San Gimignano
To reach San Gimignano we will pass through the most wonderful Tuscan countryside — classic rolling hills, neatly-rowed vineyards and silvery-green olive groves, a living picture postcard!

San Gimignano, “the Manhattan of Tuscany”, is best known for its watchtowers that were a display of power and prosperity in Medieval times. Although only 14 of San Gimignano’s original 72 towers remain the effect is still dramatic and will give you lots of great photo opps.

Take your time strolling the narrow cobbled streets and open piazzas, and be prepared to step back in time. Art lovers may wish to spend some time in the church of Sant’Agostino to see the charming cycle of frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli as well as a substantial selection of paintings and sculpture by some of Italy’s major Medieval and Renaissance artists. San Gimignano is also home to award-winning gelato; look for it in the main piazza.

Volterra
Like San Gimignano, Volterra seems to have been plucked right out the Medieval epoch. The once Etruscan city sits high on a rocky plateau and is protected by Medieval ramparts. You are in a place where the magic of history is still alive!

Volterra is also noted for its alabaster, which comes from the surrounding hills. You will find an array of gorgeous hand crafted alabaster objects on every corner.

We have permission to bring you right up to the main rotonda of Volterra, just a few steps from Piazza dei Priori, saving you the grief of the many, many stairs one must take from public and bus parking.

In Volterra the tour highlights include:

• Piazza dei Priori and the clocktower (made famous by the Twilight series)
• Beautiful shops and boutiques of all sorts
• The Roman theatre
• The 2,500 year old Etruscan wall, a section of which still stands
• Pinacoteca Comunale, with many fine works from the 14th-17th C, including the spectacular Deposition by Rosso Fiorentino
• World-renowned Guarnacci Etruscan museum
• A fascinating torture museum
• Many lookout points from which to enjoy the spectacular countryside

OPTIONAL WINERY (Podere La Marronaia)

• Tour & guided tasting with snacks and local cheeses, 33 Euro pp for adults and wine-drinking youths, 20 Euro pp for children over 5
• Tour, guided tasting and lunch, 50 Euro pp for adults and wine-drinking youths, 30 Euro pp for children over 5