If you decide to make Florence your base for your holiday in Italy, the rest of Tuscany will be just a short drive away. It’s difficult to find everything in this beautiful region if you have only a limited time. A Tuscany tour departing from Florence is best to explore the countryside. But, one won’t be enough.
A visit to Siena, a stunning hilltop town in Tuscany, is one of the most sought-after options for a Tuscany tour departing from Florence. The city’s compact, historic centre is filled with monuments, museums, and stunning Gothic architecture. It is a cultural and historic treasure that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’ll be able to explore Siena‘s iconic highlights on your Tuscany tour, as well as wander the cobblestone streets and soak up the historic atmosphere.
These are just a few of the highlights you should not miss.
Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo, the heart of Medieval Siena, is one of the world’s largest squares of its type. Because of its distinctive shell-like shape, it is instantly recognisable. It also hosts the Palio horse race twice a year. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals to meet. You can also enjoy a great place to relax in one of the cafes or restaurants along the edges. The beautiful Fonte Gaia is its centrepiece, but not the centre. It is a copy of the original, but it is still a striking sculpture.
Torre del Mangia
Lookup if you are looking for the Torre del Mangia. The tower, measuring 88 metres, is located in the Piazza. If you can climb the narrow staircase, it offers spectacular views of the city and the rolling hills beyond. It’s worth the 400 steps for an unforgettable experience.
The Duomo (Santa Maria Assunta)
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.
Take a Tuscany (Siena) Tour starting in Florence
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.