About this tour
A two-hour guided walk through Siena's medieval streets reveals the city beyond its famous landmarks. Your local guide takes you past the Cathedral, Piazza Il Campo, and the grand palaces of banking families and nobility, explaining how merchants, pilgrims and powerful clans shaped this Tuscan hill town. You'll step inside several aristocratic residences, learn the traditions behind the Palio horse race, and taste ricciarelli biscuits—all while discovering quieter corners most visitors miss.
Highlights
- Interior courtyards of noble family palaces
- Piazza Il Campo and Palio race district secrets
- Cathedral masterworks by Michelangelo and Bernini
- Banchi di Sopra medieval banking street
- Local ricciarelli cookie tasting
- Hidden piazzas and backstreet history
What to expect
Expect a steady pace through Siena's compact centre, with plenty of stops to absorb architecture and backstories. Your guide will point out the power struggles between families etched into palazzo facades and explain how bankers financed the cathedral's treasures. You'll visit the Cathedral interior (entry fee separate), then move through residential quarters where narrow lanes open suddenly onto elegant squares. The tour balances major sights with overlooked gems—quiet courtyards, Renaissance details, neighbourhood churches. Finish with a taste of traditional local biscuits.
Good to know
Bring comfortable walking shoes; streets are steep and uneven in places. Cathedral tickets aren't included. Strollers and wheelchairs are accommodated, though cobblestones require care. The route suits all fitness levels. Public transport is near by. Tours can be adjusted to your interests before you start.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.