The Best of Tuscany in One Day Trip from Florence - Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano plus lunch and wine tasting at a Chianti winery
Join us on a full-day guided tour of Tuscany and appreciate the architecture, cuisine and history of this sun-drenched region in all its glory.
What's included?
- Air-conditioned coach travel
- Guided walking tour of Siena with entrance fee to the cathedral
- Hearty farmhouse lunch – veggie and gluten-free options available
- Wine tasting of four varieties
- Maps of and information about all the towns visited
Highlights
- Guided walking tour through the medieval city of Siena
- Traditional Tuscan lunch and informal wine tasting at a Chianti vineyard (not included in the tour option without lunch)
- Free time in the hilltop town of San Gimignano
- Scenic drive to historic Pisa to explore its hidden corners and iconic tower
Full Itinerary
Depart Florence
We will meet at the front of Santa Maria Novella train station at 7:45am, ready for an 8.00am start. After meeting your expert guide, an air-conditioned coach will whisk you away to the first stop on our jam-packed itinerary.
View Siena
View Siena through the eyes of a local as you join a guided walking tour through the medieval city made up of yellow-ochre buildings, terracotta rooftops and green shutters. Learn about the world’s oldest bank, see the Piazza del Campo - the site of the 600-year-old Palio horse race - and admire the interior of the Duomo, a treasure chest of artworks. Afterwards, enjoy Siena at your own pace with free time for shopping or relaxing in an open-air cafe.
A Tuscan Lunch at a Chianti Vineyard
Next we stop at an organic, family-run wine estate – the highlight of our Tuscany tours! You will take part in an informal wine tasting lesson, trying Chianti, Vernaccia and Tuscan dessert wine, Vin Santo. Next enjoy traditional local lunch with plenty of wine, and soak in the idyllic location overlooking stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Take the opportunity to meet fellow travellers while feasting on fresh, organic farm food, including homemade pasta, cured meats (homemade prosciutto and salami), local cheeses, a real garden salad and Tuscan biscotti (if the tour option without lunch is chosen, this part of the tour is not included but there will be more time spent in San Gimignano).
Don't forget your camera - the view from the winery is jaw dropping!
San Gimignano
After lunch we visit the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano where you have free time to roam the picturesque streets and squares. Maybe browse the local shops, try an award winning gelato or walk among the town’s famous medieval towers.
Scenic Country Drive & Pisa
A scenic drive through iconic Tuscan countryside will take you to your final stop, Pisa. Here, take a closer look at the iconic Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery. A brief tour of the historic heart of Pisa will show you another side of the city.
Upgrade to include skip-the-line entry to the Leaning Tower
Return to Florence
You will be dropped off in Florence at around 8.30pm with a camera full of pictures, a stomach full of hearty Tuscan food and a host of new friends.
Know before you go
- Due to uneven and steep surfaces, we are unable to accept wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties on our Tuscany tours.
- Children under the age of 8 years are not permitted to climb the leaning tower of Pisa.
- When the Duomo of Siena is closed for religious services, Santa Maria della Scala museum will be visited instead.
- Vegetarian option is available, but we regret that gluten free or other alternative dietary requirements cannot be catered for
Reviews of this experience
Leave a review2,929 total reviews
An Unforgettable Day Trip Through Tuscany – Highly Recommended!
by: Stina Zätterman on Walkabout
This was a truly fantastic and well-organized tour that I would wholeheartedly recommend. Our driver, Domenico, navigated the roads safely and smoothly, and the air conditioning on the bus was a blessing in the 30+°C heat. Our guide for the day, Manolo, was knowledgeable, funny, and incredibly engaging. He took excellent care of us throughout the trip. In Siena, we were welcomed by a local guide, Anna-Lisa, who led us through the stunning UNESCO-listed city. She gave a vivid and inspiring account of Il Palio, the famous annual horse race held in Il Campo, the heart of Siena. Lunch at the vineyard was a must-do highlight – delicious food, excellent wine, and breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside. The medieval town of San Gimignano, with its iconic towers, was also well worth a visit, even though the heat started to take its toll despite the bus’s AC and Manolo’s generous offer of bottled water. The visit to Pisa felt a bit rushed – we mainly had time to see the Leaning Tower. It was also the most tourist-heavy stop of the day, with lots of crowds and souvenir stalls around the square. Overall, this was a wonderful experience. The highlights were definitely Siena, the vineyard lunch, and San Gimignano. If you’re looking to experience the best of Tuscany in a single day, this tour is absolutely worth it!
