Things to Do During Your Trip to Siena
There are a broad range of things that make the region of Tuscany so incredible, and while Siena is just one city in this part of Italy; you’re certain to find that there’s plenty here to keep you occupied during your vacation. Even then, there’s likely to be more that you haven’t yet explored. With stunning landmarks like the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, rich history and tradition, and so much more to love in this destination alone, it’s not hard to see why so many individuals choose to spend their vacations in Tuscany.
We’re sure that you won’t want to miss out on any of Siena’s beauty, and this is why we have carefully created itineraries to provide you with the best possible tours of the area – as well as many other exciting trips (from wine tours, to adventure based excursions). Alongside a passionate team, luxurious accommodation, and more, it’s not hard to see why so many people choose to explore the region with Tours of Tuscany.
If you’re planning on visiting Tuscany next year, we’re certain that our team will be able to provide you with a vacation you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Why come to Siena with us?
Siena is a truly wonderful city with so much to offer; and this is one of the main reasons why you simply cannot miss out on the opportunity to explore this part of Tuscany.
One of the most noticeable things is the stunning medieval architecture, which is sure to make you feel like you’ve entered another period of time. It is actually famous for being one the most well-preserved medieval locations in the region, which is impressive when you consider that Tuscany has several more medieval cities and towns, like Cortona and Volterra.
This is one of the most iconic things about Siena, but there are many more that make it so special and well worth a visit. From the amazing sights, to the friendly locals; you’ll find that there are a whole host of lovable attributes. Here are just a few examples of the things that make Siena so incredible.
The culture
Italy is known for its culture and traditions – and Siena is no different. It’s an absolute pleasure to learn more about way of life here, so you won’t want to miss the opportunity to come to this city to find out more about the Tuscan lifestyle.
If you visit during the summer, you may get the chance to see one of the most important Sienese traditions; the Palio race. For this event, the different neighborhoods race against each other in the Piazza del Campo, and you’ll find it both entertaining and exciting to watch. The Palio race isn’t held for the tourists to enjoy, but that doesn’t mean that visitors can’t do just that (although it’s worth noting that it can often be quite hectic).
Stunning landmarks
The city is home to a wide variety of interesting sites to see; whether it’s the many medieval buildings or imposing monuments that are dotted around the locality. Many of the landmarks here are just incredible and are unique to Siena, so be sure to check out a few of them during your visit.
The Siena Duomo is just one example of the beauty that this destination has to offer. This impressive cathedral is famous across the globe simply for how it looks, thanks to its extraordinary façade outside and breathtaking interior.
Many people find that the exterior is full of small and intricate details, while the inside offers views of stunning frescoes, the iconic striped columns, and more. The art found within is also exceptional, including “The Feast of Herod”, a bronze relief sculpture by Donatello. You may want to check out the library room too, as there are plenty of interesting things for you to gaze upon in just this one segment of the cathedral.
Tasty Sienese dishes
The fine dining opportunities that Siena has to offer are abundant – as there are a variety of wonderful traditional Tuscan foods that are unique to this city. Better yet, the area is famous for having many amazing eateries, so you’ll have plenty of chances to partake in the delicious cultural foods that are on offer here.
There may be many types of food and dishes to choose from, but here are just a few of the meals that we’re certain you’ll want to try:
- Pappardelle con lepre (ribbon-shaped pasta with a hare sauce)
- Crostini neri (toast and liver)
- Ribollita (Bean and vegetable soup served with traditional Tuscan bread)
These are just a small number of examples that you’re likely to come across while visiting – but there are also many sweet snacks to enjoy, too. Panforte for example is a delicious treat made of dried fruit, nuts, pepper, honey, and spices – and while this may not sound like the most appealing mix, you’ll see why it’s so popular once you give it a taste. And don’t forget to try ricciarelli (almond-flavored cookies) during your stay, too!
The many Sienese masterpieces
Siena is also quite well known for its history in the world of art; with many of Italy’s best artists coming from this region and learning at the Sienese School of painting between the 13th and 15th centuries. A few of the artists that came from Siena include Pietro Lorenzetti, Duccio, and Simone Martini – although it’s important to note that there were many more. Siena is also home to a variety of incredible pieces of art, which isn’t a fact that should be overlooked.
If you’re interested in seeing some of these masterpieces for yourself, you could spend some time at the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena. Here, you’ll find pieces from notable Italian artists, ranging from Renaissance paintings to works from the late medieval era. Look out for:
- Peter Enthroned
- Michael Expelling the Rebel Angels
- Adoration of the Magi
- Madonna of the Franciscans
- Birth of the Virgin
How to make the most of your vacation when visiting Tuscany in 2021
There are many more things that you’ll fall in love with about Siena, but to truly experience everything that it has to offer, you’ll have to be careful to plan things out properly.
One of the most worthwhile exercises is to decide what you want to do during your vacation before you get on the plane. Those who are interested in exploring the many tastes of the city are sure to want to peruse the trattorias and bakeries here, for example. On the other hand, those who are keen to see stunning art works may want to frequent Siena’s art galleries. There are many options, which is why thinking ahead can often be such a great idea.
It’s also worth noting that, while planning your trip ahead of time can often be a wise idea, you may still need a little help on deciding what you want to do during your holiday – and this is where the option of going on a tour can come in handy.
A quality team, like ours here at Tours of Tuscany, will work hard to not only take you to all the wonders of the region, but also provide you with useful information, interesting facts, and more along the way. We aim to set up the perfect balance of fun, relaxation, and entertainment for each and every day that you stay with us, so that you get the full experience without burning yourself out or compromising on what it is you truly want to do.
We are dedicated to giving our guests the best possible experience no matter what they want from their vacation, and we’re sure that you’ll enjoy coming on one of our Tuscan tours.
Cheap Tuscany tours 2021
If you’re looking for quality and affordable tours to this stunning region, you’ve come to the right place – as we’re known for providing some of the best Tuscan day trips available.
Countless individuals have chosen to explore Tuscany with us, and one of the many reasons for this is because of our wide range of tours and excursions. We have prepared several itineraries, suited to different types of people, so you’re likely to find that we have a tour that’s just perfect for you.
This is just one of the factors, though. Many people also love our services because of how friendly and experienced our bilingual team is. We can offer our guests all the assistance they need, as well as interesting facts, and advice on what to see and do. Additionally, we’ve taken the time to prepare your luxury accommodation; we have had traditional Tuscan villas renovated to include all the modern amenities that our guests need to have a comfortable stay.
We offer some of the best Italian getaways available – so why not get in touch with a member of our team to find out more about what we could do for you? We’d be more than happy to help.
