Day Trips to Tuscany from Siena

Day Trips to Tuscany from Siena

More about: Day Trips to Tuscany from Siena

There are truly many things to see and do in Siena, but what you cannot miss if you are in this beautiful Italian city is a visit to Tuscany. Famous for both its natural beauty and its artistic attractions, it is one of the favourite destinations for those who want to enjoy a different kind of holiday.

If you are planning a visit to the region and you are in Siena, there are several excursions you can take to make the most of your trip. From visits to the city of Florence, its capital, where you can appreciate works such as Michelangelo's David or the Venus de Milo, visit the Pitti Palace or visit the popular San Lorenzo Market. Surely you don't know where to start, that's why I have made for you a list with the best excursions to Tuscany. Are you ready? Here we go!

1. Visit the Chianti Valley and enjoy a wine tasting

Chianti| ©denis legendre
Chianti| ©denis legendre

One of the must-see places in Tuscany is undoubtedly the beautiful Chianti Valley. Famous for both its wine and its picturesque landscapes, here you can enjoy a day of wine tasting and lunch at one of the many wineries in the region, while strolling through the vineyards and hills.

On this tour you will have the opportunity to learn how one of the most famous wines in the world is made, while delighting in unique places, such as the wonderful Castello di Brolio, with its medieval charm. Chianti is ideal for you to take all the pictures you want, as it is impossible not to want to take all that beauty home with you.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 86 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 5 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will travel in an air-conditioned minivan.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to taste wines in the cellars, as well as oils and other delicacies.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the guide only speaks English and Italian.

Book your place on this wine tasting tour to Chianti from Siena

2. Hot air balloon flight over Tuscany from Siena

Hot air ballooning| ©Laura De Felice
Hot air ballooning| ©Laura De Felice

Make the most of the sights and scenery of Tuscany from the air, aboard a hot air balloon. Accompanied by your professional guide and captain, you will fly over the vineyards, hills and castles of Tuscany. You will be able to see all the beauty that has made this one of the most visited regions in Italy.

You will climb into the balloon and watch as it fills with warm air, and then you will feel yourself slowly rise. After a little more than an hour in the sky over Tuscany, you will land to enjoy a glass of local sparkling wine. This is a unique experience not to be missed.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 293 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: hot air balloon.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to get unparalleled views of the Tuscany region from the air.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for pregnant women or people with vertigo.

3. Experience this day trip to San Gimignano, Chianti and Montalcino from Siena

San Gimignano| ©Steph Gray
San Gimignano| ©Steph Gray

This is another excursion not to be missed from Siena. In this opportunity you will have the chance to see the best of the Chianti valley, but also San Gimignano, with its majestic stone towers, and the town of Montalcino. These are undoubtedly some of the most charming places in the whole Tuscan region.

You will visit the Fortezza and enoteca di Montalcino and you will have free time to wander around at your own pace, get lost in the charming medieval streets of the town and take hundreds of unforgettable pictures.

On this guided tour you will also enjoy an exclusive wine tasting and a light lunch in one of the local wine cellars, surrounded by nature. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to sip a glass of a delicious Brunello di Montalcino, one of the most famous wines of Tuscany.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 101 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 10-11 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will travel in an air-conditioned minivan.
  • Advantages of this option: in one day you will get to know 3 of the most important cities of Tuscany and lunch at a Monteriggioni winery is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: 11-hour tour can be fascinating, but it can also be tiring, so it is not recommended for young children.

Book an excursion to San Gimignano and Montalcino

4. Enjoy a food and wine tour from Siena: Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano

Montepulciano| ©thy
Montepulciano| ©thy

Discover all the charm of Tuscany on this full day tour, where you will visit the towns of Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano, while tasting some of the local flavours. With your expert guide you will learn all the secrets of the region, and you will also have free time in each place to wander around at your leisure.

In Montalcino, wines, vineyards and majestic buildings that treasure part of Italy's history await you, such as the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso. In Pienza you will discover the Piazza Pio II and the Palazzo Piccolomini, its stone streets and all the beauty of this place, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic centre is definitely worth a walk.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 86 euros per traveller.
  • Duration: approximately 10 hours.
  • Means of transport: you will travel in an air-conditioned minivan.
  • Advantages of this option: Spanish-speaking guide and wine tasting in wineries are included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: pick-up and drop-off at the hotel is not included.

