Florence to San Gimignano Day Trip
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
Working Joe Travel uses affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a commission. Thank you for supporting our site.
The hilltop town of San Gimignano Italy is known as the “Medieval Manhattan” of Tuscany. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the village boasts 14 well-preserved tower houses that jut like mini-skyscrapers into the sky. See stunning architecture, impressive city walls, and panoramic views of wine country on a day trip from Florence to San Gimignano.
San Gimignano Tours & Activities
WHY DAY TRIP FROM FLORENCE TO SAN GIMIGNANO
On any visit to Florence Italy, a day trip into the gorgeous Tuscan countryside is a must-do activity. San Gimignano makes a great destination for this excursion for several reasons:
It is a short drive from Florence over well-maintained roads.
La Buca di Montauto Shop San Gimignano is tiny and pedestrianized. You can see the whole village in a few hours. Its small size makes it easy to bundle with other destinations like Siena, Pisa, or a Tuscan winery.
Few destinations offer San Gimignano’s combination of atmosphere, history, and culture. Explore medieval piazzas, towers, churches, and museums (San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Chiesa Di San Bartolo Treat yourself to award winning gelato and Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine. Try one of these wine tours:
Pasta, Tiramisu, & Wine Class or Truffle Hunting with Lunch & Wine Tasting
The hilltop town offers unparalleled views and top-notch artisan shopping. Look for leather goods, ceramics, jewelry, and local foods (wild boar, saffron, gelato, and salami).
TRIP ESSENTIALS
For almost every travel destination, I find myself reaching for my Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket, Frogg Toggs Hat, Merrell Hiking Boots, and Crocs Strappy Sandals (wear to dinner or the pool).
Other items I rely on include my Huk Sunglasses and Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle (no spills in the backpack).
But by far, my number one can’t-do-without essential is my Sony RX100 Compact Camera. It fits perfectly into a pocket. Or, mounted on a Mini-Tripod it slips into my Travelon Sling Bag.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
WHERE IS SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY
San Gimignano sits about 35 miles (56 kilometers) southwest of Florence in the Tuscany region of central Italy. Situated in the heart of wine country, the hilltop village offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
San Gimignano’s proximity to Florence (and Siena) make it a popular destination for day trips. Excursions to tour the village, and to see the surrounding countryside, are easy to book.
HOW TO GET FROM FLORENCE TO SAN GIMIGNANO
There are four main ways of traveling from Florence to San Gimignano:
By Bus
Buses run regularly between Florence and San Gimignano. At this writing, there are no regularly scheduled direct bus runs; a change of bus in Poggibonsi is required.
Approximate Cost: Under $10 Euros
Approx. Transport Time: 1.5-2 hours
Popular Routes: Firenze Autostazione to Poggibonsi, then local bus (130) Poggibonsi to San Gimignano.
By Train
There is no direct train route from Florence to San Gimignano. Most travelers will combine the train with a bus ride to reach the village. Follow this link for train tickets: Omnio Train Tix
Approximate Cost: Under $20 Euros
Approx. Transport Time: 2-2.5 hours
Popular Routes: Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Poggibonsi, then local bus (130) Poggibonsi to San Gimignano.
By Car
There are many car rental agencies in Florence. Tuscan roads are well-maintained. No cars are allowed inside San Gimignano’s walls. For-fee car parks are located outside the city walls.
Approximate cost: Follow this link for current car rental rates in Tuscany.
Approx. Transport Time: One hour
Popular Routes: Take the freeway from Florence to Poggibonsi. Then, follow secondary road signs to San Gimignano.
By Guided Tour
Randy and I think the most comfortable and convenient way of traveling between the two destinations is a guided tour that includes transportation and narration. Avoid the hassle of deciphering / train schedules, delays, and overcrowding. Look below for a selection of Florence to San Gimignano tours.
FLORENCE TO SAN GIMIGNANO TOURS
There are many options to choose from when booking a Florence to San Gimignano half-day or full-day tour. Outings are often combined to include more than one destination. Siena, Pisa, and wine country tours are frequently paired with San Gimignano.
When booking a Florence to San Gimignano day trip look for a tour within your price range that includes transportation and a knowledgeable local guide. When traveling in Europe we frequently book with GetYourGuide or Viator.
Consider one of these well-reviewed tours:
Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, & Lunch at Winery - Guided tour of Siena, free time in San Gimi and Pisa. Hearty lunch at winery. Coach transport. 12 hours.
Day Trip with Free Time in San Gimignano & Siena - Transport ot San Gimignano and Siena with free time in each town. Coach transport. 9 Hours.
Tuscany Horseback Riding, Wine & Lunch- Horseback riding in Tuscany, free time in San Gimi, lunch and wine tasting in Chianti hills. Van Transport. 7 hours.
Monteriggioni, Siena, & San Gimignano: Visit Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni in one day. Wine tasting and snacks. Coach transport. 11 hours.
