The Original & Best Tours
My Exclusive Best of Siena with a Great Tour Guide
from € 250,00
Explore Siena, one of Tuscany’s most charming hilltop towns, with an expert tour guide in this My Exclusive Best of Siena tour.
On this three hour walking tour you will hear murder stories, see relics of famous saints, learn about the famous annual ‘Palio' horse race and much more! You will visit the stunning cathedral, the unforgettable ‘campo' square and other sites in this picturesque town rich with history.
Highlights of the My Excvlusive Best of Siena Tour include:
Visit some of Siena’s most charming piazzas. Hear about the fascinating lives of the powerful families that lived within the Siena’s gothic, renaissance and mannerist-style palaces.
From the fable of the Sienese wolf to the murderous tale of Pia de’ Tolomei, your private Siena tour guide will share the amazing stories behind this charming must-see Tuscan town.
Enter the church that saw the birth of the famous Sienese painting style. Hear the fascinating stories behind the life of Siena’s Saint Catherine, see where she lived and the paintings depicting important scenes from her life, as well as the relics of her thumb and head!
Spy the mark of the Medici – their coat of arms emblazoned on the impressive Town Hall building in the charming shell-shaped Piazza del Campo that is transformed for the Palio – Siena’s famous horse race with an intriguing history.
Your expert Siena tour guide will show you where the horses are held, as you hear about the tensions, tricks and thrills that have marked the Palio throughout its colourful history. You’ll also see where the Archbishop holds mass for the jockeys before the Palio.
Learn about Pope Pio II Piccolomini – Siena’s pope.
Hear the dramatic and at times humorous stories of the rivalry between Siena and Florence.
Visit the cathedral that was intended to out-do Florence’s ‘Duomo’ and decide for yourself who was the victor. Inside, hear about the famous pavement, see artworks by Michelangelo, Bernini and Donatello, and see the Tuscan sun’s rays coloured by the delicate stained glass window by Duccio di Buoninsegna.
On this 3-hour guided Siena tour, discover the business innovation that allowed Siena to become such an important and rich Italian city that has never lost its small-town charm.
Tread in the footsteps of pilgrims who marched the long road from northern Europe to Rome in ancient times.
Learn about the great foods that have become famous in Siena from sweet treats to delicious meats. Your Siena tour guide can also point out some great places to dine, or to stop for a gelato or glass of Tuscan wine in a charming location, and even let you in on some great Italian shopping secrets in Siena, one of Tuscany’s best places for great shopping in Tuscany.
The finer details of the My Exclusive Best of Siena Tour:
Price: 250 euro per group (1-8 persons)
Meeting point for the My Exclusive Best of Siena Tour: in front of Church San Domenico (just by the parking lot in front of the church)
Tour length: 3 hours
Included in the My Exclusive Best of Siena Tour: expert private tour guide
Excludes: 3 Euro per person to enter the Siena Duomo (please note that from approximately late August to October, the pavement of the Duomo is uncovered and the entrance fee is €6), optional gratuities.
Our suggestions:
Your own exclusive tour guide for a private Florence walking tour
The Best of Tuscany Tour with your own exclusive guide visiting three Tuscany hilltop towns as well as an award-wining Tuscany villa winery estate for lunch and wine tasting.
See the highlights of Tuscany in one spectacular day in a small-group tour from Florence with the Best of Tuscany tour.
| 1 - 8 persons | 250,00 € | 31,25 € per person |
Related Blog Entries:
25th April in Italy: Festa della Liberazione Italiana
25th April is la Festa della Liberazione Italiana – Liberation Day in Italy. It commemorates the anniversary of the 1945 end of the Italian Social Republic led by Mussolini, who was captured a few days later as he attempted to … Continue reading
Wild About Asparagus in Tuscany (including recipe!)
