Private Tour of Siena's Historic Centre (3h)

Overview

Explore the historic centre of Siena on a private tour accompanied by a local guide. Depending on your preferences, the excursion lasts 2 or 3 hours and covers the city's art, culture, and traditions, including the famous Palio horse race. The circuit includes visits to the Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, Basilica of San Domenico, St. Catherine's Church, the baptistery, as well as ancient palaces and the pilgrims' route. The tour can be personalised with your guide to suit your interests. Access to the interior of the cathedral is available as an option (ticket to be purchased on-site, from 7 euros per person). For those more interested in local traditions, a visit to a Contrada museum is suggested to understand the significance of the Palio and admire the trophies won.

Itinerary

1. Basilica Cateriniana Di S. Domenico

   The tour begins in front of the majestic Basilica San Domenico, one of the most important churches in Siena. Inside the Basilica see the holy relic of St. Catherine's head.

   · 15 min

2. Chiesa del Santuario di Santa Caterina

   Afterwards you will visit from the outside the Sanctuary of St. Catherine, where she used to life with her big family. The house is transformed into three little churches, where people can pray and visit the ancient house rooms.

   · 10 min

3. Palazzo Tolomei

   One of the oldest private building of the city Here you will discover the symbol of Siena, which is related to a medieval legend.

   · 10 min

4. Piazza del Campo

   Piazza del Campo is the main square, here admire the Palazzo Pubblico (seat of the town hall). Discover the history and legends of the famous horse race "Palio" and learn about the districts "Contrade"

   · 20 min

5. Battistero di San Giovanni

   Admire from the outside the enchanting and unique Siena Baptistery, which the upper part was never completed, discover why.

   · 5 min

6. Cripta del Duomo di Siena

   Admire the so called "Crypt" from the outside.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Duomo di Siena

   Arrive in front of the Cathedral. It had to become the largest Cathedral in the world, discover why the project of the "New Cathedral" was abandoned. If you wish you can continue the tour inside and admire the artworks by important Italian artists. Tickets can be purchased onsite

   · 40 min· Admission not included

How to use your ticket

Remember that the Cathedral's ticket is not included in the price. It is not possible to visit the Cathedral on Sunday morning (it opens at 1pm) Visit https://www.tosc.it/tickets.htm affiliate=T2C&sort_by=event_datum&sort_direction=asc&fun=erdetail&doc=erdetaila&erid=798899 Select the ticket time 2h30min after the starting time of your tour. Example: Tour starts at 10am, select the ticket for 12.30pm

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Accessible to people with reduced mobility.
• Pushchairs and prams are permitted.
• Assistance animals are welcome.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• Accessible transport options for people with reduced mobility are available.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended, regardless of the weather.
• The cathedral is closed on Sunday mornings and can only be visited from 1:00 pm.
• Confirmation is sent immediately upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is possible for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers seeking a personalised and private experience.
• Those interested in art history and Tuscan traditions.
• Families with young children (pushchairs accepted).
• People with reduced mobility.

What makes it different

• Entirely private tour with a local guide.
• Flexible duration and customisable itinerary (2 or 3 hours).
• Option to focus the tour on the Palio tradition via a Contrada museum.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 63770P1

Activity offered by Siena Experience Italian Hub via Viator.