Volterra & San Gimignano Private Tuscan Villages Tour

Two medieval villages in one day from the coast

A private minivan tour departing from Livorno explores Volterra, an Etruscan city known for its film appearances, and San Gimignano, a hilltop town famous for its 16 medieval towers. The eight to nine hour itinerary includes hotel or cruise pickup, an English-speaking driver, and the option to visit a countryside winery for wine tasting at an additional cost. All fitness levels are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Volterra and San Gimignano

• Explore Etruscan city Volterra
• Visit medieval town San Gimignano

The experience

Volterra anchors this tour as the Etruscan city that drew filmmakers to its streets: the setting for scenes in both Twilight and The Medici. The drive from Livorno takes you inland through the Tuscan countryside to reach it. Once there, you walk the medieval town on your own pace, seeing the layers of history the Etruscan walls and Renaissance architecture hold. The driver remains available throughout, so the timing stays flexible.

San Gimignano follows, a smaller medieval hill town that earned the nickname "Manhattan of the Renaissance" for its 16 surviving towers: structures that once symbolized the wealth and power of rival families in the medieval age. The contrast between the two towns shapes the day: Volterra feels grounded in ancient history, while San Gimignano's skyline of towers creates a different kind of medieval drama. A winery visit in the countryside is optional and costs extra. Wine tasting happens in the setting where the grapes grow, though this is not available to travelers under 18.

The minivan holds your group only, so there's no waiting for other travelers or shifting schedules. Pickup happens from your hotel or cruise terminal in Livorno, and the driver speaks English throughout the day. Lunch is not included, so you'll eat in one of the towns at a restaurant you choose. The full day runs eight to nine hours, which gives you real time in each place rather than a rushed stop-and-go pace.

What’s included

• Private minivan transport from Livorno.
• English-speaking driver for the full day.
• visits to Volterra and San Gimignano with time to explore each town at your own pace.
• hotel or cruise pickup and return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:45, 08:15 and 09:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We will be waiting for you just outside your cruise ship with your name on a sign. You don't need to take the shuttle bus.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bellaitalia Tour

Is this one for you?The English-speaking driver means you follow the commentary comfortably throughout the day, whether you're new to Italy or returning. The private minivan suits families with small children, who can use specialized infant seats or ride in a pram, and anyone who prefers not to join a shared group tour.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What is Volterra known for besides being a medieval town?

Volterra is an Etruscan city famous for its appearance in the films Twilight and The Medici, which brought international attention to its ancient streets and Renaissance architecture.

Why does San Gimignano have so many towers?

San Gimignano's 16 medieval towers were built by wealthy families during the Renaissance as symbols of their power and status in the town. The surviving towers give it a distinctive skyline that earned it the name "Manhattan of the Renaissance."

Is wine tasting included in the tour price?

Wine tasting at the countryside winery is optional and costs an additional 30 euros per person. It is not available to travelers under 18 years old.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included. You choose where to eat in either Volterra or San Gimignano, and the driver can recommend restaurants.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup occurs from your hotel or cruise terminal in Livorno at a time arranged when you book. The full tour runs eight to nine hours.