Port
Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$220
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 10½ hours
Meals Included
Meals included
"San Gimignano delle belle Torri is in Tuscany, 56 km south of Florence. It served as an important relay point for pilgrims travelling to or from Rome on the Via Francigena. The patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses (some as high as 50 m) as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance. The town also has several masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art.
Siena is a glorious city of winding narrow streets that cling to steep hillsides. It boasts an unmatched, enchanting medieval atmosphere and the buildings surrounding the central Piazza del Campo symbolize the Golden Age of the city. Between 1260 and 1348, wealthy citizens contributed to a major program of civic development, and the stunning results are still here for you to enjoy today. A nasty bout of Bubonic Plague and an 18-month Florentine siege worked to freeze Siena in time, and now most of its medieval buildings have been carefully renovated and restored.
A guided walking tour takes you past the church of San Domenico, which contains the relics of the famous Saint Catherine, including her preserved head; the Piazza del Duomo, with its magnificent cathedral in black and white marble, built on Siena's highest hill; the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption with a beautiful inlaid marble floor and pulpit by Nicola Pisano; the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo with its original 13th-century palaces (the Palazzo Pubblico has been the seat of Siena government since the 13th century); and the 300-foot-tall Torre del Mangia bell tower; Enhancing the experience tour one of the "quarter museums" that strongly represent the history and traditions of this city You'll have some free time to either shop or to climb the bell tower's 505 steps for a beautiful view across Tuscany.
A typical Tuscan winery offers an Italian lunch with wine tasting.
Head to the town of San Gimignano, chosen by Zeffirelli as the setting for his masterpiece Tea with Mussolini. Seabourn's partnership with UNESCO allows you to visit one of the private towers that San Gimignano famous.
Now with free time on your own, you may wish to explore some interesting churches, palaces and shops, the Piazza della Cisterna, the 11th-century cathedral and Piazza del Duomo, the Old Podesta Palace, the 1353 Florentine fortress, or the simple Sant' Agostino Church. The latter hides a heavily decorated Rococo interior by Vanvitelli -- architect to the Kings of Naples.
Please note: The guided walking tour of Siena is on very steep streets and a great deal of walking is required. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. Guides are not allowed to provide commentary inside the cathedral. An introduction will be given outside and you will view the inside on your own. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.