Siena Province
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Latest update: 29 February 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The Siena Province is located in central Tuscany with a population of approximately 270,000. Its most famous town is Siena, famous for its historic Palio horse race and stunning cathedral.
Other notable towns include San Gimignano, known for its well-preserved medieval towers, and Montepulciano, celebrated for its wine production and picturesque hilltop setting. |
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Siena Province: an open-air museum
Siena, a province steeped in medieval splendor, enchants visitors with its architectural marvels and timeless charm. At its heart lies the magnificent Piazza del Campo, renowned for the Palazzo Pubblico and the iconic Torre del Mangia. The majestic Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, captivates with its intricate facades and stunning interiors.
Beyond the city, the rolling hills of the Chianti region beckon with picturesque vineyards and quaint villages like San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, Siena province offers an unforgettable Tuscan experience.
Beyond the city, the rolling hills of the Chianti region beckon with picturesque vineyards and quaint villages like San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, Siena province offers an unforgettable Tuscan experience.
Provincia di Siena
What are the most popular tours and activities in Siena Province?
- Siena City Walking Tours: Explore the medieval city of Siena with guided walking tours that highlight its historic landmarks and cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, visit iconic sites such as the Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), and Palazzo Pubblico, and learn about the city's rich history, art, and traditions from expert guides.
- Wine Tasting in Chianti: Discover the renowned wines of the Chianti wine region with guided wine tasting tours departing from Siena. Visitors can sample a variety of Chianti Classico wines, including Sangiovese and Vernaccia varieties, while enjoying guided tastings at local wineries and vineyards, with opportunities to learn about the region's viticulture and winemaking traditions.
- Cooking Classes and Culinary Tours: Immerse yourself in Tuscan cuisine with cooking classes and culinary tours in Siena Province. Visitors can learn to prepare traditional dishes such as ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), pici pasta, and tiramisu under the guidance of expert chefs, or embark on gastronomic tours to markets, olive groves, and cheese farms to sample local specialties and artisanal products.
- Day Trips to San Gimignano and Monteriggioni: Take day trips from Siena to the nearby medieval towns of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, both known for their well-preserved historic architecture and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. Guided tours offer insights into the towns' medieval history, fortified walls, and iconic towers, as well as opportunities to explore charming streets, artisan shops, and local trattorias.
- Palio di Siena Experience: Experience the excitement of the Palio di Siena, a historic horse race held twice a year in the Piazza del Campo. Guided tours offer behind-the-scenes access to the Palio festivities, including contrada (neighborhood) celebrations, horse blessings, and the thrilling horse race itself, providing insights into this centuries-old tradition and its significance to the people of Siena.
- Outdoor Activities in the Crete Senesi: Explore the stunning landscapes of the Crete Senesi with outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and photography tours. Guided excursions take participants through rolling hills, winding roads, and picturesque villages, providing opportunities to capture panoramic views, discover hidden gems, and immerse themselves in the beauty of rural Tuscany.
What are the best restaurants in Siena Province?
- Osteria Le Logge (Siena) - Known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and warm atmosphere, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a menu featuring traditional dishes made with local ingredients.
- La Taverna di San Giuseppe (Siena) - Situated near Piazza del Campo, this restaurant serves Tuscan specialties in a historic setting with vaulted ceilings and stone walls.
- Ristorante Il Pozzo (Monteriggioni) - Located in the charming village of Monteriggioni, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and Tuscan flavors.
- Osteria La Pieve (San Casciano dei Bagni) - Nestled in the picturesque village of San Casciano dei Bagni, this restaurant features a creative menu showcasing the flavors of Tuscany, including homemade pastas and local wines.
- Osteria del Borgo (Montefollonico) - This cozy trattoria in Montefollonico serves classic Tuscan dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by an extensive wine list.
- Il Pozzo (San Gimignano) - With its panoramic terrace overlooking the Tuscan countryside, this restaurant offers a menu of traditional Tuscan cuisine, including homemade pastas, grilled meats, and fresh seafood.
- La Bottega del 30 (Castelnuovo Berardenga) - Situated in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, this restaurant offers a contemporary twist on Tuscan cuisine, with dishes prepared using innovative techniques and seasonal ingredients.
