Siena Tours

Siena has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and hosts a ton of fantastic attractions. The city is already always busy with the hustle and bustle of tourists. However, in July and August it explodes into life when hosting the world-renowned Palio. This is the bareback horse race that takes place in Siena’s main square, the Piazza del Campo. It is a spectacular display of culture, history, tradition and competition. But, for those who aren’t around on the two days of the year that the races are happening, worry not! For a relatively small city there are a whole lot of Siena tours to keep you busy.

A Siena guided tour of the city’s main attraction, the Cathedral, is a great decision. The best way to enjoy this towering medieval church honoring the Assumption of Mary is by learning the history behind it. Who’s going to explain that the city built the church in stages? Who will tell you what the different architectural styles? How will you know which statues were sculpted by Michelangelo and which were sculpted by Bernini? A Siena tour guide, that’s who! 

Whether guided or self-guided, a great way to explore the city is a Siena walking tour. Stroll the perimeter of the Piazza del Campo. Better yet, imagine the crack of riding crops and the sound of thumping hooves as colorfully clad jockeys race their horses around it. Stop at the top of the Piazza to take in the Fonte Gaia (fountain) which first spouted water in 1346 before making your way up the 400 steps of the Torre Mangia for breathtaking views of Siena.  

Siena tours by locals are guaranteed to provide you with all history of sites like the Baptistery of San Giovanni and Santa Caterina’s home while giving you the inside scoop on all the hidden gems too. They may take you to Piazza dei Salimbeni where stands the world’s oldest bank, the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, or if you’re lucky, Siena’s small botanical garden.

Whatever you decide Siena tours are the way to see the city.

Where’s Siena?

Siena is in the capital of the province of the same name and is located in the region of Tuscany. It is approximately an hour and a half by car or train from Florence and a three-hour train and bus journey from Rome.  

What’s so special about the place?

Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been for a number of years. It is a beautiful medieval city that has preserved its Gothic appearance. The entire town is built around the world-renowned Piazza del Campo, famous for the bi-annual Palio di Siena. Due to the state of the city’s preservation, its historical authenticity and size, Siena is regarded as a rare example and one of the best medieval historical towns in the world. 

Wait a second, what’s the Palio di Siena?  

Twice a year in July and August, ten riders, each representing a different contrade, race horses. Better yet, they race bareback, around the Piazza del Campo. This is a tradition that dates back to the medieval age and a spectacular event of pageantry and color. 

Okay, so what’s there to see in Siena?

Quite a lot, actually. First of all the Piazza del Campo, is a great spot to soak up some Sinense culture. Even when the Palio isn’t happening! The square is constantly bustling with life. Also in the square is the beautiful Torre del Mangia, which you can climb. There is, of course, the city’s Cathedral. The complex comprises the Piccolomini Chapel and library, the Baptistery, and Santa Maria della Scala. And, that’s only scratching the surface. 

What about outside the city?

Siena is in Tuscany, known the world over for its beautiful countryside, wine, and food. Why not consider jumping onto a bike for a tour of the surrounds. Those after a gentle ride can cycle to a winery, sample delicious Tuscan dishes and wash it down with a glass of gorgeous local red wine. And, for those with the legs for it why not cycle to one of the surrounding towns, like the beautiful castle town of Monteriggioni. 

Remember that Florence is only 90 minutes away and Pisa less. So, if you wanted to spend an afternoon away, those are great places to check out. Florence enjoys a wealth of fantastic attractions, and Pisa boasts it’s eponymous leaning tower.

When’s the best time to go?           

The best time to visit Tuscany, the region where Siena, is between September and October and April and May. This is what is generally called shoulder season. Temperatures are cooler, and crowds at the town’s major attractions are smaller. In the summer months, especially about the time of the Palio, the city is alive with locals and tourists alike. So, if you are desperate to see the race, be sure to take this into consideration.  

Do I need to book ahead?

We always recommend, where possible, that you book ahead. Not only does this guarantee that you will see all the attractions you are interested in seeing, but often booking ahead comes with perks. These can include fast-track access, or skip the lines options.