If you choose Florence as your base in Italy, the rest of Tuscany is only a short drive away. With so much to see, it’s hard to cover everything in just one trip.
That’s why taking a Tuscany tour from Florence is one of the best ways to experience the countryside—and one tour is never enough.
One of the top choices is Siena, a beautiful hilltop town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic center is filled with Gothic architecture, museums, and monuments, all packed into a walkable area.
On your Tuscany tour, you can explore Siena’s famous landmarks, stroll its cobblestone streets, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this timeless city.
What Not to Miss in Siena
Piazza del Campo: The Beating Heart of Siena
No visit to Siena is complete without stepping into Piazza del Campo, the city’s famous central square. Known for its unique shell shape and medieval charm, this vast piazza has been the gathering place for centuries. It’s where locals meet, tourists pause to admire the view, and, twice a year, the thrilling Palio horse race transforms the square into a stage of tradition and passion.
Torre del Mangia: Siena’s Towering Landmark
Rising high above Piazza del Campo, the Torre del Mangia is Siena’s most iconic tower and a symbol of the city’s pride. Built in the 14th century, it was designed to be exactly the same height as Siena’s cathedral—showing the equal importance of church and state. Climbing its steps rewards you with breathtaking views across Siena’s rooftops and the rolling Tuscan countryside beyond.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta)
Siena’s Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in Italy. Its black-and-white striped marble façade makes it instantly recognizable, while inside you’ll find masterpieces by artists like Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Every corner of the cathedral tells a story—from its intricate mosaic floor to the breathtaking Piccolomini Library—making it an unmissable highlight of any visit to Siena.
The Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta has a striking dark green facade and dazzling white marble interior. It was built to reflect the city’s colours. With its incredibly intricate floors, frescos, and other works of renowned artists such as Pinturicchio, Michelangelo, and Donatello, it isn’t easy to know where you should look once you enter. This one is worth more than a glance.
The perfect Tuscany tour is to visit Siena, just an hour from Florence by road. This means you will have a relaxing journey and plenty of time to explore the highlights (and more), as well as to visit some lesser-known nooks or crannies that allow you to experience the real life of this beautiful Medieval city.