- La Locanda del Castello (Castelnuovo Berardenga) - Housed in a historic building in the village of Castelnuovo Berardenga, this restaurant offers a menu of traditional Tuscan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Il Colombaio di Cencio (Asciano) - Located in the Tuscan countryside near Asciano, this restaurant specializes in farm-to-table cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the restaurant's own organic farm.
- Osteria Il Grattacielo (Poggibonsi) - Situated in the historic center of Poggibonsi, this restaurant offers a menu of traditional Tuscan dishes, including homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seasonal specialties.
Siena Province Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Siena Province?
- Castello di Casole - A Belmond Hotel: Located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Castello di Casole offers luxurious rooms and suites in a restored 10th-century castle. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a spa, infinity pool, gourmet restaurants, and breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
- Borgo San Felice: Situated in the Chianti Classico wine region, Borgo San Felice is a charming medieval village transformed into a luxury hotel. Guests can stay in beautifully restored rooms and suites, dine at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, and relax in the spa or by the outdoor pool overlooking the vineyards.
- Relais La Suvera: Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Siena, Relais La Suvera is a historic estate offering elegant rooms and suites decorated with antiques and frescoes. Guests can explore the hotel's gardens, chapel, and museum, or relax by the pool. The hotel also offers cooking classes and wine tastings.
- Grand Hotel Continental Siena - Starhotels Collezione: Located in the heart of Siena's historic center, Grand Hotel Continental offers luxurious accommodations in a beautifully restored Renaissance palazzo. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a gourmet restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine.
- Hotel Certosa di Maggiano: Set in a former Carthusian monastery just outside Siena, Hotel Certosa di Maggiano offers luxurious accommodations surrounded by peaceful gardens and olive groves. Guests can stay in beautifully appointed rooms and suites, dine at the hotel's gourmet restaurant, and relax by the outdoor pool.
Which airports serve Siena Province?
Florence Airport (FLR):
Pisa International Airport (PSA):
- Located approximately 75 kilometers north of the Siena Province.
- Florence Airport is the nearest international airport.
- From the airport, travelers can reach the Siena Province by rental car, taxi, or a combination of train and bus.
Pisa International Airport (PSA):
- Located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of the Siena Province.
- Pisa Airport is another major airport serving the region.
- Travelers can reach the Siena Province from Pisa Airport by rental car, taxi, or a combination of train and bus.
What are the main train stations in Siena Province?
Siena Train Station:
Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Train Station:
- Siena has its own train station, making it the most convenient point of entry by train.
- The station is well-connected to other cities in Italy, including Florence, Rome, and Milan.
- From Siena Train Station, travelers can explore the province further by rental car, taxi, or local buses.
Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Train Station:
- Chiusi-Chianciano Terme Train Station is another useful station located southeast of Siena.
- It serves as a gateway to the southern part of the province and is well-connected to major cities in Italy.
- Travelers can take a train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme and then proceed to other destinations within the Siena Province by rental car, taxi, or local buses.
How do you get to Siena Province from the airport?
From Florence Airport (FLR):
From Pisa International Airport (PSA):
- Rental Car: Renting a car at Florence Airport is a convenient option for exploring the Siena Province independently. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Train and Bus: Take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN). From there, catch a train to Siena Train Station. Upon arrival, travelers can explore the province further by rental car, taxi, or local buses.
From Pisa International Airport (PSA):
- Rental Car: Renting a car at Pisa Airport provides flexibility for exploring the Siena Province. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Train and Bus: Take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to Pisa Centrale Railway Station. From there, catch a train to Siena Train Station. Upon arrival, travelers can explore the province further by rental car, taxi, or local buses.
What private transfer options are there for Siena Province?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Siena takes around 1 hour.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car in Siena Province?
- Siena City Centre: There are several car rental agencies located within the city of Siena itself, making it convenient to rent a car directly within the province. These agencies may have offices in the city center or near major transportation hubs.
- Florence Airport (Peretola Airport): While not within the Siena province, Florence Airport is nearby and offers a wider selection of rental options. You can rent a car from one of the agencies located at the airport and then drive to Siena.
Neighbouring provinces: Metropolitan City of Florence, Pisa, Grosseto, Arezzo, Perugia, Terni, Viterbo
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Neighbouring regions: Umbria, Lazio
