Full Day Private San Gimignano and Volterra Self-Guided Tour from Livorno

Livorno, Italy

Get picked up at your hotel in central Livorno to begin the trip to the area around Siena.

Stop first in San Gimignano, a small walled village about halfway between Florence and Siena. The town is famous for its medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all the surrounding buildings offering an impressive view of the city from the surrounding valley. At the height of its glory, San Gimignano's patrician families had built around 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano still retains its feudal atmosphere and appearance.

The village offers visitors the chance to step back in time while enjoying its local products including saffron and its white wine, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Volterra, the next stop, has attracted international attention more recently for its connection to the 'Twilight' series of books and movies. Part of the second movie, 'New Moon,' was filmed here.

Volterra's 800-year-old city hall claims to be the oldest in Tuscany. Civic palaces like these were emblems of an era when city-states were powerful. Alabaster has long been a big industry in Volterra. Softer and easier to work than marble, this translucent mineral was traditionally sliced thin to provide windows for Italy's medieval churches. At the Alab'Arte shop, across from Volterra's Etruscan Museum, you can watch artisans at work.

Because of its alabaster heritage, Volterra attracted other types of artists, who brought with them a rich variety of crafts. On Via Porta all'Arco, or 'Artisan Lane,' you'll find book binderies and paperies, jewelry stores, and leather and bronze shops, among others.

Volterra and San Gimignano offer to visitors a mix of beauty, traditions, and authentic Italian life.

Please note: A tour guide is not included, a suggestion may be to bring a guidebook. Remember to check the website for opening times of the location and the price of entrance ticket. Entrance fees are not included.