THINGS TO DO ON A FLORENCE TO SAN GIMIGNANO DAY TRIP
As mentioned above, San Gimignano is a walking village. It is easy to navigate its two main roads and four largest piazzas. If you get lost, it won’t be for long. Whether you opt for a guided tour, or tackle the terrain on your own, be sure to take in these sights:
The Towers of San Gimignano
In the middle ages, the affluent families of San Gimignano competed to build the highest towers in displays of power and wealth (many families had their own private armies). Workshops occupied the windowless ground floors. Bedrooms were on the middle floors. Kitchens were on the top floors (to escape in case of fire).
At one time, some 70 towers soared upwards. Today, there are 15 remarkably preserved chimney-like fortresses remaining in town.
One tower, the Torre Grosso (Highest Tower) can be climbed (for a small fee). The tower reaches a height of around 200 feet (54 meters). At the top of the tower, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding farms and vineyards.
Enchanting Medieval Architecture
San Gimignano’s towers are spectacular, but not all there is to see. The town is full of villas, churches, and palaces built in a Romanesque-Tuscan style. The town’s narrow alleys are dotted with fanciful arched doorways and elegant biforate windows in shades of sand-colored stone.
The town’s medieval layout, including wide piazzas, defensive walls, and towers, invoke a feeling of ancient feuds and eternal romance. Let yourself be captivated.
Try one of these village tours:
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We rely on a combination of bags: Our Level-8 28” and Level-8 20” spinners are fun and stylish. Our Delsey Helium 28” hardshell is a workhorse. Our Tomtoc Backpack is great for short trips.
Randy doesn’t use them, but I swear by segregating items into Compression Packing Cubes and Wet Bags.
For security, we place an Apple Air Tag in each bag, and keep a supply of RFID Blocking Sleeves on hand.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Palazzo Communale
In the Piazza del Duomo stands the Palazzo Communale (Town Hall). Adjacent to it, is the Torre Grosso. The Civic Museum is housed in the palace with two exhibits of note: The Pinacteca Gallery (with paintings by Lippi and Pinturicchio) and Dante’s Room (a council hall where the poet Dante once spoke).
This is also the location where the Torre Grosso can be climbed for exceptional hilltop views. Get tickets for the climb here: San Gimignano: 2-Day Pass Torre Grosso & Duomo Tickets
Award Winning Gelato
There are several excellent gelato shops in San Gimignano. Our favorite is the Gelateria Dondoli in the Piazza della Cisterna. There is always a line, but the wait is worth it! The shop is run by master gelato-maker Sergio Dondoli. The shop has won the Gelato World Championship multiple times.
Piazza Della Citsterna
Even if you are not in the mood for gelato, you must visit Piazza della Cisterna. The beautiful central square has served a community gathering space for centuries. In the middle of the piazza there is an octagonal cistern (circa 1273) – which makes a great photo spot. Today, the piazza is surrounded by fun shops and restaurants.
The Duomo
In the Piazza del Duomo (next to Town Hall) find the Duomo (Basilic Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta). The Roman Catholic church, consecrated in 1148, has three naves that are covered in 14th century frescoes of the New Testament, Old Testament, and the Last Judgement.
In the Middle Ages, the Duomo was an important center for pilgrims journeying to Rome from northern Italy. Get tickets for the duomo here: San Gimignano: 2-Day Pass Torre Grosso & Duomo Tickets
Medieval Museums
San Gimignano’s effort to preserve its past is reflected in the town’s small medieval museums. Visit the Civic Museum (described above), the Medieval Torture Museum (houses a collection of torture devices), and the San Gimignano1300 Interactive Museum (documents life in the Old City in the Middle Ages).
Sample Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a premium white wine that is harvested and produced exclusively in the vineyards surrounding San Gimignano. The crisp, savory wine pairs well with local seafood and white meats. Sample the wine in a local restaurant or do a tasting at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience – La Rocca.
Try one of these San Gimignano tours:
Follow the City Walls
In medieval times, there were two concentric sets of city walls that surrounded San Gimignano. Five city gates allowed entry to the city. Much of the 13th century structure remains intact. It is fun to follow the (mostly) unbroken 2-kilmeter walls around the city.
Try one of these tours outside the city walls:
Shop for Souvenirs
San Gimignano is packed with interesting artisan shops. The town is home to a wide variety of boutiques, craft shops (leather goods, pottery, jewelry), and curio shops. Try out locally produced food products (Vernaccia wine, wild boar sausage, saffron dishes, vinegars, oils, candy, and more).
Tuscany Food Tours
SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY MAP
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Best Time of Day to Visit: Day time crowds can get heavy. To avoid the worst of the masses, visit in the early morning (9am-11am), late after (after 3pm), or stay overnight when the town is quieter and lit up. If you do visit at mid-day, wander a bit. The alleys off of the main piazzas and streets quickly become less crowded.
How Long to Spend: San Gimignano is a great half-day excursion.
Language: Italian, but English is widely spoken
Currency: The Euro is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted. Some small shops and restaurants prefer cash for small purchases.
Enjoy the Vernaccia wine and Tuscan landscapes, Laura and Randy
For more information in Italy travel, read our travel blog posts on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
