Hurrah for the return of in-person tours! Have a look at what I can offer here, and when you’re ready, follow this link to book online. I would love to be your local guide, and for help in planning your stay, please scroll to the bottom of the page for local travel agencies and drivers (for day trips and visits to wineries)! Not yet ready to travel? I’ll still offer virtual tours this year!
Where to?
Half & Full-day Tours in Siena, Florence, & elsewhere in Tuscany
A walking tour or visit to a famous museum is a breeze with an art historian who speaks Italian…and who also knows where all the WCs are!
I can help you get the most out of your Italian holiday, and if you have specific requests or concerns, email me and we’ll put together something that will suit your needs.
Rates depend on the length of the tour and how many participants there are. Half-day tours are usually 3-4 hours, and full-day tours can go from 5-8 hours.
Not ready to travel yet? Then sign up for a virtual tour, or watch a recording!
Anna is raring to go!
Siena
Stroll through Siena’s medieval streets and learn about this magnificent city that I now call home. Art, saints, vino, horse races – Siena has it all!
Colle val d’Elsa
Situated along the Via Francigena, visit the Chapel of the Holy Nail and be enchanted by the crystal capital of Italy.
Florence
Home to the Renaissance and more than one Ninja Turtle, Florence never ceases to amaze with its art and culinary delights.
Monteriggioni
Experience the castle that protected Siena from Florence for centuries, climb its walls, and get your knight on!
San Gimignano
Most famous for the 14 medieval towers of its iconic skyline, San Gimignano might just be the ultimate Tuscan hill town.
Pienza
The ultimate expression of Renaissance Humanism, Pienza offers stunning views of the Val d’Orcia, glorious art, and exquisite food.
Booking and Payments: Please visit the booking page to book directly (and pay a refundable deposit), or contact me. Payment to be settled on the day of the tour; I accept cash and all major credit cards (including AmEx). Museum tickets and transportation are not included in the price (some tickets we can purchase together on the day, but for others you will need to make online reservations weeks/months in advance - please email for advice!). If you are a large group (with Covid, “large” now means 4+ people), we will need to rent the Whisper radio systems (small additional cost).
Please note that I am not a travel agent. Luckily, I know people who are! For help in planning your trip, here are two great companies that offer bespoke experiences (or consult your local travel agents back home):
• The Conciergist: Kristine and Mark are American and spend most of the year living with their West Highland Terrier, Elliot, just outside Siena. Kristine will help plan your perfect holiday, and if you are into cycling, Mark is your man!
• ArtViva: Rose (Australian) and Pier (Florentine) have over 20 years of experience and will ensure your holiday is all you hoped it would be (and more).
Driving in Tuscany: To get to those famous wineries and picturesque hill towns, you’ll need to rent a car or, even better, hire a driver (with a car or van). The best part about using a car service? No arguing over how to read the map, and no worrying about whether or not you should finish that glass of vino (hint: you should!). Here are my recommendations for people who love showing visitors the delights of Tuscany:
• Italy Unfiltered: Deb (American) and Massi (Sienese) specialize in wine and foodie tours and are absolutely lovely company! They’ll design a day in Chianti or the Val d’Orcia based on your interests and level of wine expertise (or lack thereof!).
• We Drive You: Tomas (from Siena and a proud member of the Contrada della Chiocciola - he’s a Snail!) has a great team of drivers who are passionate about their region and sharing its secrets with you.
• All Around Tuscany: Not only is Lorenzo an excellent driver, he’s also a qualified sommelier! Hailing from Naples and brimming with Southern Italian charm, he has called Siena home for the past 26 years.
• Dream Tuscany: Franco lives 15 minutes outside of Siena along the Via Francigena and is an affable Tuscan who adores showing people the Sienese countryside. Specializing in wine and food tours, Franco will introduce you to the locals and even help you ship all that vino home.
• Dario Castagno: Accomplished author and olive harvester, Dario lives in Vagliagli (a name almost impossible to pronounce for us Americans!) and knows the province of Siena better than anyone I know. He’s 100% Italian, but he was born in the UK and has retained that British sense of humour (which is, interestingly enough, extremely compatible with the Tuscan sense of umorismo).
• Tuscan Escapes: Milo and Giorgia organize private and group visits to various wineries, including special Chianti and Brunello tours (with delicious lunches included).
• Bespoke Italian Tours: Giuliano and his team can show you around the Florentine countryside and help you reach those villages or castles where public transport simply does not go. They also organize a range of experiences, including one where you learn to make gelato!
If you contact any of these places, please be sure to tell them I sent you!
NB: 2022 is booking fast, especially for renting cars and hiring drivers, so the early birds really will benefit this year. Should you wish to rent a car, I can travel with you, but I am not a commercial driver so cannot take the wheel.
Covid-19 updateS for Italy:
If you are travelling to Italy: The rules keep changing, but check with the U.S. Embassy and Consulates to find out the latest. Covid tests are no longer required to enter into Italy if you are fully vaccinated, but masks will be required indoors until further notice. You still need to show proof of vaccination to enter hotels, museums, and restaurants, and you must have it in order to travel on public transportation. Rules could change in April, so watch this space…
