Things to do in

Siena

Benefit from fast-track entry to Siena Cathedral and admire the stunning artwork and architecture of its interior. Walk along its ornate marble mosaic floor and visit the Piccolomini Library known for its collection of vibrant frescoes. Skip the line and enter the Cathedral and admire one of the foremost masterpieces of renaissance art and architecture in Italy. Gaze at elaborate altarpieces, a sculpture by Michelangelo, and all manner of ornate decorations scattered throughout its vast interior. Enter the Piccolomini Library, which contains a sprawling series of 10 frescoes by Pinturicchio chronicling the life of Pope Pius II. Gaze upwards at the domed ceiling, masterfully adorned with complex patterns and further scenes from the pope’s life.

See notable features of the Duomo of Siena with the OPA SI fast-track entry pass. In addition to discovering the Cathedral of Siena, visit the Baptistery, the Crypt, the Piccolomini Library, and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera, Oratory, and Facciatone viewpoint with one convenient ticket. Enter the Duomo and be amazed by its grand scale as you stroll along its stunning mosaic marble floor. Admire sculptures such as The Feast of Herod by Donatello and St. Paul by Michaelangelo, amongst many artworks which are dotted around the cathedral. Visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni within the Duomo to marvel at the splendid Baptismal Font. From here, head down into the Crypt, the underground quarters that remained hidden for more than seven centuries. Then, stroll through the Piccolomini Library and gaze up at the vibrant and colorful frescoes which adorn its walls. Admire the stunning work by Pinturicchio, which depicts ten episodes from the life of Pope Pius II. Access the Museo dell'Opera which houses a selection of archaeological fragments and artwork once part of the cathedral. See a variety of Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and paintings by Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti. Head into the Oratory of San Bernardino to admire the collection of the Diocesan Museum of Religious Art, with its core at the upper oratory chapel. Discover a variety of Siennese paintings from between the 13th to the 18th century. Finish up your visit to the complex with a climb up to the Facciatone viewpoint. Be enchanted by the unforgettable view over the city of Siena and the beautiful rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.                                                                                                                                        

Explore Siena's rich history, culture, and traditions with a local guide. The tour is designed to show you Siena's most intriguing sites in a short period, with plenty of stops for photos along the way. Start the tour with a visit to some of the city’s most significant sites including the Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Publicco, Palazzo Tolomei, Palazzo Salimbeni, and the ancient Banchi di Sopra. Upon exploring, learn which buildings hold UNESCO World Heritage-listed status and why. Continue the tour to the Basilica of San Domenico, which is home to Saint Catherine's relics. Next, stop by the Sanctuary of St. Catherine of Siena, where she once lived with her family. Pass by the Baptistery and the Siena Cathedral (or the Duomo di Siena), and head inside for a closer look (if the optional guided tour option is booked). Inside, admire the array of works of art from some of Italy’s most important artists. 

Enter the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena and visit the Civic Museum with this entry ticket. Located inside the Palazzo Pubblico, the Civic Museum is a 13th-century building home to impressive wall-to-wall fresco paintings. Explore the museum to learn about the history of Siena and see precious artifacts. Exchange your voucher for an entry ticket at the ticket office and begin your visit in the Sala del Risorgimento. This room hosts fresco paintings that depict the life of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy. Walkthrough the Sala di Balìa and see wall paintings from the 15th-century by Spinello Aretino and Martino di Bartolomeo. Also, see the Sala dei Cardinali where precious carved coffers keep reliquaries. Move forward to the Sala del Concistoro, famous for its Beccafumi vault, and see Taddeo di Bartolo's 15th-century Cappella. Continue on to the Sala del Mappamondo, the widest room of the Palazzo Pubblico and used as the meeting place of the General Council. See the famous Maestà, a Gothic masterpiece painted by Simone Martini. The museum entry ticket also includes a visit to the 14th-century gallery, Loggia dei Nove, which offers a beautiful view of the landscape behind Palazzo Pubblico.

During this private lesson, you will learn how to prepare 2 pasta recipes and the tiramisu dessert from scratch. Your Cesarina will reveal the tricks of the trade of these iconic recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test and amaze your friends and family once home with an Italian meal! This experience is suitable for families with children of all ages.

Begin your journey of Tuscany at Florence’s central train station, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.  Head straight to Siena, Italy’s most picturesque medieval city, whereupon arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour. Look up to admire the lovely terracotta roofs adorning the buildings and marvel at the magnificent Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the main cathedral.   Next, head to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for the tower houses built in the Middle Ages. Enjoy free time here to see its splendid squares, palaces, churches, and magnificent towers. The last stop on your Tuscan excursion is a visit to Pisa and its iconic leaning tower. Take a stroll through the Piazza dei Miracoli and see other marvelous monuments, before driving back to Florence. Best of all, choose from either a small-group or private guided experience to make your trip special. Choose the lunch option to enjoy a homemade lunch paired with an informal wine tasting at a traditional wine estate in the Chianti wine region. Savor 4 regional wines at lunch and learn about their unique production techniques. Feast on an organic, farmhouse meal while you overlook the rolling vineyards under the Tuscan sun.

Immerse yourself in Italy's renowned winemaking culture on this guided tour by van from Florence. Leave the city behind as you head out into the Tuscan countryside, marveling at the landscape around you. Visit two local wineries and enjoy wine tastings in both of them, learning about the wine-making process from locals. Arrive in the charming town of Radda in Chianti and visit one of the town’s traditional wineries. Enjoy a tasting session of 3 regional wines, then have the opportunity to purchase them. Spend some free time exploring the narrow streets of the town. Continue towards a traditional farm and winery. Learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass. Then enjoy another tasting session of 3 Chianti wines as well as local products. Finally, sit back and relax on the return journey to Florence.

First arrive in San Gimignano, a tiny medieval town that has remained intact through the centuries. Sitting upon a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes, and other art treasures. Enjoy more free time to discover this fascinating city on your own. Next, stop at the charming historical hamlet of Monteriggioni, an amazing small medieval village enclosed by its famous walls, which remained standing to this day. Enjoy some free time to visit this place. Afterwards, you will cross the gently Chianti rolling hills, arrive at a small and typical winery. Taste 4 fantastic wines, then sample balsamic vinegar and other locally produced zero food miles products, to end this memorable experience in the heart of Tuscany. Your final stop is in Siena, where you will have free time to walk along the narrow medieval streets admiring the splendid palaces, the Cathedral, Libreria Piccolomini, and the famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo.

Join a small group or private walking tour to discover Siena’s famous monuments and hidden treasures with an expert guide. Enjoy skip-the-line entry to Siena Cathedral and explore tucked-away squares and gardens. Meet your guide at the San Domenico Basilica. First, follow a winding route to take in panoramic views of the city, including the Duomo and Torre del Mangia. Continue your tour with the 14th-century seashell-shaped square, Piazza del Compo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, learn the history of the "contrade" (districts) that challenge each other twice a year during Siena’s Palio horse race. Walk to one of the most typical "contrada" and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere. Find out about Siena in the Middle Ages and the local pastry that reflects these glory days. Make sure to ask your guide where to find the best local bakery that still uses centuries-old recipes to make traditional Ricciarelli and Panforte. Next, admire the magnificent Fonte Gaia fountain with its side reliefs of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Flight from the Garden of Eden." Finally, skip the line at Siena Cathedral. Follow your guide to marvel at the magnificent marble mosaic inlay floor, stained glass, and medieval masterpieces by Duccio and Pisano. See the Renaissance highlights: several Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini sculptures and frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Libreria Piccolomini. Armed with a wealth of knowledge about Siena, you will say goodbye to your guide in the square in front of the cathedral.

Have fun riding a Vespa along the scenic and peaceful roads on the Tuscan hills. An alternative way to admire the sights of Chianti, wrapped in the sight of the Tuscan countryside and the sound of the working farms. You can join the tour driving an original Vespa Scooter or you can choose to be driven by an expert driver. You will do this experience with an expert tour leader who will be showing you around a small medieval villages situated in the heart of Tuscany. Those who do not feel confident enough about riding on their own can opt to ride with one of the expert escorts. This tour takes one day, during which you will see the most of the Chianti hills. Before come back to Siena, you will stop in a renowned farm for a wine tasting paired with a delicious light lunch.