43905NOR
Siena sightseeing with TM. Visit of the Duomo
San Gimignano sightseeing with TM. No entrances
· If this excursion is included in the itinerary, the Tuscan lunch near San Gimignano replaces dinner.
· If the day is an optional field trip, lunch is included as above, but the whole group will still have dinner in Florence. Check the time on your voucher. You can reverse this day if you prefer. If necessary, call the restaurant to see if you can alter the time of your lunch reservation.
· You need a bus permit in Siena. Driver pays. THE FORTEZZA DROP OFF POINT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE ON SCHOOLDAYS FROM 12.15 TO 13.45. Drop off/pick up at Porta S. Marco instead.
· The San Gimignano bus permit is purchased in the bus park. Driver pays.
· You need cash for entrances to the Duomo in Siena
(08.00 Depart Montecatini)
08.30 Depart Florence. Take the superstrada to Siena.
10.00 Arrive in Siena. The driver will first collect the permit and then drive up to the drop off point at the Fortezza. Make a rendezvous with him for departure. From here, walk the group around the Fortezza walls, through the gardens and across the road. Continue to the church of San Domenico,
where you will find (paying) toilets located down the stairs to the right of the church entrance (closed for works at the time of writing). Give the group a moment to pop inside to see the head of Saint Catherine and other relics. Continue via via della Sapienza and via delle Terme to Piazza del Campo, the site of the famous Palio (around 20 minutes) and make a rendezvous for departure here. The alternative drop off point at Porta S. Marco is on the other side of town, therefore you will first visit the Duomo and then the Campo.
Duomo – visit
You will have pre-paid tickets in your packet. Take the group into the Duomo and make sure they don’t miss the Piccolomini Library (the ticket for the Duomo provides a combined entrance there too). There are toilets in the souvenir shop on the left-hand side. Meet after the visit and give them free
time. Make sure they know their way back to the Campo as Siena can be confusing (point out signs all around the village showing the way to il Campo).
THINGS TO DO
Torre del Mangia splendid view over the Campo (pre book as there are limited timed slots)
Palazzo Pubblico houses the Museo Civico with an important collection of Sienese painters.
Opa Museum Sienese paintings and access to the unfinished façade of the Duomo.
Pinacoteca Nazionale Sienese paintings from the 12th to 17th centuries by major artists.
Medieval Streets via Bandini and the courtyard Corte del Castellare degli Ugurgieri, via della Galluzza with eight arches and medieval buildings.
Market every morning, food and vegetable stalls in the Piazza del Mercato behind the Campo.
Shops Best streets are Via di Città, Via Banchi di Sopra and Via Bianchi di Sotto.
Sanctuary and house of St Catherine may be of interest to Catholic groups. A turn off the via delle Terme.
12.30 Meet your group in the Campo and take them back to the bus pick up point.
Take the superstrada back towards Florence. Exit Poggibonsi and continue to San Gimignano.
14.00 Check your voucher and map for the restaurant. There are several places in the close surroundings of S. Gimignano used for the Tuscan lunch.
15.30 After lunch, drive to San Gimignano for a visit.
On arrival park outside the walls and make a rendezvous for departure. You will get a number from the bus park attendant which you must return once your group is assembled and ready for departure. He will then call your bus up to meet you. Walk the group to the Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza Duomo. Give free time to explore the rest of town.
Allow 1 hour for the return drive to Florence, 1 hr 45mins to Montecatini.
THINGS TO DO
La Torre Grossa – Climb the tallest tower in San Gimignano, built in 1311, which is 54m (177 feet) high. Steep steps, particularly near the top, but great views. Entrance and tickets at the Palazzo del Popolo Civic Museum in Piazza Duomo.
Palazzo del Popolo Civic Museum – Wonderful frescoed rooms, including the room where Dante is said to have been received on a diplomatic mission, and artworks by Filippo Lippi, Pinturicchio and Gozzoli.
La Collegiata – the cathedral of San Gimignano. Built in the 11th C and decorated with frescoes in the 14th C.
Torture Museum – Located in the Tower of the Devil, and Piazza Cisterna a number of instruments of torture and explanations of their usage on display.
Wine tasting (for adults) – Several places in town offer tastings of the local Vernaccia white wine.
Walk up to the Rocca, fortress ruins. Great views and a small wine museum
Shopping – There are lots of souvenir shops on via San Giovanni and on the street road beyond Piazza Duomo. Some shops close over lunchtime and on Sundays.
Gelato – There are 2 good homemade gelaterie on opposite corners as you enter Piazza della Cisterna.