Book your wine and food tour to Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano from Siena

5. Join this small group day trip to San Gimignano and Volterra from Siena

Monteriggioni Fortress| ©Yuri Rapoport
Monteriggioni Fortress| ©Yuri Rapoport

Start this tour in San Gimignano. You will see the Fortress of Monteriggioni, its stone streets and imposing medieval architecture. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farm, prepared with fresh seasonal products. The centre of San Gimignano is full of boutiques offering handmade products, as well as red gold, spices or white Vernaccia wine.

Then, following the Via Francigena, you will reach the neighbouring town of Volterra. Located northwest of Siena, Volterra is known for its Etruscan ruins and alabaster production, and is a perfect place to learn more about the history and culture of the region. On this guided tour you will see the Palazzo dei Priori and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, among other things.

Enjoy all the medieval charm of these two cities on a full day trip from Siena.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 162 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 8 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will travel by air-conditioned minivan.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to get a close-up look at UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery.
  • Disadvantages of this option: pick-up and drop-off at the hotel is not included.

6. Do some hiking in Tuscany from Siena with wine tasting

Getting to know Tuscany| ©bongo vongo
Getting to know Tuscany| ©bongo vongo

This is an excursion for hikers. If you are in Siena and want to explore Tuscany on foot, this is the best option. You will meet your guide and start your walk along the ancient Via Francigena, an ancient path used by pilgrims hundreds of years ago.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy all the richness of its landscapes, its castles and medieval villages, as well as its beautiful vineyards and olive groves. All along the way your guide will tell you all about the region, its past and present, then you will arrive in Monteriggioni, with its fortress, where you will participate in an exclusive tasting of locally produced organic wines.

From there you will be free to spend your time at your own leisure. You will be given a bus ticket to return to Siena whenever you want. An incredible adventure not to be missed.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 50 euros per passenger.
  • Duration: about 4 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: you will travel by air-conditioned minivan and then continue on foot through the most beautiful landscapes of Tuscany.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to enjoy the nature of Tuscany and reach places that would otherwise be inaccessible.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility problems.

Book your place on this Tuscany trekking tour from Siena

7. Feel the pleasure of driving an old Fiat 500 through the Tuscan hills and have lunch in a wine cellar

Wine Tour in Siena| ©Azienda Agricola La Lastra
Wine Tour in Siena| ©Azienda Agricola La Lastra

Treat yourself to a drive on the roads of Tuscany, behind the wheel of a traditional Fiat 500, the most classic of Italian cars. You will spend the day driving around the Chianti Valley area, where you will also enjoy lunch and wine tasting in one of the local vineyards.

Your guide will take you along the most interesting roads of the region. You will pass by Castello di Radda, Poggio Amorelliy, and you will be amazed by the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

This tour has the particularity of letting you experience the feeling of being the one who sets the course. The Fiat 500 is a small car that will allow you to manoeuvre comfortably and access any street or road, no matter how small.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 150 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Means of transport: you can drive yourself in a vintage Fiat 500.
  • Advantages of this option: you have full control of the car, lunch at a local winery is included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: pick-up and drop-off at the hotel is not included.

8. Take an electric bike tour of Chianti with lunch at a winery from Siena

Tasting wine in Chianti| ©a dash of zest
Tasting wine in Chianti| ©a dash of zest

Ride along the roads of Tuscany on an electric bike. You will see vineyards and olive groves, castles and medieval buildings. You will ride through the Chianti valley and visit the fortress of Monteriggioni. As these are electric bikes you don't need to be in great physical shape, as you can choose your level of difficulty.

This excursion includes a stop at a local farm, where, after learning all about Chianti wine making, you will taste some delicious dishes, with olive oil from the region and of course a glass of locally produced wine.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 160 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 6 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: cycling in Tuscany will allow you to reach places that are otherwise inaccessible.
  • Disadvantages of this option: pick-up and drop-off at the hotel is not included, you must reach the starting point by your own means.

Book your excursion to Chianti from Siena

9. Marvel at Florence and Chianti on this full day tour, with lunch and wine tasting in a winery

Florence| ©dorfun
Florence| ©dorfun

Visit the capital of Tuscany, the monumental Florence. Located just an hour from Siena, Florence is a city full of art and culture, and is known for its historical monuments and museums, such as the Bargello Museum, the Pitti Palace and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Here the greatest masters of painting and sculpture of the Renaissance have met.

During your visit you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the mythical Ponte Vecchio, sculptures such as the David or the Venus de Milo, as well as the incredible Piazza della Signoria. You will also have the chance to visit the San Lorenzo Market and enjoy the delicious local food and drink.

