Siena Duomo and City Walking Tour: Skip the Line

Siena Cathedral, Piazza del Campo, and the streets between them

A 2-hour guided walking tour of Siena's Old Town with skip-the-line entry to Siena Duomo. You walk through the UNESCO-listed medieval center, see Piazza del Campo and the Palazzo Pubblico, visit the cathedral interior, and stop at the Basilica of San Domenico and Rocca Salimbeni. The guide speaks English and leads you through cobblestone streets. Entry to the Duomo is arranged in advance so you bypass the queue at the door.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Basilica of San Domenico20m
2. Pubblico Palace30m
3. Siena CathedralEntry included40m

Siena city and Duomo tour

• Meet at Tuscan Escapes meeting point
• Wear appropriate clothing for church visit
• Visit Basilica of San Domenico and see relics
• See Rocca Salimbeni and learn about Monte dei Paschi
• Explore Piazza del Campo and learn about Palio race
• View exterior of Pubblico Palace
• Visit Siena Cathedral interior with guide

The experience

Siena's Old Town sits on a hillside and the walking tour covers it on foot, so wear shoes that grip cobblestone and bring water. The route takes two hours and moves at a steady pace through the medieval streets. You'll see the Rocca Salimbeni, a Gothic fortress, and learn that Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world's oldest bank still operating, is housed there. The Basilica of San Domenico holds the relics of Saint Catherine. Shoulders and legs need to be covered to enter.

Piazza del Campo is the heart of the tour. The guide explains the Palio, the famous horse race held in this shell-shaped square twice a year, and points out the Palazzo Pubblico on one side. You see the palace exterior and understand why the square itself is the real draw. It's where the city gathers. From there the route leads to Siena Duomo, where your skip-the-line ticket gets you inside without joining the queue outside. The cathedral interior is the payoff: the guide walks you through it and shows you the details (the marble floors, the sculptures, the light coming through the windows) that make it one of Italy's great churches.

What’s included

• Skip-the-line admission to Siena Duomo.
• a guided tour of the cathedral interior.
• a guided walking tour of Siena's Old Town covering Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico, the Basilica of San Domenico, and Rocca Salimbeni.
• a professional English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Lasts 2h, runs Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:30, from € 40 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tuscan Escapes by Papilio SRL

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided walk through Siena's main sights with skip-the-line entry to the Duomo, rather than exploring independently or joining a larger group tour.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

829 verified traveler reviews

5 ★715

4 ★72

3 ★21

2 ★9

1 ★12

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What is the Palio and where do I see it on this tour?

The Palio is a horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo, Siena's central square. On the tour, the guide explains the race's history and tradition while you stand in the piazza itself, so you understand the space and why it matters to the city.

Do I need to book the Duomo entry in advance, or is it included?

Skip-the-line admission to Siena Duomo is included in the tour price. The ticket is arranged beforehand, so you walk past the queue at the entrance and go straight inside with your guide.

What should I wear and bring for the walking tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets, and bring water. Shoulders and legs must be covered to enter the church interiors, so plan clothing accordingly. The tour lasts two hours and moves at a steady pace.

Will I see Saint Catherine's relics on this tour?

Yes. The Basilica of San Domenico is one of the stops, and it holds the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena. The guide includes this stop on the walking route through the Old Town.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not in great shape?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it involves walking uphill and downhill on cobblestone streets for two hours. If you have poor cardiovascular health, the operator does not recommend it.