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Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico: Our most recommended tours and activities

Siena: Private Tour Ideal for Families with Children

1. Siena: Private Tour Ideal for Families with Children

Enjoy a private tour that takes into account children’s attention spans, not one where the young are dragged by their parents on exhausting journeys. With the help of a local guide, keep your children’s attention alive with language that is colorful and lively, and where history is mixed with art, legends, and traditions. By encouraging children to make observations, answer questions, and solve riddles, your guide will reveal the history and secrets of Siena’s monuments in a pleasant way that is sure to prevent children becoming impatient, bored, and complaining. From the meeting point in front of the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, you’ll learn about the traditions of the Palio di Siena horse race and admire the magnificent front of the Duomo di Siena cathedral. Next, walk the Via Banchi di Sopra — the former route of pilgrimage to Rome — that will you lead to Piazza del Campo, the principal public space of the historic center of Siena where the tour will end with a souvenir and great memories.

Siena: City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

2. Siena: City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Make your way through Siena's dazzling maze of narrow cobblestone streets while taking in its fascinating and colorful history on a walking tour. Founded as an Etruscan settlement, by 1100 Siena had become a powerful city-state, thanks to its strong military, and thriving banking and trading industries. Throughout the following centuries, the Republic of Siena became an important center of Medieval and Renaissance art and scholarship, influencing artists throughout Italy and Europe alike. Your walk begins in Siena's famous 13th-century Piazza del Campo, the stunning main square, where the famous Palio horse race is still held bi-annually during the summer. Here, I’ll outline the city's rich history while sharing anecdotes and pointing out the square’s main attractions including the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s Town Hall, with its majestic bell tower. This tour includes a brief stop outside the oldest bank headquarters in the world, the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank, founded in 1472. We'll end in front of the Duomo, one of the most impressive examples of Italian Gothic architecture in Italy.

Rome: Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano with Wine Tasting

3. Rome: Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano with Wine Tasting

Full day private tour – food and wine tasting included Enjoy a full-day journey from Rome, through the Chianti hills, to visit the cities of Siena and San Gimignano. Siena, a beautiful medieval city in Italy. You will visit the heart of Siena and the central square known as “Piazza del Campo”, known worldwide for the famous “Palio”, a horse race twice around the square in a medieval style every summer. Siena is famous not only for its wine but also for its sweets: the “Panpepato”, “Panforte”, “Ricciarelli”. Stop for a good Italian coffee and taste a typical sweet of Siena. Continuation to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as “The City of the Hundred Towers” and it still maintains its original features and timeless charm. Furthermore, the name ‘San Gimignano’ is linked to one of the most historical Tuscan wines:” La Vernaccia di San Gimignano”. Arriving in San Gimignano you will explore its charming medieval streets, visit the old center of this wonderful city where the famous Chianti wine is produced. Stop for a wine tasting and local products in a beautiful wine cellar: 10 different types of wine, then visit the estate and learn about the processing of the grapes. Lunch at the restaurant of the estate. Departure for Rome about 4:00 pm.

From Livorno: Siena and San Gimignano Guided Day Trip

4. From Livorno: Siena and San Gimignano Guided Day Trip

This Tuscany private tour has been carefully designed to optimise your time in Siena and San Gimignano, including private transfers to and from the port. You’ll be amazed by how much you can experience in the course of a single day, discovering the rich history of these spectacular towns at a pace that suits you. San Gimignano is one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany - a charming walled medieval town perched on top of a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll have plenty of time to explore San Gimignano on your cruise excursion, wandering through the narrow alleyways and getting a taste of local life in its piazzas. On your visit to the church of the Collegiata, you’ll see some striking 12th century frescoes, including Taddeo di Bartolo’s Last Judgement - a terrifying vision of hell. Your expert guide will also show you other works by Tuscan artists, such as The Creation of the World by Bartolo di Fredi, and the Life of Santa Fina by the Renaissance painter Ghirlandaio, enriching your appreciation of the art by explaining their historical context and pointing out intriguing details you might otherwise miss. A walk through the historic town centre takes us to the ancient fortress of San Gimignano, known as the Rocca. Your private tour of San Gimignano will end with a climb up the tower, admiring the spectacular views of the town and the beyond. Our next stop is the medieval city of Siena. where you’ll explore the atmospheric back streets and grand piazzas of Siena, you’ll learn all about the city’s rich history, and understand why it’s been enchanting its visitors for centuries. The most famous of Siena’s squares is the magnificent Piazza del Campo. You’ll stroll through the piazza, admiring its architecture while learning about the politics and commerce of the medieval city with your personal guide. From Piazza del Campo, it’s a short walk to another famous square in Siena, the Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is dominated by the imposing 13th century cathedral, which has a striking facade of black and white marble. On your visit to Siena you’ll learn all about the history, myths and legends of this remarkable place, and discover why black and white are the traditional colours of the city. The Duomo of Siena has an astonishing array of masterpieces, from a statue by the young Michelangelo to a bronze sculpture of St John the Baptist by Donatello. You’ll also see works by Bernini, and various masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance art. The vibrant frescoes of the Piccolomini Library are a highlight, with a ceiling to rival the Sistine Chapel. Your journey to Siena will end with a short walk to the Basilica of San Domenico, which sits on top of the hill. where you’ll enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside - the perfect end to a memorable day in Tuscany.

From Florence: Siena & San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch

5. From Florence: Siena & San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch

Meet your driver and tour leader in your hotel lobby to embark on a full-day trip to Siena and San Gimignano. Hop aboard a private vehicle for a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Chianti region, covered with vineyards and olive groves. First up, make your way to the town of Siena, stopping at the Basilica of San Domenico. Inside the church are the relics of Saint Catherine, the patron saint of Siena. Take a stroll to the Piazza del Campo to see the political center of town where the famous horse race Il Palio is held twice a year. From there, meander towards the Gothic Cathedral, which boasts an impressive collection of artworks by Michelangelo, Donatello and Bernini. Along the way, pass by a delicatessen that sells wild boar salami. If you fancy it, you can step inside for a tasting. Then, it’s onward to lunch at a boutique winery surrounded by the Chianti hills and vineyards. Taste the wine and the famous extra virgin olive oil with seasonal produce. Make your second stop at the walled town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the 13 towers that dominate the skyline as you drive towards it. Learn how San Gimignano gained importance during the Middle Ages as a stop on the pilgrim route between Italy and France, known as Via Francigena (the road to France). The townsfolk produced silk and cultivated saffron that still grows around its foothills. Another industry that still exists here is that of Vernaccia di San Gimginano, a white wine. Learn about the region's history and where to find the best artisanal stores, coffee shops and gelato spots from your guide. Check out a selection of artisan stores selling locally made products. Stroll the winding streets, admiring spectacular views of the valley beyond. Afterward, meet your chauffeur for the transfer back to your accommodation in Florence. On the way, stop for one last magnificent panorama at Piazzale Michelangelo, and gaze upon views of the city. Before you leave, don’t forget to ask your local guide for tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay in Florence.

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What people are saying about Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 4 reviews

This was a fantastic experience for our family! Sylvia was a very knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. She tried to connect with our kids, asking them questions along the way. We visited eight different cities on our trip to Italy, and our children liked Siena the best because of the tour we had with Sylvia. Highly recommend this tour for families with kids, you will all learn a lot and enjoy seeing this beautiful city!

Excellent visit which lasted + - 1 hour thank you to our guide who taught us a lot of things in such a short time

Great tour in a beautiful city! Would definitely recommend to anyone!