Your time in port is precious so don't waste your day with an overcrowded cruise ship sponsored excursion. Enjoy a more personal, small group excursion to two of Tuscany's best hill towns with your private guide and private transportation!
This excursion is for 9 or more participants. For smaller groups, please see our
Livorno Private San Gimignano and Volterra Excursion.
After meeting your English speaking escort at the transportation hub at the port, you will set out in your air-conditioned transport for the approximately 90-minute drive to San Gimignano, where you local guide will be waiting for you. The San Gimignano area has been inhabited since the 3rd century BC. By the 7th century, the hilltop was a walled city. In the 1200s, due to conflict between families, tower houses began to spring up. In an attempt to have the showiest, the families continued to build and add on until there were more than 70 tower homes looming over the town, the tallest being 230 feet tall.
Today, there are 14 towers remaining, which gives the town its nickname, the Italian Manhattan due to its skyscraper-like skyline. In 1990 UNESCO added the entire Historic Center to its World Heritage List.
After meeting your local guide, you will set off on a walking excursion to explore the Piazza della Cisterna, the main square of the town. The Piazza Duomo is home to the Collegiate Church, whose frescos were saved from the Nazis in the 1999 film "Tea with Mussolini." Many scenes were filmed here. You can also see the Palazzo Communale and the mayor's Palazzo Podesta.
Approximately 40 minutes to the west is the Etruscan town of Volterra. This hilltop has been inhabited since the 8th century BC. Much of what you see today dates from 1200 AD to the present. Although famous as a setting for the Twilight series of books and films, no actual filming was done here.
With your private guide, you will stroll the Piazza dei Priori, one of Italy's most impressive squares, which dates from the 1200s. View Roman ruins from above and see the Church of San Francisco. You will then have free time to explore the Etruscan Museum, see the impressive frescoes, sculptures and paintings inside the church, shop or sample Tuscan cuisine and wine. Your guide can make suggestions. Food, beverages and admissions are at guest's expense.
All too soon, it is time to rejoin your transportation for the 1.20-hour drive back to your Livorno cruise pier.
Please note that you should anticipate large crowds at all sites. When possible, a guide from Livorno will be used, replacing the escort on the ride to and from the hill towns.
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