The countryside of Italy's famous Chianti region is simply enthralling, as you'll discover on the drive to Siena, an easy-going medieval city. Stroll through the narrow Gothic streets lined with palaces and patrician mansions, until finally converging upon the Piazza del Campo, a centuries-old square that is still the heart of the city. You'll enjoy a leisurely walk to the nearby cathedral, an amazing conglomeration of Romanesque and Gothic styles and Siena's highest point. Another religious landmark of note is San Domenico, a vast, austere Dominican monastery containing many impressive works of art. Next, after a short drive into the Tuscan hills, you'll arrive in serene San Gimignano, famed for its striking medieval towers. After lunch on your own, the tour resumes with at the lovely 14th century Palazzo del Popolo, dominated by a tall tower with a wonderful, panoramic view of town and the nearby Governor's Palace. Dating from the 13th century, this palace boasts an expansive porch on the ground floor and its own soaring tower, an apt symbol for all of San Gimignano. Before returning to ship, you will have time to browse, perhaps stopping for a cool gelato in one of the trendy cafés.
Please note: This tour is not recommended for wheelchair guests and guests with mobility concerns. This tour involves approximately 3 1/2 hours of extensive walking, sometimes uphill and downhill, on uneven surfaces. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles. This tour includes visits to religious sites and suitable attire is essential (knees and shoulders must be covered). Lunch is not included in this program. Siena is approximately 2 1/2 hours from Livorno by coach.