Next, the tour takes you to the Chianti region, with its iconic landscape of rolling hills, avenues of cypress trees and medieval hilltop villages. You will stroll through the vineyards, along ancient pilgrimage paths. Here you will enjoy lunch in a typical Tuscan farmhouse. The tour ends with a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 350 euros per traveller.
  • Duration: about 8 hours
  • Means of transport: you will travel by air-conditioned luxury minivan.
  • Advantages of this option: Spanish speaking guide, lunch, and you will be able to taste the most exquisite wines in their place of origin.
  • Disadvantages of this option: you may be left wanting to see a little more of Florence, as you will also visit Chianti in the 8 hours of the tour.

10. Enjoy Pienza, Val d'Orcia, Montalcino wine and Pecorino cheese with all 5 senses.

Pecorino cheese| ©Martí Vicente
Pecorino cheese| ©Martí Vicente

Enjoy all the charm of Tuscany on this private tour of Pienza and Val d'Orcia, and enjoy the most incredible flavours. The Val d'Orcia is known for its countryside, olive groves and medieval villages. You will have the opportunity to taste the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine and taste goat cheese (Pecorino). All, of course, accompanied by the most delicious extra virgin olive oil.

You can stroll through the beautiful Pienza, a town that seems to be frozen in time. Thanks to its enormous beauty, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medieval towers will take you on a journey to the times of knights and armour.

Enjoy the comfort of having an English-speaking guide, so you won't miss a single detail of these incredible places.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 440 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours.
  • Means of transport: you will travel in an air-conditioned minivan.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to enjoy incredible views of the medieval town of Montalcino and Pienza. The transport has wifi service on board.
  • Disadvantages of this option: wine tasting is extra and lunch is not included.

How to book a tour to Tuscany from Siena

Book Online| ©Glenn Carstens-Peters
Book Online| ©Glenn Carstens-Peters

It's always best to book online, so you can be sure that the company offering the tour is top-notch. You can also read other people's reviews to see what they thought of the tour.

Duration of excursions to Tuscany from Siena

Tuscany by night| ©Alex Berger
Tuscany by night| ©Alex Berger

The duration ranges from 3 hours to 11 hours, depending on the type of tour you choose. It is important to consider the length of the tour, especially if you are travelling with small children, as an overly long tour may be too long for them.

What will I see on this type of tour?

Vineyards| ©Pug Gir
Vineyards| ©Pug Gir

This type of tour focuses on appreciating all the beauty of the region (and there is a lot of it!). You will see vineyards, olive groves, countryside, medieval towns and villages, 5th century buildings. In many cases a wine tasting or a traditional lunch is included, as the Tuscany region is world famous for its delicious flavours.

Tips for an excursion to Tuscany from Siena

Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran
Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran

All the towns and villages in this region are worth visiting, so my advice is to relax and enjoy yourself, whether it's on board a hot air balloon, in a classic car or on an electric bike, you'll have a great time. Try to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and depending on the time of year, perhaps a light coat.

How much does a tour of Tuscany from Siena cost?

Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran
Money in Euros| ©Ibrahim Boran

Prices range widely, from 50 to 440 euros per person, but in general, most are around 100 euros.

What are the must-see towns in Tuscany?

In Montalcino| ©Yuri Rapoport
In Montalcino| ©Yuri Rapoport

The whole region is enchanting, but you certainly can't leave out the Chianti valley area, Volterra, San Gimignano, Florence, Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano.

Why should you take a trip to Tuscany?

Streets of Tuscany| ©ho visto nina volare
Streets of Tuscany| ©ho visto nina volare

Because it is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, with a wealth of landscapes, culture and art. Many of its towns and cities have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, and its flavours are world famous.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Tuscany on my own?

Tuscany| ©Pom'
Tuscany| ©Pom'

Although the beauty of the region can be appreciated without a guide, it is always advisable to take a guided tour so as not to miss out on details, or to be able to access wineries and vineyards that only work with groups.

Reviews from other travellers

4.8
· 36 Reviews
  • L
    L.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The wineries were very interesting and the views in the wineries were incredibly beautiful.
  • G
    G.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Recommended tour. The transport was very comfortable and everything was more than perfect.
  • I
    I.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The village of Monteriggioni was amazing, it was like travelling back in time to medieval times, the houses have been maintained too well.
  • E
    E.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The wine and oil sampling was a lovely touch that made the tour more than fantastic.
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    A great choice for a great day out in Tuscany.