winery. Have lunch in a wonderful organic farm. While the owner will show you around the property, his wife will prepare a delicious and unforgettable lunch for your private group. The owner will show you to his cellar to admire his Super Tuscans and Chianti Classico wines -Craft Wine- and to the nearby Acetaia, a vinegar cellar, with old vinegar. Afterwards, experience a unique dining setting while taking in an amazing Tuscan panorama. You will taste organic specialties, such as the typical Lasagna with traditional sauces, crostini, local meats and cold cuts, legumes, seasonal vegetables, honey, and cheeses seasoned with an incredible aged balsamic vinegar. Wine will accompany this lunch every step of the way. Each of the four main courses and desserts will be paired with a different and distinctive glass of wine. We will conclude with ice cream and balsamic vinegar or other desserts. (This option will slightly reduce your time to visit the cities of Siena and San Gimignano, and exclude the possibility to visit the fortress of Monteriggioni). Duration: 2 hours •Stop At: Historic Center of San Gimignano, Tuscany. The beautiful stronghold of San Gimignano is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tuscany. San Gimignano is a treasure of medieval architecture, frozen in time at 1300 AD. Above all, it is famous for its ancient towers, which still stand out from its skyline, earning it the nickname Manhattan of the Middle Ages. This is the last destination of the day, before returning to Florence. Duration: 1h30m

From Livorno: Siena and San Gimignano Guided Day Trip

10. From Livorno: Siena and San Gimignano Guided Day Trip

This Tuscany private tour has been carefully designed to optimise your time in Siena and San Gimignano, including private transfers to and from the port. You’ll be amazed by how much you can experience in the course of a single day, discovering the rich history of these spectacular towns at a pace that suits you. San Gimignano is one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany - a charming walled medieval town perched on top of a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll have plenty of time to explore San Gimignano on your cruise excursion, wandering through the narrow alleyways and getting a taste of local life in its piazzas. On your visit to the church of the Collegiata, you’ll see some striking 12th century frescoes, including Taddeo di Bartolo’s Last Judgement - a terrifying vision of hell. Your expert guide will also show you other works by Tuscan artists, such as The Creation of the World by Bartolo di Fredi, and the Life of Santa Fina by the Renaissance painter Ghirlandaio, enriching your appreciation of the art by explaining their historical context and pointing out intriguing details you might otherwise miss. A walk through the historic town centre takes us to the ancient fortress of San Gimignano, known as the Rocca. Your private tour of San Gimignano will end with a climb up the tower, admiring the spectacular views of the town and the beyond. Our next stop is the medieval city of Siena. where you’ll explore the atmospheric back streets and grand piazzas of Siena, you’ll learn all about the city’s rich history, and understand why it’s been enchanting its visitors for centuries. The most famous of Siena’s squares is the magnificent Piazza del Campo. You’ll stroll through the piazza, admiring its architecture while learning about the politics and commerce of the medieval city with your personal guide. From Piazza del Campo, it’s a short walk to another famous square in Siena, the Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is dominated by the imposing 13th century cathedral, which has a striking facade of black and white marble. On your visit to Siena you’ll learn all about the history, myths and legends of this remarkable place, and discover why black and white are the traditional colours of the city. The Duomo of Siena has an astonishing array of masterpieces, from a statue by the young Michelangelo to a bronze sculpture of St John the Baptist by Donatello. You’ll also see works by Bernini, and various masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance art. The vibrant frescoes of the Piccolomini Library are a highlight, with a ceiling to rival the Sistine Chapel. Your journey to Siena will end with a short walk to the Basilica of San Domenico, which sits on top of the hill. where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside - the perfect end to a memorable day in Tuscany.

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What people are saying about San Gimignano Cathedral

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 2,242 reviews

Our tour guide (Maria Luisa) was great. This was a useful and fun way to explore Tuscany and catch a ride to San Gimignano and Siena. Highly recommend. The lunch and winery are okay but clearly a very commercial/modern enterprise. If you care most about visiting the towns, I’d recommend this tour. If you’re mostly interested in visiting smaller, charming, old wineries in Tuscany, the other tours offered by this vendor are more suitable for those purposes. Either way, I’d definitely use this vendor again!

Wonderful trip! One of the highlights on our trip to Italy! So much information and history. We loved it! Things to note it is a LOT of walking. We walked the 10 minute walk from our hotel to the train station so that added on but we clocked over 20K steps that day. I would say we are fairly average size Americans, my husband is 5'9, I'm 5'6 the bus was a bit of a tight squeeze with no bathroom. If we had been taller or plus sized it would have been very uncomfortable.

Stefano, our guide, was excellent. He was engaging and enthusiastic. He wanted to know about us all and was an entertaining host. Kathleen, our Siena guide, was also brilliant. The lunch at the farmhouse was superb and the trips to Saint Giniamno and Pisa were also fantastic. It was a lovely day and we would recommend it to anyone!

The tour was conducted by Walkabout. It was one of the most organised tour I had in Italy. Guide Lavinya was excellent. Her knowledge in Tuscany region and passion for tour is excellent. Great experience with Wine testing. Good to know the local history of Florence, Siena , San G and Pisa..I highly recommend this tour

Alice was an absolute star. Extremely knowledgeable, helpful and kind. You'll be lucky to have her as your guide. Choose to get the lunch! It's a great time with the group and great food