Food in Tuscany is dictated by the seasons, constantly changing according to what the landscape presents. In Tuscany right now, for those in the know, it is possible to find wild asparagus growing in the stunning surrounds. There is nothing … Continue reading
Italian Easter Food Traditions – Long lunches & lamb recipes
Most festivals and special occasions in Italy are marked by the preparation of specialty dishes enjoyed at wonderfully set tables around which all the family gather. Preparations can take days, and in the lead up to special feast days walking … Continue reading
Chianti Castle
It was a lovely, sunny Tuscan morning when we climbed into our small van and headed off to tour the world-famous wine country in Tuscany – Chianti. Winding through the roads that cling to the Tuscan hillsides, we passed … Continue reading
OutrunCancer – charity run around Italy
One man (and his faithful support team) is presently putting a lot of energy into raising awareness and funding for prevention of cancer. Luca Turrini is running 20 marathons in 29 days, one in each region of Italy. Spurred on … Continue reading
Vinitaly: Verona, Vines & Vino
Verona has been historically known as the home of Shakespeare’s lovebirds Romeo and Juliet. But for 46 years, a new -and much more enduring- romance has been taking place there. We’re talking Vinitaly, Italy’s most celebrated wine fair. Each year … Continue reading
FAIR FIESOLE: Parks, Parkour and Precious Objects
From Florence, Fiesole is but a short drive (or a longer but lovely hike!) up a winding ancient road that gives the gift of spectacular Tuscan views with each curve of the road. Normally a quiet little village overlooking the … Continue reading
So much for the good ol’ days – children in Florence during the Renaissance
The Little Princes – children in the Renaissance. Cross-dressing toddlers, baby cages, superstitious baby toys, pet monkeys, baby binding, pint-sized cardinals and a range of toddler weaponry that gives a whole new definition to the term ‘infantry’!
Cooking in Florence – Easy as pi…zza!
Italians aren’t so big on pie as such, but they do love their pizza! Since we organise wonderful hands-on cooking classes in Florence and Tuscany, we in the Artviva office should also know how to cook these wonderful recipes, right? … Continue reading
Under the Tuscan Snow
With the temperature in Tuscany forecast to be one of the coldest days of the season, we for some reason decided it was a great day to go for a long walk in the park! So it was we set … Continue reading
San Gimignano – ‘passeggiata’, pictures and pronunciation
Before the forecast snow in Tuscany began to fall, we decided to head out to San Gimignano for a wonderful day out in the Tuscan countryside. We stopped along the way to enjoy the views of the ‘Tuscan Manhattan’ on … Continue reading
Espresso in Italy – when a bit bitter is better!
Throughout the day, Italians take their caffeine hits like fast jabs, thrown back in little cups whose handles are pinched between the thumb and forefinger, the rest of the fingers crested in the open air as the cup is hurtled … Continue reading
Tuscany 2012 – just like fine wine and good women
Yes, just like fine wine and good women, Tuscany just gets better and better with each passing year. After the massive eat-fests of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we decided to spend the first days of 2012 in Tuscany on … Continue reading
Tuscan Christmas Feasts!
Gathered around a round table, places were elaborately set for the entire extended family. Our napkins were rolled up to look like crackers on the elaborate spread, with the tablecloth a traditional one made by the host’s grandmother and used … Continue reading
Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze: a sneak preview of Florence’s new Opera House
Florence is a cultural hub rich in traditions of art, artistry, fashion, gastronomy, and music. Florence is actually the birthplace of Opera, with the first opera to be performed being Jacopo Peri’s ‘Dafne’, performed in Florence in about 1597. This … Continue reading
Tuscan Winter: how the seasons change
Tuscany in December. If you could taste the way the Tuscan countryside looks right now, it would surely taste like cinnamon. The leaves and the birds have left the trees, abandoned nests left in full display. The countryside has evolved … Continue reading
VINEGAR: simple recipes, simple pleasures
As with all great things in life (namely, wine and women) vinegar just keeps getting better with age. We’ve been cooking lots of traditional Italian recipes using vinegar of late, after being recently given a mother of red wine vinegar, … Continue reading
The bold & beautiful of the Uffizi Gallery – old art, new revelations
Who would have thought that in the 21st century, the world of Renaissance art could contain more drama than a soap opera? First, a long-sought-after Da Vinci is being hunted for as we speak (or rather, write). And now, it … Continue reading
Book Now
While you're there...
You may also like...
What people say about us:
Michael Palin
Actor/Presenter (Monty Python and a list of fabulous films too long to list here)
Lou Reed
Rockstar
Richard Kind
Actor (Mad about You, Spin City)
Alex Rodriguez
Baseball Star (In December of 2000 Rodriguez became the best-paid ballplayer of all time when he signed a $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers)
Mike Munro
One of Australia's finest investigative journalists and well known media personalities.
