Volterra and San Gimignano Private Shore Excursion for Cruisers

Volterra and San Gimignano Private Shore Excursion for Cruisers

This private shore excursion has been designed for those who have already visited the famous cities of Florence and Pisa, and are interested in exploring other beautiful areas of Tuscany rich in charm, history, and culture.
Pick up right in front of your ship in Livorno will give you the opportunity to travel into the heart of Tuscany and visit these top destinations: Volterra and San Gimignano.
Volterra is one of Tuscany’s most evocative Medieval towns, rich in history, architecture, and famous for the beautifully crafted alabaster objects produced by local artisans.
During the middle ages Volterra served as the bishop’s residence until it was overtaken by Florence.
San Gimignano has a distinctive skyline which has earned it its nickname "Medieval Manhattan" of Tuscany. During the Middle Ages towers were a symbol of power, therefore prestigious families competed in building the tallest and greatest towers to establish their relevance in the community.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Medici Fortress, 56048, Volterra Italy

The imposing Medici Fortress is visible from miles away and characterizes the skyline of Volterra.
This imposing medieval fortress consists of two castles. The older one was completed in the late 13th century and the second castle was built in the 14th century. It is not open to the public since it is a State Jail, but you can admire its magnificent exterior from the park beneath it.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Palazzo dei Priori, Piazza dei Priori, Volterra Italy

Located in the heart of Volterra, Palazzo dei Priori is the oldest “city hall” in Tuscany. The building work began in 1208 and was completed in the middle of the 13th century.
Nearby is the Cathedral of Volterra.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Cathedral of Volterra (Duomo), Piazza San Giovanni, Volterra Italy

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Volterra Cathedral, was rebuilt after a violent earthquake around 1120 on top of a pre-existing church dedicated to St. Mary and was then expanded in the second half of the 13th-century.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza Della Cisterna, San Gimignano Italy

Piazza della Cisterna has a triangular shape with a slight natural slope and is connected to the nearby Piazza del Duomo by an open passage. The piazza is surrounded by houses and medieval towers and features a cistern in the center which provided the town's water in ancient times.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Palazzo Pubblico e Torre Grossa, Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano Italy

The Palazzo Comunale, also known as the Palazzo del Popolo of San Gimignano has been the seat of the civic authority since the 13th century.


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano Italy

The piazza takes its name from the Duomo (Cathedral) located there. The treasures inside include a fully-frescoed Duomo, which has NEVER actually needed "restoration" throughout the centuries.
The colors you see are the original ones painted in the 1300s and their vividness and brightness are awe-inspiring.

Duration: 30 minutes