Domenico and Victoria
by: Anna Eyfer on Walkabout
Did not do the lunch Victoria took very good care of us and Domenico was a wonderful driver We had a tour guide for Siena and that was very interesting. Easy to understand So much free time in each destination and very clear on meeting points Did the leaning tower of pisa and skipped lunch. Had extra time in San gimignano and went to the bell tower. So many great spots Overall fantastic! Driver kept us safe and in the time limit as well
Domenico and Victoria
by: Anna Eyfer on Walkabout
Did not do the lunch Victoria took very good care of us and Domenico was a wonderful driver We had a tour guide for Siena and that was very interesting. Easy to understand So much free time in each destination and very clear on meeting points Did the leaning tower of pisa and skipped lunch. Had extra time in San gimignano and went to the bell tower. So many great spots Overall fantastic! Driver kept us safe and in the time limit as well
Amazing tour guide Manolo!
by: Megan Slater on Walkabout
We had an amazing time with Manolo! He was a fantastic guide for our full day trip to Tuscany. He was informative but also kept it light with a great sense of humour. Highly recommend touring with Manolo!
Amazing way to see the country side.
by: Ton Lee on Walkabout
Sara was an amazing tour guide - funny, polite, and incredibly knowledgeable! I gained valuable insights about the Tuscany region thanks to her. Although we experienced rain during two of the excursions and had to get off the bus without ponchos, I understand that the weather is beyond anyone's control, and these excursions must proceed as scheduled, rain or shine. Thanks to Sara for overall wonderful experience, I will be booking another excursion with Walkabout Florence Tours for the remainder of my stay in Florence.
Amazing way to see the country side.
by: Ton Lee on Walkabout
Sara was an amazing tour guide - funny, polite, and incredibly knowledgeable! I gained valuable insights about the Tuscany region thanks to her. Although we experienced rain during two of the excursions and had to get off the bus without ponchos, I understand that the weather is beyond anyone's control, and these excursions must proceed as scheduled, rain or shine. Thanks to Sara for overall wonderful experience, I will be booking another excursion with Walkabout Florence Tours for the remainder of my stay in Florence.
Treated like cattle
by: Gl Lo on Walkabout
Think classic big tour group. Rude guide treated guests like cattle. We took a $35E ride to the "meeting point", only to then have to walk to the bus station. Guide didn't greet people, but rudely talked about getting in line and waiting. Nothing and no one said drinks and food not allowed in the big tour bus, and since we met at 7:45am, we bought coffee and breakfast sandwiches to go. Guide sternly told our group, including 3 seniors, that we could not take our coffee/food, so we all uncomfortably ate standing, including our 3 seniors. When I complained, guide again rudely repeated the rules and said she would not argue with me. It's not worth the price. Many other services. Private Van tour for same price elsewhere, like TrueScany.
Best of Tuscany day tour 22 June
by: John Debenham on Walkabout
Fantastic tour today with our guide Alessandro and driver Sergio! Insightful information and stories, plenty of great photo opportunities, friendly farmhouse lunch and many good memories!
Alessandro is the best
by: João Tavares on Walkabout
We did this tour today and it was absolutely amazing. Our tour leader Alessandro is the master mind of history and entertainment. Great day, great cities, great view, great food. Highly recommended. Cheers from Brazil!
