Siena and San Gimignano Tour by Van From Lucca or Pisa: Is It Worth It?

So, you’re thinking about taking that tour of Siena and San Gimignano from either Lucca or Pisa, huh? Maybe you have got a trip planned to Tuscany and those medieval spots seem worth checking out. That’s very understandable. It’s almost certainly going to be a packed day, what with all that travel, but is it actually worth handing over your hard-earned euros and sacrificing the time it takes? Well, let’s get right into it. What I will do here is share my own experiences and give you some candid recommendations that could shape your decision.

What This Tour Promises – And Does It Deliver?

First things first, that sales pitch probably paints a really appealing picture, right? “Experience the charm of Tuscany,” “discover medieval treasures,” all that sort of thing. I think what it usually amounts to is the chance to visit two fairly famous spots in a single day, and that is the understanding you want going in. Basically, this trip drops you in Siena, then it’s off to San Gimignano. Typically, you are looking at round-trip transportation in a comfy van – a very big plus, by the way – along with some free time to do some poking around in each location. So, how does the tour measure up, you ask? For the most part, very nicely. Getting shuttled around in a cozy van saves you the effort of using public transit or facing hair-raising Italian roads by yourself. Both Siena and San Gimignano honestly hold a certain fascination, even if you happen to only have some time to scratch the surface.

That tour guides do offer bits and pieces of historical facts as you travel. Sometimes you might overhear another tour guide in your group. Too often I see other tourists trying to eavesdrop in on tours just to learn a bit of extra facts, it’s that compelling of information that the guides bring. Do note that you’re probably not looking at deeply guided tours of every church and building; very likely it will be more about letting you walk at your own pace and find out what catches your attention.

Siena: More Than Just a Pretty Piazza

So, Siena is normally the initial stop on that Tuscan whirlwind adventure, and wow, what a place to get started. That Piazza del Campo, well it could be argued, and perhaps should be, one of the world’s finest civic spaces. Picture this: you step into this huge, shell-shaped plaza where that Palio horse race occurs and that buildings all around are pretty much unchanged for hundreds of years. Even that Palazzo Pubblico, which houses Siena’s city government, is like it’s own old storybook. That feeling is almost surreal; I just sort of walked in circles there for maybe 20 minutes taking it all in.

Very many tours have a bit of guided walking, perhaps highlighting the Duomo (Siena Cathedral), that, by the way, is absolutely stunning both inside and out. I was really just stunned by all the marble, carvings and the artistry involved. As a tourist who likes to go in solo, I’d also recommend maybe climbing the Torre del Mangia, for something of a breathtaking panorama of the city. That climb can prove tough, more or less, but the view really is beyond compare.

There’s normally free time too. Perhaps shop for local crafts or gobble down some pastries at a cafe. Maybe there is a little family restaurant for you to dip into, there certainly will be loads of those dotted about. If your anything like me, that kind of casual immersion is just part of what I love when I visit these kinds of places.

San Gimignano: A Skyline of Towers

Next stop, very possibly that “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano. You’re sure to be quite tired from all the travel and the exploring. That’s what will make seeing its skyline, with the collection of medieval towers sticking up into the sky, so interesting to see on the horizon. Very cool for Instagram, right? Okay okay…jokes aside. Did you know these towers use to belong to really rich families, each trying to out-tower everyone else? Shows how status symbols certainly change over time!

That place, although perhaps rather touristy, actually manages to retain some authentic appeal. Wandering along those streets you come across places selling regional products, from saffron (yes, you could try a little sampling yourself) and that local wine, Vernaccia (although probably not to drink at this time given the need to explore). You can still see artisan workshops, giving you some feel for the ancient culture.

Now, be sure to go to Gelateria Dondoli at the Piazza della Cisterna. Very big accolades go out for its delicious gelato; lots of folks make sure that that’s one of their ‘can’t miss’ moments there. And similar to Siena, there’s the chance just to walk about and, as they say, just breathe in the medieval feel. Really this place might just feel more manageable than bigger Siena because the town’s that bit smaller.

The Van Ride: Your Tuscan Chariot?

Do consider something about this kind of tour. So, most of the appeal will lie in how easy it is to get from place to place, as someone else drives! Honestly those narrow roads can stress people out, as well as navigating unfamiliar traffic laws or working out timetables for the bus and train. With that van, somebody comes and picks you up in that center of either Lucca or Pisa, gets you to the important parts, then sends you back.

Typically those vans are quite comfortable and have AC – a huge win during summer. Guides typically attempt to offer tidbits and tales of Tuscany throughout the drive, which might bring a better context as the scenery rolls past.

Yet be very aware of spending potentially a great chunk of your day just riding. Very often, depending upon traffic or how many folks need collecting, drive times could be a bit longer than initially shown on the tin. So, pack some things for the travel – books, playlists, nap pillow – to keep busy. But, yes that door-to-door kind of pickup seriously trumps taking your shot with public transportation.

Is This the Trip for You? Some Considerations

Okay, let’s pull things together here. So is that Siena and San Gimignano trip worth something to think about when you’re in Lucca or Pisa? So, possibly. It actually does suit people that need to take care of vacation time and really intend to pack as much experiencing in as possible.

These tours are super convenient; that comfy transport between locations is wonderful, if you’ve got any anxiety relating to Italian highways, for instance. Both cities themselves provide quite beautiful snapshots from the medieval times in Tuscany. However, keep expectations real; there’ll be limited in-depth learning or super unique individual experiences – it probably will be brief snapshots. Should you wish very independent exploration for long stretches of time that trip will probably drive you to frustration. Be that as it may, you might feel the tours gives an easy flavor of Tuscany, and could very easily be enough to charm someone without a ton of spare days and who is interested enough to be drawn there.

Here are a couple of thoughts before you buy in:

• Pace yourself: Those two locations can certainly be doable in one day, just plan ahead for travel between destinations. That means, prepare yourself.
• Time allocation is something to factor: Make a rough plan that takes advantage of the free time, while bearing in mind that the tours typically don’t hang about! Do a bit of looking around before so you have the names of one or two spots or stores to search out and zero in on, should you happen to want those memories to carry home.
• Walking Comfort: Specifically those streets, being cobblestone medieval style, mean wearing comfy walking boots is something to be mindful about, particularly for folks that tire out rather easily when standing for long periods!
• Watch out for hidden charges: As always check that fine print regarding additional costs. Certain attractions, similar to that tower tour I mention or entries to historical places might probably need fees over and above tour fees; and it pays not to encounter financial surprises.

Last, so, should you wish immersion or going where curiosity alone could direct, perhaps consider leasing your ride and doing day visits. Still, when pressed, I would suggest such group trips out to visitors wishing safe yet broad view spanning these awesome Tuscan spots, provided one’s ready from the get-go to run through at moderate speeds.

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