Local Living Italy—Tuscany San Gimignano

Itinerary

Arrive at any time.

We highly recommend booking pre-tour accommodations in Rome to fully experience all this amazing city has to offer. There's lots to explore! Please note that if Vatican City is on your must-see list, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online several weeks prior to your trip. Same-day entrance to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Rome before Day 1 of this itinerary.

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Firenze City Center

Included Experiences

Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Optional Experiences

Trevi Fountain: Built above an ancient water source, Trevi Fountain takes its name from the three streets (tre vie) that intersect at this world-famous fountain. Sculpted from travertine stone, the fountain as we know it today was completed in the 18th century. Work your way through the crowds to toss a coin in (with your right hand, over your left shoulder) for good luck - it's also your best chance to see the fountain's marvelous detail.
Trastevere Visit: Cross the Tiber river to reach the quaint medieval neighbourhood of Trastevere. This is a great opportunity to escape the crowds and get a glimpse into local life.
Pantheon Visit: The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings. (2-5 EUR per person)
St Peter's Basilica Visit:
Borghese Gallery: Take a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
Christian Catacombs: Follow a guide through this ancient underground cemetary.
Sistine Chapel : Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list! (20-25 EUR per person)
Spanish Steps: Built to connect the hilltop Trinità dei Monti church with the Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish Square) below, the Spanish Steps are a colourful example of Baroque architecture from 18th century Rome. Opt to climb its 136 steps, or simply watch the crowds weave through this popular tourist attraction.
Vatican Museum Visit: The Vatican Museums near St Peter's Basilica contain priceless works of art from ancient to modern times. There are many different museums to choose from, but two of the most well known are the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms. (20-25 EUR per person)
Colosseum Visit: Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

Enjoy a morning orientation walk in Rome, then travel in the afternoon via train and bus to your home for the week. Take an orientation stroll with the CEO for a first glance at San Gimignano then sit down to a home cooked dinner with your Local Living host, Ugo. Transfer by train and bus to San Gimignano and walk to your home for the week, which is located just outside the beautiful medieval hill town of San Gimignano. The property owner, Ugo, is a San Gimignano native and is a fountain of information about the area. He lives in one of the apartments in his remodeled medieval house.

Accommodation: Agriturismo Casa Florelia

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Orientation With CEO: Welcome to San Gimignano, your home base for the next week! Your CEO will take you on a brief walk around town, and give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Home Cooked Dinner with Ugo: Enjoy a dinner prepared by your host, Ugo. Sit back, relax and take in the aromas and flavours of delicious Italian home-cooking.

Enjoy an included half-day cooking class this morning before setting out on an afternoon walk on top of the medieval city walls of San Gimignano for a new perspective on the town and sweeping views of the area.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Experiences

Half-day Cooking Class: Expand your culinary skills with a cooking class. Learn how to prepare typical Tuscan dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Medieval City Wall Walk: Take a walk with your CEO around San Gimignano's medieval walls dating back to the 13th century and enjoy sweeping views both outside the walls and down little backstreets within the town. Walk all 2,176 metres or opt out partway.

Optional Experiences

Wine Museum: Learn about the history of San Gimignano's famous wine, Vernaccia. Entrance is free, but you can opt to indulge in a sommelier-guided tasting and enjoy the panoramic views from the terrace.
San Gimignano 1300 Museum: Catch a glimpse into the past with a visit to this gallery. Tour the hand-sculpted reconstruction of medieval street life scenes, representing a culmination of more than 20,000 man hours to complete.
Collegiate Church of San Gimignano: Explore the frescos and towers of this beautiful medieval Roman Catholic collegiate.
Torre Grossa: Climb up San Gimignano's highest tower, and enjoy the panoramic views over the town.
Francigena Walk : Considered to be one of the most scenic routes in the region, the walk between San Gimignano to Montalcino is part of the Camino di Santiago pilgrimage route. Walk through a portion of this route and enjoy the rolling Tuscan hills.

Enjoy a day trip to Florence with plenty of free time to check out local museums and plazas. Opt to go out for a group dinner back in San Gimignano or cook together at the apartments.

