SIENAThe first stop of this private day trip from Florence to Siena and San Gimignano, after a scenic one hour drive through the Tuscan countryside is Siena, birthplace of the beloved Italian Saint Catherine.This beautiful city made of brown Siena-colored bricks (so that’s how they named the color!), its jumble of narrow streets and delightful squares, medieval towers that make such a spectacular skyline, its beautiful cathedral, the tall and trim Torre del Mangia. All together create an enticing atmosphere almost like stepping back in time.Siena was built on three hills and is home to one of the most authentic and important Gothic cathedrals south of the Alps. Despite the city’s architectural masterpieces, it is the unusual shell-shaped Piazza del Campo that receives the most consideration having been seen in numerous films and photographs.In this brick covered square twice a year takes place the famous ‘Palio’ horserace. It involves the entire population and it is considered one of the most important events in the life of the Senese people. Almost anything will be done to win this extremely competitive race and bring home the ‘Palio’, a silk banner proudly displayed in the ‘contrada’ or neighborhood it represents.MONTERIGGIONIDuring your private excursion to Siena and San Gimignano from Florence, you will have the chance to stop in Monteriggioni a 13th century hilltop fortress.TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDEWhile travelling between Siena and San Gimignano you’ll be able to admire the typical Tuscan landscape (vineyards, olive trees, rolling hills, old stone buildings, etc.).SAN GIMIGNANOYour private day trip to Siena and San Gimignano will continue with a stop in San Gimignano; a small medieval town in Tuscany famous for its splendid skyline made up of 13 towers.This 11th century town rises 334 meters above Elsa Valley along the ancient ‘Via Francigena’ on which traders and pilgrims going to Rome traveled. San Gimignano prospered considerably during this period thanks to this route and all the inns built along its way to host travelers. Today, San Gimignano’s important cultural and natural heritage have been recognized by UNESCO. Besides its 13 remaining towers (there were once about 40!), you can also see the ‘Duomo’ or Collegiate Church and its magnificent frescoes, ‘Palazzo del Popolo’ and ‘Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà’ which is now the town hall. Other interesting places to see are the church dedicated to Saint Augustine, the Museum of Holy Relics, and the infamous Museum of Torture with its macabre displays of early torture instruments.You will love just wandering up and down the main street in San Gimignano and going in and out of the numerous specialty shops. The ceramics are beautiful here and there are also places for buying leather goods and linens.For food and wine lovers there are many shops selling delicious local products including San Gimignano’s “Vernaccia” white wine. You will be able to taste this wine in several of the wine stores in town.Your private tour from Florence to Siena and San Gimignano will end with a relaxing drive back to your accommodation.