Visit the medieval beauty of Siena, and tour the Tuscan countryside, including San Gimignano, on a day-trip from Rome. Your journey will be by fully-equipped car, and you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking driver. Siena's most prosperous era pre-dated the Renaissance, so much of the city is in the older Gothic and Romanesque medieval styles. The Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral, built in stunning black and white marble with a magnificent interior, is a must-see. The city is also home to a historic religious center, as it was the birthplace of St. Catherine. The Sanctuary is devoted to her worship. The 700-year old university is still in operation, holding summer schools in Italian. Piazza del Campo, with its distinctive shell shape, is definitely one of the most striking pieces of architecture in the world. It represents the meeting-point of the three hills on which Siena was built. This is where the Palio is run, a unique bareback horse race which dates back to Middle Ages. The whole city is caught up in the atmosphere, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. The piazza is overlooked by the giant Torre del Mangia, the tower of the Palazzo Pubblico.
San Gimignano is located in the countryside between Siena and Florence. It was once an important stopping-off place for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, the most ancient route to and from Rome. The aristocratic families who controlled the city built some 72 tower-houses up to 50m high as symbols of their wealth and power. Only 14 have survived, but San Gimignano has maintained its feudal atmosphere and beautiful appearance. During the tour, you will stop off for a typical Tuscan lunch.