While the group will travel together to Florence, the return time is flexible and can vary by each person's touristing stamina. The return ticket is provided, but you decide when to leave.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experiences

Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time: Get out and explore Florence's many museums and plazas.

Optional Experiences

Medici Chapels Visit: Admire the opulence of the two Medici Chapels. The Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo and built as a mausoleum for the powerful Medici family. (9-32 EUR per person)
David (Galleria dell'Accademia) Visit: Visit Michelangelo's most famous statue, 'David'. Marvel at the artistry on display in the intricately carved piece of marble. Please note that pre-booking your admission online will be 26.50EUR and booking on site will be 22.50EUR. (22.50-26.50 EUR per person)
Mercato Centrale (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Visit: Pick up a purse (or several!), leatherbound journals, Florentine paper, and any off-colour David statue souvenirs you wish.
National Museum of Bargello: Explore this museum, housed in one of the earliest buildings in Florence (dating to 1255). Stroll through the corridors to learn about the history of this site and its many uses, and see the fantastic works from master artists such as Donatello and Michelangelo.
Pitti Palace - Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: Visiti the Pitti Palace and learn about history alongside modern art.
Ponte Vecchio Visit: Walk across this medieval bridge and look over the Arno River to feel the romance of this city. Jewelers, art dealers and souvenir shops run the length of the bridge, featured in many master paintings.
Il Duomo di Firenze Visit: This green, pink, and white marbled 13th century basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches and its brick dome is the largest ever constructed. Wander through the cathedral or choose to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with extraordinary views of the city!
Uffizi Gallery Visit: Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see spectacular Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci paintings in person.

This morning, take a leisurely walk through the Tuscan countryside along the historical Via Francigena path to Montauto, where great views of San Gimignano from afar await. Then enjoy some free time to visit the San Gimignano market. In the evening, enjoy a tasting of some local wines. The Via Francigena, a historical path in use approximately 1,000 years ago by those making pilgrimage between Canterbury, England, and Rome, runs very close to the Local Living house. It is great path for those who wish to explore the Tuscan countryside by foot.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experiences

Tuscan Countryside Walk: Take the ancient Via Francigena path, which passes alongside our accommodation, and walk through some woods, across a stream, and then through vineyards up to Montauto, which offers outstanding views of San Gimignano. Head back down the hill and along a country road.
Local Wine Tasting: What's a Tuscan holiday without sampling its renowned wines? Sample local wine varieties from a local vineyard before returning to the rustic farmhouse for the night.

Enjoy a day trip to Siena including an orientation walk with the CEO. Spend one final evening at the the agriturismo as you see fit with free time.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experiences

Siena Visit: Head to nearby Siena and wander this medieval walled city. Options abound! Visit the gorgeous Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held each summer. Climb the Torre del Mangia for fantastic views of the Tuscan landscape.
Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Optional Experiences

Torre del Mangia Visit: Torre del Mangia stands tall in the centre of the famous Piazza del Campo. Visit this medieval building and climb the tower for fantastic views over the Tuscan countryside.
Il Campo Visit: Visit the Piazza del Campo, the main public square in the centre of Siena. One of the best examples of medieval European squares, the architecture of this area is striking. The Torre del Mangia is in the centre of the shell-shaped piazza and is worth climbing for the beautiful views it affords. Twice a year, the tiny square is transformed by the ancient Palio horse race.
Duomo di Siena: The Duomo of Siena is one of the most stunning cathedrals in Italy. The green and white marble running around the sides is highlighted by red marble in front, and detailed carvings adorn the entire structure. Originally built between 1215 and 1263, this ancient edifice is a must see. (7-22 EUR per person)

Transfer by bus and train to Rome. Depart in the early afternoon from the Rome train station (Termini). Book flights for no earlier than 6 pm.

If you wish to extend your stay in Rome, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Rome after your tour ends.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Included Experiences

Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Local Train: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Optional Experiences

Trevi Fountain: Built above an ancient water source, Trevi Fountain takes its name from the three streets (tre vie) that intersect at this world-famous fountain. Sculpted from travertine stone, the fountain as we know it today was completed in the 18th century. Work your way through the crowds to toss a coin in (with your right hand, over your left shoulder) for good luck - it's also your best chance to see the fountain's marvelous detail.
Trastevere Visit: Cross the Tiber river to reach the quaint medieval neighbourhood of Trastevere. This is a great opportunity to escape the crowds and get a glimpse into local life.
Roman Forum Visit: Even with the bustle of modern day Rome whizzing past on Vespas, you can still lose yourself in the fragmented columns and ancient ruins of this plaza, conjuring images of the rich Romans sauntering by in togas. Please note, this must be booked in combination with the Colosseum Visit and will include a visit to Palatine Hill.
Borghese Gallery: Take a visit to the beautiful Borghese Gallery villa to indulge in a rich collection of ancient sculptures, relics, mosaics, and paintings. Pieces from Renaissance masters such as Bellini, Raphael, Bernini can be found here.
Christian Catacombs: Follow a guide through this ancient underground cemetary.
St Peter's Basilica Visit:
Pantheon Visit: The Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Originally built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD), the building was rebuilt under Hadrian in 126 AD. The roof is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, and it contains a circular opening (an oculus). It is easily one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman buildings. (2-5 EUR per person)
Sistine Chapel : Although the Sistine Chapel is always very crowded, it is a must-see for any visitor to the Vatican. The magnificent frescoed ceiling of the chapel painted by Michelangelo depicts over 300 figures from the Book of Genesis, the most well-known being “The Creation of Adam,” showing God touching the finger of Adam. “The Last Judgment” on the west wall depicts a scene from the Book of Revelations. Art aficionados, get ready to cross one of your list! (20-25 EUR per person)
Spanish Steps: Built to connect the hilltop Trinità dei Monti church with the Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish Square) below, the Spanish Steps are a colourful example of Baroque architecture from 18th century Rome. Opt to climb its 136 steps, or simply watch the crowds weave through this popular tourist attraction.
Vatican Museum Visit: The Vatican Museums near St Peter's Basilica contain priceless works of art from ancient to modern times. There are many different museums to choose from, but two of the most well known are the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms. (20-25 EUR per person)
Colosseum Visit: Enjoy a guided tour of this famous spot, the scene of many bloody gladiator fights for the entertainment of ancient Rome's aristocracy. Learn from your expert guide and you wander the old venue—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and feel free to walk around on your own. No battles, please!

Trip Inclusions

Share an apartment in our local friend Ugo's home.
Eat delicious Tuscan cuisine and sample regional wines.
Stroll the lanes of medieval San Gimignano.
Walk along the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Make new friends at your home away from home.

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Home Cooked Dinner with Ugo, San Gimignano
Your Foodie Moment: Half-day Cooking Class, San Gimignano
Your Local Living Moment: Local Wine Tasting, San Gimignano
Orientation walks in Rome, San Gimignano, and Siena
Walk along San Gimignano's medieval wall
Quarter-day walk through the Tuscan countryside to Montauto
Day trips to Siena and Florence
Transport between destinations and included activities
Local bus, train, walking
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

Hotel (1 Night), Apartments In A Locally Owned Home (5 Nights)
Our home for the week is just outside the beautiful medieval hill town of San Gimignano. The property owner and San Gimignano native Ugo is a fountain of information about the area and lives in one of the apartments of his remodeled medieval house. We will stay in two apartments in his home. While you're here, relax on the private terrace and feel free to use fresh herbs and produce that are ripe from the garden. Located minutes from a supermarket and 600 meters to the town's medieval gate, the location is ideal as a base of exploration and relaxation.
In Ugo's home, there are two bedrooms with a private bathroom, as well as two bedrooms with a shared bathroom.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to share a room with your travelling companion, please make sure you book together. If you are unable to book at the same time as your travelling companion, please contact us directly as soon as possible so that we can check availability and, if possible, assign you to the correct room type.
AIR CONDITIONING NOTE: Please be aware that the rooms at Agriturismo Casa Florelia do not have air conditioning.

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.

Operator

G Adventures

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Total No. of Trips971

G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, more

Trip Style: Local Living

For travellers who want to go beyond the guidebooks, Local Living tours offer a deeper, slower way to explore. You will stay in one place for the week, often with a local host family, giving you the chance to truly settle in and see how life is lived every day. With most meals included and plenty of time for hands-on experiences like cooking or crafts, you will connect with culture in the most personal way.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.