Best ever!
by: Hannah Russell on Walkabout
Mirela was the BEST. From the beginning with checking us in and making everything SO smooth. She helped us walk to the bus, got everyone seated and introduced herself and talked about the history on the way to siena. She engaged with every person and was so sweet. After lunch and on the way to Pisa she told us more about Pisa and how cool it was. I am not a huge history person but with her she made it so interesting and kept me listening the entire time. If you get Mirela, don’t worry you’ll have the best time!
Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU DO HOTEL PICK-UPS OR DO YOU HAVE A CENTRAL MEETING POINT?
We do not organise hotel pick-ups for difficulties with parking and scheduling, but our meeting point at Florence's main train station is very central and should be easy to get to. Many hotels are located within easy walking distance of the train station, otherwise a taxi (you could ask your hotel to book it for you) would be the fastest option, dropping you off right at our meeting point.
CAN WE CLIMB THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA? IS IT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TOUR?
When you make a reservation you will have the chance to upgrade your tour to include entry to the Leaning Tower before you proceed to the payment stage. Remember that children under the age of eight are not permitted to climb the tower.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We suggest comfortable clothing and above all, comfortable shoes for walking. In the summer months please remember that you are expected to cover your shoulders to visit inside churches, but if you are dressed for a hot day don't worry, you will be given a disposable paper cape for the Cathedral in Siena.
HOW MUCH TIME DO WE SPEND ON THE BUS?
We have arranged an itinerary so that you will cover as much of Tuscany as possible but without spending too long on the bus. The longest ride of the day is through beautiful Tuscan scenery and lasts about an hour and a half.
DOES YOUR BUS HAVE A WASHROOM?
Our bus does not have a washroom. However the day is very well divided that you are never too far from washrooms. In the morning it takes just over an hour from Florence to Siena, then just forty minutes from Siena to the wine estate. After lunch we go to San Gimignano (only ten minutes drive) and from there to Pisa which takes one and a half hours. After Pisa it's just over an hour to Florence, depending on traffic.
DO YOU CATER FOR PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES/VEGETARIANS?
Definitely! If you would prefer an alternative to the menu we have chosen, please tell your tour leader and he/she will telephone ahead to arrange it.
IS THE TOUR SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?
The thing to remember is that it is a long day (12 hours) and the city visits can be tiring for children. We have had occasional problems in the past when tired children have become fractious and noisy during the bus rides and disturbed the other passengers. So the decision has to be yours because you know your children! We reserve the right to ask you to leave the tour if in the tour leader's opinion your child disrupts the tour. We suggest to parents of very young ones that they use a back pack type of baby carrier rather than a stroller/pram because of the many steps, steep slopes and uneven surfaces in the medieval towns that we visit. It's also much quicker getting on and off the bus!
CAN WE GET OFF IN PISA?
If you have plans to stay in Pisa, you can bring your luggage with you (there is plenty of space on the coach) and collect it at the end of the tour, before the rest of us head back to Florence.
WE HAVE A FLIGHT/TRAIN TO CATCH FROM PISA AFTER THE TOUR. HOW CAN WE GET THERE?
If you have to get to the airport at Pisa, it's about fifteen minutes by taxi – the tour leader can help organise a taxi for you. If you are traveling by train, Pisa Centrale station is a ten minute taxi ride or bus ride away.
CAN WE CLIMB THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA? IS IT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TOUR?
When you make a reservation you will have the chance to choose the tour option that includes the entry to the Leaning Tower before you proceed to the payment stage. Remember that children under the age of eight are not permitted to climb the tower.
WE ARE CATCHING A TRAIN AFTER THE TOUR, CAN WE BRING OUR LUGGAGE WITH US?
Our tours leave from and return to the main railway station in Florence, so if you are travelling on by train, bring your luggage with you in the morning and take the train in the evening directly after the tour. You will save both time and money by not having to use the luggage deposit! We recommend that you book any rail travel from Florence after 9pm to allow time for any traffic delays. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or extra expense incurred in the unlikely case of delays due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