Bill Kurtis
Acclaimed documentary host and producer, network news anchor and multimedia production company .
Nat Young
World Surfing Champion
As recommended by:
Find us on:
Facebook Users Reviews
On
2011/12/09
John Brade said:
cooking class
I took the Cooking Class and Market tour (in San Lorenzo Market). It was awesome! The market had the most incredible fresh ingredients, and the most amazing seafood selection I have ever seen. The cooking class was extremely professional, and the lunch afterwards was great! I recommend this class for anyone.Mark
On
2011/12/07
Aurelija Dugnaite said:
A truly life changing experience
Absolutely amazing.Words can hardly express how much we enjoyed our experience with ArtViva! From the minute we stepped in their lovely office, we felt attended, looked after and taken care of. The friendly staff advised us in detail of what would suit our tastes and knowledge best, and as they have so many beautiful tours to choose from, that help was very appreciated. Florence's cultural richness can be overwhelming, but relying on ArtViva made everything easy and utterly enjoyable for us.The small group walking tour of Florence exceeded all expectations. Our guide Paul was tremedous: a true Florence insider, with amazing knowledge of arts and culture, engaging story telling and great local tips you won't find in a guide book. The memories of the tour will stay with me and my sister for many many years. Booking with ArtViva is the best single thing you could do to have the ultimate Florence experience.Thank you, ArtViva.
On
2011/11/29
Sepideh Emami said:
On
2011/11/24
Eddi Frantz said:
Friendly and Knowledgable.
An essential part of visiting such an historical city as Florence is a smart, knowledgeable tour guide. Artvivas guides are fun, friendly and really know their stuff. Plus they know all those great places not on most guidebooks that only a passionate local world know. Dont even contemplate a visit to the Uffizi or Michaelangelos David without one!
On
2011/11/24
Kathleen Marriott said:
Hightlight of Italian Trip
Thanks so much for the great walking tour we did in Florence in May. It was fun, informative and we were treated like VIPS! The guide made us feel welcome and got to know exactly what we were interested in seeing to make sure all was covered. If we had tried to do everything we did on the tour on our own, we would have spent days getting hopelessly lost! I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in the art, architecture, history and the culture of Florence.
On
2011/11/22
Caroline Beck said:
Feels like you have hired a first-class guide from a first-class outfit – at a fraction of the price.
If you are the type to shy away from “packaged” tours, preferring to go it alone in a brand new city, Art Viva might just be your new BFF (best friend forever) when on tour in Florence. Comfortably small groups - instead of large crowds moving en-masse. Personalized insights by well-educated guides – instead of canned presentations. ArtViva’s walking tours are the next best thing to hiring a private art historian to walk you around this fabulous city – at a fraction of the price. Their 3-hour walking introduction to Florence’s history and a follow-up tour of the Uffizi dispelled all my preconceptions that tour groups were not for me. Even if you’ve been to Florence before, start your vacation off right in 3 quick hours. It will set the stage for a perfect stay.
On
2011/11/22
Brigitte Reynolds said:
Incredible!
My husband and I had the good fortune of taking ArtViva tours of Florence while on our honeymoon. We started with the walking tour, followed by the David tour. We were so impressed we immediately signed up for the Uffizi tour the next day. The guides we had (Sasha/Sylvia & Brenda) were all amazing; they were incredibly knowledgable, friendly and spoke perfect English. What was best was their genuine enthusiam and love of the arts and history of Florence; their excitment was contagious and inspired us to want to know and learn more! I couldn't have asked for a better experience.Brigitte Reynolds
On
2011/11/22
Nadia LaMantia said:
a wonderful experience!
I loved my tour, and the artviva staff were so great and extremely helpful!!
On
2011/11/16
Jade Farley said:
GREAT Tours!
Best tours I have ever been on! The guide's knowledge was just incredible, and I can't wait to come back to do more tours.
On
2011/11/09
Alexandra Buscaino said:
Educational and entertaining!
Our tour was great - very informative, and the guide just fabulous! He not only knew so much about the history, but also had a knack for storytelling that kept us all fascinated.
Live Tweets
Artviva is guaranteed by:
