Discover the Medieval Charm of Siena on a Private Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the art, culture, and traditions of Siena on a private tour. Explore historic sites, visit museums, and learn about the famous Palio horse race.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica Cateriniana Di S. Domenico - The tour begins in front of the majestic Basilica San Domenico, one of the most important churches in Siena. Inside the Basilica see the holy relic of St. Catherine’s head.

  • Chiesa del Santuario di Santa Caterina - Afterwards you will visit from the outside the Sanctuary of St. Catherine, where she used to life with her big family. The house is transformed into three little churches, where people can pray and visit the ancient house rooms.

  • Palazzo Tolomei - One of the oldest private building of the city
    Here you will discover the symbol of Siena, which is related to a medieval legend.

  • Piazza del Campo - Piazza del Campo is the main square, here admire the Palazzo Pubblico (seat of the town hall).
    Discover the history and legends of the famous horse race “Palio” and learn about the districts “Contrade”

  • Battistero di San Giovanni - Admire from the outside the enchanting and unique Siena Baptistery, which the upper part was never completed, discover why.

  • Cripta del Duomo di Siena - Admire the so called “Crypt” from the outside.

  • Duomo di Siena - Arrive in front of the Cathedral. It had to become the largest Cathedral in the world, discover why the project of the “New Cathedral” was abandoned.
    If you wish you can continue the tour inside and admire the artworks by important Italian artists.
    Tickets can be purchased onsite

What's Included
  • Customize your tour with your guide
  • Visit the historic centre of Siena
  • 2 or 3-hour tour with a licensed local guide
What's Not Included
  • Cathedral’s ticket. Can be purchased onsite
  • Contrada Museum. Donation starting from 5 euros per person, to be paid cash onsite
Additional Information

Decide with your guide if you want to have a 2 or 3 hours tour! Discover the treasures of one of the most beautiful cities in the world through the eyes of a local and immerse yourself in its art, culture and traditions as the horse race the Palio, which takes place twice a year. Stroll in the ancient streets and admire the Basilica of San Domenico, the St. Catherine of Siena Church, Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, ancient palaces, the important pilgrims road, the Baptistery and the Cathedral. If you wish, visit also the inside of the Cathedral, where you will admire the artworks of important Italian artists, such as Michelangelo, Donatello and Bernini. If you are more interested in the Palio tradition, we suggest to visit a Contrada Museum. You will find out why this horse race is so important for the Sienese and admire the prizes won over the centuries. Customize your tour with your guide!

  • Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for any weather conditions
  • It is not possible to visit the Cathedral on Sunday morning (it opens at 1pm)
Location
Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico
Piazza San Domenico
Meet the guide in front of the Basilica San Domenico, under the big tree
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(195 Ratings)
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Charles_f
Jul 21, 2024
Awesome, amazing tour! - We had an amazing experience with our awesome tour guide, Ambra. She was so knowledgeable about the history of Siena and all of the historic buildings. Having her give us a tour of the Cathedral was the highlight of the morning! She truly loves her job and it made the excursion that much more wonderful! We loved her enthusiasm about the recent horse race, it made us wish we that had been there! We highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
928fabienneg
Jul 21, 2024
Fun and informative! - We were two adults and a 15-year-old. Patricia, our Guide, spoke very good French and knew her subject perfectly. We greatly appreciated the visit and its commentary embellished with anecdotes and historical references. Everything was extremely pleasant and Patricia very friendly. Thank you very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timothy_t
Jul 15, 2024
Amazing tour and guide - Elena was an extraordinary guide for our day in Siena - deeply knowledgeable on Siena and the history, and at the same time able to keep the walk and the ideas flowing - cannot recommend strongly enough
Review provided by Viator
Alexander
Jul 5, 2024
A Sienese explaining Siena (very well) - Elena is the best guide possible: punctual, nice, competent and passionate, able to answer even questions out of the ordinary. Sempre preparata!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Greg_s
Jul 2, 2024
Great way to spend the day in Siena. - Our guide and our experience were great Ludivelia was knowledgeable and very interesting. She explained a lot about the Palio and all of the stories and history. Everyone in our group 9-71 in years thought that this was a great way to spend a day in Siena. We all watched the Palio the following night
Review provided by Viator
David_l
Jun 29, 2024
Private Guide Is The Way To Go - Our guide was great. She shared history of churches and districts that compete in the Palio. Her tour gave us a greater appreciation for Siena.
Review provided by Viator
Paul_g
Jun 26, 2024
It was a profound and unforgettable experience. - Sabrina, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the city -- it's history and its present day. She has an insiders' understanding and familiarity, with the people and places, and helps bring to vivid life the rich history and culture of this beautiful place. After spending three hours with her on the one day, I went back the next and spent another six or seven hours getting to know what she introduced to me in some greater detail.
Review provided by Viator
Kristina_b
Jun 3, 2024
Efficient and pleasant - Sabrina was very informative and enthusiastic. We learned a lot about the history of Siena and enjoyed our tour. A very efficient and pleasant way to cover a lot of information.
Review provided by Viator
Fred_g
May 28, 2024
Wonderful Tour of Sienna - Terrific tour. Our guide was local and extremely knowledgeable. She shared her personal experiences and provided a great history of Sienna. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_d
May 25, 2024
Fantastic tour with Ludovica - Ludovica is an excellent guide who brought Siena to life for our group. I highly recommend this tour and Ludovica.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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