Siena & San Gimignano: Review of Shore Excursion from Livorno

Shore Excursion From Livorno to Siena and San Gimignano

So, you’re thinking of seeing a bit of Tuscany while your cruise ship makes a stop in Livorno? That’s very neat! Picking a shore trip to Siena and San Gimignano might just be a wonderful shout. I took the exact outing not long back, and let me give you the inside scoop so you know what to expect. I hope that helps.

First Impressions and Getting Started

The start, more or less, went like clockwork. Coming off the cruise ship, the tour representatives were super easy to find. Apparently, they hold up signs, so you spot them instantly. I will say, be prompt! Things start right on time, and they won’t wait forever. Once the entire group gets assembled, you jump on a cozy bus. A local guide offers bits about the region as you drive which is interesting. By the way the journey itself is beautiful since the landscape of Tuscany does a bit of a number on you, especially if you’ve not seen those rolling hills previously.

Siena: A Step Back in Time

After around a couple of hours on the road, you turn up in Siena. A bit, it’s like going straight into a history textbook. The core of Siena is Piazza del Campo, very known for the Palio horse race. When you walk in, it’s hard to miss it – I guess you can’t miss it! Our guide gives a talk on the history of the piazza and the famous race they do twice a year, that’s kind of cool. Afterwards, we have enough free time, almost a couple of hours to wander. So, I explored narrow streets, maybe grabbed some gelato, and very much soaked up the ancient atmosphere. Is that nice, or what?

Don’t Miss: Siena Cathedral

You do need to visit the Siena Cathedral. People call it the Duomo. It truly is, maybe, something else. The striped marble, very detailed sculptures, all create quite the impact. Apparently, there can be a queue to go inside. You need to think if it’s worth your precious time, very sure. I would argue if art and history tickle you, it might just be a total can’t miss.

San Gimignano: The Town of Towers

After Siena, that follows to San Gimignano, a place easy to spot with all its medieval towers. Apparently, back in the day, families erected those towers to show everyone else how wealthy they felt, in a way! That is something, is it not? San Gimignano is very, quite a bit, tinier than Siena. You could walk it in no time, yet every corner is lovely. The views across the Tuscan landscape appear picturesque from up here. Really, bring your camera.

Treat Yourself: Gelato in San Gimignano

San Gimignano, arguably, has a place famed for gelato – Gelateria Dondoli. As a matter of fact, they actually won prizes! The flavors can be so inventive; it might be worth tasting something other than chocolate or vanilla for once, which you may as well do at some point. So, anticipate a little line, although it certainly goes fast, and actually, the gelato is great.

Lunch: Finding a Good Spot

Lunch won’t be included in your tour normally, so you will grab something yourselves. Very many little trattorias exist in both Siena and San Gimignano. A bit, I advise asking your tour guide for ideas; so they mostly understand a couple of gems. Or, actually, simply walk down a side street; that means you discover a quaint place all on your own. I did this myself at lunch time. It wasn’t at all touristy! Pasta, or maybe a sandwich works wonders!

The Return Trip

After visiting the second town, that is to say San Gimignano, it is all to do with the drive back towards Livorno. What’s convenient is, tour managers normally account for traffic. As I recall, they want everyone safely back at the boat and don’t leave you in a tight spot at all. That said, so double check the schedule; just to avoid anxiety. When returning you might sleep on the comfortable, climate controlled ride while uploading your photos. Now that’s convenient.

Things to Consider Before You Book

Mobility: Remember, both Siena and San Gimignano contain a bit of walking on cobblestone streets. When that sounds tricky, perhaps look at trips that are a little more accessible.
Pace: These day trips tend to pack quite a bit in. Remember you will be moving at a steady clip! Actually, when you fancy a relaxed, more slow experience, think about another shorter outing.
What’s Included: Verify very closely what your trip fee covers. Lunch almost never gets covered. Is that crystal? That said, tips towards the tour managers and drivers might just not be contained there either.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Generally, if seeing two charming Tuscan locations sounds fantastic, I recommend the trip from Livorno to Siena plus San Gimignano wholeheartedly. Obviously, these tours show a bunch! But they give you an incredible essence to Italy in one easy to arrange day. Actually, by taking any of these day trips, people make memories which would actually stick around long past disembarking.

FAQ About the Shore Excursion

Is the excursion suitable for children?

It tends to be, depending on their stamina for longer travel and walking times. Little children may become quite bored, and for strollers the cobblestone streets make that hard.

What should I wear?

Relaxed, yet quite comfortable shoes are quite a necessity. Siena and San Gimignano imply plenty of walking. Very sure bring layers since the Tuscan climate, even during summer, would get quite warm midday though very much cooler early, and at night. Apparently, remember to modestly dress anytime visiting cathedrals.

Will there be free time for shopping?

Yep. Really both towns boast charming boutiques selling regional crafts, food specialties, plus keepsakes. Typically, give yourselves a look; enjoy perusing after structured parts from your trip complete, arguably. That makes things feel that bit more nice! The souvenirs have memories behind each purchased item, if I’m being serious!

Are there restroom facilities available during the trip?

Yes, typically restrooms will be available at key stops. Even still it’s always a helpful thought just carrying hand sanitizer just to be cautious as I like to be safe, but it may be a wasted endeavor. You never know with those public bathrooms. You get my concerns.