San Gimignano and Volterra Private Shore Excursion from Livorno
Description
If you want to see Tuscany -- that rolling, lush terrain dotted with hilltop villages you see on postcards -- there is no place better than San GImignano and Volterra. With history going back to ancient times, these two spectacular Medieval places sit in the middle of the most iconic and romantic part of Tuscany. Besides all the Medieval splendour, San Gimignano and Volterra also boast fascinating points of architectural and archeological interest, excellent galleries and museums, fantastic shopping featuring unique artisan products, award-winning gelato, great places to eat, and, of course, jaw-dropping views of the countryside. If have already been to Florence, this excursion will give you something completely different! Our friendly, English-speaking drivers are locals who love this land. All drivers are properly trained and professionally licensed, and our vans are ur air-conditioned.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After a 90-minute drive from the port of Livorno, about half of it spent winding through the Tuscan countryside, we’ll arrive in San Gimignano. Its nickname “The Manhattan of Tuscany” paints an immediate picture, but in this case, we have Medieval towers instead of modern skyscrapers. When you walk through San Gimignano, you might very well feel you are in a fairy tale. You will surely feel you have stepped back in time. Its towers were constructed by nobles between the 11th and 13th Centuries, and the village yet feels of that era. San Gimignano is also historically significant because of its position on the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route between Canterbury, England and Rome that was so important during Medieval times. Today, San Gimignano is a bustling tourist destination, loaded with chic boutiques and award-winning gelaterias. If you prefer nature to eating and shopping, you can walk up to the fortress to get jaw-dropping views (and photos) of the rolling Tuscan terrain.
Like so many hilltop towns in central Italy that were once Etruscan settlements, Volterra exudes a magical kind of energy. Brought to the world's attention thanks to the "Twilight" books and movies, Volterra possesses a particular Medieval beauty. Palazzo dei Priori, Volterra's city hall, is a masterful edifice with a clock tower from the 13th Century, so handsome that the city of Florence purportedly copied its design for Palazzo Vecchio. Stone houses line the curving streets, where curated boutiques invite you to deplete your life savings with their gorgeous food items, leather goods, unique clothing and jewelry, and incredible alabaster products. The alabaster is local, and there is no shortage of workshops in town where you can see dust-covered artisans working their craft. If you are a fan of ancient history, you'll want to visit the Roman theatre, the ancient Etruscan wall and gates, and the Etruscan Museum. The views from Volterra are amazing, as is its iconic Medicean fortress.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You will be picked up either at your ship or inside the cruise terminal if you dock at that pier. DO NOT TAKE A SHUTTLE, DO NOT GO TO PIAZZA DELL'ARSENALE! Your driver will be waiting for you in the area designated for private drivers, holding a sign with your name on it.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Car seats for infants and small children are available upon request, as well as boosters.
- Wheelchairs and scooters must be collapsible.
Reviews(5)
Wonderful tour company Viator used. Guide was excellent, friendly, knowledgeable, and customer oriented. And She was an excellent driver over mountain roads.
Claudia was the guide for our day trip to San Gimignano and Volterra and she was amazing! She told us about the region as well as the history of the region. She allowed for photo stops along the way to Volterra and San Gimignano, both ancient walled cities. Both cities were just beautiful! We highly recommend this tour, with the personalized service you get, why take a large bus tour? Just book it! *Thank you Claudia*
Excellent day trip! Nicolette was a fantastic driver and guide. Very helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend.
Fantastic day trip to Volterra, San Gimignano and family winery for tasting and lunch. Claudia was our driver and tour guide and she was an absolute joy! Our day began on a beautiful drive from Livorno port to Volterra which is a hidden gem in Tuscany. Next, Claudia drove us to Fattoria Sant' Appiano for wine tasting and lunch. Lovely family winery where the owners took great care to explain their wines. We enjoyed home cooked lunch to pair with their wines. The wines are spectacular. Last, we visited San Gimignano with its beautiful towers and friendly shop owners. Last, Claudia drove us back to the port. What an awesome day. Thank you Claudia and the family at Fattoria Sant' Appiano for a memorable day in Tuscany.
Niki was a fabulous tour guide and driver, taking us to the lovely small towns and adding a lunch/ wine tasting at a marvelous winery. She was on time and full of knowledge, even obscure questions (agriculture, etc). She accommodated our mother (in a wheel chair) and spoke flawless English. Very personable and fun.
